“Painting with Paper” Collage Workshop with Megan Coyle

Pelicans by collage artist Megan Coyle
“Pelicans.” Collage on paper. 12″x16″
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Saturday, April 30th, 2011
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Jasper Arts Center; Jasper, Indiana
Workshop is for Teens and Adults

Join collage artist Megan Coyle as she discusses different collage techniques. Coyle has worked with paper collage for over eight years. During that time, she has honed a technique that she calls “painting with paper” – where she manipulates magazine strips to create collages that look and feel like paintings.

Megan’s workshop will review several different paper collage techniques, including her “painting with paper” technique. Attendees will also create several small collages. The workshop is a great introduction to collage and will give more experienced collage artists a few tips and ideas.

This event is open to the public and costs $25 per person. You can register by contacting the Jasper Arts Center.

Q & A: Outside of Collage

Blue Collages by collage artist Megan Coyle

What’s your favorite color?

Blue. You can probably tell when you take a look at my artwork. Blue shows up again and again. Often times, if I’m working on a portrait and I’m not sure what color to use for a person’s shirt, I’ll just default to blue. I’ve also created a series of animal collages where I used an arbitrary color scheme – making the animals blue.

What other media do you like to use besides collage?

Collage is by far my favorite, although I’m interested in dabbling in film and animation. In the future, I may take some classes so I can get a better idea of the technical skills I’ll need in both areas.

Paintings by Megan Coyle

I used to enjoy painting, but over time I drifted away from it. Below are a few of the paintings I did while in high school and college.

Do you do anything else for a living besides being an artist?

Yes – I work on the websites for a couple of nonprofits. After graduating from college in 2008, and in the midst of the recession, I realized I needed to teach myself a few skills that I didn’t gain from studying creative writing and painting in school. So I read several tutorials, watched how-to videos online, and taught myself the necessary software and coding for putting together websites.

The design and problem-solving aspects of working on websites is why I like it so much. And the skills I’ve taught myself for non-studio-art-related-work have really helped me when it comes to promoting my art. Thanks to my studies, I was able to design the logo and layout for my website, and also be my own webmaster.

What are your hobbies?

Daydreaming and storytelling. Reading and learning about technology. Exploring new cities. Learning new things. Being an avid watcher of Netflix Instant Watch Movies. Living the creative life.

What do you think is the most inspiring place to visit?

Anywhere, really. If I’m in the mood or if I’m visiting someplace new for the first time, it’s amazing how inspired you can get just by looking at the scenery with a fresh pair of eyes.

Bosty Enjoys the Spring Weather

Bosty enjoys spring by Megan Coyle

Bosty noticed some of the neighborhood dogs were being walked, and demanded that I take him for a walk as well. It was a gorgeous day outside, why not go out and enjoy the warm weather?

Bosty enjoys spring by Megan Coyle

He loved taking a look at all the spring flowers that were blossoming.

Bosty enjoys spring by Megan Coyle

He even found some flowers that he decided to name “Bosty Flowers” because they were purple just like him.

Bosty enjoys spring by Megan Coyle

We spent the rest of the afternoon strolling down the city streets, imagining what the people were like that lived in the colorful townhouses.

It’s Only Rock n’ Roll, But I Like It!

Megan Coyle's collage art

Yesterday I gallery sat at the Del Ray Artisans’ for their “It’s Only Rock n’ Roll, But I Like It!” exhibition. The show features work inspired by musicians, bands, instruments, and anything music-related.

Megan Coyle's collage art

When I arrived at the gallery, I was pleased to see that my “Guitar” collage had sold. A local purchased it during the opening reception about a week ago.

Megan Coyle's collage art

It was dreary outside, but the gallery sure looked great.

Megan Coyle's collage art

And I was especially impressed by a hand-made and functional bass guitar that was on display. Any three-dimensional work I make seems to come out looking flimsy. I’m not accustomed to working that way, and I’m always in awe of those that can do a fine job at making sculptural work.Anyway, I hope everyone has had a lovely week. I had a chance to spend quite a few hours on my children’s book. I’m getting close to finishing it, but still have quite a bit of work ahead of me. I’m definitely looking forward to posting the cover art once it is complete.

Q & A: What Motivates You?

The City by Day by Megan Coyle

People who know me often comment on my work ethic. How do I manage to work on my artwork just about every day of the week, have a web-related day job, and have time for hobbies and, well, everything else? First and foremost I’d have to say that my love for the arts is what drives me. I also have a strong interest in learning new things and I’m constantly working on different ways of improving my work and myself. This passion for the arts is why I work so hard and why not getting very much sleep every night doesn’t really bother me. I’ve figured why not work really hard and do as much as I can while I’m young. I also have this mentality that I can’t wait for opportunities to magically appear for me – I need to put in the work to make them happen.

Toucan by collage artist Megan Coyle

Lastly, I must admit that the negativity that I’ve encountered in my life motivates me to prove those negative forces wrong. Rejection comes with the territory with being an artist, as well as hearing negative views from others about the arts. Instead of giving up when I hit a negative wall, I get momentarily irritated before getting over the irritation and moving on to work harder. And at the moment this has worked for me. I manage to turn these negative experiences into something positive for my art career.

It’s Only Rock n’ Roll, But I Like It!

Guitar by collage artist Megan Coyle
“Guitar.”
Collage on mat board. 7″x5″
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April 1st – May 1st, 2011
Nicholas Colasanto Center; Alexandria, Virginia
Map and Gallery Info

Opening Reception: Friday, April 1st from 7:00 – 10:00p.m.

Megan’s still life collage, “Guitar” was on display in the Del Ray Artisans’ “It’s Only Rock n’ Roll, But I Like It!” group exhibition. The show was held at the Nicholas Colasanto Center, and featured the work of local artists.

The exhibit focused on the theme of “Rock n’ Roll,” with artwork that depicted bands, musicians, instruments, songs, and other music related imagery. The exhibit was inspired by and paid homage to all things rock n’ roll. Those who had a chance to stop by the exhibit saw numerous works of art, each crafted in a different style with a different interpretation of the topic of rock n’ roll.