PASTELS, TISSUE AND INK

 The heading above is the exact order in which this mixed media collage is accomplished. It begins with a rough pastel idea which we call "stage 1". Then, an overlay tracing paper is made of the contour design. Here a visual plan is made for tissue paper placement (stage 2) and the final drawing in pen and ink (stage 3.) The first example below shows this sequence.

  The design is sketched in pastels with the colors most likely to be used. Stage 1 is finished.

  Stage 2 is transferring the contours on a sheet of tracing paper. Texture and background are planned here.

  Tracing paper is used to transfer the outlines to the final drawing paper using a window or light table. Tissue colors are cut to desired shapes and attached with paper cement. The final part of Stage 3 is to add textures and background lines with pen and ink.

  The last two examples show how the ink details add a final dimension and clarity to the design. New ideas are always possible and as the first drawing shows, planned backgrounds can become something different.