Technique Tuesdays: 10 Tips for Collage

Collage is one of the mainstays of mixed-media art, but creating a cohesive, interesting piece can be daunting. Where to start? What supplies to use? How to find inspiration? Let these 10 tips for collage, all from artists featured Cloth Paper Scissors magazine and North Light Books, guide you and help make the process easy and enjoyable.

1. Many collage artists are natural collectors—including Roxanne Evans Stout. In her book Storytelling with Collage, she talks about using found objects in artwork: “The very act of discovery as you collect found objects is magical,” she says. “You have found beauty in an unexpected place. You have collected a small part of history, and you are taking ownership of being a part of this world. And using these objects in your art is a way of sharing your discoveries and inspiring others. When you experiment with using found objects in your collages, you are truly embracing the alchemist within.”

2. When it comes to composing a collage, Crystal Neubauer advises leaving out the kitchen sink. In other words, don’t feel you have to put every element on the canvas. In “The Elements of Collage” in the May/June issue of Cloth Paper Scissors, she says, “Good composition is like good writing—some of the best work comes when you edit. You’ve spent a lot of time and money on supplies and classes, but who says you have to use it all in one design?” Few artists, she adds, successfully pull off an everything- but-the kitchen-sink look and hang onto a good composition.

“Morning Glory” (Art and photo by Crystal Neubauer)

Read More: http://www.clothpaperscissors.com/blog/technique-tuesdays-10-tips-for-collage
Related Article: Time Data Exchange