Hi, and welcome back to the Chrissie Murphy Designs Blog. Today, I want to talk about something I used to hesitate with a lot — trying a new art medium. It can feel exciting and totally intimidating (let’s be honest). If you’re used to the control of pen and ink or the fluidity of watercolour, picking up oil paints or coloured pencils might feel like stepping into unfamiliar territory. But here’s the good news: experimenting with new art materials doesn’t have to be scary — it can be one of the most rewarding ways to grow your creative practice. Let’s dig into how you can do it without fear.
How to Try a New Art Medium Without Fear: Start with Curiosity, Not Perfection
When you’re trying a new medium, forget about making a masterpiece. Give yourself permission to just play. Think of it like learning a new instrument — it takes time to find your rhythm. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s to explore what the medium can do and how it feels in your hands.
If you usually work with watercolour, why not try layering it with coloured pencil for extra texture? Or if acrylics are your thing, grab some ink and play with lines on top of dry layers. These small cross-medium experiments are a gentle way to step into new materials without the pressure of starting from scratch.
Experimenting Safely: Work on Low-Stakes Pieces
Fear often creeps in when we think every piece needs to be “good.” Here’s my tip: use a sketchbook, scrap paper, or even brown paper bags from groceries. Give yourself permission to make messy, awkward pieces. Try swatching colours, layering materials, and pushing limits. No one has to see the results unless you want to share them.
Before I figured out I could use texture paste with a piping bag, I spent ages coating chords and string in impasto and texture paste to see what effects I could get. The results were pretty awful, but the learnings were priceless. That process helped me discover exactly how to add rough textures to linework when I want it — even though it wasn’t the effect I originally aimed for.
Learning New Art Materials Through Experimentation: Embrace Mistakes
Every medium has its quirks. Oils take longer to dry, watercolours can surprise you, and coloured pencils can feel slow compared to ink. These can be frustrating, but they’re part of the charm. Embrace the mistakes — they’re proof you’re learning.
Don’t hesitate to watch tutorials, take short courses, or ask other artists how they work with new materials. Seeing how others handle a medium can demystify it and boost your confidence.
Grow Your Art Skills with Practical Tips
If you’re ready to take your art to the next level, my monthly newsletter is packed with practical art tips, creative inspiration, and ideas to help you grow—no matter where you’re starting from. If you want guidance and encouragement for your art journey, you can sign up using this link here. Let’s build your creative momentum—together.
Until my next blog post, “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received”
Ephesians 4:1.
In peace always
Chrissie xx
