I found an artist who had a great mixed-media class online, and I signed up for it. It was one of the best things I have done for my art ever. While her work is very contemporary and abstract (not my usual style), I learned significantly from her class. Laura Horn Art. She’s from Australia and just listening to her talk is delightful.
We used acrylic inks, watercolors, acrylic paints, paper bits, Posca pens, mark making tools, and more. I learned a significant lesson on mixing colors (which I thought I already knew how to do). And ways to loosen up my work. (Think Lucy Goosey.) But best of all, I learned how to really use an art journal.
Sidenote: I am now hooked on Daniel Smith Watercolors. They are the Rolls Royce of pigments, and with a hefty price tag also. My collection now is right at the same amount that I paid for a used Fiat 850 back in 1972. They are worth it, however!
She suggested ring bound journals with 100% cotton papers. How did I know that 100% cotton paper was best for watercolor? And the thought is that if you work studies on journal pages, you can experiment on a small scale without the pressure of working on a painting that is going to be a “finished work”. It’s amazingly liberating and I have been filling journals like crazy!
I have a photo collection of my work. Keep in mind, these are all really work studies.
Maybe you will find some inspiration here — to start a working journal and/or play with some of your mediums in a new way. Adding texture with found objects. Laura Horn has some free class modules also. You might enjoy one of those.