CollageClass2

I've also included some other samples that employ the same basic techniques:

Heart
Iris
Daybreak
Clock
Hand
Butterfly
Water

That is one of the true beauties of collage. You can move something anytime you want. Or glue something over an area if you don't like how it looks. I recommend leaving a collage overnight before doing the final better if this is how you want things. Finally, I highly recommend using an acrylic varnish over your pieces to preserve them. The varnish should be applied before you put on beads or charms. Again, this step is only necessary when you want to preserve a piece.

Finally in Part 3 I've adapted another mini-collage class I teach. Allow yourself no more than half an hour for each of these projects and use a piece of paper no larger than 6 x6 inches. The idea for each of these is to help you work quick and to get something on paper. These don't need to be masterpieces, they just need to be done. You will get to explore a fresh technique in each one and learn a bit about different types of collage.

Collage #1 - found materials
For this collage, I want you to explore your house for materials. Stay away from the studio!!!!! No regular art supplies. :) The idea is to get you to see everyday items in a fresh new way. Also to have fun and take the pressure off of making "art". Explore your home; some ideas include, nuts and bolts from the tool box, left over papers from holidays, jewelry scraps from boxes. Go through the house and ask yourself is this texture interesting? do I like that color? what would this look like glued down? Allow your self as much time as you want for the gathering process, but once you are ready to start, you get only 30 minutes. For your support, try a piece of cereal box or card board from a mailing box. Want to color the background? Try coffee grounds or fruit juice. The only thing you can add from the studio is glue.

Collage #2 - mixed media
For this collage you will need paint (acrylic or watercolor will work), glue, some bits of paper and a few embellishments and any inks, pastels, watercolors etc. Our primary material will be our paint. In this collage technique the focus is on combining media such as acrylic, gouache, pastel, watercolor etc. We will begin by painting the background with a single color of paint, let it dry. Then begin adding some elements of paper or images (try painting textured paper or using watercolor crayons over text. Begin gluing these elements down. Then add more paint ( another color/squiggles of crayon/cover part of what you glued down). Continue to add elements and paint in cycles until satisfied with collage.

Collage #3 - embellishments
We will pocus on using embellishments such as beads, embossing powders, fibers, fabric, charms etc. to build a collage. The purpose of this collage is to move away from image focused elements and to explore materials normally though of as an afterthought as primary parts of your work. We will begin the collage with a random stamped pattern background (the same one you used earlier tonight). Then layer embossing powders in random patterns (if you want place beads in between layers of powders). Transparent powders will give you the most depth on the higher layers. Then maybe add a swatch of fabric, fibers and beads. Larger elements such as charms, should be added last. Continue until satisfied with collage.

Collage #4 - Assemblage
In this exercise we will focus on creating a taking collage to the 3-dimensional level. Choose a small tin, paper mache or match box for this. If using a tin, rough it up a bit with steel wool so the paint will stick better. We will begin by painting the background. The process is the same as when working flat. You can then add some papers for extra depth. Go ahead and start adding a few images. Finally small dimensional elements can be added to create the interior. Paint and other embellishments can be layered on as well. Continue until satisfied with collage.

We hope you have fun with these exercises and get to try some new things. :)

If you have questions, comments or want a clarification on a point, please don't hesitate to ask. I'd be happy to offer an opinion. And, please remember, it is only an opinion. There are as many ways to do collage as there are collage artists. Only through playing and experimenting will you find what is right for you. :)

Do some web searches as there are tons of great sites out there.

And for anyone who wants to know more I highly recommend the book, Creative Collage Techniques by Nita Leland and Virginia Williams. It is a terrific book and does very well on covering a full range of collage.