From Watercolors to Collage and I’m in Love

09.01.2023

I created the first 5 sketches or studies for this project in watercolor and found myself being too fussy, too precious, too focused on realistic representation, and fighting with the media more than I was figuring out the compositions, which is usually the primary focus of my sketches. So after a sort of light bulb moment I realized that collage is the best method to use for these studies. After all, I am planning on constructing these paintings using pieces of cutout wood panels very similar to the process of creating a paper collage. The next 5 studies shown here were created with painted paper and paint marker and pencil were used to create additional lines or bits of texture. All color palettes are still taken directly from my inspiration photos. This method is also allowing me to more easily visualize the individual pieces that will need to be cut out in the final construction of these paintings. I am trying to keep it to 3-4 pieces per painting. And maybe most important of all, I had SO MUCH FUN making them and I think it shows in the end result.

I’m excited to continue with the planning and experimenting phase, but also will be submitting my project proposal this coming week to the European Cultural Center and the Venice Art Factory for exhibition space consideration! Fingers crossed!

Just a reminder, you can support this project by donating to my GoFundMe campaign and these studies will be made into limited edition prints as one of the gifts for my supporters.