Studio Visit #9: Drying Rack for Collage Paper

It's no secret that I loooooove my gull wing drying rack.

It's such an efficient way to air-dry my collage papers.  It offers great value for the money, folds up flat, and means that I'm not constantly elbow deep in wet papers. I put together a short video all about it.  Plus, take a peek through my collage papers and hear my thoughts on them:

You'll note that in the video I chat a bit about the kinds of collage papers I like to make. This is something that I'm currently covering extensively in my Collage Faces class.  In essentials, a collage paper palette refers to the selection of papers that an artist uses to create their collage work. These papers can include a wide range of types, colors, textures, and patterns.  However, by having a thoughtful collage paper palette, artists can create more cohesive collages more quickly and easily. 

In a way, it's similar to the way a painter might work with a limited palette of colors.

Working with a limited palette can make you better at making art.  Seriously.  Limited palettes can help you in a number of ways:

• Unity: By working with a limited palette, you simplify your color choices, which usually leads to a more unified and harmonious composition.

• Prevents Overwhelm: Working with a limited palette allows you to focus on the essentials of color relationships and value contrasts without getting overwhelmed by a wide range of options.

• Faster Learning: Working with a limited palette can accelerate your mastery of color mixing and color harmony. By understanding how a limited number of colors interact and blend, you are able to focus and learn rapidly.

• Conceptual Focus: Less of a focus on color can be used to direct the viewer's attention to other aspects of the artwork, such as composition, form, texture, or subject matter. By reducing the complexity of color, you can emphasize other elements and concepts you wish to explore or convey in your work.

• Challenge and Creativity: Restricting yourself to a limited palette can be seen as a creative challenge.  Think of all the color challenges on the internet! Working with a limited palette encourages you to think outside the box. Limitations can often spark innovative solutions.  I know that they always push me to explore new techniques or ideas.

If you're interested in exploring how a limited palette works, check out my online class all about it.

Thanks for stopping by!