Collage begets Painting

Taking the “Experimenting with Collage” class at MoMA reminds me of another “drawing with scissors” experience. This one happened at the Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida. The collage (currently hidden in a stack of stored art or long gone) was a study of my impression of the Gulf of Mexico. Only ten minutes from my home, I went most days at sunset and walked the white quartz sand beaches on one of the Keys. The waves had slow, gentle roll, unlike the Atlantic Ocean waves which had been my childhood point of reference. The waters were an exquisite aqua blue – so Caribbean. At the time, I was also immersed in the Miami-Cuban culture of the gallery owner who repped my art work. I never tired of trips to Miami because I love the local colors, a palette so vivid and intense and upbeat.

Below is a large painting inspired by my collage study. Curiously, this painting titled “Waves: Gulf of Mexico” hangs in a home overlooking the Hudson River.

“Waves: Gulf of Mexico” (2005)
Artist: Meg Fitzpatrick
Acrylic, charcoal, gesso on canvas | 60” x 48”

Here are close-ups of the charcoal line drawing, broken charcoal nibs (happy accidents always welcome) and acrylic paint.

 

  

Enjoy your week and have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Meg

Collage Paintings with MoMA

Back in 2010, I enrolled in a MoMA experiment which was interested in how well a studio art class could be taught online. The New York museum timed the painting curriculum and exercises with the launch of a major Abstract Expressionist retrospective.  The experience for all involved was successful. Still offered, I highly recommend “Materials and Techniques of Postwar Abstract Painting” for folks wanting to paint and learn more about the AbEx movement.

This October, I enrolled in another online MoMA class, “Experimenting with Collage.” I’d like to share one class assignment.

We were given instructions about “drawing with scissors,” which meant we were to follow a method Matisse used as he began to lose eyesight in his later years. He’d select brightly colored papers, cut lines and shapes, and then tell his studio assistant where to place each piece on a supportive surface.

My collage “paintings” from cut papers were inspired by…..

Bocce ball parties

Halloween, my favorite holiday

Fall season, leaves piled in my front yard

One summer season when my dressing style included a dainty, rhinestone flower toe ring

I’ll be back in two weeks, on November 18^th, with a new post. Enjoy your week.

Meg