Creative Collage

On Sunday I took an all day workshop with Catherine Mein.  I've known Catherine for a while and have always loved her work.  She also does abstract watercolors and has such a unique vision that she shares with the world. 

A while ago I saw Catherine do a demo on making collages and it was so much fun to watch that I just wanted to learn how to do it.  The workshop was amazing from beginning to end.  When I walked into The Art Studio it was so well prepared with snack and drinks and supplies on all of the tables.  She really put forth an enormous effort for all of her students. 

I must say that I had never done collage or worked in the abstract before.  I really felt like I was stepping out of my comfort zone.  But immediately in the class I felt free.  I didn't have to be concerned about realism or making sure everything is "neat" but not tight.  Most everything that she said about composition I was familiar with so I just played with colors and values and shapes and textures.  I had so much fun and it was so freeing.

This is my first collage ever.  Does it look anything like my usual work?  At first when I look at it it looks totally different.  But then when I look at it more closely I start to see my style emerging.  My use of colors, textures and my sense of balance come through.  I do not have a strong center of interest.  (Also a part of my style and something I need to work on.)

It was the most fun Sunday I've had in a long time.  Thanks Catherine you really are a wonderful teacher.