Mixed Media Collage with Heather Neilson – Fall 2025 [CLASS FULL]

6 weeks

Saturdays, 9:30 PM to 12:00 PM | October 11, 18, 25, November 1, 8 and 15

Location: Washington Art Association’s General Studio

There is a $5 Supply Fee payable to the instructor.

Explore creative possibilities in this six-week abstract mixed media collage course. Working with acrylic paint and paper, you’ll begin by creating a library of personal collage materials—painted papers rich with color, texture, pattern, and mark making.

From there, you’ll explore how to combine these elements using key design principles like value, color, shape, and composition. Through a mix of guided exercises and open exploration, you’ll learn how to layer confidently, balance spontaneity with structure, and develop your own visual language.

This course is perfect for artists who want to loosen up, experiment freely, and expand their creative toolkit. Whether you’re new to mixed media or looking to deepen your practice, you’ll leave with fresh ideas, new techniques, and a body of work that’s uniquely yours.

Please note: This is an instructional and cumulative course with no make-up sessions. If you expect to miss more than two classes and are new to the course, consider enrolling at a time when you can attend the majority of sessions.

Heather Neilson’s Mixed Media Collage Supply List

(links go to the product to purchase on Amazon and/or for you to see what the product looks like)

• Watercolor paper or Mixed Media paper 9×12 140lb (or heavier)
any brand.
• Optional: 2-4 Cradled Wood Panels or other substrates.
Important: instructor will discuss options in the 1st class so it is
recommended to wait to purchase these.
• Acrylic paint – I recommend GOLDEN fluid acrylics but any brand or
type of acrylics is fine. Be sure to have Black and White plus at least
2-3 warm colors (red, oranges, yellows) and 2-3 cool colors (blues,
greens, violets). If you have favorite paint colors, bring them along.
• Glue – Soft gel medium – semi gloss (if you have experience with
collage and have a favorite glue that works well with paper, you can
use that instead)
• Collage materials:
– Sketch Paper
We will be making collage material by painting on your sketch paper
so that you have unique and personal collage fodder.
Please also bring a small collection of other found collage papers to
work with. Some ideas include
– vintage book pages
– vintage music sheets
– wallpaper
– tissue paper
– colorful napkins
– photo copies of personal letters, documents, children’s artwork
Heather will also be bringing some purchased papers for you to use ($5
supply fee covers this plus other miscellaneous supplies)

• Brushes – bring a few nice brushes for paint and one that you will
use primarily for glue. Have a variety of sizes but 1-2 should be at
least a 1/2 – 1 inch wide flat.
• Paper towels (blue shop towels from hardware store are
recommended)
• A palette – options include a palette paper, freezer paper, stay wet
palette, plastic tray or plastic plate. It should be a flat surface. I do
not recommend the small plastic palettes with wells.
• Palette knife (Metal is recommended)
• Scissors
• Container for water for your brushes (eg. a large, plastic yogurt
container)
• a small container (a small yogurt container works well) for your glue
• An old loyalty card or expired credit card for adhering your collage.
Alternatives are a brayer or plastic scraper tools from hardware store

Optional:
– latex gloves
– apron
– glue stick (acid free)
– any other favorite supplies for those with collage experience.