How to create torn paper collage and mosaic fine art

Fine Art is created using the artist hands to tear tiny bits of recycled magazine paper; layering the pieces using everyday glue to the canvas of choice. Many artists have chosen to create their work in mixed media or collage, the artwork described in this article will focus on only using hand torn paper to create impressionistic art similar to the popular french impressionists work.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Old magazines
• Multi purpose glue
• Inexpensive small to medium size brush
• stretch canvas or canvas board

1. Collage Mosaic Torn Paper Using sections of magazine color, hold the paper at one end, with your nails tear the paper. You will notice that the magazine paper has a tendency to rip easily in one direction and not as easy in the other. I prefer to tear the paper with the grain so that the paper tear is easy and clean. Tearing the paper this way allows you to create a clean edge on one side and a white edge on the other, depending on how you want to layer the color and how you want your work to look, will depend on which piece you use.
2. Torn Paper Recycling Collage Mosaic Layering the paper is easy. Start by thinning down a small amount of general purpose white glue. Elmers glue works fine. Then with a small inexpensive brush wash a layer of glue on your canvas surface, place your piece of torn paper onto the glue surface, wash a second layer of glue onto the piece of paper. This will do two things for you it will help to secure the first layer of color to your canvas, as well as provide the necessary glue to begin to layer your next section of color.
3. Paper Mosaic Collage If you are looking to create a "painted look" to your collage then it's recommended to use only the torn pieces that don't have the white line along the edge. Using like shades of color will also help to create a blended look rather then a sectioned or mosaic finish. Using more of the white edged pieces will provide a mosaic look to the work, allowing for lines to occur between the torn pieces of paper. both techniques allow you to create different torn paper art.
4. Polo Art Torn Paper Mosaic The artwork featured here looks as if each piece was painted, but on closer examination you reveal it's true medium. No paint was used, no cutting, only hand torn and layered bits of paper and glue. The artist is hands on throughout the process. It is relaxing, and rewarding work and can be picked up and put down on a moments notice, great for the busy artist who gets little to no time to sit and relax with their work.

Tips & Warnings

• Smaller canvas are recommended, stretch canvas is great to work on
• Use a wide variety of magazines for a great source of different color paper
• Great way to recycle
• If you choose to create a larger piece of art, its recommended that you use stretch canvas, if you use a canvas board it will tend to bend after the work dries.