Positive and Negative Shape Collage

In this lesson students explore shape, colour and space to create a collage using handmade papers exploring positive and negative space. Students will experiment with watercolour painting techniques to create handmade papers relating to colours found in their environment. They will then explore abstracted organic forms and draw and cut these shapes from their hand made papers before pasting down the negative space pieces on another sheet of paper to create a collage.

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Step 1

Begin by exploring your environment and observing the different shapes and colours which surround you. This may be different depending on whether students are indoors, outdoors or in different spaces.

Step 2

Students draw inspiration from the colours around them and explore different water colour techniques to create handmade papers. Explore different colours and textures which can be created through exploring wet on wet techniques, dry brushing, dabbing with tissue paper and blending colours.

Step 3

Students allow their watercolour papers to dry. Once dry they turn the paper over and draw simplified or abstracted shapes inspired by their environment. Students repeat and explore different shapes on the range of handmade papers ensuring there is space between each drawing.

Step 4

Students cut around their shape in a square or rectangular shape. They then cut out their shapes from their paper aiming to cut their shape in a single line so that they have the positive and negative cut outs.

Step 5

Students arrange their negative space shapes on a piece of paper to find a composition which they like before pasting their pieces down. Students can also complete this process as a collaborative group activity by working on a large poster sheet of paper.

Step 6

Students can repeat this process using their positive space cut outs on another sheet of paper.

What you’ll need:

Thick cartridge or watercolour paper
Watercolour paints
Scissors
Glue