How to Make Collage Art

• Step 1

  Select a subject. Possible subjects are family, events, special occasions, memories or an abstract idea. Once you select the subject, think of possible visual representations of it. A photograph, memento, poem, or a symbol may best represent the subject. This will be the focal point of your collage.

• Step 2

  Choose a base that is sturdy and can stand up to being wet. Watercolor paper is an excellent base, as it is thick and will not warp with application of wet paint and glue.

• Step 3

  Find your materials. Scraps of paper in various sizes, colors and textures are good basic collage materials. Use scrapbooking paper, old postcards, wrapping paper, cardboard, old books, or any other available paper. Other possibilities include scraps of fabric, string and wire. To select additional materials, think about the visual of your subject and whether it lends itself to any particular textures. Perhaps a nature theme could include sticks, leaves or moss. A birthday theme could incorporate confetti or streamers.

• Step 4

  Paint the base. Acrylic works well as a multipurpose paint because it can be used to achieve many different looks. Mix it with water to apply a light, translucent wash of pale color over your entire base. For more vivid, rich color, do not water-down the paint before applying it. Alternatively, you can cover the base with large blocks of printed paper. Painting over the patterned paper with water-thinned paint will make the printing more subtle.

• Step 5

  Plan the basic layout of your design. Decide where the main focal point will be and perhaps a secondary focal point for balance.

• Step 6

  Begin building layers to give depth and highlight the focal point. Coat the back of each piece with glue before adhering it to the base. Vary the texture of paper by tearing some edges and cutting some clean edges with scissors. Fray the edges of some fabric pieces while leaving other cut edges straight.

• Step 7

  As you build layers and create shapes, use paint to create effects. Layering different paint colors is a collage technique that adds instant depth. Experiment by painting a block of color, allowing it to dry, then painting over it with a different color. Wipe or brush away some of the second layer of paint while it is still wet, allowing the color beneath to show through. A second easy paint technique is to splatter paint on some or part of the collage in progress. To do this, water down the paint. Load a large brush with the watery paint. Hold the brush over the collage and tap it with your finger to create a splatter pattern.

• Step 8

  Add final embellishments to further draw attention to the focal point and add visual variety. Try different ways to alter items such as photographs. For example, print black and white photos on white paper and colorize portions of them with paint. Applying an acrylic glaze or gel medium over the painted image will give further depth. Finally, use a pen, pencil, or marker to add fine details.

• 3
• Watercolor paper Acrylic paint Paint brushes Water Palette Scraps of paper Scissors Glue Found objects
• Watercolor paper
• Acrylic paint
• Paint brushes
• Water
• Palette
• Scraps of paper
• Scissors
• Glue
• Found objects
• Use acid-free collage materials. This will be difficult or impossible to determine for some found objects, but you should be able to verify that glue, writing tools and paper are acid-free. Glue sticks are easy to use, not messy, and allow you to easily adjust the placement of pieces if needed, but any type of glue that dries clear will work. The scrapbooking section of your local craft store is a great place to find decorative items, paper, tools and inspiration.
• Use acid-free collage materials. This will be difficult or impossible to determine for some found objects, but you should be able to verify that glue, writing tools and paper are acid-free.
• Glue sticks are easy to use, not messy, and allow you to easily adjust the placement of pieces if needed, but any type of glue that dries clear will work.
• The scrapbooking section of your local craft store is a great place to find decorative items, paper, tools and inspiration.

References & Resources

• ArtLex Art Dictionary
• The Art of Personal Imagery; Corey Moorgat; 2007
• Creativity Portal