Being faced with so many choices can be overwhelming
and even counterproductive. Over the years I have devel-
oped ways of organizing my collage elements according
to themes. This means that, when I'm about to start a new
collage, I don't have to dive into a huge box full of mixed
images and text. I simply select a box labeled "Women's Un-
derwear" or "Shakespeare's Theatre" or "Leaves and Seeds."
It is absolutely true that, barring copyright infringement,
any found image can be used to make a collage. Rather
than saving every magazine you can lay your hands on,
consider your own particular interests. Make a list of sub-
jects that are particularly attractive to you: birds, butter-
flies, cats, trees, old cars, soccer, dancing, music. From now
on, when you're leafing through a magazine, tear out only
those pages that focus on these subjects. (If you're afraid
you'll decide on other subjects later, just keep a stack of
these magazines somewhere. If you're feeling brave, toss
them. There are plenty more where they came from!)
Now you're ready to fill your labeled theme boxes.
Starting a Mixed-
Media Collage
To begin a piece of work, you should try to limit yourself to
a dozen or so images from one particular box. One or two
will be larger so that they can act as focal points; the rest
will be medium or small.
Next, experiment with a variety of ways of laying these
onto your support. Decide on which will probably be your
"star" image, which will be merely background "scenery,"
and which will be your supporting actors. Sometimes you
may decide on more than one main image. Remember,
none of this is set in stone-remain flexible, bearing in
mind that you will be using paint to alter and cover up
some of your collage.
1
~hOUgh you won't want to glu e all your
collage pieces before you add other media,
having an idea of their overall arrangement
can help you to get started. Without glu ing,
simply arrange the images on your support
and take a digital photo. Use the print as a
guide to composition as you work. The final
ar rangement may turn out differently, but
this tool can give you confidence!ABOVE: There are probably too
many images here for t he final
piece. but at fea st it's a manage-
able selection. You won't be
spoiled for choice.LEFT: Leave p lenty of blank space
to allow for areas that will be
painted rather than col/aged.L AYERI N C PAINT " N O F OUND IMAGES 1 69