abstract pattern collages: mindful drawing + intuitive collage for self-care

Skill Level:
all levels

Class Length:
2 hr 45 mins

Materials Required:
a pencil
an eraser
a ruler
coloured paper
coloured pens
white paper or card
a pair of scissors
circular objects
glue
scrap paper

In this class we will combine mindful drawing and intuitive collage to promote a sense of calm and connecting with ourselves, and with the present moment through pressure-free creative play 

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

  • mindful observation botanical references

    EXPLORING COLOR

    We will explore the symbolism and meaning attached to a variety of colours so that you can pick your colour palette with intention, cultivating the feelings you feel drawn to explore, and use color as a tool for self-care.

    What we learn here will inform our choice of materials for the series of collages we will be creating for the class project.

  • drawing patterns circles mindful self-care

    DRAWING PATTERNS MINDFULLY

    I will show you 3 different ways of drawing patterns on our collage papers which will give us a wide range of patterned paper shapes to collage with.

    Each pattern type lends itself beautifully to the collage series we will be creating both compositionally and symbolically, and is also paired with a suggested mindful drawing exercise you can practise as you draw.

  • meditative mindful paper cutting collage

    PAPER CUTTING

    We will explore the tactile nature of cutting out paper and connect with our senses as we cut our paper shapes.

    We will identify opportunities to incorporate mindfulness and playfulness into the process.

  • abstract composition optimistic mindful

    DEVELOPING COMPOSITIONS

    I will show you how to begin composing your series of collages, providing you with tips and techniques to cut down on overwhelm and fear of the blank page.

    We will explore 3 compositional styles for our collages that resonate with the feelings we are intending to cultivate

  • drawing patterns abstract colage

    FINISHING TOUCHES

    I will show you how to finish off your series of collages by adding final embellishments to help connect the collages together as a series.

    I will also show you how adding titles, edition numbers and signing our collages can help to reinforce our mindful intentions.

  • abstract collage mindful art-making

    GUIDED DEMONSTRATIONS

    I will be completing a class project alongside you in separate demonstration videos - so you can see exactly how I put these ideas into practice.

    You’re welcome to follow along with me, or do things your own way.

I'M READY TO LEARN!

WHO THE COURSE IS FOR

This class is suitable for all levels - you do not need any prior experience with drawing, mindfulness, or mindful art-making. I will cover everything you need to know!

This class is perfect if you:

  • Would like to start a creative practice as a tool for self care.

  • Are struggling with feeling creatively blocked or burnt out and would like some simple, easy guidance to start working through it creatively.

  • Would like some ideas for how to incorporate mindfulness techniques into your art-making.

WHAT you will TAKE AWAY

By the end of the course, you will have:

  • A series of colourful, patterned abstract collages.

  • A toolkit of mindful drawing techniques.

  • A framework to continue the practice beyond the class (and ideas for how to adapt it going forward).

supporting resources

Provided along with the class is the Class Resource PDF which contains:

  • Circle templates

  • A selection of pattern examples for the 3 pattern types covered in the class

  • Template guides for the 3 compositional styles we explore in the class to support you in developing your own compositions

  • A word list to help you in choosing titles for your collaged artworks

testimonials

  • "easy-to-follow steps that made starting (and continuing) less overwhelming"

    I really liked the structure of this class. The lessons were broken down into easy-to-follow steps that made starting (and continuing) less overwhelming. I found myself stuck on a prompt once or twice, and I found the demos really helpful for working through the prompts. Mel did a terrific job of explaining her thought process out loud. This was great! Thanks for the class!

    - Sommer S

  • "A CLASS FOR EVERYONE"

    A class for everyone, in particular for those that are looking for improving mindfulness techniques. Mel will provide you with the step by step to build your project and stamp your personality on it.

    - Lilliana T

  • "FUN AND RELAXING!"

    What a wonderful class! I always like Mel's classes. I am new to collage, and this provides us with unlimited possibilities to create shapes and color combinations, and then veer off and create our own design from it. Fun and relaxing!

    - Claude C

  • "THIS CLASS HAD A SPECIAL IMPACT ON MY LIFE"

    Mel is a delight through and through. I have taken some of her other classes and always enjoy "interacting" with her and her wonderful ideas/projects. This class had a special impact on my life though. It was completely immersive and allowed me to enjoy every step of the journey. I can't wait to take more of Mel's classes!

    - Linda K

  • "THIS IS MY NEW FAVOURITE PROCESS!"

    I loved this process! I learned so many things and loved the meditative aspects. I will definitely be doing this several times over. Thank you Mel - for another great class and fun ideas to mix things up in next efforts. This is my new favourite process!

    - Leslie H

  • "THIS CLASS CAN CONTINUE TO INSPIRE FUTURE PROJECTS"

    Wonderful class to take. I think this class can continue to inspire future projects. There was a great satisfaction cutting the shapes out to see the patterns take form. I definitely recommend taking this class and doing the project.

    - Samantha H

  • "SO MUCH FUN!"

    I absolutely loved this course thank you Mel. This is the first time I have attempted collage and what a great course to learn with the added benefit of mindfulness. I will certainly be doing your other course as I plan on using what I learn into collage for my large acrylic paintings….so much fun!

    - Lisa J

  • "I HIGHLY RECOMMEND TAKING THIS CLASS"

    I highly recommend taking this class. Mel walks you through lots of different mindful patterns and it was fun to collage with them afterwards. The class is very organised and instructions were clear with lots of room to elaborate. Thanks again for the wonderful class!

    - Em K

  • "THIS WAS THE PERFECT GETAWAY"

    Thank you Mel for such an engaging class. I badly needed a diversion from the daily grind and this was the perfect get away. I thoroughly enjoyed the course. Anything to do with patterns stimulates my creativity. The activity I enjoyed the most in this class were creating the patterns using colored pens, and composition of the collage cutouts. Anybody wanting a dose of creativity and Mindfulness should surely take this class.

    - Hetal R

  • "WHAT A DELIGHT!"

    What a wonderful class! This opportunity came at a moment when combining mindfulness and artistic expression is exactly the needed ticket, and I didn’t know it until I got into the class! What a delight! Mel, you did a wonderful job explaining the ideas and steps. Each step was a joy all by itself, and it kept me moving through to the conclusion. Thank you!

    - Andrea A

  • "IT IS VERY COMPREHENSIVE AND ENGAGING"

    This is a really detailed yet relaxing class that really let's you take your time and appreciate the process of being creative. It is very comprehensive and engaging and I had a lot of fun creating my class project.

    - Rachael B

  • "THANKS SO MUCH FOR OFFERING SOMETHING TRULY FRESH"

    This class was so much fun to watch and also offered very unique project ideas. I'm rather obsessed with mindful drawing ( it's my form of meditation too) but never thought to use it in this way. I can't wait to try these techniques out! Mel Rye is an excellent instructor. Thanks so much for offering something truly fresh that will appeal to creators at many different levels.

    - Jan C

SOUNDS GREAT!
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ENROLLMENT OPTIONS

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£150 per year

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New members will unlock a one month free trial

ONE-TIME
PURCHASE

£25

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Watch it whenever you like

Lifetime access

MEET YOUR TEACHER

HI THERE! I’M MEL

I’m an artist and educator, and my mission is to support and empower others to explore their creativity.

In recent years, my personal Art practice has led me to explore the connection between art making and self-care, and specifically, how the act of creating art lends itself to supporting a mindfulness practice.

I have shared the processes and techniques which I have found particularly effective through teaching them to others, both online and in person, and have been overwhelmed with positive feedback at the impact they have had on my students’ lives.

I’d love to share these techniques with you too!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • No, you don't need any drawing experience at all - as long as you are able to hold a pen, make marks on paper, and cut out shapes from paper you will be absolutely fine :)

  • No, you don't. The course is structured in such a way that it is suited for complete beginners to both drawing and mindfulness. We will be exploring some simple mindfulness techniques and activities through all the different stages of the class, so you will gain a lot of different techniques by the end, but you could start the course having absolutely no knowledge of either.

  • All my courses consist of pre recorded video lessons. There are also downloadable resources such as worksheets, reference photos, guides and other materials which will help support your learning.

    All my courses are structured around a class project, which is a practical way of applying the skills taught in the course, and also means that you will have created something by the end of the course, as well as learning lots of new skills - I think this is the best way of learning!

  • The course content is exactly the same, whichever enrolment option you choose.

  • This depends on your enrollment method. If you enroll via Skillshare, you will have access for as long as you have an active subscription. If you make a one-time purchase, you will have access for as long as the course exists on the internet.

  • Yes you can - when you select the one-time purchase, there is an option at checkout to buy the course as a gift. All you need to do is enter the recipient’s email address and there is an option to add a gift message if you’d like to. The course will be sent directly to them with a link to access it, along with your message if you added one.

  • Gumroad is an e-commerce platform which allows creators to sell digital products directly to their audience. It is a popular platform for finding all sorts of products, like digital brushes, e-books and courses.

    When you make a one-time purchase of one of my online courses, you will be doing this through Gumroad. You can either create a log-in there, which will allow you to view all your Gumroad purchases in your library, or you can access the course by using the link which will be emailed to you after you have completed your purchase. There is also a Gumroad app, if you like to watch courses on your smart phone or tablet device.

  • No problem! I’m always happy to answer questions - please reach out using the contact form here