Mixed Media Collage: Painted Paper to Stunning Abstract in 3 Easy Steps

Oh the joys of paper! The texture, the dimension, the layering...mixed media collage is seductive in its appeal, and lends itself to myriad forms of expression. Paper can become whimsical, somber, reflective, poignant, statement-making...whatever! Now imagine making your own paper, in luscious jewel tones, or grounding earth tones, then ripping it up and letting it take on its own shape over a subtle watercolor background, according to your creative mood. 

Ah, mixed media. 

In this class, you will learn how to create a mixed media collage using delightful, hand-painted papers over watercolor underpaintings in a minimalist, emotionally-evocative, abstract design. And you'll do all of this 3 easy steps that you can apply right away. 

You'll learn these 3 steps from start to finish:

1. Learn to turn plain tissue paper into beautiful, richly-textured, hand-painted papers to use in your collage work
2. Create a basic watercolor background that supports your emotional theme & collage design
3. Compose and design an abstract collage and add other mixed media elements, such as stamping, ephemera, pen & ink, oil pastels, etc. 

In the end, you will have a wonderful, frame-ready piece that you can enjoy immediately.

This class is perfect for artists & creatives of any skill level. If you are interested in anything mixed media, anything collage, and are drawn to paper crafting or watercolor, this class is for you!

Materials Needed:

• White tissue paper
• Acrylic paint (2-5 colors)
• Tall kitchen trash bag
• Small bowl (x2)
• Paintbrushes (Natural bristle x1, wash brush x1, glue brush x1)
• Watercolor paper (5x7 - 9x12)
• Watercolor paint (tube paint preferred; 2-4 colors)
• Matte Medium
• Other mixed media elements: stamps, stamp pad, oil pastels, found paper, ephemera
• Optional: alcohol or spray ink in spray bottle, white gesso, stabilo pencil, Neocolors, stencils, etc. 

Now, let's go mix up some media!

• Intro
• Project Overview
• Tools & Materials
• Creating Hand Painted Paper
• Painting a Watercolor Background
• Composing Your Collage
• Adding Final Details to Make Your Piece POP
• Final Recap