Kevin’s top tips for painting in mixed media

• Begin experimenting with the media you are familiar with.

• As a general rule, lay down a more stable medium first, rather than one that is more fragile.

• Experiment by mixing textures.

• Mix both wet and dry media.

• Combine oil and water-based media.

• Experiment with a mixture of both soluble and insoluble media: watercolour and acrylic.

• Try dissolving oil pastel with white spirit, and soluble wax crayons with water.

• To create a textured surface on paper or board, prime it with acrylic gesso.

• If using paper in collage, experiment with handmade paper, tissue paper and thin watercolour paper that can be painted before applying.

• Tear paper to create a ragged edge. Use PVA adhesive rather than spray glue, which causes yellowing over time.