What is Mixed-Media Collage Painting?

The word “collage” comes from the French coller, to glue.  Collage art consists of using pieces of paper and other objects and assembling them onto a surface to form an artistic composition.   I use collage as a means of constructing an image in order to create a painting that has depth and graphic interest, and often serves as a basis for additional enhancement with acrylic paint.

 I use translucent layers of paper and clear acrylic paint medium to build a textured surface on the canvas, to which I apply washes of color in order to create a likeness of a person.  The resulting portrait has a look that has a sculptural, crinkly surface texture but has clarity through color and form.  My intention is to visually describe the beauty of our imperfect human qualities through this medium and technique.

All images ©Valeree Landy 2007