Quad Collage Tutorial

Digital collaging is a great way to be expressively free in your art. You can piece together completely unrelated images and end up with a very unique work of art. However, collaging can be daunting as well, especially for those of us who can't decide between hundreds of images we've stockpiled in our computer files. Quad Collaging limits the pieces in a collage to just four, two images and two textures. By following the Quad Collage guidelines you can quickly create simple collages that still have a wow factor but eliminate the stress of trying to overlay tons of images onto your canvas.

There is only one rule in creating a Quad Collage and that is only four pieces are allowed. Pick from your files two random images and two random textures. You don't have to have a set idea in your mind, the goal of this tutorial is to just let it be completely free and open. So, are you ready to see just how easy it is to create a Quad Collage? Let's begin!

Image #1 is your bottom layer, or background layer and this is always going to be a photograph. Here I've chosen a birdbath...a throwaway shot...but wait, there is already a lot of great texture in it. Hmmm...maybe this would look good in a collage?

Image #2 is always going to be a texture. This is put as a layer on top of image #1. I'm using a text texture by Dark Yarrow. I really want the words to stand out so I'm going to set the blending mode to Multiply at 100%.

Image #3 is going to be your second photograph. This is layered on top of Image #2, your texture. I'm using this shot of the word "hope" found on a park bench. I want this strong so I set the blending mode to Multiply at 100% and go over just the letters with the burn tool. I also rotate this layer a bit so that the word is at an angle across the rest of the image. You can play around with each layer. Try rotating, scaling, different blending modes and change opacity.

The final image, image #4 is always going to be a texture. I've chosen this great texture called Exquisite Lace by Pareerica. I like how it's dark on the edges but light in the center. This is layered over image #3. I want this to be dark so I set the blending mode to Multiply at 100% and lower the brightness and change the hue to reflect more green.

My last step is to use a butterfly brush and add a butterfly into the very bottom corner to balance out the composition. Using brushes is a quick an easy way to add something to the image without breaking the Quad Collage rule of just four images. I adjust the saturation, hue and contrast until I am satisfied.

The final image: "Hope"

Even though you make think an image is not worth keeping, you may want to hang onto it for collage work. In collaging, there is no such thing as a bad picture! Create a file just for future collage work and stick your "less than perfect" pics in there.

Let's do another one using the same techniques. I've decided on this shot of a man walking down the street as my image #1.

Next is a texture layer. For image #2, I'm using the same texture as above, Exquisite Lace by Pareeerica. I will set the blending mode to Overlay to make the image lighter and brighter.

Next is image #3, another photo, this time of fall leaves. I actually took this shot on the same street as the man walking so why not use them together? I will set the blending mode to Multiply at 50% and using a brush at 100%, mask out the areas directly over my focal point of the figure. I don't want him completely covered in trees but rather a frame of trees around him.

The next step is another texture. For image #4, I picked out this antique map and set the blending mode to Multiply at 100%. I want this to be bold and noticeable in the final piece. Using a brush at 100%, I once again mask out the unwanted texture over the figure.

My final step is to convert the image to black and white. Collages don't always have to be in color and the adding of the antique map begged for this piece to be in black and white.

The final image: "Into the World Goes He"

What was just a couple of snapshots of the world around me has now become an interesting and thought provoking piece: "Where is he going?" "What adventures await him?".

Now that you've learned the simple steps in putting together a Quad Collage, I encourage you to create one, or two or several! Feel free to post them in the Fan Photos album on my Facebook Fan page so that others can be inspired by your work! Happy Collaging!

♥Valentine's Day♥

♥A few of my images perfect for honoring Valentine's Day♥

♥My wedding set♥

♥A couple in love♥

♥Lovey, the duckling♥

♥Love♥

♥Heart♥

♥Key to my Heart♥

Serenity

When I think of Serenity, the same image always comes into my mind and it's not Frank Costanza from Seinfeld screaming "Serenity Now", although that is a close second.

Most of the time, the image in my minds eye is a 12th Century Monastery, built on a rock, surrounded by the wild sea. A place where ones mind is quiet and working hands scribe the words of God in illuminated texts. Monks roam long, silent cloisters and naves, lit only by the sunlight streaming through tall stained glass windows. Or by the golden glow of candles during evening prayers.

Perhaps, influenced by my stay on that secluded rock or by Loreena McKennit's song "Skellig" or maybe a combination of both, but when I light a candle, I think of peace, quiet, serenity. I think of my time on Mont St. Michel.

"Serenity" was the next Art Journal Journey prompt and although I began with grand plans for the next page of my journal, I ended up sketching something fairly simple...a few candles. The words from "Skellig" filling in the page, texture and paint added. I have candles lit now as I write. Calming, the soft sent of Rosemary and Musk takes me back to another time, another place, maybe even another life.

Closeup of the texture

Finally, serenity also exists not only in the safe comfort of my own home, but also on my treks and journeys. Usually, it calls to my mind, long deserted roads canopied by whispering trees. Travelling miles on foot down the dusty pathways of old is a perfect way to quiet the mind of a city girl. :)

A Lonely Road in Wales

"The sole art that suits me is that which, rising from unrest, tends toward serenity."

-Andre Gide

Closeness Through Shared Activity

Closeness through shared activity. That was the theme this week which started on "Creative Saturday" with Lita. We've committed to our creative selves, when possible, three Saturdays a month: One for Photography, one for Digital Art and one for Traditional Art. It was a Traditional Art day...hands on, no computers. It was just us, some paints and supplies and a blank canvas. The goal: to create freely and let our hands take us on the journey, not knowing what our final destination was. Although I'm still working on my canvas, Lita finished her collage masterpiece which you can view in its final stage on her blog.

We had such a great time and are already looking forward to our next get together which will be a photography outing. It's been a long time since we went out together with our cameras.

The theme of shared activity continue to the middle of the week when I took Daniel on his first major audition! He auditioned for the role of Michael, Jennifer Aniston's son in her new movie "The Pretend Wife". With head shot and resume in hand, we headed down to North Miami Beach to Lori Wyman Casting.

It was like one of our date days but with a little bit of work in the middle. The work being Daniel's audition. He had to learn dialog which he had down pat. He was excited but calm, prepared but able to take direction and change the script when asked. When he went into the room to give his audition and they shut the door behind him, my heart started racing so fast and I was so nervous for him! I thought I was going to pass out or have a heart attack. He did great and even though it's a million to one shot, we had a great time together and he gained some valuable experience.

This week's theme concluded with Loraine and I heading down to Miami for a day of shopping, lunch, conversation and of course, Starbucks. I love those girly shopping days with Loraine. It's always very relaxing and she's really good at finding the best deals!

We went to Anthropology and I took a few shots including the one below which I titled "Time Turners". I'd like to think these interesting knobs have some magical properties to them. I think I may just have to get some next time! How I love that store.

Speaking of photography, it was a great week as I licensed the following image which will be used in a poster for a Country & Western Musical Festival in Dublin, Ireland!

This image is going to be used by the Somerset, England Heritage Committee in their 2010 Travelling Booklet!

And the company that licensed my Christmas Gargoyle (which I got my royalty check for last month...that was exciting!) purchased this image to be used in the future on architectural cards.

One final update on the gardening: The Forget-Me-Nots and the Lupines have sprouted! The squash are growing rapidly and a new little baby Cassia tree has popped up in the garden.

Looking back on the week, it was certainly filled with creativity, excitement and friendship. All weeks should be like this!

From the Heart

Oh how fun it is to draw and doodle...it's just delightful! :)

My two pages I did for the Art Journal Journey with Missy.

The theme: "From the Heart"

Pen, watercolor, acrylic and markers!

True to life! One fat cat, one skinny cat. :)

It feels like Spring...the weather has been wonderful. Except the "long run" day of my marathon training, when it was windy and raining for most of the 5 miles. This week is 7 miles and I hope it's a good weather day! At least most of the days have been sunny...good for my garden because the seeds are now sprouting!

A lovely little flower on my Bell Pepper Plant

Sprouting Squash!

The Heavenly Blue Morning Glory begins it's journey

Bachelor Buttons, tiny but determined!

Do you think my Orchid is trying to tell me something?

Like, "Hey, it's time to repot me!"

Repotting Orchids isn't easy. Just getting it out of the pot is a chore.

The roots are like tentacles from some underworld creature.

You must gently clean and trim them before potting it anew.

Beauty is blooming, so out came the camera this week!

It's been quite some time since I have taken nature shots.

The last few months have been filled

with travel and street photography.

I realized this week just how much

I miss being in nature with my Nikon.

Photograph of my Lavender Pinata which made

the pages of Flickr Explore this week:

I've always loved this quote and it's the title of my set on Flickr with all my flower photographs:

"The Earth Laughs in Flowers"

Sowing the Seeds

This past week was one of "sowing seeds".

It started with the devastation in Haiti. It's so heartbreaking that the poorest country in the world, one that is just a few hundred miles from our borders is going through such horror.

In these times, most of us, myself included, wish we could just fly there in an instant and help everyone. But even just donating cash or goods can help the people of Haiti sow seeds for the future, a future that hopefully will be brighter, safer and full of hope. So donate we do, clothing, blankets and money and send prayers on wings of love.

Closer to home, my quest to create a sustainable, organic lifestyle continues with the first seeds being planted. Finally, the fine Florida weather cooperated and I was able to sow Chives and Squash. In addition, I sowed a bountiful of blue flowers: Forget-me-not, Bachelor Button and of course, my favorite morning glory: The Heavenly Blue

I was lucky enough to have two years of these amazing blooms and can't imagine my garden now without them. I also paired the white, large Moon Flower with the Heavenly Blue. I've had good luck growing the Moon Flower before and hope I'll be blessed with it's night opening blooms again.

To help my garden along, we have begun our own Composting. I have a stylish stainless steel kitchen compost container. Here, kitchen waste such as vegetable peelings, paper towels, tea leaves and other organic material are stored until a trip out to the patio compost bin, a green plastic drum that sits up on a black bar. This is where lawn and garden trimmings are tossed as

well as feathers from the ducks and birds, shells and any other organic material I find while gardening. The kitchen waste is dumped in and a few times a week the drum gets turned to mix the materials and help the rotting along. I find the whole process completely and utterly fascinating. Not only will I be making rich organic soil, but our trash output to the landfill will decrease by 35%!! Imagine if everyone did the same thing? That would make a huge impact on our planet. Sowing seeds for the future. :)

This week also included sowing seeds for my health. Loran and I signed up for Disney World's Half Marathon: http://disneyworldsports.disney.go.com/dwws/en_US/events/eventDetail/detail?name=PrincessHalfMarathonDetailPage

I started training this week, running up to 5 miles. Next week will be up to 7 miles, the third up to 9 and so on until I am up to the 13.1 miles needed in order to finish in the allotted time of 3.5hrs. Loran is a perfect partner for this challenge. We've been together during other strenuous challenges and know that we can count on each other for support, motivation and encouragement.

The training this week has been going great, my miles have been under 12 minutes but a headache has followed the workout which concerns me some. Hopefully, it will subside as my cardiovascular health improves but I will keep a close eye on it and see my doctor if necessary.

Speaking of doctors, today my cat Pi Ling had to go see her doctor after one of her anal glands ruptured through the skin. It's one of the most painful looking things I have ever seen and I feel so bad for her. She seems to be doing good now that she is home but the wound is open because it has to heal from the inside out, so it can't be stitched up. I have to keep it clean and give her medicine orally. She should be back to normal in no time and hopefully she won't have to deal with this again.

So much seemed to be going on this week, but I still managed to work a bit on my photography and in my art journal which I'll be posting pictures of soon. I also was able to spend some time with my beautiful friend Loraine and my lovely Lita who moved closer to me! yay! In fact, she's about the distance of a half-marathon...in a few weeks maybe I'll run over to her apartment instead of driving!

Welcome to 2010

Where has the time gone? 2009 just breezed right on by and now the first week of 2010 is about to come to a close. Having spent most of 2009 traveling I am looking forward to 2010 as a year to concentrate on things closer to home. Mainly, my photography, garden and art. Oh yes, and this poor, neglected blog!

I never have resolutions...not because I can't keep them, but because the things I resolve to do are things I strive for daily throughout my life: to live an inspired life of love, kindness and health and a creative life filled with vision, motivation, beauty and art.

I spent the last year cultivating my Butterfly Garden...it's in need of some preparation for the upcoming season and I'm excited to get out there and renew the commitment I've made to those most delicate creatures of nature. In addition, I've now decided to create a sustainable, organic garden for Charlie and I to enjoy. Limited by space and critters (oh how the coon and rat love to dig up stuff), I've settled on a few fruit trees, herb garden, wildflowers for brewing tea and filling my large patio with a vegetable container garden. Most will be protected from all critters except for my cat Sambuca who last year ate all the blooming bulbs off my sunflowers. But, I'll worry about her later. For now, I have to worry about the weather.

Florida is in the longest cold snap in decades and this has delayed my January plantings of Crookneck Squash, Dill, Chives and Thyme. As soon as the temperature climbs back up to 60°F I'll be able to get my January plants going. I did manage to start my Avocado plant. No hurry on this baby. Even once I finally get it into the ground it will be 4-10 years before it yeilds fruit. Avocado, my friend, you will teach me patience. While waiting for the optimum time for planting, I have begun, yet again, another art journal. To help me stick to it, I've decided to tie it in with my gardening attempts and my nature photography. I've also joined my beautiful, talented friend (and distant cousin) artist Missy Trent in an Art Journal Journey! She's so inspiring and motivating and she will help to keep me on track! I'm not too good with mediums other than oil, but I am up for the challenge of using watercolor...learning, discovering. Missy gave us a "prompt" to start our first entry: Winter. Living in South Florida makes that a challenge. Even though we are currently experiencing colder weather right now, I rarely think of winter when I am here. However, I have noticed the birds plucking the winterberries off the bush. It seems to be a favorite of the Mockingbird and the Red-Winged Blackbird, both who like to sit on a branch and just eat to heart's content. Difficult to get a shot of them on the branch...will need to try a longer lens and quieter shoes for as soon as I step outside, off they fly!

My first Art Journal entry for 2010: Winterberry!

I usedwatercolor, marker, pen, handmade paper, acrylic, glitter, tiny doll buttons and some die cut birds to create the page. If you would like to join Missy on her Art Journal Journey, check out her blog: http://shabbygirl.blogspot.com/

As the first week of 2010 winds down, I'm excited by the challenges I am creating and I'm sure this year will be an inspired one! Next up: processing more travel photography, creating collaged gift boxes and working towards completing my first 5K run!