Strappo

An Evolution of the Strappo Technique: Exploring Strappo Collage Transfers Introduction to Strappo Collage Transfers   In mixed media art, techniques evolve as artists experiment and refine their practices. One such evolution is the transition from traditional Strappo techniques to what I now call Strappo Collage transfers. This blog post shares my journey and modifications in creating these innovative art pieces. Understanding the Strappo Technique Strappo refers to the process and the image of reverse painting on glass and then printing the DRY Transfer image onto paper. Strappo, a monotype, forces you to reverse the concepts of foreground and background, requiring you to work out basic images ahead of time. With the immediacy of the Strappo technique, I rely on instinct and an emotional context created by memory, landscape, and still-life subjects. There is a seduction to the rhythm and texture of working with paint on glass that lends itself to figurative and abstract subjects. A Strappo has a unique surface in its tactile and visual qualities; the image is smooth because it was developed on the smooth surface of the glass. Another advantage is that it does not require a press. The Strappo technique is a unique approach to creating monotypes using a dry acrylic transfer method. Initially, an acrylic painting is created in reverse on a clear glass plate. Once the image dries, I apply successive layers of acrylic gesso to thicken the acrylic skin, preparing for the transfer process. Fresh gesso is then layered onto both the back of the glass plate and the chosen receiving surface. Bringing Collage into the Mix With the foundation in Strappo established, I began incorporating collage elements and drawing techniques into my work. By coating the glass surface with a polymer, I create a new surface that allows me to sketch gestural images using permanent markers, crayons, and lithography pencils. I can then reapply polymer and begin layering collage components such as acrylic paint chips, they are ideal for creating floral designs. Using a process of alternating layers of polymer and collage materials has significantly transformed my approach. While these creations honor the principles of the Strappo technique, my recent adaptations allow for rich, textural interpretations that I enthusiastically call Strappo Collage transfers. This evolution showcases the endless possibilities in art-making. What is the Process? Strappo is the process and it is the image. This type of monotype forces you to reverse the concepts of foreground and background. Basic composition becomes a stumbling block. At first, perspective takes on a third dimension of feeling. Remember it is a reverse painting on glass and that becomes a dry transfer image. Layers can become opaque to each other. Behind something is really in front. Get it? You will. With the immediacy of the Strappo technique, I rely on instinct and an emotional context created by memory of landscape, and still-life subjects. There is a seduction to the rhythm and texture of working with paint on glass that lends itself to figurative and abstract subjects. A Strappo has a unique surface in its tactile and visual qualities; the image is smooth because it was developed on the smooth surface of the glass. Another advantage is that it does not require a press. It is truly the “Painterly Print”