Cut-Out Collage Technique: Paint on Scrap Paper, Cut It Jagged
Learn a simple cut-out collage technique. Paint a bottle on scrap paper, cut it out with jagged edges, and layer it over an old watercolor for a mixed media still life.
All you need for really cool art is scrap paper and a big pair of scissors.
In this collage and mixed media tutorial, I paint a bottle on scrap paper, cut it out with jagged edges, and layer it over an old watercolor I wasn’t feeling.
Paint the subject on scrap paper first
I use the old watercolor as a stage. The bottle gets painted on scrap paper first. Nothing fancy: I push paint around and let it get messy.
This is where many people tighten up and try to control everything. I’m not aiming for perfect, just something that feels right.
Cut it out, and keep it jagged
Here’s the move: cut the shape out, but don’t cut it clean. Leave the edges jagged and irregular. That edge is what makes it pop and pulls the whole piece forward.
Want to Create Loose Mixed Media Art, Slacker? Learn the fundamentals, experiment with collage and layers, and develop your own expressive style.
Layer it over your old painting
Then I drop the cutout right on top of the old watercolor. Suddenly the failed piece is doing the heavy lifting.
If you want to go further with rejects, see what to do with paintings you hate and how to use a collage border. For a beginner project built on cutouts, try easy collage project for beginners.
Try it yourself
Pick one old painting and one simple object. Paint the object on scrap paper, cut it out with ragged edges, and glue it down. Don’t overthink it. Rejects are where all the good stuff is hiding.
Learn Structure. Paint Loose.
Construct. Deconstruct. Explore. Repeat.
Cut-out collage FAQ
What is a cut-out collage technique?
Painting a shape on separate paper, cutting it out, and gluing it onto another painting.
Why cut collage edges jagged?
Irregular edges add energy and make the shape pop forward against the background.
What paper should I use for cutouts?
Scrap paper, drawing paper, or old studies. Paint on it first, then cut.
Can I use an old watercolor as the background?
Yes. Old or failed watercolors make great backgrounds for collage.
