Back to Blog
Tips

How to add collage -cold wax and oil techniques

Marina Teding van Berkhout
November 11, 2022

Collage and Cold Wax Medium

I love adding collage to my cold wax painting. Over the years, I've discovered that I prefer using very thin, silk paper for collages in my cold wax paintings. This type of paper blends seamlessly into the background and doesn't stand out too much. However, thicker paper can also be used, though I find it challenging to make it stick to the painting's surface.

Adhering your collage

To incorporate collage into my cold wax painting, I add it to the wet layer of cold wax and oils and cover it with a clear layer of cold wax medium. When the painting is dry and you want to add some collage, put a thin layer of clear cold wax medium over your surface before adding the collages

In this ‘The making of’ You Tube video of ‘The Girl with the golden earring’ (which sold when still wet!) you can see that I applied beautiful collage paper which I found at Dick Buick when I was on holiday in New York.

I hope this small video inspires you. It shows that you never have to panic if a painting doesn't work out the way you like, just let it dry, step back, breathe, and start all over. It is all part of the process. All the layers add to the history of the painting and every (failed) painting learns you something new!

Do try out adding collage to your paintings and see how you feel about it. My Moto:

Experiment, Explore and have fun!

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions about the process, I would love to hear from you!

Ready to start painting?

Explore My Cold Wax Classes

From beginner-friendly introductions to advanced techniques — learn cold wax painting at your own pace with step-by-step video classes.

Browse All Classes

Free for you

Download Free Cold Wax Resources

Art supply guides, free YouTube tutorials, and a free online class — all yours to help you get started in your studio.

Get Free Resources

Continue Your Journey

Ready for the next step? Keep exploring and deepen your cold wax practice.

Pouring paint: cold wax and oil techniques
Pouring paint: cold wax and oil techniques
Marina Teding van Berkhout

Marina Teding van Berkhout

Dutch artist based in the South of France, passionate about cold wax painting and helping others discover the magic of textured art.

Learn more about Marina