Using Collage to Spark New Paintings with Ben Crawford

In this episode of Smerdon Toast, artist Ben Crawford joins us to explore how collage can be used as a powerful tool for creating artwork. From paper cut-outs to digital collaging, we dive into techniques, challenges, and creative possibilities that collage opens up for painters, mixed media artists, and anyone curious about starting their own art journey. What you’ll learn in this episode: 🎨 Why artists use collage as a starting point for painting 🎨 Ben Crawford’s personal approach to collage in his art 🎨 Where did collage begin? 🎨 The worst and best advice Ben has received as an artist Whether you’re an emerging artist, a collage enthusiast, an art collector, or just love hearing how creative people work, this conversation is packed with insights and inspiration. ----------- 🖌️ About Smerdon Toast: Smerdon Toast is a YouTube and podcast series created by award-winning Australian painters Anne Smerdon and Seabastion Toast. Each episode, we challenge each other with a different art challenge designed to push our painting skills and stretch our creative muscles. From painting competitions and timed painting sessions to unusual art topics, we invite you to join us for a deep dive into the world of contemporary art-making. 🖼️ Shop the artworks from each episode: 👉 ⁠www.annesmerdon.com ⁠ 👉 ⁠www.seabastiontoast.com ⁠ 👉 ⁠www.bencrawford.com⁠ ------------ Key topics from this episode: Collage Art, Mixed Media Art, Art Podcast, Ben Crawford, Collage Techniques, Smerdon Toast