Mixed Media and Collage Art

Mixed Media and Collage

• Mixed media is an artwork where more than one art medium is used.
• Collage art is a form of mixed media art that involves pasting layers of different materials to create the final artwork.
• Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso were pioneers of collage art, using it in the early 1900s.
• Braque's 1912 artwork "Fruit Dish and Glass" is considered one of the first examples of collage.

Modern Examples of Mixed Media and Collage

• Peter Horvath creates vibrant and expressive photography-based mixed-media work.
• Derek Gores is a recycling artist who creates works on canvas using recycled materials.
• Van Haver explores thick layers of paint and adds found objects and materials to create her artwork.
• Wangechi Mutu pieces together magazine imagery with painted surfaces and found materials to explore contradictions of female and cultural identity.

Typography

• Typography is the art, craft, or process of composing text.
• It adds emotion to communication and is a crucial component of design.
• Typography is used in various forms of media, including road signs, magazine covers, posters, and film.

The Importance of Typography

• It provides information and attracts readers.
• It conveys a certain mood or feeling.
• Typography is a vital part of an illustrator's design process, especially in children's book covers.

Illustration

• An illustration is a drawing, painting, or printed work of art that explains or represents written text.
• Illustrators create 2D images for various industries, including magazines, fashion, and children's books.
• Illustrations have been used throughout history, dating back to cave paintings over 20,000 years ago.
• The Egyptians used illustrations to communicate messages, tell stories, and convey warnings.

History of Children's Book Illustrations

• The first picture books date back to 130 years ago.
• Randolph Caldecott was the first to use pictures in storytelling, rather than just decoration.
• Children's book illustrations have evolved over time, using various mediums such as paper, pencil, cardboard, and 3D objects.

Composition

• Composition refers to the arrangement of elements within an artwork.
• Mastering composition is essential for artists, as a poor composition can affect the entire artwork.
• There is no one formula for good composition, but basic principles can be applied to most artworks.

Rules for Good Composition

• Balance attention to each element of the artwork.
• Emphasize particular parts of the work.
• Use geometric shapes, such as triangles and pyramids, to create a sense of balance.
• Use the Golden Ratio, a mathematical concept that creates a spiral shape.
• Abstract artists use an "all-over composition" approach, working uniformly on the surface of the piece.

Composition Tips

• Use the rule of thirds to create a pleasing arrangement and layout.
• Divide the composition into thirds, both vertically and horizontally, and place focal areas at the meeting points.
• Use texture and patterns to add non-distracting details.
• Combine several composition tips for a more effective design.