Dissecting Design with Collage and Mixed Media
June 6 @ 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
$338.00A 2-Day In-Studio Workshop!
Saturdays, June 6 and 13, 11am–5pm
View our current in-studio Health and Safety and Cancellation Policies >>
About this Workshop:
Whether you have already taken the plunge into the vast ocean that is collage and mixed media, or just observed from the shore and want to learn more about how to navigate it, this is your opportunity to “swim with the sharks”! With an initial dive into study of the styles of various artists, you will learn to discern design elements and how they play out in a piece, particularly in abstract work. As they say, life (and the devil) is in the details and this class will cover how to identify and address design details that make for a strong composition. We will address questions such as how to determine an approach, choose a theme, color palette, and the myriad of other elements that present themselves along the way. You will have the option to work on different types and sizes of substrates and use paints, inks, papers and other materials as part of the exercises. Grab your water wings, flippers, snorkel and mask—the water is warm!!
Level: Beginner—Some experience with collage and mixed media is welcome, but not required.
Registration closes May 30, 2026. Material fees are included with your registration to cover the supplies provided in class. Students will need to gather/purchase additional materials for class (see the materials list below). This list will also be provided with the registration confirmation email.
Sample image by Sharon Robinson
CLASS MATERIALS LIST:
Registration includes a $24 materials fee to cover consumable materials provided in class, including matboard substrates, watercolor paper, and various other paints/inks, mediums, tools and materials. Students will need to supply additional materials of their own, including:
- Small bottle of Liquitex or Golden brand Acrylic Medium, in Gloss or Matte finish (Note: NOT VARNISH)
- Any images or other inspirational materials in your collection to collage with
- Assortment of 6-8 colors of acrylic paints, including black and white: small-medium size tubes of soft body mid-grade brands such as Amsterdam, Liquitex Basics or Blick or Plaza Art Studio Acrylics (not heavy body or high flow)
- Canvas, in your choice of size, for your substrate—stretched, board, or panel
- (optional) stamps, stencils, collage materials or ephemera you’d like to consider using
- (optional) Personal apron (we’ll have extras on hand) and/or wear clothes that can get messy
- (optional) Notebook or sketchbook to work out ideas and jot down notes
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR:
Sharon Robinson is a mixed media, collage and assemblage artist residing in the Washington, D.C. area. She earned a Master’s of City Planning degree from MIT and worked in the urban transit and development field for 20 years on the west coast prior to becoming a full-time artist in 1999. She has also been a muralist, instructor, gallery manager and arts program administrator. She has exhibited her work extensively on both coasts, and teaches mixed media classes at the Smithsonian, The Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, VA, Pyramid Atlantic Art Center. Her community activities include serving on the board of Pyramid Atlantic, the Mt. Rainier, MD Arts Commission and SCRAP-USA, a network of nonprofit creative reuse centers. Learn more about her work at www.therobinsonstudio.com.