When to Use Collage in Your Painting...and When Not To / Art with Adele

WHEN TO USE COLLAGE IN YOUR PAINTING...AND WHEN NOT TO / In this painting tutorial I explain in detail when I use collage in my work and when I don’t. I show you four different paintings of mine -- a flower drawing, a landscape, a beachscape, and a white flower painting -- and explain in each one why I made the specific decisions in each painting. I also offer some tips and techniques for using collage elements most effectively to give a multimedia painting depth and texture.
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[@gingermalone7945]

Adele, I'm 83 and so I've had time to take a lot of art classes: high school, college, private lessons and art centers; and I've sold a lot of my work. I clicked on your first video just for entertainment, however...I have learned so much watching that first video and all of the following videos. The best thing I've gotten from watching you is the feeling of excitement about my painting, so that I hurry out to work instead of just thinking that I will paint today. Thank you! (I am on the wait list for your academy.)

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

Oh I can't wait for you to join the Academy! You are going to just love it. Thank you for sharing your inspiration!!

[@claireb5197]

I've hated collage because of the way I've had to do it in my art classes. This video revolutionised my ideas of it .thankyou so much for your generous ideas !

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

Love that!!

[@uujmmy]

Thank you for explaining this in detail it’s so helpful for beginners to collage

[@jayumble8390]

Beautiful work Adele! Wow, awesome!

[@victorias7834]

Thank you so much Adele. I love your videos. They are so informative and inspiring. Loved the tip about the gloss medium to bring out the colours. I’ll give that a try!

[@juliamarsh9536]

I love your flower drawings and composition...youve inspired me. Thanks Adele 😊

[@sallysims5090]

It's helpful to hear how you think through the mixed media or not process. Thank you.

[@barbarakops3579]

I appreciate when you include details of your tools and mediums paints etc. Thx

[@spinnettdesigns]

As others have said, what a bright sharer you are, no ugly hoarding or competitive vibe from you whatsoever, it’s so refreshing and much appreciated. I’ve LOVED collage for the last 50 years and you’ve helped me to feel more normal 😅🥲 I recommend your videos to everyone. Thank you 😍😍😍🎉💯

[@mariakapatos9545]

Adele I can only add a Big thank you for all the helpful information you share, Abstract has opened a new way of looking and painting for me, as I have only painted in oils and water color and this opens a door to a lot of fun. Be richly blessed always,, much love coming your way.👏👏💕💕💕

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

Thank you so much Maria. I hope this new way of looking and painting opens up lots of ideas and fun times creating. Enjoy. 🌸

[@kathrinerussell5207]

Adele thank you for your fabulous videos. They are so inspiring and informational. I love your style with the simplicity and the neutrals.

[@shondellpotozkin7932]

I love the freedom with which you work. It inspires discovery! A joy. Thank you Adele. A stands for excellence.

[@pammostek3344]

Love all of these…thank you for sharing so generously!

[@soldbygolden]

All of them are Gorgeous!

[@pl10utube]

Your Saturday tutorials are the best! I really like how your explain and show your process. Keep up the great work!

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

Oh that is so nice. I am thrilled that you are enjoying them. Thanks for watching and commenting. 🌸

[@terrimalerbi8975]

I can’t say how much I enjoy your videos! Your thought process, sharing your work to view, your excitement and love for your art jumps right out and grabs me! Thank you!

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

The more I can explain and show the more excited I get. You can tell I love the teaching and sharing. Thanks so much for watching. 🌸

[@debbierasmussen9617]

Adele, I've recently come upon your videos and am loving everything you are sharing with us! From your intro you have captivated me! I'm a lifetime artist who at 56 is still trying to find my style and medium that suits that style. Please keep them coming! P.s.- love your 'rockin' studio.

[@christinetuffin3415]

Love to watch and learn, as a nurse do abstract journal pages to relax and wind down thanks

[@patabernathy4261]

I love this piece and your mixed media techniques. It’s a very strong yet subtle painting. I love the drawing. I’ve been trying some of your processes in my painting and am slowly learning so much. I live in Biloxi, MS so not far from you.

[@juliestarr183]

Thank you so much Adele. Really helpful and inspiring. I am so glad I came across your website.

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

Thanks so much Julie. 🌸

[@drnaquin]

Beautiful art! I love hearing about your process. Thanks for sharing!

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

Sharing my process just seems so natural for me. I feel lucky to be able to share as much as I can to help other artists. 🌸

[@godsservant6649]

Love the variety!! Thanks for sharing and Happy Painting. Also love you flowing dress that matches your flower painting.

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

The variety is important to show because this technique is useful in many different cases. The dress/smock is what I wear to paint in because it is so comfortable. Thanks so much. 🌸

[@radzo1675]

I love this piece Adell.

[@lavonnemael3458]

Thank you so very much Adele! I greatly appreciate how unafraid of sharing your processes and secrets you are. You don’t hold out on your audience as many artists do, you truly have a "teachers heart"! Thank you again for your inspiration and instruction. Best wishes always!

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

Because I have been painting and gathering tips, techniques, and shortcuts for so many years, I wanted to give what I wish I had access to when I was starting and even after I had been painting for awhile. If I can help you easily and quickly, then I love that. Thanks so much for commenting. I so appreciate it. 🌸

[@barbaramichel3545]

Thank you for this excellent tutorial on using collage! Your explanation of the WHY makes so much sense, and you're the only one I've seen offer this logic...very helpful for sure!

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

I love to explain why I do what I do because I think it helps you understand painting so much better. 🌸

[@barbmclean1722]

Thanks Adele for sharing! Love this painting!

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

Thank you so much. 🌸

[@MsYellowginger]

I absolutely love how you explain your composition choices. You are so giving. Thanks,

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

Thanks for the feedback Margaret. That helps me know I am on the right track. 🌸

[@bethdelmonte-catanese6925]

I am in the middle of taking your 5stages class and I have to tell you that I have learned so much from you in the first 5 minutes of the demonstration I am so excited. Im so grateful for your guidance XO

[@sharonputman3633]

Oh my gosh I am in love with your neutral abstracts! Just beautiful! I am a beginner at 76, I saw the paintings & I am determined to try acrylic abstract so I want to take classes and get started.

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

Oh you're going to have so much fun!

[@prayalways-]

A very interesting video! Looking forward of seeing many more from this chanel!

[@vickikaye2170]

Thank you for this Adele. Listening to another artist's thinking process is always so helpful and these are principles that can be adopted by anyone. I am wrestling with a couple of abstracts at the moment so being reassured by the mix of logic and feeling that I think you are referring to is particularly useful. Sometimes (well, often!) it is very hard to see the wood for the trees!

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

Yes, the mix of logic and feeling is important. I love explaining my process because to understand the WHY behind the decisions is the real teaching. 🌸

[@sigrunasa]

Hi Adele, thank you for explaining why you make the decisions, that was sooo helpful. I am very interested in seeing more from you on that subject especially. Good teaching skills you have.

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

Thanks for your feedback. I plan on doing just that in future videos. When you understand why the decisions are made I think it helps so much. 🌸

[@lynettehayes488]

Adele.....love your sharing nature! You make me happy and excited just watching you. So glad I found you. I stopped doing collage years ago and went to more representational work.......but now am remembering the happy accidents, and immediacy of collage and abstract. Thanks!

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

I love representational work as well as abstract. I go back and forth between them. But playing with collage is just so immediate. Thanks for watching and for commenting. 🌸

[@ginnybusby3522]

Thank you Adele. I look forward to your videos each week. Collage is my favorite “Fun” technique but I have never used it in large paintings. I am going to give it a try today😘

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

Using collage in a painting is something I have done for most of my art career. To do a work that is just collage is really fun. 🌸

[@AtHomeWithMaria11]

Loving your videos Adele...am learning so much....thanks for your knowledge and inspiration. Maria, Newcastle, Australia

[@loneandersen5231]

Thank you Adele, for an informative teaching on using and not using collage (to be or not to be). Greetings from Denmark!

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

Exactly! Thanks for watching and for commenting. 🌸

[@fergiemax1829]

Thank you for sharing your process. I love the final paintings!

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

Thank you. It’s interesting to see the final pieces and point out what and why I did what I did. I’m glad it helps. 🌸

[@luckeyrose13]

Love your art, your ideas, your style, and...you are just p too cute with your creative enthusiasm! 🌻🌈🦜

[@dorothysfriend]

I love your work, especially the beach scenes. I'm so glad i subscribed. Thanks for the instruction.

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

The beach scenes came about by accident and are brand new. They started as one thing and then went in a totally different direction. I loved the other direction so I just went with it and thus came the beach scene! 🌸

[@athela2023]

Adele you remind me of my favorite art teacher in high school, she taught me so much. Watching your videos encourages me to make art again without the judgement and horrible feelings I came to associate with it later in my college years. You reminded me that it's okay to create and enjoy the process, I hope to join one of your classes soon. Thanks 💖

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

I would love to have you!!

[@alain2565]

Thank you Adele, this is very instructive, especially for the collage part.

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

So glad you are learning something. Yay. 🌸

[@carmensinclair44]

Hi Girl. I love you. You rock my Saturday mornings and get me all ready to paint for the weekend. You are such a generous artist sharing your methods. THIS is what I love best about yr videos. Your work is so appealing to me.! Love the long white smock with runners - keep it real girl!

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

What a nice comment. Hopefully your day will be filled with creativity. The smock...my painting outfit! I must use white clothing so the color doesn’t compete with the paints I am using, and this one is just so comfortable. 🌸

[@shirin8390]

Beautiful like always,you are great dearest 🙏🌹

[@elizabethfrei9379]

Thank you Adele! I Love the way u explain n you are very generous with Your knowledge!

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

I so appreciate your feedback. It helps me know to keep on doing what I’m doing. 🌸

[@gudrunfluechter5584]

Liebe Adele! Vielen Dank für die vielen tollen Tipps in diesem Video. Seit ich ihre Videos schaue, habe ich so viel dazugelernt! Bitte machen Sie weiter so! Ich freue mich schon auf die nächste Woche! Viele liebe Grüße Gudrun!

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

Thanks so much for taking the time out to comment. 🌸

[@maryamvossoughi9341]

Thank you Adele🙏🏻this was really helpful👌🏻I was getting mad at myself not being able to stick to one kind of style of painting ! Seeing this video helped me to do whatever style I feel at that time! So thank you, I am learning so much from you🤙🏻

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

I love hearing you are learning from my videos. Yay. And I hope you let yourself do as many different styles as you want. They will still all relate to each other because they are from you. Happy painting. 🌸

[@glendawinders2976]

Wonderful! Thank you.

[@lindaellis9349]

Love your art Adele..Also love your painting smock! 😊

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

My painting smock is so comfortable. I bought it from an antique dealer that said it is an old linen shirt. I love it. Thanks. 🌸

[@bethdelmonte-catanese6925]

@@AdeleSypesteynStudio I love your smock, I love your style, you are just awesome awesome awesome!!!!!!

[@Imilwap]

Great tips thanks

[@sandimorse5538]

I get so many ideas to use in my art from you. Thank you .

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

Yay, that is exactly what I hope will happen with these weekly videos. 🌸

[@shereelinwood9674]

Another wonderful video, thank you Adele

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

Thanks so much for watching and for commenting. 🌸

[@teenajami]

I am so glad I discovered your videos! I would like to use collage but I approach the idea from the angle of just wanting to use collage somehow, and not knowing how best to incorporate it. I have done it, and then ended up painting all over the collage as the work progressed. Then I felt the collage was mostly lost, except for a bit of texture. I think, as I write this, that perhaps I need to do little studies to play with it a bit. Then maybe I can see what works! Well, thanks for getting my thoughts going.

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

I think you came up with a great idea of doing small studies and experimenting with those to discover what you like and don’t like. Let me know what you come up with. 🌸

[@dorothyatchison1825]

You Amaze me .... another fabulous, informative video ... and I thank you

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

Thanks Dorothy, so glad you enjoyed the video. 🌸

[@patriciabeagley4800]

Thank you for sharing .

[@rexanne1000]

Love the big floral.

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

Thank you. 🌸

[@sylviagomez9523]

I love it...thank you 🙏❤️

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

Thanks for watching. 🌸

[@lewisgreen5188]

Thanks Adele, again you’ve provided a growth experience. Providing flow or direction has been a challenge for me. Perhaps now it will be easier. Used your color splash, tall to short, now maybe shapes...appreciate your kindness LG

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

Great to hear this Lewis. I hope things become easier the more you work and create. Many thanks for watching. 🌸

[@harrietblank6812]

This was very helpful!! Thank you very much.

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

I am so glad you enjoyed this video Harriet. 🌸

[@tonyah3488]

Thanks! I've started my first large piece and it can be intimidating! I have created a background but now want to put some more layers with collage images and maps. Should I use gloss gel or just the medium? 💜💜💜

[@lola71125]

Thanks...That of course just adds to my toolbox. Makes sense.

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

I love that you are adding to your toolbox! 🌸

[@tinapowers7490]

Thank you so much for your informative videos and wisdom! Your paintings are so layered and wonderful! I'm in an abstract painting class now and one of the main focus points is on the Rule of Thirds. I'm not sure if you've touched on that topic yet, but I was curious to know if it's something you consider when laying out your compositions?

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

Glad you mentioned the rule of thirds. I am not sure if I have mentioned it in my videos, if I haven’t I need to. And yes, I absolutely consider it in my compositions. I think it is just automatic for me to do that because I have been painting for so long. But it is an important element of design. 🌸

[@slvarj]

Your art tutorials are very good. Greetings from Rio, Brazil.

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

Thanks so much. Thrilled to know that I am reaching you in Brazil. 🌸

[@kimplank9808]

I love love love the last one!!! I wasn't sure what you meant when you said you attached the flowers you traced to the painting. When you trace from your sketch book, do you cut the tracing paper and attach the paper with medium? Beautiful work! Also, do you have a video of the process you use to enlarge from sketchbook to painting? Love your heart for sharing.

[@joannavandeneijnden5437]

Great informatieon, Thank you!

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

thanks so much for watching. 🌸

[@soledadearcoverde3223]

Thanks,thanks,thanks,Adele

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

I appreciate you watching and hope you learned something and got inspired. 🌸

[@petawilliams8099]

Very interesting

[@ravindervirk7620]

Hi Adele I love your videos and your paintings please make a video how can we make better art to make attractive and sell!!💗

so beautiful :))

[@mauricepowers3804]

Thank you so much Adele I love all of these paintings so let me ask you how do you put glass medium on do you also varnish

[@dannim5268]

Ms Adele, I found your videos in the process of being treated for cancer, let me tell you that you have managed to take my mind off of it , and transport me into a world of creation and beauty. I started painting some during chemo, then stop, but hopefully with the inspiration you spread I will pick up painting again soon. I am very interested to know more about collage on a larger scale canvas. Can ANY piece of paper work like say from a magazine? Or do you use only paper from your palette?! Would you please consider doing a large collage only canvas tutorial?! I would LOVE to see your technique and thought process (which I am growing very fond of) in such a video. Keep painting Adele! Keep making videos! You are medicine for me!! Can’t wait to see what you come up with!! 🙏

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

Knowing my videos are taking your mind off of your cancer treatment means the world to me. Funny you should ask about collage on a larger scale because it is on my list of videos to create. You can use any material for collage. If you use magazines I would seal them with an acrylic medium, but be aware they may fade over time. I so appreciate your kind words. Reaching people like you is exactly why I have a passion for sharing my knowledge and explaining it as well. 🌸

[@fairydreamer944]

This is my first time watching one of your videos. What kind of paint do you use? Or different types of paint for each work?

[@legs7148]

AMAZING! I love your work! on the last largest canvas did you paint it first then apply the flowers? I'd love to try to mimic this piece using hues of green. Thanks xoxox

[@jodiswan93]

Can you share the technique you developed for enlarging? The flower painting is very cool! Thanks!

[@lynjoyce7039]

Great video. 👍

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

Thank you for taking the time to watch. It makes doing them worthwhile. 🌸

[@sabrinasargenti3394]

Thanks so much for your enthusiasm ... it is infectious! I am so attracted to combining collage and paint. However, when I have tried collaging with 'tracing paper' onto a painting, it buckles badly when it gets wet, even if I use gloss medium as a glue. Do you have any tips to prevent this happening?

[@raincloud706]

Im waiting all day for your new video 😎😎😎😎

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

So great to hear that you are enjoying my weekly videos. 🌸

[@janicerobinson5286]

Adele! THANK YOU ! That was a wonderful, informative, well explained, inspiring video!!! Thank you so much. I do have an important question. My last mixed media teacher said something to the effect about not using non-archival paper bc it will deteriorate over time unless...then my notes are unreadable. So, since you use non-archival paper in areas, what is your secret for them...maybe saturate them with paint, medium, or the gloss you spoke about? I’m a newbie, so I’m a little confused on this issue. TIA I’d appreciate any help. 😘

[@dediscamacho7250]

Me gusta tus artes

[@carrieclayful]

Hi Adele, I’m enjoying your videos, I’m also an artist. I love the tracing paper technique, can you elaborate how to do this? Thank you

[@stephaniewinters1399]

Great video! When you were speaking about the large painting with the three roses . . . you mentioned you had a system for getting the outline on your canvas. Is there a previous video that explains this? Thanks!

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

Yes. The video that says Take Your Painting From Idea To Canvas is the one where I show exactly how to do this. 🌸

[@nickyvan64]

Nice explanations! Could you tell again : gloss medium is to give brightness at the painting or to bond paper, and what is the other one you use?

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

Medium, whether gloss or matte, bonds the paper to the canvas. I use gel, either gloss or matte, when attaching a thicker paper to the canvas.

[@JulieParisiArt]

Hey Adele, would love to know how to add pastels to my mixed media, but am unfamiliar with them. Any thoughts on doing a video of them?

[@saraharned9525]

How do you prevent thinner collage pieces from bubbling/wrinkling when you adhere them to your paintings. I am very fond of using deli paper for collage paper because of its transparency. But it always buckles, whether I use gloss medium or gel. Any ideas you may have about how to avoid this problem would be much appreciated. LOVE YOU VIDEOS, THANK YOU SO MUCH❤️

[@bettyrodriguez7913]

Thank you for your videos. How do you enlarge a drawing onto the canvas?

[@runway12]

These paintings are also good examples of how " visually disturbing " or invasive an artist's signature can be as part of the composition. I always ALWAYS sign only the back of my paintings because it's insane ( at least it is to me ) how easily a painting or drawing can be " destroyed " by the artist's signature. I know this is a strongly debated issue amongst some artists - but I also know that this is a personal choice or a preference thing - to each his/her own. So, I will stop here without further debate. These paintings are awesome, I love them. I just feel personally that if the signatures were on the back, they would be even awesomer !!! ; )

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

I love hearing your point of view. And like you said, there are many different opinions from artists as to where you sign them. For me, I like to sign on the front, but I try and choose a place at the bottom where it will blend in and not stand out so much. And I vary the heaviness of the pencil when I sign because I personally don’t want my signature to compete with the painting. Thanks for your kind words about my paintings. 🌸

[@ritabrown5129]

Hi Adele, thanks so much for your generous sharing of advice. Can you use PVA to collage onto canvas or panel?

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

I have not used PVA before but I don’t see why you couldn’t. Try it and see. 🌸

[@gailflynn443]

Can’t figure our how to get on your list for classes!

[@stelitacampos1757]

Beatiful! Did you used underpainting um the Light abstract floral?

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

Yes, I sure did use underpainting.

[@eddieespinosa6576]

Thank you for sharing this. What did you use to draw the large flowers in the 3rd Piece (Flower Drawing)? Did you use a regular brush with an extension or twig attached?

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

Eddie, I used a large round brush to paint the flowers in the graphic piece. I draw them first with pencil and then paint over them. Hope this helps. 🌸

[@debbieg8260]

I like adding collage to my work. I usually glue the pieces on with some kind of glue and when every thing is dry, I varnish over the whole thing. Sometimes the collage pieces wrinkle a bit - do you have any advice about that?

[@mammasitawoodlock]

Hello! You do beautiful work! I am a beginner to this... question about using gloss medium. Does that then leave a gloss finish? I prefer matte finish, so do I still buy a gloss medium to add collage to my acrylic painting?

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

Thanks! If you want a matte finish you should get the matte gel instead of gloss, but I would recommend playing around with both because you may be surprised at what your personal preference is when you see the finished product. Hope that helps!

[@yosrawahabi9740]

what about using thick media for collage? is it possible ? (installation)

[@carmenrein1614]

Hi Adele, I enjoy your videos I am contemplating your subscription service as well . Couple of question for you where do you get those great painting smocks.😀 I love them. Also I have a some abstract paintings I would love to get some professional critique on will you be doing that kind of advise on your subscription page?

[@culturefan]

Are there stronger solvents that artist use for assemblage etc. I assume they use Elmer's glue, but do they use other things as well like glue stick or guns etc. Is there anything in art school that they teach about that or is it mostly trial and error? Thanks.

[@Andeana13]

Hi Adele I would really like to know how to add a white wash to my art, with acrylic paint. I’d like to see the background coming through ?

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

To do a white wash, just thin your paint with water and/or acrylic medium to your desired transparency. 🌸

[@catherinesteliou7509]

I adore your tutorials... I watch them every Sunday morning... I would like to ask you if I can use resin, in my abstract painting .. just a little touch of resin .. or instead of paper( collage ) can I use some pieces of textiles and use as glue, gloss medium? thank you .. many many greetings from ATHENS GREECE

[@AdeleSypesteynStudio]

I am thrilled that you are enjoying my weekly videos. Thanks so much for watching. You can absolutely use resin on your abstract painting. I have done that many times.i would encourage you to use different mediums and experiment, and feel free doing it because that is the best way to learn new techniques. Good luck and have fun. 🌸

[@catherinesteliou7509]

@@AdeleSypesteynStudio Thank you so much for your answer, waiting for you next tutorial..

[@ginamalewicz5129]

How do you get such a big canvas?? Do you build it yourself or buy it?

[@tataaraujoart]

Hi! Can I use PVa as a medium?

[@nukhbaartworks5108]

Hi adele i want to collage in a brutality painting ,,..with prints of faces ,, because i am not so perfect in portrait ,can i do this please tel me

[@danaschilling6002]

Soaking it in.