How I Use Personal Papers In Mixed Media Collage

For awhile now I have been getting commissions where I use personal papers that people provide to lay down the layers of the mixed media collage painting. Over time, I've developed a process to organize and categorize the most significant papers and ensure that they play the primary role in the painting when it's done. Here's how I do it...
Video Chapters:
0:00 Introduction to using personal papers in my mixed media collage commissions
1:31 First layers, glazes, and organizing personal papers into categories for layering
3:24 Explaining categories of personal papers + laying in patterned papers
5:15 Adding lights and darks, botanical figures
6:27 How category 3 papers are so important and how I apply them so they are highlighted
8:50 What I find so meaningful about using mixed media collage in personal ways
13:08 How you can learn more about mixed media collage and making your own papers with me
To learn more about my mixed media collage class, go to www.marabethquinart.com/collage-class
To enroll, go to marabethquinart.thinkific.com/courses/paint-with-paper
To get my FREE Collage Kit dashing-scene-772.myflodesk.com
#collage #mixedmediacollage #mixedmedia #arttutorial #artcommission #mixedmediaart #mixedmediaartist #collageartist

[@maramakesjournals2319]

Everything you said is true. I’m 71 and have been thru the milestones of aging. At our ages, my husband and I talk a lot about death. And we recently talked again to our daughter and son-in-law about our thoughts. We’re preparing the way as best we can, I hope. It’s so very hard to say goodbye, yet it’s something we must do again and again. But let’s focus on this new year and hope for the best. I still have things I want to do. There’s time if I make time. HAPPY 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣4️⃣ 💥

[@marabethquinart]

I love your mindset, Mara! Just beautiful. And I think having things you want to do is just a big part of vitality as we age. I think you’re so smart for talking about things ahead of time-thinking about death makes life richer, I think. Xoxo. Happy New Year!

[@maramakesjournals2319]

@@marabethquinart Yes, knowing should cause us to appreciate all the little things. Infinite little things to soak up while we can. It’s exhilarating! 💜💜💜

[@karrontroil2410]

So beautiful! Thank you for sharing with all of us!

[@PaulWalesArt]

Wishing you a year full of love, self-compassion, growth, prosperity and fulfillment. I have such incredible gratitude to be able to experience your journey and talent. ♥

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you so much, Paul, I truly appreciate that. And all of the same wishes back to you. Thanks so much for being here and for the kind words. ❤️

[@MicheleVolpe-mt6ob]

I was so excited to see that you posted a new reel. It’s just beautiful. I’m so glad you feel ok enough to get back in the studio. Your work is so inspirational as is your narration. ❤

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you Michele, so kind and encouraging 🥰

[@mos8756]

Please accept my sincere and profound condolences. The transition of a parent can be a particularly challenging life moment to emotionally navigate. Your video today was beautiful. The deeply-caring creative energy you bestowed upon the art piece was palpable. Mary

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you Mary, I so appreciate your kind words, and the condolences 🥰

[@angiewillsonarte]

Beautiful piece and narration. Love the added colors… I think some browns are added. Much grace to your family… especially to your mother ❤️

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you so much, such kind words. Xoxoxoxo

[@transferessence]

Sincere sympathy on the passing of your father. Your video was very helpful in helping me organize my thoughts around my own experiences with loss. Thank you. Take care/be kind to yourself as you continue to grieve.

[@marabethquinart]

I’m so happy to hear this-I think art is an amazing tool for integrating and processing. And thank you for your kind words, they mean a lot. ❤️

[@ilenearena9166]

This is ethereal...what a beautiful, meaningful gift !

[@marabethquinart]

It was a special one, for sure!

[@nona-art-poetry]

Sorry to hear about losing your father. I’m impressed with your courage and wisdom. Keep going forward. ❤

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you, I appreciate that. ❤️

[@barbarasalmi3103]

As always, your art is so beautiful and inspiring. I am so sorry you lost your father, but I'm happy to have you back. Happy New Year!!

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you so much, Barbara. Such a sweet thing to hear 🥰

[@Stacey-barnbrushart]

Absolutely gorgeous! Thank you for sharing your heart- it resonates!🌸

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you, and thanks so much for watching and commenting. Happy New Year 🎈

[@cherylschliske5811]

Lovely painting and beautiful sentiments to start the new year. Thank you!

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you so much Cheryl, and happy new year to you!

[@DocRocket144]

Very beautiful, Marabeth! Thank you and Happy New Year!

[@marabethquinart]

Same to you! 🥳

[@samgallo1542]

Losses, if we embrace them, make us stronger and more real. That’s what I experienced and what I see in your work. I’ve been painting for over 35 years, and although many artists have given me inspiration, your work is what brings to me the tremendous joy needed to embrace my art journey. I’ve tackled many art mediums throughout the years, and although I was fascinated by paper, it wasn’t until I started watching your videos that I felt this would be my niche. I enrolled in your introductory class and saw some of the lessons already, and my excitement just keeps on building. I’ve made a ton of colored papers now, got my essential tools, and now will embark on creating a piece with you on video. Thank you for making your art journey and this process available to your viewers and students. Your instructions are so helpful. Truly you are a fine teacher, making the concepts so easy to know and assimilate; creating the depth we need to accomplish moving works of art. I am older than you, and you can still teach an old dog new tricks. I appreciate you so much. Susan

[@marabethquinart]

Hi Susan, what kind words! I’m so happy to hear about your response to working with paper-mine was very similar. It took me quite by surprise that it unlocked so many curiosities as well as teaching me about creating in ways that I hadn’t learned through other mediums. I’m so happy you’re having such a wonderful experience with it. And about age, I think I’ve decided that, not only can you teach an old dog new tricks, but learning new tricks is one of the secrets to remaining vital and productive as we age. Xoxo

[@shalalala-mo3id]

Thank you for sharing your heart, and I send my condolences to you and your family for the loss of your father. Your work is beautiful.

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you so much, I appreciate that from my heart. ♥️

[@debbrown721]

I have learned so much from you and appreciate each and every video. I hope your grieving process brings you joy at some point soon.

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you Deb 🥰🥰

[@heksedansd.2919]

This is SO beautiful.....both what you said and what you made!❤

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you 😊

[@dianecharest8365]

Your pieces are phenomenal.

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you so much!

[@bernadetteyelland3969]

Marabeth, I love your videos so much. Today's really spoke to me on a personal level. Your art and instruction are so helpful but your ability to articulate the emotional undercurrents really brings it home for me. Also, I work in mental health and would love to see more people accessing and processing their emotional world thru art. So healing. Condolences regarding your father. Glad you took time away and are back again.❤

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you Bernadette, I so appreciate your kind words. And I agree, working with your grief or loss in a tangible and tactile way can be very healing and also show us the way forward. I’m happy the video was helpful-I love making them for that very reason. 🥳 Happy New Year

[@susanwhite6158]

Really beautiful piece of art, and a story of your client

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you very much!

[@andreaharley4047]

Its always hard loosing someone dear to you i know the feeling so i admire you for getting back in the flow of you doing your amazing collages. Love the video, thankyou. ❤

[@marabethquinart]

Thanks for the kind words-it felt good to get back to work but I find that I have to take a lot of breaks. I’m sure that’s normal and will pass with time. Glad you liked the video xoxo

[@luannianke8110]

Blown away by your narration and explanation. I am completing today, my collage painting in memory of my daughter who died 12/2022. It did not start out as a memorial but evolved in the last 2 months as I incorporated some of your techniques from a previous video. This one just cemented the idea that I have done something special for myself in her memory. Thank you for these videos so much. So sorry for your loss. Best wishes in 2024.

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you. And I am so, so sorry for yours-that’s unspeakably deep. I am so happy that you made the connection that you were doing this painting as sort of a ritual for yourself; I think we get the benefit whether we realize or not, but when we make the connection, I do think we can go deeper and really participate fully. Best wishes for you as well in 2024. ❤️

[@suzzmail]

❤❤❤❤

[@jillpontiere1814]

Thinking of you and so sorry for your loss. Your videos and art classes have been such a good therapy for me in my life’s journey. I was in the hospital this past weekend, as my heart went into Afib. Other than that I’m so healthy….but at 75 I know that these things happen as a part of this whole journey. I’m really excited to start the landscaping class this next week. Take care of yourself…..❤

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you Jill, I appreciate that so much. ❤️ And getting to know you through the class has been such a joy. I’m really sorry you were in the hospital, I’m familiar with Afib and I hope you don’t experience that very much. Hope you are home and feeling much more back to normal. Xoxo

[@jillpontiere1814]

@@marabethquinart Thank you. Came home Sunday afternoon. Resuming to all my normal activities. Back at yoga last night and hope to be in my studio this week and starting the landscaping class. ❤️

[@user-cu6wq1gw2c]

Your process is absolutely beautiful! I also want to say that I am so sorry for the loss of your father.

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you so much, I do appreciate that. ❤️

[@guitarsandsuchetc]

That's amazing art.

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you so much 😊

[@suzzmail]

You are the most inspiring artist to me. I am so grateful to be taking one of your classes. My apologies that it's taking me so long, but I treasure everything I've learned and every time I go forward with making papers or materials, my intention is to continue the collage process. I'm grateful for your encouragement. I know because of you. I will keep going in this direction. Great LOL.

[@suzzmail]

Also please excuse the last sentence which my AI assistant intrusively added.

[@marabethquinart]

There is absolutely no timeline in which you need to work through your class-in fact, going at whatever pace works for you is BEST! Im so happy you’re enjoying it so much-that’s always what I hope for!

[@JanineW62]

Beautiful video

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you! Cheers and happy new year. 🎊

[@sharonromer6606]

So cool 😎

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you!

[@deannfrey3469]

I noticed that you use basics and other student grade paints a lot. I guess they are fine to use when coloring tissue? Just as archival as pro paints, maybe just not as intensely pigmented? May be even better at getting the lighter shades of paper? I ordered your beginning collage class, and am really enjoying it. 💕

[@marabethquinart]

Yes, I use lots of different grades of paint-I’ve spent a lot of time getting to know the different qualities of different brands and you’re exactly right, I use them to get certain effects those qualities bring. I’ve even used some of the ‘oops’ paint in Home Depot for some base coats on my paintings, so I’m not too particular about it. I’m so happy to hear you’re enjoying the class, Deann. 😊

[@aliciaramos3225]

Such a touching process and beautiful result. What do you use to adhere the pieces of paper to the canvas?

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you! I use Golden Satin Glazing Liquid but any acrylic medium will do.

[@ehphaw8485]

I always study your paintings. Let me know if these paintings last as well as oil paints ?

[@marabethquinart]

All right, I’ll contact you in about a hundred years 🤣. I actually do wish I had a Time Machine where I could see how they do over time-it helps me, though, to think of them as ‘living’ creations, meaning that the materials are organic, in process and will change over time. Since the subject of my work heavily focuses on the temporality of nature, it sort of fits.

[@ehphaw8485]

Thank you so much 😂

[@ilenearena9166]

Was this on a canvas ?

[@marabethquinart]

yes, canvas

[@suzzmail]

Thanks!

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you so much for your support! It really makes a difference. 🥰