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Introducing…

Cordula colour stacked RGB logo

 

Register now to be notified when this course becomes available.

By submitting your email address and registering your interest, you agree to receive information about this course, one monthly eNewsletter and weekly Friday Feature Artist interview updates via email, in accordance with our Privacy Policy. We will never share or sell your personal information.

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The Art of Abstract Collage - Mastering Composition
with Cordula Kagemann

In Cordula’s second online course with Fibre Arts Take Two, she is taking students on a journey of collage, this time focusing on abstract composition! 

This comprehensive online course unveils the intricacies of the art form, guiding you through its rich history and showcasing the endless possibilities of collage and mixed media within it. The magic of the course doesn’t stop at just understanding; it promises a journey, with Cordula’s seasoned insights and personal artwork as a testament to the beauty that awaits.

Throughout the course, you will get hands-on experience, delving deep into design elements, principles, and tools essential for collage art, from learning about the fundamental art supplies and diverse paper types to mastering the techniques that support abstract composition, including colour, understanding the nuances of format, and designing surfaces that tell a story. Furthermore, discover the profound impact of archetypal compositions, as Cordula expertly demonstrates how symbols like the cross, the “L”, and the circular composition can breathe life into art. 

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, this course promises a transformative experience, pushing boundaries and redefining perceptions, all while helping you create masterpieces that resonate.

Suitable for new students and Process & Possibility alumni who want to extend their composition skills whilst learning new techniques.

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Here's what you can expect from Cordula Kagemann... 

 

Here's how Cordula delivers her
world-class curriculum...

MODULE 1: Introduction to Abstract Composition

Begin your artistic journey by getting to know Cordula Kagemann and her distinctive approach to abstract art. She’ll introduce you to the fascinating world of abstract composition, laying the groundwork for the entire course. You'll explore the history and evolution of abstract art, learning how early 20th-century artists broke away from traditional representation to create compositions based purely on form, colour, and texture.
fibre_arts_take_two_cordula_kagemann_abstractModule 1

In this module, you will explore...

  • Historical Context and Evolution of Abstract Art: Discover how abstract art emerged and evolved, focusing on the groundbreaking work of early 20th-century artists who redefined the visual language of art.
  • Understanding Composition: Learn why composition is the backbone of successful abstract art and how it guides the viewer’s eye through an artwork, creating balance, harmony, and emotional impact.

  • Cordula’s Artistic Journey: This module will provide insight into Cordula Kagemann's personal experiences and artistic process, setting the tone for a course that emphasises both creative exploration and practical application.

 

By the end of this module, you’ll be inspired by the rich history of abstract composition, mixed media, and the techniques employed by contemporary collage artists, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of the elements and principles that will guide you through the creation of compelling abstract collages.

MODULE 2: Tools & Materials

Dive into the practical aspects of abstract collage by exploring the essential tools and materials that will become your creative companions throughout the course. Cordula Kagemann guides you through her selection of papers, adhesives, and tools, offering tips on organising and storing your materials for optimal workflow. This module is designed to equip you with everything you need to start creating, ensuring you feel confident and prepared as you move forward. 

You’ll discover...

  • Introduction to Collage Materials: Get an overview of the specific papers, adhesives, and tools Cordula uses in her work, with practical advice on selecting the best materials for your projects.

  • Organising and Storing Materials: Learn how to efficiently organise and store your collage supplies, making it easier to maintain a productive and inspiring workspace.

  • Preparing for Creative Success: Understand the importance of being well-prepared before beginning any art project, setting the foundation for a smooth and enjoyable creative process.
fibre_arts_take_two_cordula_kagemann_abstractModule 2 - Option A

By the end of this module, you’ll be fully equipped with the knowledge and materials needed to embark on your abstract collage journey, setting yourself up for success in the creative exercises to come.

MODULE 3: Design Elements - Preparing Collage Papers

During this module, you will begin creating a variety of collage papers. By using painting, cutting, and marking methods, you will infuse your papers with a visually appealing texture and dimension. Cordula will guide you in exploring different design elements to create on your collage papers. These papers will play a significant role in upcoming modules of the course when you craft your abstract compositions.
fibre_arts_take_two_cordula_kagemann_abstractModule 3 - Option A

You will explore...

  • Creating Collage Papers: Discover how to use different methods to craft unique collage papers that will serve as the foundation for your abstract compositions in upcoming modules.

  • Understanding Design Elements: Gain a comprehensive understanding of essential design elements, including dots, lines, marks, shapes, patterns, and textures, and learn how to apply them to create distinctive collage papers.

  • Building a Paper Collection: Learn Cordula’s techniques for building an organised collection of patterned and textured papers that will enrich your future collage projects.

By the end of this module, you will have an understanding of all the design elements and how to use them to create unique collage papers. Experimenting with different colours, designs, and textures can add depth and visual interest to your artworks, allowing you to express your creativity in unique and exciting ways.

MODULE 4: Exploring Notan and the Principle of Balance

In module four, Cordula Kagemann introduces you to the profound Japanese concept of Notan, which focuses on the harmony between dark and light. This module is dedicated to understanding and applying the essential design principle of balance, a cornerstone of successful abstract compositions.

You will learn...

  • The Concept of Notan: Discover the significance of Notan, a Japanese principle that emphasises the balance between dark and light elements in art, creating harmony and visual interest in your compositions.

  • Practical Exercises in Balance: Engage in hands-on exercises to explore the interplay of shape, form, and placement in achieving balanced compositions.

  • Playful Experimentation: Embrace a playful approach as Cordula encourages spontaneous experimentation with shapes and compositions, fostering creativity and deeper insight into the dynamics of balance.
fibre_arts_take_two_cordula_kagemann_abstractModule 4 - Option A
By the end of this module, you will have experienced several practical ways to lay the groundwork and start an abstract composition. You will be equipped to integrate this principle into your artistic practice, enhancing both your creative work and even your approach to life’s challenges.

MODULE 5: Mastering Design Principles in Abstract Collage

In Module Five, Cordula Kagemann takes you deeper into the world of design principles that can transform your collage compositions from basic elements into cohesive and expressive works of art. Building on the Notan studies from Module Four, this module emphasises the application of key principles such as rhythm, movement, depth, and emphasis to create dynamic and impactful collages.
fibre_arts_take_two_cordula_kagemann_abstractModule 5 - Option C

You'll learn to:

  • Apply Rhythm and Movement: Learn to guide the viewer's eye across your collage, creating a dynamic flow and energy that keeps the composition engaging.

  • Create Depth and Spatiality: Discover techniques for adding dimension to your work, enhancing the visual impact by creating a sense of depth and space.

  • Enhance Emphasis and Focal Points: Understand how to draw attention to key areas within your collage, ensuring certain elements stand out while maintaining overall harmony.

By the end of this module, you will have the skills and confidence to refine your collage studies, making informed decisions that enhance unity and create visually compelling compositions. This module will help you connect and balance visual elements, resulting in cohesive and expressive pieces that resonate with viewers.

MODULE 6: Mastering Colour Contrasts

In this module Cordula teaches the essential role of colour in an abstract composition, drawing inspiration from Johannes Itten’s influential work, The Art of Color. You’ll explore the fundamental colour contrasts that shape the visual impact of the artwork. Through practical demonstrations, you'll see how these contrasts can be effectively utilised in collage, where colour typically stems from pre-existing materials rather than paint. 

You’ll discover...

  • Fundamental Color Contrasts: Delve into the key contrasts outlined by Johannes Itten, including complementary colours, the contrast of hue, dominance and quantity, quality and value, warm versus cool colours, and colour versus non-colour.

  • Application in Collage: Discover how to apply these colour contrasts within the unique context of collage, considering the challenges and opportunities presented by pre-existing materials.

  • Techniques for Layering: Experiment with layering techniques to alter and enrich colour effects, adding depth and complexity to your compositions.
fibre_arts_take_two_cordula_kagemann_abstractModule 6 - Option C
 
By the end of this module, you will have a deeper understanding of how to utilize colour contrasts to create dynamic, harmonious, and visually engaging abstract compositions. With these insights, you’ll be well-equipped to integrate colour into your collage work, elevating both its aesthetic and structural qualities.

MODULE 7: Format - Presentations

In Module 7, Cordula Kagemann delves into the significance of format and its profound impact on abstract art composition. You’ll explore how various formats—landscape rectangles and polyptychs—can shape and influence your artistic expression. By learning about different formats, you’ll discover how they can alter the visual impact and guide compositional choices in your work.

fibre_arts_take_two_cordula_kagemann_abstractModule 7 - Option A

You will explore:

  • The Influence of Format: Understand how different formats, such as rectangles, squares, circles, and irregular outlines, affect the composition and perception of abstract art.

  • Contemporary Insights: Analyze the works of contemporary collage and mixed media artists to gain insights into how format can enhance or challenge creative intentions.
  • Historical Perspectives: Discover how formats have been utilised throughout art history and how they have evolved over time.

By the end of this module, you will have a deeper understanding of how format influences the overall composition and impact of abstract art. With this knowledge, you’ll be equipped to experiment confidently with various formats, enhancing your creative work's visual appeal and depth.

MODULE 8: Surface Design Studies

In Module 8, you will explore the foundational techniques for structuring your art surfaces, providing a robust starting point for your creative process. Cordula Kagemann will share examples of her own artwork and guide you through essential design concepts that are crucial when beginning a new artwork, focusing on planning and structuring to achieve coherent and impactful compositions.

You’ll uncover:

  • Surface Structuring Techniques: Learn methods for structuring your art surfaces, including horizontal and vertical partitions, the golden ratio, and diagonal lines, to create balanced and dynamic compositions.

  • Practical Applications: Engage in small studies on canvas boards, using a neutral colour scheme to focus on structure and experiment with different design approaches.

  • Strategic Design Planning: Discover the benefits of making design choices upfront, such as utilising the golden ratio or rule of thirds, to guide your intuitive art process and create well-balanced artwork.
fibre_arts_take_two_cordula_kagemann_abstractModule 8 - Option B
By the end of this module, you will have a deeper understanding of how to strategically plan and structure your art surfaces. These strategies will allow you to balance intuitive creativity with thoughtful design, enhancing your compositions and making them more coherent and impactful.

MODULE 9: Archetypal Compositions 1

In Module 9, Cordula Kagemann introduces you to the timeless concepts of archetypal compositions, exploring foundational structures that have shaped artistic expression for centuries. You’ll delve into the archetypal forms of the cross, circle, and grid, understanding their historical significance and how they can serve as powerful tools in abstract composition. Additionally, you'll be able to watch Cordula create these compositions on canvas, witnessing the process from start to finish as she completes full artworks, not just studies.
fibre_arts_take_two_cordula_kagemann_abstractModule 9 - Option A

You will learn: 

  • Understanding Archetypal Forms: Learn about the cross, circle, and grid compositions, three fundamental structures that have been used in art for centuries.

  • Integrating Design Elements: Watch as Cordula demonstrates how these archetypal shapes can provide structure without becoming formulaic, applying design elements and principles discussed in earlier modules.

  • Practical Application: Create your own compositions using these archetypal structures, integrating materials like vintage magazine papers and fabrics alongside your previously created collage papers. 
 By the end of this module, you will be equipped to apply archetypal composition concepts to structure your abstract artwork. This knowledge will provide a solid foundation for enhancing the cohesion and depth of your compositions while allowing for personal expression and creative exploration.

MODULE 10: Archetypal Compositions 2

In this module, you’ll advance your exploration of archetypal compositions by creating three final collages on canvas. Focus on the L shape, the triangle, and the symmetrical composition (also known as the mirror). These new shapes build on the foundational archetypes from the previous module, deepening your understanding of how these timeless concepts can elevate your artistic practice.

You will create...

  • The L Shape: Discover how this versatile format can guide the arrangement of elements within your collage, creating balance and focus.

  • The Triangle: Learn how the stability and directionality of triangular compositions can add dynamism and structure to your work.

  • Symmetrical Composition (The Mirror): Understand the power of symmetry in creating harmonious and reflective compositions that resonate with viewers.
fibre_arts_take_two_cordula_kagemann_abstractModule 10 - Option A
In this module, you’ll advance your exploration of archetypal compositions by creating three final collages on canvas. Focus on the L shape, the triangle, and the symmetrical composition (also known as the mirror). These new shapes build on the foundational archetypes from the previous module, deepening your understanding of how these timeless concepts can elevate your artistic practice.
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Why Enrol in a Fibre Arts Take Two Signature Course?

Joining The Art of Abstract Collage - Mastering Composition includes:

  • Lifetime Access: Revisit the course content anytime to refresh your skills or find new inspiration. Learn at your own pace!
  • Student Community Group: Engage with like-minded artists and form connections that could last a lifetime.
  • Two Live Q&A Sessions: Get direct feedback and insights from Cordula herself.
  • 8 Weeks of Tutor Support: Cordula will be there to guide you, answer your questions, and help you overcome any artistic hurdles.
  • Showcase your artwork: your enrolment includes an invitation to participate in an online exhibition.

Register now to be notified when this course becomes available.

By submitting your email address and registering your interest, you agree to receive information about this course, one monthly eNewsletter and weekly Friday Feature Artist interview updates via email, in accordance with our Privacy Policy. We will never share or sell your personal information.