This year began with online courses from 2 different mixed media collage artists. Cat Rains’ Collage Kickstart Live class covered some new painting and mark making techniques for making collage papers. I used those papers to create a series of small collage sketches.
I also took Kellee Wynne’s course, The Layered Page. From her course, I created different painted backgrounds by rolling the paint on in layers using a brayer. Stencils were used to apply patterns to the painted surface. I then printed collage papers using a Gelli plate. Some of those papers were added as collage to create an additional layer. Kellee ultimately used her layered pages to create a small journal. I used mine to create the backgrounds for several new collages. This is not the manner in which I normally work, but it was a great experience to step outside my comfort zone, and approach mixed media collage from a new direction. I’m pleased with the finished pieces shown below from left to right: Strip Away Layers, Watch It Grow. Starts of Daylight, and Set in Motion.
I'm also getting ready for 4 classes that I'll be teaching in the next few weeks. I'm offering both of my collage classes, Collage Grid Sketches and The Art of Mixed Media Collage at Green Door Art Gallery in St. Louis, MO on Saturday, February 24. I'm also teaching classes at Crown Center Senior Living both later this month and in March.
There are still openings available for both of my collage classes. Collage Grid Sketches will be offered in the morning, from 9am-12pm. The Mixed Media Collage class will follow in the afternoon, from 1-4pm.
The Collage Grid Sketches class uses the grid format of small collages to develop compositions as you experiment, discover and play. You'll be creating collage papers using painting and mark making techniques, including some new ones that I picked up in the Collage Kickstart Live course.
In The Art of Mixed Media Collage class, you'll apply design principles to create an original collage composition.
If you’re interested in more information about the classes, including costs and registration information, you can contact me here.
Finally, I wanted to let you know that I have been accepted into the Art Fair at Queeny Park, which takes place on April 5-7, 2024 at the Greensfelder Recreational Complex located at 550 Weidman Rd, Ballwin, MO 63011. I'll provide more information about times and tickets as it becomes available.