Using Collage as a Substrate for an Oil and Cold Wax Painting

I teach a mixed media class at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Studio School. I suggested a challenge to the class that involved making a random collage and then painting over it. Since then, I have been using this process in my own work. The idea is to put collage elements down without much thought....akin to an automatic drawing process. It is an excellent way to unlock creativity and engage the subconscious. Then, using paint (I usually use oil and cold wax medium) along with mark-making tools and maybe more collage, I find a composition. 

Papers for the Collage
I use a variety of papers. I like vintage wallpaper, dress patterns, papers I made on a gel plate, stained rice paper, fabric, artist grade tissue paper, packaging, tape, etc. I like a mix of opaque and transparent papers. I am partial to absorbent papers rather than slick/shiny papers because they adhere well.

Substrate
I am preparing for a show in October 2024 and the pieces will be 36" x 30" so I am building the collages directly onto custom made cradled wood panels. For smaller studies, I like Arches Oil paper and Multi Media Artboard. 

Glue
I use acrylic matte medium to glue the papers down. It does cause some papers to buckle because of the high moisture content but since one of my goals is to build a textured surface that does not bother me. If I have a thick or uneven paper, like corrugated cardboard, I will switch to a gel medium for better adhesion. 

Clear Gesso
Because I like oil paint, I seal the entire collage with two coats of clear gesso to protect the paper from the acidity of the oil paint. 

Getting Started on the Composition
I often begin with charcoal to start identifying shapes and structure to the piece. Other favorite mark-making tools are graphite, Caran d'ache neocolor 2 crayons, Prismacolor pencils, and R&F pigment sticks. Initially,  I try to keep some of the papers that I really like and build the composition around them. But of course, you have to be open to letting your favorite bits go to get the best painting. Sometimes I end up painting over the entire collage and sometimes I use very little paint. 

Developing the Painting
I keep trying to find shapes and shape relationships. I do not have any idea when I start what the piece is going to look like. I study it, make a move, study again, make another move, etc. until I can't think of anything else I think will enhance the image. Somewhere along the way I try and think about color, value, and all of the visual elements but I am initially more concerned with shapes. Even though I don't have a specific outcome in mind for the painting, I work with a set of intentions, a way of working that I learned during a workshop with Rebecca Crowell. 

Protecting the Painting
Because I use a variety of mark-making tools that are water soluble, when I am finished with the painting I carefully cover the entire piece with a layer of cold wax medium to help ensure its stabiity.

Thank you for visiting my website and I hope this inspires you to give this a try.