During the past few weeks I’ve done some printmaking to create collage parts. Now, this week, I am putting them together. One of my favorite studio things!

I did some monotype backgrounds on sheer fabric first. I liked what I got, but it wasn’t enough to compose.

Then I created some monotypes on rice paper. I liked those too, but I wasn’t quite there.

Then this week I screen printed some pieces on fabric and rice paper.

Ready to rock n roll!

Here’s one collage I put together this weekend using each of the parts I’d created.

SCREEN-PRINTED TREES. These images are created on a sheer polyester fabric. That means there will be some see-through quality, and watercolor-like effects.

MONOTYPE-PRINTED RICE PAPER This piece has some interesting patterns and textures. I like the way it looked next to the trees on sheer.

SCREEN PRINTING ON MUSLIN – Nice and opaque. I printed a lighter color on a darker background. I think the tree branches show up well.

COMPOSING – Once I had selected these three pieces as the anchors, I just moved them around in my available space to get a composition that pleased me. There were lots of earlier versions. I check the composition in its mat as I go. It makes a big difference to see the work framed, especially if there will be pieces that go off the edge.

COLOR – I find it helpful to work with an almost monochromatic palette during the main composition, adding splashes of color after I’ve got the main parts down. Trying to intuitively connect different sizes, patterns and textures is plenty for me to think about at one time. Adding in color variation at that stage is one too many things for my brain. So, I began to add the yellow ochre colors after the main sections were glued.

The final product. “As I Have Trusted Morning.”

If you are an artmaker who generally creates large works (as I do,) changing size and method of working an be a good way to refresh and get a new perspective. If you are an artmaker just beginning to explore your ways of working, starting small-to-mid size can be very helpful.

And, for those who love art but are not artmakers, a mix of large and small pieces in your home adds interest and variety. Whatever the size, as I create my hope is to create work that continues to provide new things to see over time.

For all the artmakers: Happy creating
For all the art lovers: Happy appreciating 

Thank you for reading. I always enjoy questions and comments.
--Bobbi
bobbi@bobbibaughstudio.com

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