Collage & Mixed Media

About this course

Learners explore collage through demonstrations, visual handouts, verbal explanation and practical experimentation. The course introduces techniques including frottage, grattage, mono printing, painting, textural processes, photomontage and small-scale relief, alongside examples from modern and contemporary collage artists and basic art history. Class time centres on making work, with one-to-one guidance and group discussions used to review pieces and develop ideas. Later projects allow learners to investigate a chosen technique or subject in greater depth, with each course concluding in a review and informal exhibition of finished work.

What you'll learn

• Describe aspects of collage history and the work of influential artists
• Use a range of collage and mixed media materials and techniques
• Combine collage with painting, drawing and printing
• Create and manipulate texture in collage and mixed media work
• Use photography or photomontage within collage compositions
• Develop a personal collage or mixed media project and apply constructive criticism

Is this course right for you?

The course is designed for complete beginners as well as learners with previous experience of collage or other art forms. Its all-levels format combines demonstrations and guided activities with opportunities for more experienced participants to pursue an extended personal project. Classes include individual guidance, group discussion and reviews of participants' work.

• No previous experience or skills are necessary
• The course can be taken as individual courses or followed consecutively
• It may suit learners developing a varied portfolio for further education applications

Before you go

• Participants need sharp scissors or nail scissors, a small Pritt stick, acrylic paints and/or watercolours, and inexpensive paintbrushes.
• Useful additional materials include a craft knife with spare blades, cutting mat, metal ruler, textured or patterned papers, fabric, found objects, packaging, photographs and printed images.
• There is no compulsory homework, although learners are encouraged to continue exploring ideas between classes and may be given relevant reading.