Mixed Media Octopus Art Inspired by Remarkably Bright Creatures

There is something magical about turning a favorite story into a piece of art.

For our recent July project inside The Creative Art Village, we created a colorful mixed media octopus inspired by Marcellus, the clever and unforgettable giant Pacific octopus from Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt.

This whimsical mixed media art project brought together bold acrylic paint, vintage book pages, rubber stamping, cheesecloth, mark-making and plenty of playful color. The finished octopus is bright, expressive and full of personality—just like the literary character who inspired it.

Whether you love mixed media art, art journaling, book-inspired crafts or simply enjoy trying creative projects without pressure, this project is a wonderful reminder that art does not need to be perfect to be meaningful.

A Colorful Mixed Media Art Project for Beginners

Mixed media art can sometimes look complicated, but it is really about building a picture one interesting layer at a time.

For this octopus project, we began by creating a rich underwater background using shades of blue acrylic paint. Instead of trying to make the background smooth or realistic, we embraced texture, variation and visible brushstrokes.

Torn book pages were added throughout the background, bringing in a wonderful literary connection to Remarkably Bright Creatures. The printed words peek through the paint and create subtle areas of contrast and visual interest.

We then added even more texture using:

• Rubber stamps

• Cheesecloth

• Torn and layered paper

• Acrylic paint

• Paint splatters

• Hand-drawn marks

• Loose black outlines

Each layer helped transform a simple painted surface into a lively underwater world.

Creating Marcellus the Octopus

The octopus became the bold focal point of the artwork.

Bright oranges, yellows, pinks and coral tones stand out beautifully against the deep blue mixed media background. The long, curling tentacles create movement and lead the eye around the entire piece.

One of the most enjoyable parts of painting this whimsical octopus was not worrying about making it scientifically exact. The goal was to capture a feeling of intelligence, curiosity and personality.

The uneven lines, visible brushstrokes and playful color combinations are part of what make the artwork feel handmade and expressive.

In The Creative Art Village, we encourage artists to loosen up, experiment and allow their own style to show. You do not need to draw a perfect octopus. You only need to begin with a simple shape and let the character develop as you paint.

Why Torn Book Pages Work So Well in Mixed Media Art

Torn book pages are one of my favorite supplies to use in collage and mixed media projects.

They are inexpensive, easy to find and add instant texture to a background. They can also help connect the artwork to a particular story, memory or theme.

For this book-inspired art project, the printed pages created a subtle connection to reading and storytelling without overpowering the painted octopus.

When adding book pages to mixed media art, you can:

• Tear the edges for a softer, more organic appearance

• Allow some words to remain visible

• Cover sections with translucent paint

• Stamp over the paper

• Add paint splatters and scribbled marks

• Layer cheesecloth or tissue paper on top

There are no strict rules. The most interesting mixed media backgrounds often come from combining materials in unexpected ways.

Adding Texture with Cheesecloth and Rubber Stamps

Cheesecloth added a soft, net-like texture that worked perfectly with the underwater theme.

Small sections were embedded into the painted background, creating the appearance of fishing nets, ocean debris or drifting sea textures. Once painted and layered, the cheesecloth became part of the composition rather than sitting on top of it.

Rubber stamps added another level of detail. Stamped circles, patterns and organic shapes helped break up the large blue areas and gave the background a beautifully distressed, handmade look.

Rubber stamping is especially useful for beginner mixed media artists because it creates interesting marks quickly. You do not have to carefully draw every background detail by hand.

Simply stamp, overlap, paint over areas and keep building until the background feels complete.

An Easy Art Project That Encourages Creative Confidence

One of the goals of The Creative Art Village is to make art feel approachable.

You do not need expensive supplies, years of painting experience or perfect drawing skills to make something beautiful. Many of our projects begin with supplies you may already have at home, including old book pages, craft paint, stamps, paper scraps and basic brushes.

This mixed media octopus project is a perfect example of how simple materials can become something bold and imaginative.

It is also easy to personalize. Every artist can choose different colors, background papers, stamp designs and tentacle shapes. Although everyone may follow the same lesson, no two finished octopuses will ever look exactly alike.

That is one of the best parts of creating art together.

Book-Inspired Art and Creative Storytelling

Creating artwork inspired by a favorite book is a wonderful way to explore visual storytelling.

Instead of illustrating a scene exactly as it appears in the story, you can focus on the emotions, colors and personality that the book brings to mind.

Marcellus is observant, intelligent and wonderfully memorable. His character inspired the expressive eyes, curling tentacles and almost mischievous personality in this mixed media painting.

Book-inspired mixed media projects are also perfect for:

• Art journals

• Reading journals

• Book club activities

• Library art programs

• Literary-themed crafts

• Creative retreats

• Adult art classes

• Handmade gifts for book lovers

You can use this same creative process to make artwork inspired by almost any beloved story or character.

What Is The Creative Art Village?

The Creative Art Village is an online art membership created for people who want to make art, try new techniques and enjoy the creative process without pressure.

Inside the Village, members can explore approachable projects featuring:

• Whimsical watercolor

• Mixed media art

• Art journaling

• Collage

• Paper crafting

• Junk journaling

• Doodling

• Seasonal crafts

• Printable art projects

• Creative challenges

The projects are designed to be fun, colorful and beginner-friendly. You are encouraged to use the supplies you have, adapt the lessons to your own style and embrace the beautiful imperfections that make handmade art special.

The Creative Art Village is not about creating perfect artwork. It is about making time for yourself, trying something new and discovering how joyful creativity can be.

Join The Creative Art Village

Would you love to create your own colorful mixed media octopus?

When you join The Creative Art Village, you will find easy art lessons, inspiring creative projects, printable resources and a welcoming community of people who love to make things.

You can follow along at your own pace, experiment with new techniques and build confidence one project at a time.

Whether you are a complete beginner, returning to art after many years or simply searching for fresh creative inspiration, there is a place for you in the Village.

Come make a little mess, play with paint and discover what happens when you give yourself permission to create.

Join The Creative Art Village and start making colorful, whimsical and stress-free art today.