A computer-implemented method and systems are provided for performing machine learning for an image classification task. The method includes overlaying, by a processor operatively coupled to one or more databases, a second image on a first image obtained from one or more training sets in the one or more databases, to form a mixed image, by averaging an intensity of each of a plurality of co-located pixel pairs in the first and the second image. The method also includes training, by the processor, a machine learning process configured for the image classification task using the mixed image to augment data used by the machine learning process for the image classification task.