top of page
Writer's pictureCynthia Standley

Creating Background Pages

Use watercolor or acrylic paints and prepare at least 3 pages using one or more of the following methods:

  • Paint a page a single color.

  • Paint a page with more than one color.

  • Apply paint with a sponge.

  • Use a toothbrush to flick paint onto a page.

  • Paint household-found objects such as bubble wrap, plastic mesh, bottle caps, wine corks, etc. and stamp the objects onto a page.

  • Paint a page and while it’s still wet, sprinkle salt on it.  Let dry, then brush the salt off.

  • Paint a page and while it’s still wet, press a piece of wrinkled plastic wrap into the wet paint.  Let dry, then remove the plastic.

  • Apply tape in strips horizontally, vertically, diagonally or use a mixture; apply paint; let drug, then remove tape.  Many possibilities: can vary the tape width, length, etc.

  • Dip string or yarn into paint, apply to page by dabbing and lifting; can also create curvy lines by throwing string onto page after dipping in paint and carefully lifting

  • Combine any of the above methods to really build up a background page.

Finding a Focal Point

After you’ve created the background for your page, ideas for a focal point include the following:

  1. Use a large focal image such as a bird or flower to take up the majority of your page

  2. Use your handwriting to fill a page

  3. Use a simple quote and write it large and/or using various font. Practice creative lettering.

  4. Doodle using simple mark making techniques. A black Sharpie marker looks striking on a colored background.

  5. Add bold imagery with photographs and/or magazine clippings.

  6. Use one simple word that stands out and makes a statement on its own.

  7. Sometimes, the background itself becomes a work of art and nothing more is needed.



Karina Enriquez, COM-P Staff

Lakshmi Madhavpeddi, Graduate Student

Josie Valladee, COM-P Staff

Cindi Standley, Faculty

Cindi Standley, Faculty

8 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page