10 collage art ideas you must try

One thing I've learned about painting with collage is that the ideas and possibilities are endless! From the sheer amount of types of papers—handmade, vintage, gelli printed, shop-bought—to the variety and diversity of the ephemera you can collect, just getting those scraps down on paper can feel like a huge hurdle.

But I'm here to help you with 10 Quick and Easy Collage Art Ideas that are great for beginners or if you're feeling a little overwhelmed with your options. So get stuck into one, three, or all ten of these little collage projects, and let me know how you get on!

Overcoming Overwhelm

Going through your entire stack of collage papers or all of your paint tubes and mixed media toolkit at once can throw you into overwhelm very quickly. What's easier: choosing a snack from a choice of two or having too many options?

Grab anything, but you can only use three. So, three colours, three scraps with text, or three graphic patterns, for example. Start placing them on your paper or sketchbook. Don't glue anything down yet. Use this exercise to explore different subjects and compositions. But don't be tempted to add anything else. You'll be surprised at what you can create from a limited selection.

Black and White Collage Techniques

How can you create something with depth and interest using only black and white? Try combining newspaper print with handwritten words, different languages, textures, and patterns.

Recreate Your Favorite Art

Do you have a favourite painting from an old Dutch master or a beloved Monet that always sticks in your head? Whatever your favourite piece of art, whether contemporary, from your cousin, or from the Renaissance, have a go at recreating that piece using your collage toolkit.

Everyday Inspiration

If you have some pretty flowers sitting in a vase, beautiful crockery, or even just a cat contemplating by the window, use these everyday objects as inspiration. Think of the objects in terms of larger shapes first, then gradually work with smaller scraps to get to the details.

Scrapbooking Collage

What scrapbooking is made for! Keep and collect any ephemera from your day: a coffee receipt, bus ticket, sticky notes, a box of tea, etc. Create a collage piece from it. You can add lettering, text, colours, and more if you like. You'll see how quickly ordinary moments and household objects can become something wonderful.

Adding Embellishments

Grab a painting you've already finished or just started, and add embellishments in collage. It could be the turning point that piece needed.

3D to 2D Collage

Just as art students used to sketch from marble statues, try turning something 3D into a flat collage painting. Think sculptures and installations. Visit your local museum or gallery and see what you find.

The Freedom to Play

This one is vital. The above exercises are designed to get your collage muscles working and give you the experience of working within limitations. At the other end of the scale is the freedom to just play. Collage was probably one of the first things we learned to do in art class at school, where there were likely very few rules or limitations imposed on young students. Try it yourself: just start sticking. Even better, if you have tiny humans at home, recruit their help and play together!

Layering Techniques

Many artists use this method, regardless of their style, medium, or experience level. Divide your paper into rough squares, rectangles, or any shape that works. Start putting colour down—first a dark, then a contrasting colour. Add marks with pencils, charcoal, or pastel. Start layering. Try not to think. Turn your paper and just keep going.

This is one of the best exercises I've found in my own practice, and I learned a huge amount from Marabeth Quin's intuitive, lyrical style.

Create a Mood Board

Now's the time for you to go through your collection and pull out the scraps and fragments that really speak to you and inspire you. Your task is to create a collage mood board or vision board. Start cutting, tearing, and sticking. Build layers. Hide or obscure some pieces, and decide which ones you want to come forward. Choose a colour theme if you want. This board can then serve as your visual inspiration for all your collage projects going forward.

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