An artist is not paid for his labor but for his vision...James McNeil Whistler

windowtoart "Mixed Media": Painting Collage 4   Collage 3   Dry Brush     Mixed Media     Choices

  Nice sizing makes this a very effective painting. At the top, a construction paper collage of 4 levels presents parts of body and wing.

  In the left section bright tempera contrasts in smooth blends and dry brush introduce the grasshopper.

  In the large right section, the intense colors are continued. Brown interval painted strokes define the body against dark, somewhat holey, bug chewed leaves.

  The center section is finely detailed with minute, assorted gray linear brush texturing, a welcome contrast against the bright hues. It looks almost skeletal. Below the bug is very small, one-directional broad stroke rendering which intentionally parallels the outside edges. He is one big, bright, beastie isn't he?

 This is a great painting unit to consider for experienced art students. Here are some ideas to keep in mind:

  • A tremendous amount of planning and time is required in completing this painting unit--3-5 weeks. At least one week is needed for sketching and technique color and material trials.
  • Suggest, simple, large shaped studies as subject matter because of the various painting and collage techniques that will follow.
  • Not all of the original drawing needs to be retained, especially with only a few sections to be cut.
  • Students should be familiar with grid design, collage construction, color study and various painting styles and techniques.
  • The number of interval sections is optional--4 is minimum, 5 is very workable and 6 or more requires greater diversity in materials and techniques.
  • Require good, clean craftsmanship. The total unit time should allow for "makeovers" of poorly rendered sections.
  • Background material should support whatever heavy collages the students might construct. We left our backgrounds (colored tag board) unpainted to allow the individual sections to have complete interest and attention. However, brayer painted, palette knifed, airbrush sprayed color applications might be tried too. You choose!
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