Collage

When you talk about art, most people automatically think of painting and drawing. They never even consider collage an art form, but it is a very popular and well known art form. I love collage. I hope that by the end of this post, you too will enjoy this relaxing and fun way to make art.

How I start:

How I approach making a collage is this: first, I determine what it is I want to say with my piece. I like to start with some type of quotation, and I keep a book full of them just for this purpose, but you can easily find quotes online about just about anything. I like to have them handy so I don’t have to get lost on the internet when I want to do art.

What to Use:

After I find something that speaks to me, I start gathering images from around my art room. I hoard these things in files and boxes. When I see an image that speaks to me, I always cut it out and save it. If you don’t have such a supply, just collect some old magazines, papers, mail, etc. Usually, something will jump out at you. You can create a collage just with colors, letters, numbers, symbols, etc. if that is what you want to do. There are no rules.

When I have my images, paints, etc. collected, I think about the best way to present the idea from my quotation. I usually play around at this point just placing images and colors around until it suits me. Then I begin gluing down the pieces and adding paint where I feel it needs to be. When I am pleased with the arrangement and feel it says what I want it to say, I write in the quotation by hand.

What I do with finished pieces:

Completing a collage, makes me feel good and I usually put them up for me to look at for a while, then I keep them in a book for future reference. It is fun to go back and look at old art I did and see how my style and technique has changed. I hope you consider saving your own art to review at a later date. It is lots of fun!

There are many artists on Instagram and Pinterest who collage and I recommend you look at their work to get a feel for the medium. There are also many YouTube videos you can watch. In the mean time, I want to give you a brief glimpse into artists who used collage in the past and a very brief look at technique for collage.

Meaning of the word:

Collage, derived from the French verb “coller” meaning “to glue”, is a unique and transformative art form that has been embraced by artists for centuries. Using diverse materials, from paper to fabrics, to create layered and multi-dimensional pieces, collage transcends traditional art mediums. Its profound ability to convey complex ideas through juxtaposed elements has made it an indispensable tool for various artistic movements.

 History and Prominent  Collage Artists:

From early 20th-century avant-garde movements to modern day digital compositions, countless artists worked with collage. Some of the most notable include:

• Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque: Often credited as the pioneers of collage in modern art. Their innovative techniques blended painted scenes with collaged elements, resulting in a revolutionized perspective on Cubism.
• Hannah Höch: A significant figure in the Dada movement, Höch utilized collage to challenge societal norms, particularly related to women and gender roles.
• Robert Rauschenberg: An American artist known for his “combines”, which merged painting, sculpture, and collage. His work integrated everyday objects to blur the lines between art and life.
• Romare Bearden: His collages depicted African-American life, blending cultural motifs, textures, and photographic elements.Starting with Collage:

Starting Collage:

For budding artists or those wanting to dip their toes into collage, here are some steps to guide your journey:

• Gather Materials: Begin with magazines, newspapers, old photographs, postcards, and any paper-based material that captures your interest.
• Select a Base: Canvases, cardboard, wooden boards, or even old books work.
• Design Your Layout: Before gluing, play with arrangements. Think of how each element interacts with the next.
• Glue & Seal: Use a good quality glue or mod podge. Ensure that each piece attaches completely to prevent bubbles. Once dried, seal with a clear sealant to protect your work.
• Get Creative: Consider integrating painting, drawing, or even stitching into your collage. The sky’s the limit!

It is more than just an art form; it’s a reflection of society, culture, and personal expression. Its roots run deep in art history, and its influence remains strong in contemporary works. As an ever-evolving medium, collage continues to inspire, provoke, and captivate.

We have talked about various types of art forms before. Here is a link to my favorite one: Your Artistic Voice: Using Creativity to Find It

Here, also, are some articles that pertain to making collages for you to read and enjoy:

Collage For Beginners — What You Need To Get Started

3 Simple Tips for Making Collage 

Make a Collage With Your Newspaper 

And if you are interested in taking a course or two to learn more about this topic, here is a link to great classes:

Online Collage courses 

Here is a link to all the craft items you might need to make your own collage: (this is an affiliate link and I will make a few pennies if you use it, but it will not cost you any extra)  Collage Necessities