This collage is part of my Engine series. Many people have asked if I have done this particular train engine, as they have special ties with it. There is a lot of detail on the engine but most of the shapes are simplified. It is the reason why I like working with collage; I am not bogged down with details.

Beginning with a photo and a sketch, this engine was designed on an Ampersand archival gessoed hardboard, 12 x 16 inches.  After the design was penciled on the board, I chose from my papers that had been previously painted and were ready to go. As I work, the shapes are edited with an X-Acto knife and glued to the surface with Elmer’s glue. I have also used acrylic gel medium. An UV varnish is applied when the collage is finished for protection against fading.