I am now on to week 4 of the 100 Days of Collage class. You can find the class HERE. It is a skill-share class run by Froyle Davies.

This week I have been experimenting with texture.
For this challenge we looked at using different ways to create texture in our collages. We used fabric, texture pastes and gels and other techniques to create our textured collages.

Day 22: Textured Tapestry
This was an exploration of textured surfaces. Depending on what we had available, we experimented with an array of different textures, from gritty sands to smooth surfaces. This was an opportunity for me to pull out the mediums I had stashed in my toolbox!

I used modelling paste and gel mediums to create the different textures on my papers. I used a mixture of stamps and stencils, plus found objects like cardboard to create my designs. I then cut out rectangles of each and created a patchwork quilt of my textured papers.

For Day 23 our challenge was to “embark on a journey of artistic expression by delving into diverse textures.” We were tasked to create a collage that “captivates both the eyes and the sense of touch”.

I really enjoyed this lesson and made an artwork on canvas, instead of in my journal.

Froya used crackle paste in her collage, but I didn’t have any so I used what I had to hand.
I combined collage, gel plate printing and mixed media texture pastes to create this image.

It started as a photograph I took of some stonework at a local Church. I wanted to recreate the textures of the stone wall covered in lichen on my canvas. I used some gel plate prints layered up to look like stone textures. I then added modelling paste and gel mediums on top to add texture. I blended it all with more acrylic paint and a sponge.

For day 24 we explored using threads and fabric to create texture. I incorporated fabric swatches, lace, and hessian into my gel plate printed collage papers. This created a tactile and visually rich
composition.

My gel plate prints, were printed on fabric pattern paper. It was great layering up the transparent papers. I also enjoyed seeing the pattern marks and lines come through the prints. I made some masks out of thin cards to create the “fashion models”. I used them in my prints and also ended up using the masks as collage fodder.

On day 25 the theme was String Symphony. We incorporated different thicknesses of string into our collages, adding depth, movement, and tactile quality to our artwork. I experimented with layering and combining string textures with other Gelli printing techniques to achieve my collage papers.

I really enjoy using string in my gel plate prints. It was interesting to see how different types of string and different paper thicknesses had differing results.

On day 26 we had a go at crafting Textured Focal Points. To do this we created acrylic skins using different texture mediums.
We were then tasked to create a collage that incorporates an acrylic skin or focal point we had made.

I had a go at making some focal point “roses” out of hot glue gun glue. I saved my acrylic skins for use in future projects.

On day 27 we explored Kitchen Paper Textures!
We created textured layers in our collage using kitchen paper, paper towels, cling wrap and aluminum foil.

I was pleased with my gel plate prints using kitchen paper. I also added some acrylic skins that I made in the previous lesson to create the “eye” in my collage.

For day 28 the theme was Texture Party Collaboration. For this challenge we were tasked to use any or all of this week’s prompts to create our page.

My favorite technique this week was creating a piece on a canvas as I did on day 23. So I chose a different photograph from the church and attempted to re-create this old wooden door. I used acrylic skins and texture pastes to create the textures in this collage. I was really pleased with the way it came out!

Join me next week for week Five: “Beyond reality: crafting real and imagined worlds.”