Collect, Compose & Create — a collage workshop

There have been a lot of requests to learn more about my collage processes, so yes, I'm finally offering a one-day workshop! It'll be happening on Sunday, October 16, 2016 from 9am to 4pm at my studio in Denver, Colorado. I'll be discussing collage in general, collecting materials, and composition — as well as reviewing supports and adhesive techniques, including my signature wet working process. There will be plenty of materials to work with and finished examples to enhance our conversations along with ample time to experiment, work on collages, and discuss.

Attendance is limited to six people so there will be plenty of space to work and so that I can spend adequate time with each person attending. Workshop cost is $120. plus a $10. materials fee.  Information about what to bring will be provided to all registrants by September 20. Most materials will be provided however you may want to bring special items that are of interest to you.

I'm really excited about spending a day immersed in collage activities with some of you! For more information or to register, please contact me via the connect page on my website.***9.21.16 Class is now full. However, please contact me if you'd like to add your name to a list to receive advance notice of future classes.***

Sequence / collage work in progress

https://youtu.be/9ErEqHJ_DAc

Everyone is always intrigued with work in progress and the sequence of how a collage comes together, so thought I'd do a quick slide show documenting a recent work: "Honey," a 36 x 36" collage on wood panel. For whatever reason, this composition developed mostly from the center out toward the edges.I am working with found and salvaged papers, including chunks ripped from old art posters... so anything that appears painted is appropriated from the poster imagery. When using bits and pieces of other's artwork, I always try to rip/crop the elements in ways that take the color/texture completely out of their original context so that they become simply an ingredient to use in an entirely new composition.

Lately I've been trying to document work in progress on Instagram (along with other inspiration/adventures)... so if you are interested in how collages develop, please follow me there @janicemcdonaldart!

Happy New Year!

With the "Expand" crew at the installation of our work at the Lone Tree Arts Center in December.

First Friday in October 2015 at Paper Trails exhibition, Spark Gallery, Denver.

Just getting settled in new studio space... every day I take more paper ingredients down there!

"Western," collage enlarged and reproduced for lobby installation at 250 Columbine in Denver.

Somehow the last half of 2015 has escaped me... I actually haven't quite regained my sense of work/life balance (if there is such a thing!) since the death of my Mom in May. I'm getting there though... and aside from that loss, so very many good things came to pass this year that I've not taken the time to post here.            So a quick recap is in order!

Accomplishments... woohoo!

—Completed a 11-piece series of nature/landscape-inspired collages for installation at a hospital in Nebraska.

—Made a large composed landscape for a lobby installation where an image of the original was enlarged and then printed onto 32 separate foot-square wood panels, then hung in a grid.

—Had a very successful solo show that featured my composed landscape series, titled "Paper Trails," at Spark Gallery.

—Showed with my To Expand artist friends in "Here to There" at aBuzz Gallery this summer and in "Running Dialogue," currently on view at the Lone Tree Arts Center.

—Completed my two year term as Co-Director of Spark Gallery. I currently have a large new collage on view there in the Annual Members' Show, through January 9.

—Rented a studio in Denver's Art District on Santa Fe. Opened the doors to celebrate First Friday in November, just a few days after signing the lease. I now have S P A C E to get some perspective on my work!

—Took beginning mandolin lessons, cleared and rented my Mom's condo... and continued my half-time design practice!

Guess it's no wonder I haven't posted here in a while. As 2016 approaches, I'm hugely grateful for your interest in, and support of, my work this year and look forward to new artful adventures! Stay tuned. Happy New Year!

You're invited: open studio this weekend

October 17th-19th:Friday 5-8pm, Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 10am-5pm

Here's your chance to visit my collage studio! See work in progress, check out the abundant paper stash, and peruse available collages, both small and large. I'd love to show you around…Park Hill Studio Tour to benefit the Art Garage*

A map to ALL open art studios in the neighborhood is available atthe Art Garage, 6100 E. 23rd Avenue, Denver, Colorado

Free event.

*10% of sales benefit the Art Garage.

Hope you can drop by! And for my far-flung friends, I'll post pictures next week.