There were two lessons in this week’s Life Book course and I managed to find time to complete one of them. The object of the lesson was to create a piece inspired by a hummingbird incorporating collage as one of the media being utilised. I have been using collage regularly as a background or otherwise visually minimal element but it has been a while since I have used collage papers as a prominent feature so that was fun. I used origami papers for the wing and tail feathers and then drew with activated Inktense pencils over the top of the collage in order to make it cohere with the body, which I painted with watercolour. It’s a simple piece in technique and outcome but it provided just the therapeutic decompression I needed in yet another over-scheduled week.
A Pict in PA 
I really like this. I enjoy seeing collage used as part of a drawing or figure. I’m not much of an “intuitive collager” so this application really catches my eye.
Thanks, Ellie. Collage doesn’t come naturally to me either. I tend to either over-think it so it becomes too contrived or I don’t think enough and it’s just a sloppy, visually frenetic mess. I enjoy the process though so I’m going to keep working away at it.
this turned out beautifully, i love your version of a hummingbird.
Thank you, Nicia. I’m glad I found time to respond to that lesson as it was very enjoyable and calming to do.
This is exceptional – collage always intrigues me but is always beyond me.
I don’t believe it’s beyond you if it’s not beyond me. Give it a try. You may surprise yourself.
You make it seem simple and easy. But I just may give it a go. 😀
This looks very 2017, like things I see in frames at stores.
Me? On trend? What the heck is going on in the world if I’m on trend? 😂
It’s very pretty!
Thank you. I’m glad you like it.
I love this… I’m always amazed at how you find time to create these awesome pieces!
Thank you. I’ve found I actually need art as a creative outlet in my life so I do my best to make time for it. It means other things get sacrificed (TV viewing and reading) but it’s worth it.
Sounds familiar! I feel that way about knitting… And I get a little stir-crazy when I don’t get a chance to do any!
Oh I love it! I can almost see the movement in the wings and tail feathers! And I love how strong the watercolor on the body is.
Thank you! Funnily enough, that’s my kids’ cheap watercolours as those were to hand while mine weren’t.
Ha! I sometimes find that cheap supplies work very well. There is this question of their lightfastness, but as long as the piece is in a journal, it does not really matter.
Precisely.