In this class, we are going to be creating some large abstract collage pieces. These are fantastic for learning how to "go large" for your art. We do a nice dive into the composition to get you comfortable with how to divide up your paper and know what areas you need to fill. This makes the whole process of creating large so much easier than just jumping in and wondering why things aren't working. Our goal is to create colorful, dynamic, textural, interesting pieces that really wow us.

We are going to start out by painting some of our own papers on brown kraft paper. We'll gather some handmade papers if you love the look of the ones I'm showing you in class and using in my own abstract pieces. I have some wonderful resource PDFs for you on the project page for Paper Sources and Composition that you will want to grab.

Once we have our papers painted, and our papers ready - we'll start figuring out our composition and pulling our pieces together. This is a fantastic class if you have always wanted to go larger and didn't know how... and if you usually work small... this will get you out of your comfort zone and push yourself into new skills!

This class is for you if:

You love learning new techniques for your art
You are interested in creating some big collage abstract pieces
You love watching how others approach their art practice
You love experimenting with your art supplies

Supplies:

These are the supplies I'll be using in class... definitely get creative and experiment if you have some other supplies or ideas that come to you as you go through the class.

I'm using Canson XL 140lb watercolor paper in class. I have a few large pads 11"x15", 12"x18" and 18"x24" that are excellent for this project. I like working on paper because it is less expensive than boards and canvas... and you are more likely to not be afraid to waste a piece of paper and hold yourself back from creating. If you love your piece - you can then mount it on a cradled board or have it framed.
Roll of brown Kraft paper - I got a roll of this paper from the art store. You can also use grocery bags, packing paper, etc... keep all the random packages you get - some of the packing material is great for this.
Handmade papers - I usually get these from the Art store. I also have some paper resources listed for you in a PDF download over on the project page for some of the papers I am using in class.
Corrugated cardboard. I have some paper resources listed for you in a PDF download over on the project page. You can get the corrugated cardboard from a few of these sources and you can get them from packages you receive if they are used as packing material. Be creative with your sources on this. This would be an optional item you could choose not to use, but I just love how textural and interesting it is in a composition.
Your favorite acrylic paints and inks and any other art supplies you choose to work with. I kept the supplies I was using in class a bit more simple.
Some random sizes of paintbrushes
Gesso - I am using clear and white in class
Your preferred glue. I use Mod Podge if it is something I'm just gluing down. I use Matte medium if the glue will be used on top of pieces and I need to paint on it. I use Yes Paste if I'm gluing heavy things down. Just try to make sure you are using acid-free glues that are archival if possible.

Cindy Matthews

Author of TOOK YOU SO LONG (Stories)

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