Cut and Paste a Place: Make a Paper Collage of a Landscape

ASSIGNMENT:

You'll use a photographic reference to create a paper collage of a simple landscape.

You will need a photo reference, a surface to collage on, some paper, an adhesive and some tools. Here are some ideas of various materials can be used on this project:

1. Photo reference

2. Surface

Sketchbook paper
Bristol
Computer paper
Wooden panel
Gessoed artist's panel
Etc.

3. Paper

Magazine pages
Rice paper
Tissue paper
Decorative paper
Cards, envelopes, letters...
Old photographs
Vellum
Acetate
Etc.

4. Adhesive

Glue stick
PVA glue

5. Medium (optional)

Gesso (for adding a smooth base coat to wooden panels)
Gloss varnish (for adding a glossy layer to the surface of your finished collage)
Matte varnish (for adding a matte layer to the surface of your finished collage)

6. Tools (you will need something to cut with, but most of these tools are optional)

Sand paper (for smoothing rough parts on wooden panels)
Paintbrush (for applying gesso and/or PVA glue)
Xacto knife, cutting mat & ruler
Scissors
Pencil
Newspaper, magazine or catalog pages for gluing on
Hole puncher

Choose a landscape that is meaningful or inspires you-- mountains, ocean scenes, open fields or deserts all work well. Make sure to choose a relatively simple landscape from nature with mainly organic lines and shapes.

One image can be collaged in a number of ways and styles.

Choose an image to collage-- it could be your own photo or a reference found online, in a book, etc.
Think about the composition of your collage. What shape? Circular? Square? Rectangular? What size? Thickness?
Choose the materials you'd like to collage with. What kind of surface will work best with the composition of your image? What paper will look best? Which colors? What type of glue? Which tools will be needed?
Experiment with your materials.
Sketch your image and begin collaging.
You can choose to frame your collage or cover the surface with a gloss or matte varnish.

DELIVERABLE:

Upload an image of your final collage to the project gallery, and if possible, document your process! Feel free to share photos of your materials exploration, and collage process to engage with your teacher and classmates on a deeper level. Don't hesitate to ask for advice.

Upon completion, take a photo or scan your illustration, and upload it to the project gallery! Include a short description about your place.

**If you'd like to challenge yourself, collage more than one landscape!

Check out my website and other Skillshare classes: www.saraheshaw.com

Julie Judge

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