If you're an artist, you know that there are countless tools and materials you can use to create a work of art. While brushes, canvases, and paints are staples in the world of art, there are many unconventional materials that can be used to make stunning pieces of art. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the most interesting and unexpected art materials you can try to take your creativity to the next level.
Beyond the Brush: Unconventional Art Materials You Need to Try
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Coffee Grounds - If you're a coffee lover, you might want to save your used coffee grounds for your next art project. Coffee grounds can be used to create a unique and earthy texture in your paintings. Simply mix the grounds with paint and apply it to your canvas for a unique effect.
(I believe this is coffee grounds and resin art. Love it!
Art by @mizuiro_ umiiro on Instagram.)
Coffee - Coffee can be used as a painting medium, either on its own or mixed with watercolor or ink to create a sepia-toned effect.
(Art by Anshi Jain, @_sheartbeart on Instagram.)
Food - Food can be used to create temporary art pieces or installations. For example, artists have used bread, candy, or fruits and vegetables to create sculptures or mosaics. Some artists today even use resin to seal in the candy and preserve it in their artwork.
Trash - Artists have been known to use trash and recycled materials to create sculptures, collages, and installations. This is a way to repurpose discarded items and give them new life as art. In Panama City, FL. there is now a "Trash Market". This market will be full of local artists and creatives who use "trash" or found items and make sculptures or unique artwork and creations with them. Very exciting, efficient and eco-friendly. (I will be writing on this market in a later blog. 😊)
(Art by Bordalo II, @b0rdalo_ii on Instagram.)
Light - Light can be used as a medium in various forms of art, including light installations, projections, and neon signs. Artists can play with color, shadow, and movement to create visually stunning pieces.
Ice - Ice sculptures are a popular form of art, particularly in colder regions of the world. Ice can also be used as a temporary canvas for painting or drawing.
Found objects - Found objects are items that are repurposed for artistic use. Examples include driftwood, old books, broken glass, and discarded metal.
Broken jewelry - Broken jewelry makes for beautiful artwork. There's so much detail and that can be made using broken jewelry. It could be used as a necklace on a portrait, a headpiece, and you could even make new jewelry with broken jewelry.
(Art by Janice Hobbs, @jhobbs1267 on Instagram.)
Hair - Hair has been used as a medium for sculpture and other art forms. It can be used to create intricate and delicate pieces that are both visually stunning and thought-provoking. As a woman of color, one of my favorite things that I'm seeing more of is artist using braiding hair in their work to represent hair textures and styles.
(Artwork by Shailyn Nash, @s.andrea_aba on Instagram.)
Salt - Salt is a simple but effective material for adding texture to your art. Sprinkle salt on wet paint to create a crystallized effect. You can also use salt to create a resist effect by applying it to the paper or canvas before painting.
(Art by Brian Owens, @browens_art on Instagram.)
Crayons - Who says crayons are just for kids? Crayons can be used to create vibrant and bold pieces of art. You can melt crayons onto your canvas or paper for a unique and colorful effect.
(Art by Kristin, KAM Pyrography, @kam_pyrography on Instagram.)
Magazine Clippings - If you're looking to add some texture to your collage work, try incorporating magazine clippings. The glossy texture of the paper can add depth and interest to your piece.
(Art by The Paper Witch, @the_paper_witch_ on Instagram.)
Newspaper - There's so much that can be made with newspaper. Newspaper can be used to make origami, paper boats, or even as a background for a portrait. Similar to magazine clippings in some ways it could also add depth and interest to your piece.
(Art by Renée an Elementary Art Teacher, @mccraftyart on Instagram.)
Sand - Sand is a great material for creating texture in your paintings or mixed media pieces. You can mix sand with your paint or glue it directly to your canvas for a gritty and interesting effect.
(Art by Cwyn Art, @chache24 on Instagram.)
Trying out new art materials can be a great way to get out of a creative rut and discover new ways to express yourself. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with your art!