In between some larger projects in the studio, I made time this week for a few small paper collages.

This was really just for me. The larger projects have been hard and time-consuming. I needed some small collage therapy.

As always I enjoyed the process. And, I remembered some good methods and practices to share with you.

PRACTICE AND PREP ALWAYS PAYS OFF!

Here’s the very beginning of a collage-in progress. Well, I say it’s the beginning, but it’s not. Over the past few weeks I made some time to prepare a batch of collaged papers in colors and textures I am interested in using. (Printed as monotypes on my gelatin plate; thin tissue paper.)

Now, when I’m inspired to begin the design and assembly, the papers are waiting for me.

I created papers that are mostly neutral. I have learned to fight my basic instinct to begin with strong colors. (Always tempting - because they are just so wonderful!) But, when those go down first, there’s no place left to go. Here, I have one intense section – the deep blue – and two faded, neutral sections. Now I can build on these.

NEW DESIGN TOOL – SEE-THROUGH SILKSCREENED TEMPLATES

Another investment in prep I made recently: transparent vinyl templates. In the picture above, I am holding a piece of vinyl that I screen printed with one of the screens I use from time to time. This is such a GREAT way to work out designs. I can move the vinyl all around, combine it with others, rotate it, or flip it to print mirror image. Fast, visual designing.

The brown trees in this picture are the pieces of vinyl I have laid down on the collage to test that pattern and placement. Yes. I want to print that and I want to print it there.

The black branches are now screen printed directly onto the collage-in-progress. I can feel pretty confident about how it will look by using the see-through pieces.

STEP BACK TO SEE THE BIG PICTURE

These paper artworks will be presented in a black mat. I keep one of the mats handy so I can check the composition in the mat regularly as I work. Seeing the piece in its final frame makes a big difference.

However you plan to present a work, try to think about that size, border color, and straightness as you work. Otherwise it’s easy to get absorbed in the details and paint yourself into a corner. 

CIRCLES AND ANGLES

The circles in this picture are embroidery hoops. I purchased a whole set of about a dozen in all sizes for just a few dollars at a thrift store. So useful! As with the vinyl pieces, I can design fast and visually just by moving them around to find the right spot and the right size. I sometimes also use the hoop as a painting guide and stencil.

Angles – In the picture above, I have my backing board propped up on an angle on my work table. (I generally use gallon containers of paint for this purpose.) It’s important, once you reach the designing stage, that you look at work-in-progress at the correct angle.

That’s why painters stand at their easels. That’s why quilt artists pin thing up on a vertical design wall to check on work as it evolves.

Standing at my worktable, if my work is flat and my head is on an angle looking down, I am perceiving a distortion. Just a bit of angle solves the problem.

KILLING FLATNESS

I will be adding a few little birds to these collaged works. I cut them out of printed muslin to be collaged into place. But, against the delicate printed tissue paper, these little pieces of fabric looked dull and lifeless. I decided to add just a tad of hand painted acrylic as a wash to create some depth and interest. I think they are much more appealing now.

Doing this work on a piece BEFORE incorporating it into the artwork allows me to be freer with experimenting. If I mess it up, all I’ve ruined is a little fabric scrap. I can make another one.

 I hope you’ve enjoyed this little visit to the studio with works-in-progress.

. . . . . . .

Just a reminder – If you are in Central Florida I hope you’ll come visit this wonderful, juried Festival in my hometown. I’ll be exhibiting. Please stop by and say hi.

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

How I keep in touch:

BLOG POSTS  - once a week:  Mostly about what I am creating in the studio. If you would enjoy receiving blog posts by e-mail, please subscribe here:  I post and send by e-mail each Sunday evening. BLOGS-BY-EMAIL

NEWSLETTER – about once a month: Mostly news of exhibits and my way of introducing new work. You’ll get FIRST LOOKS at new artwork and members-only discounts. You’ll hear from me about once a month.  NEWSLETTER