When people think about collages, the use of some sort of adhesive is typically a given. Usually, an array of materials are gathered up and “collaged” together in some sort of way to create the finished piece. At least, that is what most of have been taught anyway. Right?
Creating a collage using drawing techniques is a really fun way to explore creativity, as well as collage without making a mess. For those who are working on while traveling, working with children, or unable to pick up supplies, this project is perfect. For this mixed media art project, you will need the following materials:
- Your art journal or a sketchbook
- Drawing pencils
- Colored pencils
- Ballpoint pens in different colors
- A wide variety of stencils
- A Spirograph!
Follow these simple instructions for creating a mixed-media collage with drawing techniques:
- Using the drawing pencils, trace out stencil patterns in random areas throughout the page. If you are working with a page spread, be sure to fill it up completely. Add details to the stenciled images wherever desired. You may also wish to add some shading here and there, as well.
- Using the Spirograph and the ballpoint pens, create patterns layered over the stenciled images. Create as few or as many as you feel works for the page or pages you are constructing. You should begin seeing what resembles a collage at this point.
- With the colored pencils, create free hand drawings layered over the stenciled images and the Spiro graph patterns. Make these drawings as simple or as complex as you would like.
- Shade the edges of your page or pages with the edge of your pencil or with a dark colored pencil.
- Fill in any blank spots on the page with colored pencil. Block it in to make it look like a solid color as much as possible.
- Add any additional elements that might be missing. In other words, you might need more detail in the stenciled images or in the drawings. Or, you may need to brighten up the colors in the areas where you blocked in the color.
This is a great project to work with children on because it teaches them a lot about movement, texture, and the ability to layer elements that are not really there. The dimension created with a work like this will really surprise them. Try to use vibrant colors and, if desired, choose markers. There really are no rules aside from no glue.
