Why Collage Fodder is good for Watercolour Painters - Painting & Drawing Tips

 

I recently entered a NEW WORLD!

Some of my Mushroom Collage Fodder 

A World I never knew existed.  In a way, I think I felt like a Scientist that just discovered a New Star or a New Species.  How could I have missed this ? How long has it been in Existence?  Where did it come from?  

I know I am not a Collage Artist but really.  I do get around in the Art World, how did I miss this.  

Collage Fodder?? !!

What is it?  It is any material that can be used for Collaging.  Of course we have all seen work where artist are collecting, cutting, ripping and gluing things to make interesting new Art Work.  But I never really thought about Artists actively making the stuff they were going to cut up.  It always seemed like they 'collected it'. 

Well Artists do. Make it that is.  And it is the Collage Artists secret way of having TONS of FUN.  They make all kinds of things: patterns, flowers, people, leaves, writings, you name it. Not only make but sell it as well.  It is themed, colour coordinated, stylized, and more.  As I say A WHOLE NEW WORLD.  

No, I am not becoming a Collage Artists, but  . . . 

There is tons that can be learned from making Collage Fodder and using it in your work.  

NB.  My video "Why Should Watercolour Artist make Collage Fodder?"  has more information and ideas on Collage Fodder. Be sure and Check it out.   

Collage Fodder 101

 Right now my thing is Mushrooms so that was my  Collage Fodder Theme.
  

1. Draw mushrooms.  Lots of different shapes and sizes on a scrap piece of watercolour paper. May sure you do several of the same kind of shape, some big and some small.  (Great quick drawing practice) 

Painting my Mushrooms - trying different colours 

2.  Paint them: This was fun.  I painted them all different kinds of colours, used glazing, blending and mixing techniques.  I tried different shadows and shadow colours.  I experimented with different colour palettes.  ( Great quick watercolour practice, not only technique but colour theory )  

The fun part - adding little details 

3.  Grab Markers: I used coloured pens and white pens.  Outline and decorate your mushrooms once the paint is dry This was definitely fun.  Adding little decorations, bringing them to life.  (Fun drawing practice with pens)

Cutting out my Mushrooms - many I shouldn't have made such interesting shapes

4.  Cut your mushrooms out. Ok this is a little slow and tedious.  But afterwards fun to see how neat they looked. (cutting practice, no real benefit to a watercolourist I know but . . .)  

5.  Use your mushrooms. 
a.  Create your own collage page in your sketchbook (Practice in composition, colour theory, painting and drawing) I had fun just playing with the colour and working with my pen.  

Tried my hand at a little mix media 

b.  Decorate a Journal Page (Practice in composition, colour theory)  Simple little things can really make your pages more interesting and inviting.  You must admit these two chubby little mushrooms bring a smile to your face.  

Little decoration on my Journal Page 

c.  Make a Cover for a Sketchbook (Practice in composition, colour theory, painting and drawing) What can be nicer than to make your own sketchbook and design your own cover. I have only 2 pages left in my last creative sketchbook, I can hardly wait to crack this new one open.  

Front Cover of my New Sketchbook

d.  Build a painting around your mushrooms.  (Practice in composition, colour theory, painting and drawing)

Using your Collage Fodder will inspire you to do NEW Things. . . .

There are many different ways to use your Collage Fodder, but no matter what, you are getting a lot of skills working with it.  And I must add having Fun.  When working on your regular work your are focused on what you know.  There is pressure to do well.  So you stick to tried and true methods.  This is not the area for experimentation.  I can guarantee that making a little Fodder and using it, will stretch you out into new places. 

NB.  My video "Why Should Watercolour Artist make Collage Fodder?"  has more information and ideas on Collage Fodder. Be sure and Check it out.   

So next time you are at loose ends, grab some paper and start your own Collage Fodder collection.  

Outdoor Sketching Classes - On Now!!

Outdoor Sketching Classes are 2.5 hr sessions and located in parks in North Surrey and North Langley.  Beginners to Advanced are Welcome.  Mediums supported: watercolour, pen, pencil, watercolour pencils and coloured pencils.  You can sign up to as many sessions as you like.  Class Size: Max 3.  $50 per session.  

Class Dates: 
June 9 & 16: 10-12:30pm
July 7 & 28: 10-12:30pm
Aug 4 & 25: 10-12:30pm
Sept 1: 10-12:30pm 

Arrangements made for inclement weather.  
You are welcome to contact me for help in organizing your supplies for an Outing.  

 I am available for booking special outings for you and 1-2 of your friends. 

Gift Certificates are Available

Contact Wendy to register 

 Move your work to NEW LEVELS?  

Contact Me for:

1. Private Drawing Lesson: (3 Sessions 2.5 hr each $250)  North Langley, BC (Walnut Grove) 

Do you want your animals to breath, your flowers to sparkle or your people to walk?  Whatever subject your like to paint or draw I can build a drawing program for you.  Private Lessons allow you to focus on the skills you wish to develop.  Wendy is a experienced teacher, providing a calm, relaxing experience as you learn how to use the principles of drawing.  Beginner to Advanced are welcome.  Special rates for younger students.  Contact Wendy for More info

2.  Online: Teaching, Mentoring or Critiquing Your Work - Don't live in the Fraser Valley,  I would be happy to tailor a program just for you online.  Drawing and Painting Lessons, Mentoring you on your Art Journey or Critiquing Your Work with an Eye to Move It Forward.  Drawing & Painting Lessons: 2-30 sessions $75.  Mentoring or Critiquing 30 minutes sessions $25.  Flexible schedule and sessions can be longer or shorter depending on your goals. 

3.  Available at Art by Wendy's Studio

Original work, Commissions, Prints and Cards of her Work, 

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Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy