Variety of Scale

Lately, I’ve been really concentrating on using a “variety of scale” in the patterns and compositions I’ve been using. First,  in a collage course  I took  with  Jane  Davies.  After  making  and  cropping  small  collages  she  directed  us  to  add  details  with  markers.  (I never  asked  for  her  feedback  on  these,  so  they’re  MY  interpretation  of  what  might  work.)

With each one I asked, “Where is there a big spot that needs some interest?” I thought this first one looked pretty good without any additions, but I thought a tiny line would add interest. And it did!

Next question, “Should the additions emphasize what’s already there, or should I add an entirely new shape or color?” You can see that I’ve used both.

I often let my new elements extend over two different pieces. This worked visually, since the small scale of the new items didn’t obliterate the larger pieces.

Sometimes I followed Jane’s example of changing marker colors as the background color changed.

Some compositions needed very little added. But, it does make a difference, don’t you think?

I’ve also been thinking about variety of scale as I’ve been trying to use several favorite fabrics together in the same piece. Most of them were large in scale, so I found myself matching them up with near solids and quieter neutrals. Early progress is shown below.

I was liking these together. They were a challenging, but fun, mix.

Ellen Lindner