Video of the collage process

Enjoy this time lapse video showing one of Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson's paper painting collages in progress.

Afternoon on the Avenue

A conversation with Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson: Part 9

Do you ever have goof ups or work you don't like?

I always have goof ups that I don't like, but the best thing about collage is that it's a very forgiving medium. I can ALWAYS go right back over the top of any area that I don't like, and make it totally different. This freedom is why I love my medium so much. Even if I change my mind, I can go in and change a color by adding a new piece of paper on top. The ability to fix my mistakes takes a lot of stress out of my work and gives me the freedom to experiment.

Picture credit: Elizabeth and her students at one of her collage making classes

Mixed Media Artist Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson to teach class

Are you a fan of Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson's work and need a weekend away? Join Elizabeth as she teaches collage and paper painting techniques at Fernandina Beach, Florida, which is on Amelia Island. Amelia Island is only an hour's drive from Jacksonville, Florida. The class is scheduled for early October. A link to Elizabeth's mixed media art class can be found here.

Picture Credit: "Two Muse", mixed media collage

Click here to learn more about this cow art mixed media piece

Valerie's advice for other artists

What advice do you have for wanna-be artists?

If I—a little ol’ lady school teacher--can do it, you can do it! I taught college English or served as a college administrator my entire career, never having picked up a paintbrush until I was 58 years young. You, too, have something to express, whether it’s joy or pain, hope or despair. Paint is a great place to start. Don’t restrict yourself with “I can’t draw” (neither can I, my friend); or “What will people think?” (who cares?) or “I’m too old” (as long as your fingers or toes or mouth can hold a brush to dip into paint, you’re plenty young enough).

Picture credit: "Mint chip moos", acrylic on canvas

Valerie at class!

Valerie has included a picture of herself taking one of Linda Blondheim's classes!