Art 2: Creating Collages

We will be working on art inspired by the artist Eileen Downes.  

Downes is a collage artist who uses bits of torn paper to create beautiful images.
Click here to see the work of EILEEN DOWNES

What is a collage?  

Collage-  a technique of an art production, primarily used in the visual arts, where the artwork is made from an assemblage of different forms.

A collage may sometimes include magazine and newspaper clippings, ribbons, paint, bits of colored or handmade papers, portions of other artwork or texts, photographs and other found objects, glued to a piece of paper or canvas.

COLLAGE Assignment:

1.  Begin by creating a sketch with an interesting composition.  Keep in mind that your collage will need to have realistic qualities to it including proper perspective, proportion and value, so be sure to include those in your drawing.  You can chose a subject matter that interests you.  Suggestions include shoes, birds, marine life, instruments, floral arrangements etc.  

2.  Once you have a solid sketch, begin drawing your design onto a canvas.

3.  When your drawing is complete, you will begin to cut, rip or tear pieces of magazines, newspapers, etc.  and adhere it to the canvas to begin to create your image.  Make sure you fully glue your pieces down so they do not flake up or peel off.

• It is important that you collect a variety of different tones and shades of the colors you will be using so that you can create value (highlights and shadows) in your work of art.  
• More detail can be established in the foreground by using smaller pieces of paper.  
• You want to establish as much detail as possible by layering your pieces and paying attention to what you see in terms of colors, shapes, lines, perspective and proportion in your reference photos.

4.  When you are finished, you may seal your collage in by CAREFULLY brushing a coat of MOD PODGE over your entire piece.  Sign and date the back of your piece when it is complete.