Painting Problems: Collage

Develop the use of collage in painting – push the boundaries and experiment with ‘drawing with scissors’, as Henri Matisse described it.

Collage has become an integral part of the creative process in both drawing and painting since the emergence of the Cubist movement. In this five week course, tutor Jenny Grevatte, will show how paper prepared in a skilful way can enhance a work and also be the basis of a work in its own right.

Found papers, such as newsprint and wrapping paper, will also be incorporated. We will look at the work of Henri Matisse who prepared his own papers and cut them directly before placing them and replacing them many times to create his images, describing the process as “drawing with scissors.” Other artists, such as Kurt Schwitters, Raina Goran, Toby Leon and Richard Diebenkorn will be referred to.

We will use both abstract and figurative ideas, explore composition, colour, scale, torn and cut edges to experiment and take creative risks. The course is suitable for anyone wanting to develop their practice and break new ground. For those who wish to extend their study, optional projects will be set at the end of each session to be done at home.

About the tutor:

Tutor Jenny Grevatte is a professional artist of national and international standing and has been teaching at Attenborough Arts Centre since 1984. She is represented by Goldmark Gallery in Uppingham, where she had a solo exhibition in October 2025 and has a new book about her life and work, Beyond Brushstrokes, published by Goldmark Publishing. She has several films about her work on YouTube including one about her use of collage called “Drawing with Scissors.” Find out more at www.jennygrevatte.co.uk

Further Information:

All materials are provided.

Suitable for all levels of experience.

Participants must be aged 18+.

This 5-week course will run on Wednesday mornings, 10am-1pm, starting on 14 January with the final session on 11 February 2026.

If the course/workshop you’d like to book is sold out, we do operate a waiting list – simply contact our box office team on 0116 252 2455 / arts-centre@le.ac.uk and ask to be added to the waiting list. We’ll then contact you if a place becomes available, with absolutely no obligation to accept it if you’ve made other plans!

Please ensure that you agree to our updated Terms & Conditions before booking as courses/workshops are non-refundable in some circumstances.

We aim to make all our sessions as accessible as possible and carers/PAs are very welcome – just remember to book their free place when you book your session. If you’d like to talk to us in advance of booking or attending your sessions to discuss your access needs, our Box Office team is here to help! Email arts-centre@le.ac.uk, pop in or call 0116 252 2455, open 7 days a week.

We have four blue badge parking spaces outside Attenborough Arts Centre, plus double yellow line roadside parking very close to the building for blue badge holders for up to three hours if our parking spaces are occupied.

Free parking for all customers is available after 5pm on weekdays and all day at weekends in the University of Leicester car park next door to Attenborough Arts Centre on Lancaster Road. The closest public car park for parking at all other times is Victoria Park, 5-10 minutes walk from us.