Collage tutorial
TUTORIAL
- Watercolor paper (cold press or rough, at least 140 lbs)
- Masa paper (can be ordered from Cheap Joes Art Stuff)
- Masonite or formica board
- Plastic gloves
- Plastic container (cool whip size)
- Acrylic gloss medium or matte medium (your choice)
Tape your sheet of watercolor paper on the board. You can use an old painting or a new sheet. You have the choice of leaving it blank, give it a watercolor wash,or make a skeleton drawing.
Mix in tub glue and some water to a creamy consistency. Stir well with a stick or plastic spoon.
Tear (do not use scissors) pieces of masa paper, dip one at the time in the glue mixture, squeeze it, open it delicately and glue it on the paper. Be sure it is well applied either all over the entire surface or partially according to your preconceived design.
Put waxed paper on top of the whole surface, set heavy books or other objects on it and let it dry thoroughly (one or two days).
For the actual painting process you can use any watermedia, oil is not recommended. Don't use too much water so the masa paper does not unglue. You can draw lightly your design or just work with colors and the texture you will obtain on that surface.Use sponges, spattering paint with a toothbrush will help create texture.
After the painting process is completed let the picture dry at least 24 hours covered by waxed paper and under heavy weight to keep it from buckling. Then apply a couple of coats of acrylic gloss varnish or matte medium. You can experiment to choose one or the other. As for the framing if two coats of acrylic medium have been applied you can frame your picture without glass. If glass is desired be sure that your picture does not touch the glass. The best solution is to get a shadow box frame which keeps the painting away from the glass by at least one fourth of an inch.