Mixed Media Collage – Colourful Collage Papers: Part-Two

Welcome to Part Two of Colourful Collage Papers – Fast and Fun!

This is a continuation of the previous post, here.

Now that you have created a good stash of your collage papers, you might wonder…

How you can use them in a way that is truly you?

 

Organize Your Papers for Easier Access:

Above, my station is very messy after a session of working. I am constantly tweaking the way I do this. I just need more table space!

Below, is how I set up my materials before I begin. I like everything I might use at arm’s length away even if I choose not to use them. I organize my papers by color then by texter or text in small baskets where I can reach them.

 

 

Use simple shapes that are cut and/or Torn:

Above, I am using my shapes and symbols that have meaning to me but you can use a more abstract approach as well. Exploring and experimenting is easier when working small. I usually paint large (e.g., 36″ x 36″ or more) but I have discovered that smaller is better. It’s cheaper for one, and I feel less pressure on a final product. It is very similar to art journaling in this way. (More about art journaling in upcoming blog posts!)

Begin by applying your largest shapes first, in a simple grid format:

 

In the image above, I use a simple grid format to get started without overthinking it. Once I lay something down I simply respond to what feels right. This is the intuitive process at its best! If you don’t like it, you can always cover it with another layer. Once you are satisfied with the big shapes by making sure that each quadrant area is different in some way, (e.g., size, shape, color, or value) move on to the smaller details.

I have added the blue painter’s tape to allow for a cleaner edge when finished though it can get in the way sometimes when adding collage paper. Simply use an Exacto knife to gently run along the inner edge for easier removal of the blue tape.

Use drawing, symbolic, or image elements to add interest to the “quieter” areas. 

 

 

I also use negative shapes from previous cutouts such as the orb shape in the upper right corner. The larger orb shape was made from a leftover paint palette, again! (I created this piece while I was going back and forth from my computer writing today’s blog). Leaving your work, and then returning to it, helps to be more objective. See below for an example of this.

 

Work in a Series:

I usually work on at least two to even six or nine pieces at a time, depending on what I am exploring. This way I  create unity between the artworks with color, texture, and meaning. Working in a series can also increase your productivity. Below, are two series I have created. One with twelve, the other with four.

Also, check out this series here.

 

 

Let Your Art Rest: 

After working on a series for an extended amount of time, I usually “walk away.” I like to live with them for a while.  After a day or two, I look them over to see them more objectively. I may tweak a few for balance, value, or “wow” factor. (More about this in upcoming blogs! ) I might add or subtract with gesso or acrylic paint. It might need more or less contrast. These changes are usually very minor but important to the “wow” factor of any artwork. The work usually tells me when it is done. This takes practice so be easy on yourself.

Mixed media collage is such an endless and wonderful medium to work with.

You can add to your image bank by using copies of your photos or stalk images. Canva.com is a wonderful free resource. Check it out.

I hope that this post about creating a bank of colorful collage papers and explore the many ways to use them has helped inspire you.

You can find Part One of this post, here.

 

Please leave a comment or a question about this post or any other tips, techniques or materials, etc., you may be wondering about.

Sincerely,

Michele