Saturday, March 28, 2009

Just For Fun!

'Hot Pear' - torn paper collage

For those of you who followed the color discussions / exercises from a few posts back (starting with Value of Texture), here is a fun project that goes just a little further! Inspired by the amazing collage work by Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson, this Still Life Collage project is one I do with 3rd through 6th graders after having them go through all of the color study work that you have done.

All of the elements we've discussed so far come into play:
All you need to know on how to do these has been covered in the 3 posts referenced above. But if you have questions, please let me know!

Here are a few pieces I made - each in under an hour (that's how long my classroom time is). I don't claim to be a collage artist and many of you will do oh-so-much-more with this - but boy it's a blast! And that's what it is all about, isn't it?

Here is a variation on the pear theme. This time the background is low value and more saturated. The pear is high value and low saturation.

'White Pear' - torn paper collage

This scene was inspired by a logo on the magazine I tore up to make the collage!:


'Little House in the Hills' - torn paper collage

A few years ago I planted a symphony of sunflowers in my garden - red, orange, chocolate, yellow with red centers... with the idea that I would fill my house with huge, colorful bouquets all summer and fall. Unfortunately, I'm allergic to pollen and do you know how much pollen sunflowers contain? Aaaarrgh! I can't breathe within 15 minutes of walking into a house with them. So much for that. But I still love these gorgeous flowers and enjoy them in my garden.

'Sunflower' - torn paper collage

Apples and pears are such fabulous subjects for beginning artists learning about value - I have my little students (the grade schoolers) draw them with charcoal, reverse charcoal, paint them in acrylics and even use them in collage. I really dig them!

'Red Apple' - torn paper collage

'Tulips' - torn paper collage

All of the above are pretty simple shapes, but you could go even simpler and just try a sphere! This one started out on it's side but seemed to be eerily floating in air. So I tipped it over and added a lamp post - see it doesn't have to be a gorgeous work of art! It's just for fun!

'Mardi Gras Lamp' - torn paper collage

And here is one my 11 year old son did...

'Tree on the Hill' - Morgan Gilbert

16 comments:

  1. I have found your blog via Magstitch, and am so glad - what wonderful collages you have made here, and your son has obviously inherited your skills. I love the idea of collage though am not very good at it. It often reminds me of mosaic but seems to have more freedom. I need to learn more colour theory and am just off to take a look at those links you kindly left for us.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow! I just babble in my blog! You make yours really worth working on - fun, beautiful photos, and a lesson all in one! Look forward to your updates....

    ReplyDelete
  3. Love these collages Beverly
    Thanks for your lovely comments on my work and photos,
    Have a great weekend

    ReplyDelete
  4. i'd forgotten how fun tearing up magazines with my kids was! i wish i could round them up with glue sticks again - sadly, greasy truck engines are far more fun for them now.

    ReplyDelete
  5. How fun Beverly! I still haven't had a chance to do the last exercise, but I sure can't wait to. Thanks posting them:)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Beverly you are just so creative! These are amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Well Beverly, I think you hit the nail on the head. More solid color in the background. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your honest critique. Very refreshing.

    I can see that you are the color guru. The proof is right here in front of us all.

    The first pear is my favorite. I think that the parts used, as in the items on the torn pages, pulled me in right away.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Isn't it a bit silly that I *know* I can't make something look, well, real enough? I don't think my pear would look like a pear! lol I'm thinking I should start small - with the other exercises and try to work up to this. *sigh* Just not enough time in the day to do everything I want to do....

    ReplyDelete
  9. These are so cool- I really must try it! Must. put. down. crochet. hook. now.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi you Morgan, what a wonderful job you did. I hope I am the one in the collage you made? Even if I just look like a guy there ;-) It looks to me as an amazing place to subside. I'll keep looking into moms blog if there will by any collage you made that will have me (the redheaded one who always tickles you) in it.
    Beverly I love the fact that you keep inspirering me and lots of others.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thankyou Beverly! The bead soups I won for commenting on your blog arrived today.
    They look gorgeous, lovely rich colours. I will do my best to make good use of them & I've put a link to you on my blog.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Wow, I guess artistic talent and creativity run in the family! How nice you could share that with your son and then share it with us!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Surprise! Awarded:) Please go to my blog.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Beverly, this is an excellent exercise! I have some catching up to do before I get to this one but it's interesting how these produce pieces of art unto themselves. It reminds me of collages I've seen done with butterfly wings that look like paintings but upon closer inspection reveal wings of all shapes colors and sizes to create beautiful works of art. Cannot wait to attempt this exercise and see how I fare. Thanks again for sharing your expertise with all of us! Have a great day.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I really like this. Makes me want to go into my studio and try it.
    robin

    ReplyDelete