Mixed media collage is a vibrant and expressive art form that combines multiple materials and techniques to create layered, textured artworks. One artist who masterfully explores this medium is Brenda Swenson, a celebrated watercolorist known for pushing the boundaries of traditional watercolor painting by incorporating collage elements.
In this article, we will dive deep into Brenda Swenson’s creative world, exploring her unique approach to mixed media collage, her techniques, favorite materials, and tips for artists looking to expand their own creative horizons.
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Who is Brenda Swenson?
Brenda Swenson is an accomplished artist primarily known for her skillful watercolor paintings. However, what sets her apart is her innovative use of mixed media collage as a means of infusing vibrant color, texture, and depth into her compositions.
Swenson’s work often captures landscapes, architectural scenes, and natural settings, transforming them through a dynamic blend of watercolor washes and carefully layered collage papers. Her artistic philosophy centers around experimentation and playfulness, breaking free from the constraints of conventional watercolor painting to create visually compelling and richly textured artworks.
Swenson has also contributed educational content, sharing her process and inspiring artists worldwide through workshops, articles, and demonstrations.
What is Mixed Media Collage?
Before delving into Swenson’s work, it’s essential to understand what mixed media collage entails. Mixed media refers to an artwork created using more than one medium or material, while collage involves assembling different papers, fabrics, or found objects onto a surface. When combined, mixed media collage becomes a powerful tool to add complexity, texture, and layering to traditional art.
Artists working in mixed media collage often combine paints, inks, papers, photographs, fabric, and other materials to create multi-dimensional pieces. This technique invites creative freedom, enabling artists to experiment with color, texture, and composition in ways that traditional painting alone might not allow.
Brenda Swenson’s Artistic Process
Swenson’s mixed media collage process begins with a strong foundation — a careful drawing on high-quality watercolor paper. From there, she gradually builds layers of watercolor and collage papers, integrating them seamlessly to form her final compositions. Below is a detailed breakdown of her approach:
Step 1: Creating the Initial Sketch
Brenda begins by selecting a reference photo for inspiration. She then sketches the main elements lightly on a sturdy sheet of watercolor paper — typically Arches 300-lb. rough paper, prized for its durability and texture. Using waterproof black ink pens, Swenson draws only the major elements, focusing on placement and composition rather than detailed rendering. These bold, dark lines serve as a roadmap for the subsequent collage layers.
Step 2: Selecting Collage Materials
One of Swenson’s signature moves is her thoughtful selection of collage materials. She prefers papers with varied textures, colors, and patterns — including handmade papers, decorative scrapbooking papers, and even vintage ephemera. Each piece is carefully chosen for its hue, texture, and how it interacts with the watercolor elements.
Step 3: Applying Watercolor Washes
Once the initial sketch is complete, Swenson applies loose watercolor washes to establish the color palette and mood. These washes often blend softly with the collage layers, creating depth and cohesion. Her approach balances control and spontaneity — layering translucent washes over the collage and letting colors mingle organically.
Step 4: Layering and Adhering Collage Elements
The core of Swenson’s technique lies in layering collage papers over and around the watercolor base. She cuts and tears papers into shapes that suggest elements like roofs, trees, or sky, then adheres them with matte medium or glue. Careful placement ensures the collage papers enhance the composition without overpowering the underlying watercolor.
Step 5: Refining Details
After the collage layers are set, Brenda refines the artwork by adding additional watercolor details or drawing back in certain lines with pencil or pen. This step helps unify the piece and restore any necessary visual clarity lost during layering.
Materials and Tools Brenda Swenson Uses
Swenson’s success in mixed media collage relies heavily on the quality and variety of her materials. Some essentials she often uses include:
- Watercolor Paper: Heavy Arches 300-lb. rough paper for its durability and texture.
- Watercolors: High-quality artist-grade watercolor paints for vibrant, lasting color.
- Collage Papers: Handmade papers, decorative scrapbook papers, textured papers, vintage ephemera, and more.
- Adhesives: Matte medium, gel medium, or archival glue to ensure collage papers adhere securely without wrinkling.
- Pens and Pencils: Waterproof Pitt pens (sizes M and brush tip) and colored pencils for sketching and final detailing.
- Brushes: Soft synthetic and natural hair brushes for watercolor washes and detailing.
Why Mixed Media Collage?
For Brenda Swenson, mixed media collage is more than a technique — it’s a way to breathe new life into her creative practice and avoid stagnation. By combining collage and watercolor, she can achieve effects impossible with either medium alone. The tactile quality of collage adds texture and depth, while watercolor provides fluidity and vibrant color.
This hybrid approach allows for continual discovery. Each layer adds a new dimension and opportunity for surprise. Artists like Swenson embrace this unpredictability, which often leads to more expressive and compelling artwork.
Tips from Brenda Swenson for Artists Interested in Mixed Media Collage
If you’re inspired by Brenda Swenson’s work and want to try mixed media collage yourself, here are some practical tips based on her experience:
- Start with a strong drawing: Your initial sketch will guide the composition and placement of collage elements. Make sure your lines are bold and clear.
- Choose papers thoughtfully: Look for papers that complement your color palette and add texture. Experiment with tearing, cutting, or layering papers.
- Build layers gradually: Don’t rush the layering process. Allow each layer to dry and settle before adding more.
- Use the right adhesives: Matte medium is a great choice for collage as it dries clear and flexible.
- Balance control and spontaneity: Embrace the unpredictability of mixed media, but also know when to add intentional details.
- Protect your work: Once finished, consider sealing your artwork with a fixative or varnish to protect the collage papers and watercolor.
Brenda Swenson’s Impact on the Art Community
Beyond her beautiful artworks, Brenda Swenson has become an influential voice in the watercolor and mixed media communities. Through workshops, videos, and articles — including her feature in Watercolor Artist magazine’s June 2011 issue (“Little Pieces of Color”) — she has encouraged countless artists to explore mixed media collage as a path to creativity and innovation.
Her willingness to share her process openly has demystified the medium and made it accessible to artists of all levels. Many emerging and established artists cite Swenson’s work as an inspiration for branching out beyond traditional watercolor painting.
Inspiring Examples of Brenda Swenson’s Work
Among her many mixed media pieces, San Juan Bautista Mission stands out as a vivid example of her technique. This 11×15-inch watercolor collage beautifully blends architectural elements with layers of torn paper and soft washes. The piece exemplifies her ability to combine structure with softness, color with texture.
Another hallmark of Swenson’s style is her use of color — often bold and unexpected. By layering different papers with varying tones and hues, she creates compositions that feel alive and dynamic, inviting viewers to look closer and appreciate the intricacies.
How to Start Your Own Mixed Media Collage Journey
If you’re new to mixed media collage and want to follow in Brenda Swenson’s footsteps, here’s a beginner-friendly plan to get started:
- Gather your materials: watercolor paper, watercolor paints, collage papers, adhesive, brushes, pens.
- Select a simple subject or reference photo to sketch.
- Create a bold line drawing on your watercolor paper.
- Apply loose watercolor washes to set the tone.
- Tear and arrange collage papers on the painted surface, experimenting with layering.
- Glue papers down and allow to dry.
- Add finishing watercolor touches or pencil details.
- Step back often to evaluate your composition and adjust as needed.
Don’t worry about perfection — the beauty of mixed media collage lies in its imperfections and surprises.
Frequently Asked Question
What is mixed media collage, and how does Brenda Swenson use it in her art?
Mixed media collage is an art technique that involves layering different materials—such as watercolor, ink, handmade papers, and textures—onto a single surface. Brenda Swenson blends this approach with traditional watercolor painting to create vibrant, textured compositions. Her works often start with an ink sketch, followed by watercolor washes and layers of collage papers for added depth and dimension.
What materials does Brenda Swenson recommend for mixed media collage?
Brenda typically uses:
- Arches 300-lb. rough watercolor paper for its durability
- Waterproof ink pens (like Pitt pens) for initial sketches
- Artist-grade watercolors
- Handmade or patterned collage papers
- Matte or gel medium for adhering papers
These tools help her build strong compositions that can hold multiple layers without warping or smudging.
How does Brenda Swenson start a mixed media collage piece?
She begins by selecting a reference photo and sketching major shapes and elements in waterproof ink on her watercolor paper. This provides structure for the composition. She then lays down transparent watercolor washes before adding carefully chosen collage papers that enhance the scene.
What types of subjects does Brenda Swenson typically portray in her collages?
Brenda often focuses on architectural scenes, landscapes, and natural elements, especially historic buildings like California missions. Her subjects are chosen for their strong shapes and textures, which respond well to both watercolor and collage layering.
Why does Brenda Swenson combine watercolor with collage instead of using watercolor alone?
According to Brenda, combining collage with watercolor adds texture, richness, and creative flexibility. It allows her to break through creative ruts and explore new visual effects that watercolor alone cannot achieve. The collage process invites more spontaneity and surprise, which helps keep her work fresh and engaging.
Can beginners try Brenda Swenson’s collage techniques, or is it better for advanced artists?
Brenda’s techniques are accessible to both beginners and experienced artists. While some knowledge of composition and watercolor is helpful, her step-by-step method—starting with a sketch, building up washes, and layering papers—is easy to follow. It’s also a great way for new artists to explore creativity without feeling limited by technical rules.
Where can I learn more about Brenda Swenson’s mixed media collage process?
You can read Brenda Swenson’s article “Little Pieces of Color” in the June 2011 issue of Watercolor Artist magazine. She also offers online tutorials, workshops, and shares tips through her website and social media. These resources provide valuable insights into her creative approach and hands-on techniques.
Conclusion
Exploring mixed media collage with Brenda Swenson offers artists a vibrant path to combine traditional watercolor techniques with the tactile richness of collage. Her method showcases how layering, thoughtful material choices, and a spirit of experimentation can transform ordinary scenes into captivating works of art. Whether you’re a seasoned watercolorist or just beginning your artistic journey, embracing mixed media collage can open up new creative possibilities. Brenda Swenson’s work serves as an inspiring example of how breaking free from artistic comfort zones can lead to fresh, exciting, and deeply personal artwork. Ready to start your own mixed media adventure? Gather your papers, paints, and pens — and let Brenda Swenson’s approach inspire your next masterpiece!
