Enjoy the amazing portfolio of artist Leah Tomaino, who uses upcycled materials to create realistic collages. Visit her website to see more of her work.
“The Queen of Queens Village” recycled brown bags and acrylic on canvas, 16″ x 12″
I have been drawing since I was three years old. My mother sent me to oil painting classes when I was five. My fist painting from that class hangs in her living room. I’ve always immersed myself in my work because it grounds me.
“Black Eyes for Frank” recycled brown bags and acrylic collage on canvas, 18″ x 38″
I first studied at The Cooper Union in New York City and received my BFA. After my children were born, I went back and earned my MA. I teach painting and drawing to adults in my community and very much enjoy my classes.
“Nadya’s Irises” recycled brown bag and acrylic collage on canvas, 20″ x 24″
For the last quarter of a century, I have been concentrating on a pioneering technique of collage. I use simple materials, brown shopping bags and acrylic paints. When recycling became mandatory where I live, I decided to use the brown bags in my artwork rather than throw them to the curb. I first paint the bags with acrylics. When the paint dries, I rip the bags into pieces and then glue the pieces to my canvas with matte medium.
“Family Portrait” recycled brown bags and acrylic collage on canvas, 36″ x 24″
Nature is my inspiration. I often grow my floral subjects in my gardens, then photograph them and work from those photographs in my studio. The pieces are often autobiographical, representing people in my life who might have given me the flowers or who were with me as I photographed them at the time. These collages take many months/years to finish due to the number of layers of paper that are involved to accomplish the look I desire.
“Oh, Morning Glories!” recycled brown bags and acrylic on canvas, 36″ x 36″
First time viewers of my work often believe that they are looking at a painting. I have fun watching their surprised expressions when I tell them that they are looking at a collage.
“Ogge Lune” recycled brown bags and acrylic on canvas, 20″ x 16″
People often ask me why I don’t paint, because it would be much easier and less time consuming. I have thought about this often, and think that I enjoy my process and the challenges it presents. Though it is a painstaking genesis in the studio, I find it to be very therapeutic.
“Spanish Jewels 2″ recycled brown bags and acrylic collage on canvas, 11″ x 14”
When I was a little girl, I lived with my abusive father who did not like the sound that he heard when my mother folded up the grocery bags after shopping. I find it amusing that I am enjoying the act of ripping the bags in order to produce a final product that is different and rather cool.
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