How to Picture Collage a Canvas
Creating a collage with cherished images can be a fulfilling experience. Using the proper techniques will help you create a wall-worthy and personally meaningful piece of art. Before you can begin, you must gather the elements you desire to incorporate into your collage. These elements should be similar in theme and color. Select photos to use as focal points and have a variety of decorative elements to incorporate, including stamps, papers, old letters, pressed flowers, tissue paper or fabric.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Canvas
- Copies of photographs (with 1 to 3 to be used as the central focal points) or photo stamps on card stock
- A variety of papers, stamps, fabrics and other decorative embellishments
- Matte gel medium
- 2-3 colors of acrylic paint
- Art brushes
- Acrylic glazing liquid
Instructions
-
Preparation
-
1
Prepare your canvas by applying a layer of matte gel medium over the entire canvas. This will also be your adhesive for adding photos and other embellishments to the collage. Applying this solution in a thin layer over the canvas primes it to produce a smooth texture to apply your collage technique. Let dry.
-
2
Paint the canvas with a combination of two to three colors of acrylic paint, based on your desired color scheme.Paint the entirety of the canvas, combining the colors in streaks or blocks. Let dry completely.
-
-
3
Make several copies of your photos in case of error.
Design the Collage
-
4
Use your gathered embellished papers, along with photos that you do not want as a focal point, to create your collage background. You may desire to tear or layer these elements; place them on the canvas without using adhesive first to achieve your desired visual, then adhere them to the canvas using the gel medium. A thin layer will work well as a glue.
-
5
Add textured pieces, such as pressed flowers or fabric, for additional interest. Brush on a thin layer of the gel medium to adhere to the canvas.
-
6
Take a step back and look at the background you've created. If you feel it necessary to add more color or texture, layer additional papers or embellishments to create an appropriate background. You may also want to lightly brush on an acrylic glazing liquid to unify the piece.
-
7
Choose one to three photos as the central focal element(s) to display within the center of the canvas. This will bring a sense of order to the piece once adhered over the background. Adhere these photos using a layer of gel medium.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Choose an appropriately sized canvas for your project and skill level. It is best to start small for your first collage: try a 12 inch-by-12 inch or smaller size. This will allow you to hone your skills without spending a lot of money; larger canvases can be expensive.
The gel medium will appear white when first applied, but will dry clear.
The focal elements should be photos printed on matte paper or photo stamps inked on card stock, large enough to see clearly amongst the background layers and appropriate for the size of the canvas.
