Explore how artists create collages and then make your own creative collage.
The works of art below show how two artists created collages using a variety of materials. They combined different art-making processes, including painting, cutting, and gluing. Use the downloadable resource guide or the information below to create your own collage using different types of paper and recycled or found materials.
Al Loving, American, 1935–2005; Zayamaca #4, 1993; collage of painted paper mounted on Plexiglas; irregular: 50 1/2 x 20 1/2 x 1/4 inches; Saint Louis Art Museum, The Thelma and Bert Ollie Memorial Collection, Gift of Ronald and Monique Ollie 172:2017; Courtesy the Estate of Al Loving and Garth Greenan Gallery, New York © Al Loving
Sam Middleton, American, 1927–2015; Untitled, 1990; collage of cut and torn printed and painted papers, with paint and graphite; 19 3/8 x 25 1/8 inches; Saint Louis Art Museum, The Thelma and Bert Ollie Memorial Collection, Gift of Ronald and Monique Ollie 174:2017; © Sam Middleton estate, courtesy of Spanierman Modern
Collage
Create your own collage using different types of paper and found materials. Gather materials such as those listed below to get started.
Suggested materials
Plain white paper, tissue or decorative paper, magazines, newspapers, glue, scissors, crayons, markers, colored pencils, paint, heavier paper, cardboard, or empty cereal box.
Instructions for making your own creative collage
Take a piece of plain white paper. Color the surface of the paper with paint, markers, crayons, or colored pencils. Cut the paper into strips, squares, and other shapes. Cut out more shapes from old magazines, tissue or wrapping paper, or other materials. Arrange your cut pieces on a firm backing, such as thick paper, a cereal box, or a piece of cardboard. Your collage can be any shape you like! Glue your arranged pieces to your backing to complete your collage.
