Abstract Collage

Hello Friends,

I have had a large project going for awhile in the background. Something I do not only for fun, but also to get money for more art supplies :) I REALLY enjoy collage and awhile ago I started to make 'paper paintings' If you want to see a selection of some of them I have made you can look here Library of Paper Paintings by Shel Some of them were commission, and some were for fun or gifts. I have always told my friends and family "I can make anything" so my obsession with this form of artwork started like that..sort of a challenge. But I fell in love with it. I don't do them everyday...because they are slow, a bit tedious, and can make my hands, back and neck hurt. But I gain HUGE satisfaction from seeing each canvas come to life. Anyway, I recently finished this one. It was inspired by the little graphic that google had on Kandinsky's birthday recently. I hope you like it.


So the process is fairly simple... It starts with a pencil sketch on a pre-stretched canvas. This one is 24"X 24". 


Next I do a 'underpainting'. This will be fairly sloppy and basically a test of the colors and shapes. As I am doing this underpainting, I use excess paint on my palette to create collage papers to use with the piece. I generally use lightweight papers like newsprint or brown paper from packaging, deli papers, or magazine papers I have torn out. I apply the paint to the papers with a old credit card or fingers. Sometimes I also make a series of mono prints using the same paint colors on my Gelli plate.


Next I just tear up the piece of papers and put them sorted into colors in small plastic trays. I apply these to the canvas using matte liquid medium and a brush, going under the paper, then over the top. For this piece I had to make alot of sharp edges using a scissor. Usually I just use the paper torn as it is. I also go over the edges of the canvas wrapping it totally with the design so it can be hung up without a frame.


I hope you enjoyed this project. <3 Shel


Comments

  1. I love your collage Shel. Thanks for explaining the process. I can see that it would be time consuming. Your colours are so vivid...gorgeous!!

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  2. Fabulous abstract piece Shel, loved your painting and the collaging on it was a great idea!

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    1. Thank you so much Ruth. It was fun to make although it took awhile.

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  3. I never thought this is how it was made! So interesting to see the process! That is a BIG canvas - well, much bigger than I've ever worked on.

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    1. Thanks Zsuzsa :) Yes, it was big..almost too big for my desk lol

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  4. Terrific project, Shel and I love the POW of the colour with the shapes.

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    1. Thanks Win :) I thought the colors went well with the shapes also.

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  5. So beautiful! I'm just in awe! Fun colors and layers and I love the size!

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    1. Thank you Dana :) I really love lots of color! A good thing to see on a cold dark winter day.

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  6. Replies
    1. Thanks Sue :) Good to hear from another artist who loves gluey sticky paper.

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  7. Oh I just love this!!!! I love all colors and shapes, it's just fun to look at. hugs, Patty

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  8. Shel C, I think this is one of the first tuts I've seen...or at least got my attention! I didn't know you could use canvas on stretchers for collage. I really like this...thanks for an eye-opener!

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  9. Photo Canvas Collage prints are the ideal way to display lots of your stunning images without buying masses of bulky picture frames or cluttering up the house. With the use of smartphones and readily available digital cameras, we have become a nation of amateur photographers, using Instagram to capture our favourite moments. Out of this we now have some incredible photographs we are sure to treasure forever; the problem is there are just too many of them, making the task almost impossible when
    choosing images to display in our homes

    ReplyDelete
  10. Photo Canvas Collage prints are the ideal way to display lots of your stunning images without buying masses of bulky picture frames or cluttering up the house. With the use of smartphones and readily available digital cameras, we have become a nation of amateur photographers, using Instagram to capture our favourite moments. Out of this we now have some incredible photographs we are sure to treasure forever; the problem is there are just too many of them, making the task almost impossible when
    choosing images to display in our homes

    ReplyDelete
  11. Photo Canvas Collage prints are the ideal way to display lots of your stunning images without buying masses of bulky picture frames or cluttering up the house. With the use of smartphones and readily available digital cameras, we have become a nation of amateur photographers, using Instagram to capture our favourite moments. Out of this we now have some incredible photographs we are sure to treasure forever; the problem is there are just too many of them, making the task almost impossible when
    choosing images to display in our homes

    ReplyDelete

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