BASIC COLLAGE METHODS AND TECHNIQUES

Basic Collage Tools. Collage can be tried with a minimal investment, using white glue instead of a brand of acrylic medium.

To start a collage, all you need to start is a few simple materials, and a stiff board to glue your papers to. In my case, I have lots of canvas panels, Masonite panels which are already primed, and in some instances, actual canvasses that have partly finished paintings that will probably never be completed in the way I originally planned. Perfect!

Masonite or other panels should be primed with gesso on both sides to prevent warping.
Gesso, which is opaque white is best for coating both sides of an unprimed panel or board .

Previously painted panels usually can be used for collage, by coating them with transparent acrylic medium before applying papers. In some cases parts of the old painting can be retained, to become part of a new mixed media collage composition.

Cutting papers can be done with an Exacto knife, plain scissors, and scissors with decorative edges, including deckle. They can also be torn free-hand or torn along the edge of a ruler. Papers usually have a grain, and it is easier to control the tear if you pull the parts of the paper with its natural grain.

The yogurt container for water is large enough to dip a 3" square of paper into, just enough to cause it to be damp and to swell. If the paper is too delicate, use a spray bottle with water in it instead of dipping it. If you need to leave your work, put the lid on the container  to avoid spills while unattended. The lid can also be used for mixing acrylic pigments to color the paper, if you wish to change it a little.

Brushes can be about 1/2 inch across or larger. I prefer flat. Clean frequently, and leave a little dish detergent in the bristles, so no acrylic residue hardens in the brush. 

Using the brush dipped in glue or acrylic medium,  apply the glue to the back of the moistened paper, and to the area where the paper is to be adhered. This works well with heavier papers, but not as well with delicate tissue papers. Try to get the middle of the piece and the edges to stick to the background with no bubbles. The dampness will later dry, the paper will shrink, and this will help prevent permanent bubbles or wrinkles. Once you master gluing down small bits of paper, you can work up to larger pieces.

However, wrinkles in the tissue paper, often create a desirable texture that is semi- transparent. Adhere dry tissue paper to a dampened surface, and gently press the tissue down, with your fingeres, pushing the wrinkles where they work best. Then coat the surface with medium, to enhance the transparent effects.

Later I will explain other materials, supplies and tools you may want to collect if you fall in love with collage!

I decided to dive right in, with some small panels. One small canvas, 10x14” I called Cool Lemon, for the words included in the random organic shapes I arranged on the panel, as yet unfinished. It is at this point, an organic abstract composition, but it is my intention to add realistic imagery for this blog.

Writing and Images are the Copyright © of Ruth Zachary.