Nicole Austin is a mom, artist, and instructor living in Tempe, AZ. She has been drawing in books and on walls for as long as she can remember! Nicole believes that everyone has the innate ability to create art, some of us have just lost interest or encouragement along the way. She loves to spark creativity and joy in others by sharing her love of all things mixed media!
Nicole says, “Together, we could make this world a more colorful, peaceful, and joyful place!”
What does mixed media art mean to you?
Mixed media art is everything under the sun! I have a hard time only using one or two mediums at a time, so mixed media has always been my go-to for art creation. My favorite combinations are oil pastels and watercolor and/or spray ink because they resist each other and make beautiful contrast together. Because they don’t mix, you can use opposite colors and achieve a bold look. I also love using acrylics, paint pens, collage, acrylic inks, and water-soluble pencils.
How long have you been a mixed media artist?
I have considered myself a mixed media artist since about 2008, but I honestly have been making art since I was a child. My earliest memories are of scribbling on every surface and inside books in my home. I think it was my first foray into altered books and art journaling!
How has art impacted or enhanced your life?
Art has enhanced my life by giving me a place to freely express myself and process my emotions and life events. It has given me the chance to travel and teach and meet and collaborate with other creatives around the world!
Tell us about your creative process.
My creative process mostly starts with scribbling and mark-making. I find it to be very relaxing and a great way to break up a blank page or canvas. It also gives me the chance to play like I did when I was a child. It frees me of any expectations or outcomes and allows me to be in the moment. This can last for a few seconds or a few minutes, but usually by then, I start to have an idea of what I want to do next. Usually, for me, it’s drawing a face or adding collage papers. I like to work on multiple surfaces at once to keep from getting too attached to a piece. It’s also a fun way to run multiple “experiments” at a time and try out new ideas without fearing that I’ll “mess up.”
What inspires you?
I am inspired by other artists, nature, my kids, and my dreams! Sometimes color combinations will catch my eye.
What do you do when faced with a creative block or rut?
When I feel blocked or in a rut, I often just open up my art journal and go back to basics: scribbling & mark-making with my favorite colors. I mostly use oil pastels or big, chunky kids art supplies (I love Kwik Stix or Stabilo Woody 3-in-1 pencils). That seems to at least put me in a better mood! If I feel blocked while working on a piece, I’ll usually walk away before I start covering up the whole thing in frustration.
What are a few of the mixed media art supplies you find yourself returning to?
My most loved art supplies these days all fit in a large art pouch: Crayola oil pastels, Kwik Stix, Woody 3-in-1 pencils, a travel-size neon watercolor set, neon color pencils, Machine Drip mop markers, Posca paint pens, and Liquitex 15mm paint pens.
Who are some of your favorite mixed media artists?
My favorite mixed media artists these days are Regina Lord, Nicole Watson, Sophie De Cort, Tina Berning, and Bisa Butler.
Where would you like to go with your art? What are your goals?
I’d like to start working on bigger surfaces! I’ve been mostly working in art journals of all sizes, but lately, I feel called to work on larger, wood panels. I used to draw on the walls and under the coffee table when I was a kid, so I think this is my inner child talking here! My goals are to start selling my work. I want people to enjoy and gift my art. I’m no longer hiding it in the comfort of my own home.
Aside from art, what makes you giddy in life?
Besides art, what brings me joy is my kids! I love the cozy, “little” moments we have together each day. I love going on road trips with them and trekking into nature together. I love seeing them grow, change, and become bigger and bolder versions of themselves. I also love being near water: rivers, lakes, and oceans. The warmer the water (the kind I can jump in and swim in!) the better! And the night sky will also always bring me comfort and joy.
