Paper collage is a technique of creating a piece of art using cut or torn paper and a gel medium. I like to work on a stretched canvas as it enables me to easily manipulate the paper. I use different weights and kinds of paper depending on what effect I am trying to achieve. Light weight papers may be layered to create a new color or let show what is beneath. The construction is similar to how one works with watercolors. Light colors as in a wash get covered and mixed with darker colors in a painterly fashion. Darks and shadows are added toward the end to create drama and sharpness. Opaque papers can be used for a different effect as they can completely cover an area of the canvas. I like to combine these two techniques to create a unique piece of art. The collage gets a final coat of clear gel medium making it very durable and gives a nice finish. I use gallery wrapped canvas not only for how it accepts the paper but also because framing is not necessary, making each piece light weight and easy to hang.