Create a collage that incorporates pattern, line and geometric shapes!
Download Activity
Erik Barthels, Re-rooting, 2022, Acrylic on canvas, decal on paper, 40 x 30 inches, Collection of the artist
Erik Barthels’ paintings explore his relationship with memory, music, and cultural shifts through abstraction. His work has been featured in exhibitions and fairs in the U.S. Recent group exhibitions include Uprise Art (New York, NY) and Midway Gallery (San Francisco, CA.) His work will be included in New American Paintings (#160), and will be featured with Uprise Art at Art on Paper fair in New York this fall.
Supplies
Cardstock, patterned paper scissors, glue stick.
Instructions
Step 1: Look at Erik Barthels’ artwork. What do you notice about it? What do you like the most about this collage? Barthels uses different lines, patterns, textures, and shapes to create unique collages. Notice that the collage is asymmetrical and colorful.
Step 2: Use cardstock as your background.
Step 3: Pick a color or pattern paper that you want to use for the elements in your collage.
Step 4: Pre-cut collage pieces or cut them out as you go. Use scissors to cut out any shapes that you may want to use. Use Barthels’ artwork to inspire you. What geometric shapes do you see in the artwork? Try to incorporate some of the same elements that Barthels used in your collage.
Step 5: Take a moment to arrange the elements of your collage. What is the composition of your work? Will the pieces overlap? Will you place similar shapes together?
Step 6: Adhere the collage pieces to the background paper using a glue stick. Put glue on the back of the pieces and also on the background paper. Press them down. When complete, let dry for a few minutes.
SEE ERIK BARTHELS’ RE-ROOTING IN LOUISIANA CONTEMPORARY 2022 PRESENTED BY THE HELIS FOUNDATION.
