Paper-cut Collage – Apple Blossom
The apple blossom is beautiful again this year. This paper-cut collage began with photos and sketches, followed by painted paper-cut petals placed onto a sky-blue paper collage background .
Pure escapism in these uncertain times.
Apple Blossom Time – Irena Boobyer
The delicate apple blossom swaying on the branch of apple tree was the inspiration for this paper-cut mixed media collage. Having experimented with different paper backgrounds I place the branch onto some hand-painted paper and work on a quick watercolour sketch.
The next step is to take some photos. From my selection I decide that the apple blossom silhouette creates a perfect negative space for simplifying the shape of the blossom against the blue background .
Apple Blossom Studies – Irena Boobyer
The next step is to choose the photo that will create the most dramatic, viewpoint and this one reminds me of the large scale flowers (including apple blossom) painted by Georgia O’Keeffe
To make the image fit the canvas I need to expand it to fit to size. This is done by dividing the image in four and scanning each quarter and printing it as a full page to create a template for my collage.
Enlarging the image to fit the canvas: the template – Irena Boobyer
Once I have finished the background, I cut out the expanded image and the surround becomes the negative space for the collage.
Putting it all together
Each petal is cut out individually. It is painted using acrylic paints, using shading to create the appearance of the paper-like delicacy of the blossom.
The next stage is to work on the centre. I am using ideas based on my 3D paper flower making techniques because the centres always make the most impact.
Apple blossom Collage Detail – Irena Boobyer
Working on the centre of the blossom is slow going. I have to stop, have a cup of tea, and wait for the paint and the adhesive to dry!
Apple Blossom Collage Under the Apple Tree – Irena Boobyer
Finally … the paper-cut collage takes shape
Play with placing the apple blossom collage under the apple tree.
Capturing the detail of the petals against the sky-blue background.
To comment about this artwork and the techniques used, please contact me
Many thanks, I hope you have enjoyed reading through the stages of creating this collage. I hope it will inspire you to create some artworks of your own. As I said in the beginning of this piece, this is pure escapism!!!