I love these little bits of paper and the freedom and texture they bring to my collage work – each piece tells a story.
In the world of collage, scraps of painted paper are like hidden gems waiting to be discovered. They bring so much to the table – colour, texture, words, feelings and bits of you.
Why I Love Painted Paper Scraps?
- Endless Variety: From different brushstrokes to subtle washes, so many different visual textures that are difficult to replicate with pre-printed papers.
- Custom Colour Palettes: You have complete control over the colours, allowing you to create custom palettes that perfectly suit you.
- Expressive Marks: The act of painting papers can be very freeing and intuitive. On the days when nothing seems to work or you are stuck in a blank moment – make some collage papers!
- Zero-Waste Art: It’s a fantastic way to use leftover paint and paper, turning potential “waste” into something beautiful and useable.
- Personal Touch: Creating your own painted papers means you create your collage with a deeply personal and handmade quality.
How to Create and Use Painted Paper Scraps:
- Gather Your Supplies:
- Paper (mixed media, drawing, newsprint, tissue, book pages, etc.)
- Paints (acrylics, tempera, watercolors, gouache)
- Tools for texture (brushes, palette knives, sponges, stamps, etc.)
- Experiment with Techniques:
- Abstract washes, textural painting, monoprinting, crayon resist, layering.
- Incorporate into Your Collages:
- Cut, tear, layer, and arrange scraps to create focal points, backgrounds, and intricate details.
- Combine them with other media like found papers, fabric, and stitching.
Now for more fun – gather your scraps and get creative – let the magic of painted paper transform your next collage!
What’s your favourite way to add texture to your art?