Experimental figurative collage

Here are the quick experimental cut-out collages that I did for part of the commission proposal -- really needed to see if this was something I could pull off! The test, not to scale, helped me figure out how to approach the entire scene of multiple people, pets, and the tennis ball. The collages were just leaned up in the window seat at home so that I could get the ball up in the air for my photos. It's hard to see the black outline around each one. When installed, the collages will be mounted on a neutral gray wall and will stand out from the wall so that shadows will help to animate the scene, with some imagery falling behind others and appearing to be more distant. I'm just getting going on the final pieces... can't wait to start on the leaping dog I envision going after that ball! Fun to be working on something so whimsical. (Also challenging not to get too cute.)

Pets, posed and frolicking

I'm very excited about a new commission for the lobby of a veterinary hospital. I'll be creating six large, whimsical cat/dog portrait collages, similar to the figurative images in my Foundling series (Foundling 38, cat, shown above, is 7 x 5"). 

For another wall, I'll be producing a series of ten collage-created images of people and pets at play. This part of the project is quite different from anything I've done in the past -- should be challenging and a lot of fun to work on. I've done some experiments that were successful and helped me to secure the commission and feel confident that I can produce the inter-related, shaped, freeform collages that will float off the surface of the wall. Now, it's time to dive in and get to work on the final pieces! I'll post images of work in progress.

Collage, applied: Custom Keds® (or my pedestrian gallery)

While I love to work with original collage, I'm also interested in its application for reproduction and potential use in illustration and public art. So, when I heard that Keds shoes could be custom-designed, I was excited about using my imagery to create a pair. (What a fun blank canvas and certainly a good conversation starter!) The shoes arrived today and I'm really pleased with the way they turned out. 

Above is the original collage, "Directions," measuring 36 x 24" that was used to create the design. Below are the resulting Keds, size 8.5. This design is available through Zazzle for order, should you want an identical pair. If you are inspired to design your own pair, please send me a link/photo so I can see your creation. Meanwhile, I'm considering my next collage-inspired design(s)!

 

Spread the love: downloadable Valentine collage

This heart collage, composed of recycled imagery, has not yet found its perfect place within a larger piece... so thought you might enjoy seeing it and perhaps using it as a Valentine's Day image. 

Feel free to download, print out, and add your own creativie additions/alterations. I've left white space for text. Spread the love. Download JMcDonald.valentineprint, pdf file, 5 x 7", print quality (475kb)

Remember... like all Valentines, it's all in the eye/heart of the beholder!
"A kiss can be a comma, a question mark or an exclamation point. That's basic spelling that every woman ought to know." — Mistinguett

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Happy Valentine's Day!