Art mediums encompass the tools, materials and techniques artists use to bring their creations to life. They influence the form, structure, texture and aesthetics of your artwork. Over the years, art mediums have evolved and expanded to include newer technologies and methodologies.
Newer art mediums incorporate modern, innovative materials that are more readily available and relevant in today's world. They unlock revolutionary possibilities for artistic expression. The following guide answers the question — what are the best art mediums to try?
1. Resin Art
While resin art dates all the way back to ancient Greece, the resin art we're familiar with originated during the mid-20th century. It combines clear epoxy with pigments, dyes and other embellishments to create a wide range of art pieces. Beginner artists can create resin art pieces by pouring the epoxy into molds. You can infuse details by arranging elements like pressed flowers, miniatures or glitter.
An alternative way of creating resin art involves pouring the medium on a canvas or over items like photographs and stamps you want to preserve. Working with resin requires precise control to create mesmerizing designs. You can create numerous craft projects, including jewelry, home decor and ornaments. Here are some advantages of resin art:
- It produces a high-gloss finish that adds depth and enhances the color of your crafts.
- It creates smooth and even surfaces.
- It produces highly durable crafts that withstand many environmental factors.
2. Digital Media
Digital media is a modern art medium that emerged in the 1960s and '70s and gained popularity a few decades later. It comprises artwork created or enhanced using digital technology, such as computers and innovative software. Digital media encourages creativity and innovation.
It's a powerful medium used by artists in the entertainment, fine art and advertising industries. These artists rely on digital media for animation, graphic design and website design. Digital art offers numerous benefits over conventional art mediums, including flexibility, versatility and efficiency. Some common forms of digital media include:
- Digital 3D art.
- Computer-generated imagery (CGI).
- Visual effects (VFX).
- Digital photography.
- Digital drawing and painting.
- Vector art.
- Fractal art.
- Animation.
3. Recycled Material
Creating art out of recycled materials is one of the biggest trends of this century. Upcycling materials helps minimize the amount of waste ending up in landfills and emphasizes the importance of sustainability. Recycled material art appeals to sustainability-conscious art lovers who appreciate thought-provoking art pieces.
Working with recycled art requires creativity, skill and a keen eye for detail to ensure you convert waste into aesthetically pleasing artwork. Materials often converted into functional art pieces and decorative elements include wood, glass, stone, concrete, fabric and rubber.
As an example, Ocean Sole is a Kenyan-based company that turns flip-flops into colorful art pieces. They collect thrown-away flip-flops and use them to create a wide range of small, medium and larger-than-life sculptures. In 2023, the company recycled 750,000 flip-flops.
4. Mixed-Media
Mixed-media art originated in the early 1900s thanks to artists like Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. These artists created collages to challenge traditional art mediums. Mixed-media art allows artists to explore their creative freedoms and new ideas.
Mixed-media art has evolved to incorporate modern materials, techniques and methodologies. In the modern day, it utilizes unconventional mediums like 3D models and digital photographs. Some of the most common forms of mixed media include collages, assemblages, sculptures and altered book art. A few of Picasso's unforgettable mixed-media art pieces include "Still Life With Chair Caning" (1912) and "Bottle of Vieux Marc, Glass, Guitar and Newspaper" (1913).
5. Polymer Clay
Non-flammable, non-toxic polymer clays were developed in the 1930s, leading to the creation of polyform — known today as Sculpey. Sculpey hit the market in 1967 and has been a favorite of clay crafters of all ages and skill levels since. Polymer clay comes from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and can be shaped and reshaped many times without deteriorating.
Artists enjoy working with polymer clay to make various crafts, including jewelry, sculptures, ornaments and home decor items. There are many advantages of polymer clay that make it a premium art medium:
- It's available in many variations with different colors, finishes and consistencies.
- It is soft and pliable, allowing you to form numerous creations until you bake the clay in an oven.
- Polymer clay creations don't crack, shatter or break over time.
- The creations retain their shape, size and vibrant color after oven-baking.
- Polymer clay is easy to store and reuse at a later date using recyclable polypropylene containers.
Have More Questions About Your Next Art Medium?
The following are some questions you might ask yourself when considering the next best art medium.
What Is the Newest Art Medium?
Digital media and polymer clay are among the newest art mediums, having originated in the 1960s.
Which Art Medium Should You Try?
The right art medium for you depends on your skill level and artistic interests. You might enjoy making art out of recyclable materials if sustainability is important to you, while you might opt for polymer clay if you want to create a wide range of crafts, including jewelry, ornaments, mixed media, beads, figurines and sculptures.
Which Art Medium Is Best for Beginners?
Polymer clay is an excellent art medium for beginners and artists of all skill levels. Its unique formula allows you to craft designs exactly as you envision them and add extra details to your creations. Beginners enjoy working with it because it remains soft, pliable and flexible until baked. Resin art can also be a good option for beginners.
Which Art Medium Is Best for Established Artists?
It depends on your goals! Established artists who want to become more tech-savvy can experiment with digital art. Upcycling items into art is exciting for people who want to push the boundaries of their imaginations. You can also expand your creative skills by combining different elements into one cohesive mixed-media piece.
Established artists, such as animators, professional sculptors, special effect artists and Claymation artists, also enjoy working with polymer clay. The Super Sculpey Living Doll™ is a unique polymer clay variation that's ideal for established artists. You can craft lifelike sculptures with realistic skin tones and fine details.
What Material Should You Use for Sculpting?
Polymer clay is an exceptional art medium for sculpting small and large pieces, which can be cured in a household or toaster oven. It's easy to work with, captures fine details and doesn't shrink or expand, ensuring your creations retain their shape and size for longer.
Shop Sculpey Products Today
Polymer clay will enrich your artistic journey and enable you to expand your creative horizons. High-quality polymer clay will make your artistic journey even better. Check out Sculpey's wide selection of polymer clay to choose the right one for your next project, or explore our blog for inspiration and artistic tips.
