Category: Collage

Happy Spring!

3/25/2025

Hope you enjoy this season of rebirth and new beginnings!
More experimenting with white paper collage. These are all approximately 7-9 inches wide.

"The earth laughs in flowers."
Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Happy Heart Month!

2/25/2025

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Heart Bouquet, 5" x 5"

I hope you had an enjoyable February! I’m part of these interesting online paper art groups, Guild of American Papercutters and All Things Paper. They offer lots of great resources on paper art, and on one of the recent Zoom calls, a guest speaker shared her process of working in all white paper. I’ve always admired this and finally got around to experimenting with an all-white piece myself!

Back	Simple materials used: white cardstock, paper glue, heart punchers, quilling tools, scissors, pearl emelishments, ruler

My paper heart was inspired by some of the digital work I was doing earlier this month. I was experimenting with these free Procreate flower-heart stamp brushes I received from Teela at Every-Tuesday.com (below left). She along with Jennifer Nichols and Gabrielle Brickey are some of my favorite online teachers who provide free Procreate brushes, tutorials, and assets to their subscribers, as well as paid membership opportunities if you're interested, and teaching events and activities throughout the year. Many of their classes are also available on Skillshare. Delores Naskrent is another outstanding Procreate/Affinity teacher--I was a part of her online school for a year and a half. I work more in Photoshop now than Procreate (and haven't gotten into Affinity yet), but Delores offers a lifetime of experience in the business of digital art, surface pattern design, greeting cards, etc.. I also love Alaina Jensen's brushes, and highly recommend them if you want to try some really cool art effects like alcohol ink, acrylic pour, and all kind of traditional painting effects in Procreate!

One of Teela's free heart stamps

Another free brush stamp from Teela

Experimenting with various Procreate brushes to 'fill' it in

It's like coloring in a coloring book with fancy crayons!!

Using the stamps is like having your own coloring book pages, and a great way to practice using the various brushes available! This also inspires me to create my own ‘stamps’. If you like to learn new things and are interested in a fun, relaxing hobby, check out some of these websites and the free tutorials and assets they offer and get started in Procreate. :) Like so many other art forms, the possibilities are endless!

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New Work & Video: [There's A Lion in the House]

7/2/2024

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I recently had the pleasure of completing my largest lion collage to date! It's about 22” x 30” and I used assorted acid-free, Color-Aid, and magazine papers, plus gold leaf. It took about a month from start to finish. It was a request from a client in Canada.

This is my first video of me talking about my process, so thanks ahead of time for your patience. Lots to improve for next time! This is Kelly's website. I've learned a lot from her book and blog!

Below are some close-ups of the intricate paper work.

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Day 1411 • Art News!

3/15/2024

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Aslan, 8 x 10 paper collage, 2018

AtlantiCare Foundation recently purchased my "Aslan" collage to be part of their "Healing Arts Program" at their AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, Mainland Campus in Galloway, NJ. It's the sixth piece that they've purchased and I couldn't be happier! To see the other pieces they purchased, click here:
https://www.kathleenrupff.com/blog/category/atlanticare

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Day 1410: Photos from the Show & New Work!

3/14/2024

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Women's Work: Unique Visions By Women
*Springboard Art Show at the Clifton Arts Center, Clifton, NJ •*** Through March 28th

From L to R: Lydia Baldassarre, Elizabeth Robles, Emily Gilman-Beezley, me, Jennifer Merz, Vicky Katzman. (Not pictured--Dr. Joy Yoo)

It’s an honor for all of us to show our work at the Clifton Arts Center Center (cliftonartscenter.org) during “Women’s History Month”! It's a joy for me to be part of this group of unique, beautiful, and incredibly talented women!! I showed some older work ("Three Girls", 1985, "Blue Crab" 2006, and "Fuzz 'N Bunny and the Jellybean Tree" 2010 (www.kathleenrupff.com/childrens.html), along with some new mixed media pieces. Here's some local press about the show: thecliftontimes.com/g/clifton-nj/n/242920/commemorating-womens-history-clifton-arts-center. A video crew from the Clifton cable station was there to record us talking about our work. What?! :) CLICK HERE for the video!

Below are some shots from the opening last Saturday and some close-ups of my work on display. (Thanks Jenn and Liz for sharing your photos!) Below are links to the Springboard websites:

Emily Gilman Beezley - https://www.emilygilmanbeezley.com/
Jennifer Merz - https://www.jennifermerz.com/
Vicky Katzman - https://www.vickykatzman.com/
Lydia Baldassarre - https://www.lydiabaldassarre.com/
Dr. Joy Yoo - https://www.joyyoofineart.com/
Elizabeth Robles - [email protected]

The entryway of the show. Sculptor Lannie Hart also joined us!

Lovely piano music added so much to the reception!

Artist Emily Gilman-Beezley (Leader)

Artist Jennifer Merz (Leader)

Standing next to "Three Girls" & "Fuzz N' Bunny" illustrations

Artist Lydia Baldassarre talking on camera!

Nervous much?? Yes!! The piece to my right is a portrait of our first bunny Tyler.

Artist Elizabeth Robles

We're thankful for everyone who could attend!

Artist Vicky Katzman

Some of Dr. Joy Yoo's pieces (who could not be present)

Two new pieces in show

Recently, I've been taking formally completed pieces and embellishing them with paper collage with 3d effects, giving them a totally new look. It's been a lot of fun to transform the into something 'new' and I'm thrilled with them! Regarding these two pieces, I'm intrigued by the wisdom of trees, the lovely life they give and hold within their branches, and the joy they bring through the different seasons.

"Five Birds" This is a new 3-D paper collage mixed media piece

"Springtime" Another new 3-D paper collage mixed media piece

These are some older pieces in the show...

Though my current emphasis is on digital painting, my roots are firmly in traditional media. I made the acrylic painting, "Irises" while taking a class at the Baum School of Art in Allentown, PA (2009). It was inspired by local Warren County irises. "Three Tomatoes" was completed around 2012 while taking an oil painting class with Lena Shiffman. "Blue Crab" was completed while taking a watercolor class while I was living in Delaware (2006). I made "Three Girls" during college. The blond-haired girl with her back to the viewer represented my friend Sarabeth, a good friend of mine. I was experimenting with flowy lines and the theme of friendship. Friends are such a gift and the love and support a friend offers during difficult times is invaluable. I also love the golden light before dusk at the beach and was trying to capture that as well.

"Irises" acrylic, 16 x 20, 2009

"Three Tomatoes" oil, 5 x 7, 2012

"Blue Crab" watercolor, 8 x 10, 2006

"Three Girls", watercolor, 16 x 20, 1986 (The matted and framed image is above)

If you have any questions about my art or inquiries about purchasing, please contact me.
Thank you all for your support!

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Do We Look Tired?

11/3/2022

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We were, but happy! Here’s the Springboarders after setting up our show at The Stable Art Gallery this past Monday. Top L-to-R: Emily Gilman Beezley, Vicky Katzman, Liz Robles, Bottom L-to-R Jennifer Merz, me, Lydia Baldassarre (not pictured Dr. Joy Yoo).

We hope you will join us for our
Artists' Reception
Sunday, Nov. 13, 2:00-4:00 pm.
• Meet the artists
• Enjoy Incredible artwork
• Shop for the holidays
...and enjoy homemade treats!

We’re expecting a crowd, so please wear your walking shoes to walk a short distance
if the Stable lot is full. Click here to download information sheet.

This group has been integral to my art journey these last (almost) four years.
Each of these ladies is special to me and I'm so grateful for this opportunity to show my work alongside theirs!
I hope you will come enjoy the various styles and subject matter of our work!

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You're Invited!

10/25/2022

3 Comments

I'm honored to be part of this super-creative and talented group of women artists!
If you're in the Ridgewood area, please join us for our
Opening Reception on Sunday, November 13th!

Springboard is a unique group of seven women artists with varied art backgrounds from Bergen County, NJ and beyond. We are oil painters, illustrators, watercolorists, collagists, and digital artists with art ranging from realistically-rendered watercolors to expressive oil paintings; from handcrafted collages to compelling abstract compositions.

Our work can be found in children’s publishing, on home products, in local exhibitions, and in private collections. While some members are devoted to a fulltime art practice, others combine their art-making with demanding careers in textiles, dentistry, or education. Mostly, we are friends and colleagues brought together by a desire to propel ourselves to greater skills and accomplishments, and by a passion to share our art with others.

Formed in 2018, Springboard began as an outgrowth of a local Tuesday night painting class. At our current monthly meetings, we critique each other’s work offering technicalsolutions, but mainly, we encourage one another to accept new creative risks, tackle challenges, and step out of our comfort zones. With support for our members’ triumphs and tribulations, we make room for greater confidence in our art practices.
(Written by Jennifer Merz)

If The Stable parking lot is full, other areas
to park are a short walk away. Thank you!

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"The Color of Music" Virtual Art Exhibit

10/13/2020

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"It's Such A Good Feeling" (Fred Rogers), 4.5 x 4.5 art in 10 x 10 matted frame, Paper collage and quilling

My friend Emily Gilman Beezley suggested our art group participate in this Inside Small "The Color of Music" show. I'm pleased that my piece was accepted! The requirements were to produce a piece of art smaller no larger than 10" x 10" (total) inspired by a piece of music. I recently saw this PBS broadcast, "Won't You Be My Neighbor" about Mr. Rogers, and was blown away. I don't remember being that interested in Mr. Rogers as a child, and unfortunately knew more about the mockeries of him than the man himself. After watching the documentary and learning more, I now LOVE and greatly admire Fred Rogers and everything he devoted his life to, namely... helping children feel loved and special. I wish I had watched more of his shows as a youngster. But one of my new favorite sayings is... Better late than never!

In 2005, an album of his songs by various award-winning artists was produced, "Songs from the Neighborhood" and earned a Grammy for Best Children's album. The songs are amazing and I'm so delighted to find them. Their tender message of love is so uplifting, especially during this difficult time. Here's another link to a video of the performers on the album. I especially like "It's You I Like" and "It's Such a Good Feeling" by B.J. Thomas (what a throwback and amazing voice!)

My piece (above) was inspired by Mr. Rogers' fun, loving, friendly songs, and a nostalgic 1970's vibe. Hope you enjoy! Please visit "The Color of Music" Online Show for more amazing pieces and to vote for your favorite piece!!

This piece is available for $225.00 plus shipping.

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Day 1326: A Photo A Day • First Corporate Sale!

7/21/2019

6 Comments

In June I completed several new pieces responding to "Call for Art" for Atlanticare Foundation's Healing Arts Program, Egg Harbor Township, NJ. They needed artwork for their new Maternity/OB Ward. I'm delighted and honored to share that they purchased three of my pieces-- two collages and a painting! (below) Evan and I drove six hours to deliver them Friday. Thank you, Lord, and keep the blessings flowing!! Chery Broschard, the Development & Cultural Project Manager, is always looking for new art. To be added to her mailing list, contact her at [email protected]

Flower Lady, 19 x 24, paper collage

Child with Butterfly, 24 x 12, mixed media collage

Flower Field 1, 12 x 24, acrylic

If you want to know why this was such a breakthrough for me, drop me a line and I'll tell you more of the story!

Thankful-- Evan's support, feedback, and encouragement are priceless!

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Day 1319: A Photo A Day

6/15/2019

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Recently completed, "Heart Flower Grid" mixed media, 12 x 12
This was submitted to a "Call for Entry" for
Maternity and OB spaces at AtlantiCare Medical Center in Egg Harbor Township, NJ

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<<Previous

Happy Spring!

Happy Heart Month!

New Work & Video: [There's A Lion in the House]

Day 1411 • Art News!

Day 1410: Photos from the Show & New Work!

Women's Work: Unique Visions By Women
*Springboard Art Show at the Clifton Arts Center, Clifton, NJ •*** Through March 28th

Two new pieces in show

These are some older pieces in the show...

If you have any questions about my art or inquiries about purchasing, please contact me.
Thank you all for your support!

Do We Look Tired?

You're Invited!

"The Color of Music" Virtual Art Exhibit

Day 1326: A Photo A Day • First Corporate Sale!

If you want to know why this was such a breakthrough for me, drop me a line and I'll tell you more of the story!

Day 1319: A Photo A Day

Archives

Categories

Women's Work: Unique Visions By WomenSpringboard Art Show at the Clifton Arts Center, Clifton, NJ • Through March 28th

Two new pieces in show

These are some older pieces in the show...

If you have any questions about my art or inquiries about purchasing, please contact me.Thank you all for your support!

If you want to know why this was such a breakthrough for me, drop me a line and I'll tell you more of the story!

Archives

Categories

Women's Work: Unique Visions By Women
*Springboard Art Show at the Clifton Arts Center, Clifton, NJ •*** Through March 28th

If you have any questions about my art or inquiries about purchasing, please contact me.
Thank you all for your support!