What happens when you step outside your comfort zone? This April, Mix & Match is your invitation to combine, layer and experiment. Blend materials you would not normally pair. Switch tools. Add texture where you would usually keep it smooth. Discover how unexpected combinations can lead to exciting results. No strict rules. No perfect outcomes. Just creative freedom and the beauty of imperfection.
Not quite. Each ink has its own character, its own strengths and its own creative possibilities.
Ecoline is water soluble and transparent, perfect for flowing watercolour effects and soft blends. It is dye based, which creates a very smooth, even surface without granulation. Even after drying, it can be reactivated with water, allowing you to continue blending and adjusting your work.
Amsterdam acrylic ink is highly pigmented and permanent once dry, making it ideal for vibrant colour on a variety of surfaces. It can be mixed with acrylic paint and dries with a satin gloss finish.
Indian Ink dries quickly and is waterproof after drying. It is known for its deep, intense black and sharp details on paper, as well as its ability to create an extensive range of grey tones.
Why choose just one?
Mix Ecoline for smooth washes, Acrylic Ink for bold, lasting colour and Indian Ink for crisp black accents. Combine them in a single artwork and discover how different textures, layers and finishes can elevate your work.
Protect your mixed media artwork
Mixed media artworks combine different materials and techniques, each with its own properties. Because of this, protection requires a thoughtful approach. Not every piece needs a varnish, and the right choice depends on the materials you have used.
If you decide to varnish your work, always test first on a sample or small area to see how the materials react. In many cases, the safest way to protect a mixed media artwork is to frame it behind UV protective glass and keep it out of direct sunlight. This helps preserve your layers, maintain colour vibrancy and ensure long lasting results.
The ultimate colour experience
The new Bruynzeel Expression 150 Colour Pencil Set is our largest set ever, created for anyone who loves to work with colour. With 150 carefully selected shades, it offers a complete and balanced palette, from soft neutrals and natural tones to vibrant brights and deep shadows.
Each pencil has a strong 3.3 mm core made with high-quality pigments, giving you rich colour laydown and smooth blending. Whether you enjoy hand lettering, bullet journaling, colouring or sketching, this set gives you the freedom to explore without running out of the exact shade you need.
In his latest work Eclosion, artist Ale Casanova explores the dialogue between acrylics and oils on a large scale. By combining the speed of acrylics with the depth of oil paint, he creates a layered process where drawing, colour, and material work in harmony.
Discover the art of mixed media in this chapter of our year-long celebration of Amsterdam Acrylics, written by Jeff Olson. Learn how combining tools, surfaces, and materials can expand your visual vocabulary and how true depth comes from thoughtful layering.
Read the full blog and get inspired to experiment with your own creations!
Mixed media in motion: Ramiro Clemente at work
Build layers with Amsterdam gel mediums
Take your mixed media projects to the next level with Amsterdam Gel Mediums. Their adhesive properties make them perfect for combining acrylics with paper, fabric and other materials. You can build layers, create texture and explore new ways to work with your art.
Soft pastels are nearly pure pigment, which gives them their intense colour and soft, blendable character. To enhance their performance in mixed media, try combining them with Amsterdam Fine Pumice Medium. When applied evenly, the pumice medium creates a subtle, grainy surface that allows the pastel to properly grip the texture.
Once dry, soft pastel grips beautifully to the texture, resulting in rich colour pay off, smooth blending, and excellent layer build‑up.
Tip: apply the Fine Pumice Medium with a palette knife for an even layer and let it dry completely before addingsoftpastel.
Add glossy highlights and subtle texture to your watercolour with oil pastels. Their creamy, pigment-rich texture sits beautifully on top of dried watercolour, allowing you to enhance details, create depth, or add bold accents. Layer, blend, or scratch back into the pastel for unique effects that make your mixed media artwork stand out.
