The Art of Abstract Collage - Mastering Composition with Cordula Kagemann

Cordula’s teaching led to a mental 'click' in understanding the concepts of composition. This course has taken my collage art to the next level and has added another level of depth and richness to my body of work. I really connected with Cordula’s calm, concise and non-judgmental teaching style. Since the course is self-paced, I never felt anxious about keeping up. Now, I’m more confident in my compositions, and I know artists working in any medium would benefit by wide range of lessons that can be universally applied. Trust me, it’s worth the investment!

- Eva Potter

I learned so much from Cordula in this course! I started my abstract art journey about a year ago. As a creative writer and former lawyer, I'm used to expressing myself through words. But actually getting my hands dirty with paint and medium to create physical art that someone can reach out and touch has been thrilling and terrifying and so much more rewarding than I ever imagined. The techniques taught in this course are unique and will bring another layer to anybody's artistic repertoire. Also, even if you think you know about archetypal composition and imagery, studying it with an eye toward creating a work of collage is incredibly interesting and rewarding.

- Diane Gorczyca

An incredible eye-opening experience. Most of all I appreciate Cordula's generosity in her teaching and the serenity with which she transmits it. My knowledge of design, composition and archetypal elements was somehow limited before I took this course. I have now acquired a lot more confidence and the base from which I can further continue to learn and develop in my art work.

- Ana Tièche

I loved Cordula's thorough approach and calm, clear delivery very much. As a relatively new artist (4 years), this course has developed my understanding of composition, giving me tools to recognise when a work is complete. Modules were easy to absorb, I wanted to revisit them again and again. It was a breakthrough; the process provided a loose framework to work through the stumbling blocks, finishing with what I consider to be a series of cohesive pieces. The feedback is invaluable – I found the whole experience to be very uplifting.

- Leanne Johnston

Cordula generously shares insights into her working process in such a calm and inspiring way that it makes you want to dive right in! I am still relatively new to working with collages and often found it challenging to determine what steps to take next. In this course, I learned techniques that help me build my collages step by step. The videos are professionally filmed, providing high-quality visuals. The summaries are also excellent – starting each module with clear goals and ending with an overview and practical tips for practice and experimentation. The course fee is absolutely justified given the extensive material provided.

- Martina Grandel

I have already recommended this course to several friends because it’s truly transformative. Before enrolling in the course, my artistic practice felt somewhat confined, as I primarily worked within familiar themes and techniques. Since then, my perspective has completely transformed – I now embrace new themes with confidence and have discovered exciting ways to create and use my own materials, allowing my art to evolve in unexpected and deeply fulfilling ways.

- Birgit Kühr

Composition shapes how your work feels, flows, and connects with your audience – no matter your medium or style. Whether you work in abstract or representational art, on paper, canvas or cloth, strong composition helps you create pieces that feel balanced, cohesive, and complete.

But if you’ve ever looked at your canvas and wondered: Is it too busy? Have I overworked it? Where should I place a focal point? Do I need one? Is it finished? (And the biggest question of all: Where do I start?)

You’re not alone – we’ve all been there!

In The Art of Abstract Collage, Cordula Kagemann helps you take the guesswork out of composition with a step-by-step process you can use across any artwork. Across ten modules, you’ll learn how to build strong abstract compositions using real tools and techniques. And you won’t just watch – you’ll be doing!

Kagemanns hands working on circle collage

roller brush with yellow paint making a pattern

Pink black and beige collage with kagemann hands placing paper

Kagemann standing in front of her artwork that hangs on the wall

Four multicoloured collages on a white background

Based in the tranquil countryside of Weseloh, Germany, Cordula Kagemann is a seasoned visual artist and educator specialising in paper art and collage. With a Diploma in Visual Arts and Adult Education from the University of Bremen, she has been working freelance since 1998, sharing her expertise through workshops and courses across Germany, Australia, and New Zealand.

Cordula's art delves into themes of memory, time, and the cyclical nature of life. She constructs her collages through layering various materials – handmade and collected papers, photographs, and acrylics – creating compositions that invite reflection and evoke emotion. As a member of the International Association of Papermakers and Artists (IAPMA) since 2004, Cordula continues to inspire and guide artists worldwide.

In The Art of Abstract Collage, Cordula brings her wealth of experience to help you master composition and develop a confident, intuitive art practice.

Module one: Introduction to abstract composition.

What makes abstract art feel complete, even without a clear subject? It all starts with composition. In this opening module, Cordula Kagemann introduces you to the foundations of abstract art and the role composition plays in making your work feel balanced, expressive, and complete.

In this module, you’ll:

Gain historical context for how abstract art developed as a visual language separate from traditional representation.
Learn why composition is the foundation of strong, cohesive artwork – even in abstract styles.
Discover how artists like Kandinsky and Malevich used form, colour, and shape to communicate emotion.
Step behind the scenes of Cordula’s artistic journey and discover how her process has evolved over time.
Lay the groundwork for building your own compositional voice.

Module two: Tools and materials.

Next, it’s time to dive into the practical aspects of abstract collage! In this module, Cordula will walk you through the essential tools, papers, and adhesives that will become your creative companions throughout the course, and show you how to set up a workspace that supports greater focus, ease, and creative flow.

In this module, you’ll:

Explore the essential materials used in abstract collage, including paper types, adhesives, and basic tools. (Check our FAQs for a full list of the recommended supplies you’ll need for this course.)
Gain practical guidance on selecting and preparing the right materials for you.
Learn how to organise and store your supplies so your space feels clear, uncluttered, and sets the tone for a smoother creative process.
Discover how simple setup strategies can set the tone for a smoother creative process.
Be fully equipped with the knowledge and materials needed to embark on the rest of your abstract collage journey.

Module three: Design elements – Preparing collage papers.

The collage papers you create in this module will become the building blocks for your abstract compositions. Using paint, cutting, and mark-making techniques, you’ll explore key design elements and begin developing a rich library of textures, patterns, and visual language to draw from in future modules.

In this module, you’ll:

Paint, cut, stamp, and layer your way through a series of guided techniques to create textured, expressive collage papers.
Explore essential design elements like line, shape, pattern, and texture.
Experiment with mark-making to bring depth and variation to your work.
Build a collection of papers that reflect your style and support your compositions.

Module four: Exploring Notan and the principle of balance.

In this module you’ll explore the Japanese concept of Notan and learn how the relationship between dark and light creates visual balance in your compositions. With Cordula’s guidance, you’ll experiment with simple shapes and high-contrast studies to build stronger, more cohesive compositions from the ground up.

In this module, you’ll:

Learn about the principle of Notan and how light and dark shape visual balance.
Create high-contrast paper studies that explore positive and negative space.
Practise layering, placement, and proportion to strengthen your compositions.
Learn to trust your eye through hands-on experimentation and playful exercises with cut shapes and collage.
Explore balance not just as a visual tool, but as a creative mindset that can support both your art and everyday life.

Module five: Mastering design principles in abstract collage.

Now that you’ve explored balance, it’s time to layer in more complexity. In this module, Cordula takes you deeper into the world of design principles, and shows you how to use rhythm, movement, depth, and emphasis to guide the viewer’s eye and bring your compositions to life.

In this module, you’ll:

Use rhythm and movement to create flow and energy across the surface.
Add depth and dimension through layering and spatial contrast.
Create emphasis by drawing attention to key areas of your collage.
Refine your compositions so every element feels connected and intentional.
Build on your Notan studies and develop the skills to make informed visual decisions with greater confidence.

Module six: Mastering colour contrasts.

Drawing on the work of colour theorist Johannes Itten, Cordula shows you how to apply key colour contrasts to strengthen your collages, even when working with pre-existing materials.

In this module, you’ll:

Explore essential colour contrasts including hue, temperature, saturation, and value.
Learn how to use complementary and opposing colours to create harmony and tension in your artwork.
Apply colour theory within the practical limits of collage materials.
Experiment with layering techniques to shift and enrich colour relationships.
Use colour not just decoratively, but as a structural tool in your compositions.

Module seven: Format – Presentations.

The format you choose changes everything. In this module, you’ll explore how different formats – from rectangles and squares to circles, polyptychs and multi-panel layouts – can shift the way your composition feels, flows, and connects with the viewer.

In this module, you’ll:

Learn how format affects structure, movement, and spatial balance.
Experiment with rectangles, squares, circles, and irregular shapes.
Study how format can support or challenge your creative intent.
Explore examples from contemporary and historical artists working in collage and mixed media.
Start making intentional choices about format that strengthen your overall composition.

Module eight: Surface design studies.

Every composition needs a strong foundation. In this module, you’ll explore how to structure your surfaces using simple but powerful layout techniques – like partitions, diagonals, and the golden ratio – to bring clarity and intention to your work before the first piece is placed.

In this module, you’ll:

Learn how to structure your surface using lines, grids, and compositional guides.
Apply design systems like the golden ratio and rule of thirds to guide your layout decisions.
Create small studies on canvas boards that focus on structure using a limited, neutral palette.
See how thoughtful planning can support - not restrict - your intuitive process.
Build the confidence to start your next piece with intention, not hesitation.

Module nine: Archetypal compositions 1.

Some compositions feel timeless - and that’s because they are. In this module, you’ll explore classic archetypal structures like the cross, circle, and grid, and see how they can bring clarity and cohesion to your abstract work. You’ll also witness Cordula create full, finished artworks on canvas - not just compositional studies - offering you a rare, start-to-finish look at how thoughtful decisions shape a complete piece.

In this module, you’ll:

Learn the history and function of cross, circle, and grid compositions, three fundamental structures that have been used in art for centuries.
Watch as Cordula demonstrates how these archetypal shapes can provide structure without becoming formulaic.
Apply design elements learned from earlier modules within each layout.
Create your own compositions using these archetypal structures, integrating materials like vintage papers, fabric, and your custom collage papers.

Module ten: Archetypal compositions 2.

In your final module, you’ll build on what you learned in module nine by working with three new archetypal formats: the L shape, the triangle, and the mirror. Each shape offers a different way to guide the viewer’s eye, introduce structure, and bring emotional resonance to your compositions. These collages will bring together everything you’ve practised – from design elements to surface structure - in a series of resolved, expressive final works.

In this module, you’ll:

Create a collage using the L shape to lead the eye and anchor your composition.
Use a triangle format to introduce direction, stability, and movement.
Explore symmetrical composition to create balance, harmony, and visual reflection.
Combine materials and techniques from earlier modules to complete three final artworks.
Strengthen your ability to choose the right format for the feeling you want to create.

Bonus module: Abstraction of a memory.

In this bonus module, you’ll abstract and transform your personal memories into a diptych. Cordula guides you through the process of using biographical materials – including personal photographs – to create abstract collages that carry emotional weight and meaning. You’ll learn how to deconstruct imagery, work with memory as a creative prompt, and infuse your compositions with subtle narrative and feeling.

In this module, you’ll:

Select and prepare personal imagery as source material for abstraction.
Explore how memory can shape form, texture, and composition.
Create a diptych that reflects a personal story through abstract expression.
Learn how to use photographic fragments as emotional and visual anchors.
Integrate symbolic and biographical elements to deepen your creative voice.

Learn composition through collage and elevate your approach to every piece of art you make.

A lifetime of learning and exploration awaits.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

10 Modules with individual videos
Lifetime access to the course
8 Weeks of tutor engagement*
Comprehensive resource guides
2 Live Q&A sessions
*Private Facebook community
Learn at your own pace
Professionally filmed content

$419 USD

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Payment plans
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Cordula’s course provided so much valuable information – from preparing the substrate and offering suggestions on matte mediums, to layout and design principles that support abstract composition. This course gave me the confidence to explore new techniques, materials, and approaches and helped me find and strengthen my own voice.

- Audrey P.

What a wonderful, fantastic online course that inspired me so much and brought me back to creative work after months of stagnation. I thoroughly enjoyed every single module and learned so much. Intention, structure and intuition now merge together. Every single intermediate and final result of my work filled me with joy.

- Christiane D.

I have learned to trust my intuition and the process and that I should not be afraid of failure.

- Dorien D.

This course will help the learner explore some advanced principles of design and incorporate them into their existing practice, bringing their work to a new level.

- Joanne W.

This course was a watershed experience for me. Although I’ve had a diverse art practice for years, including sculpture, fiber arts, and printmaking, Cordula’s ability to support us to become more deliberative, agile, and experimental with principles of composition has given me new life, energy, and confidence in dealing with the often dreaded blank slate, roadblocks, and dead ends.

- Lynne B.

I deeply enjoyed Cordula's insightful guidance, which opened new ways of seeing and creating through abstraction. Her approach to composition and material exploration enriched my practice, allowing me to connect more intuitively with the creative process. Experimenting with composition and abstraction deepened my connection to the creative process, allowing me to express emotions and memories in new, unexpected ways.

- Svitlana S.

You’ll love The Art of Abstract Collage if you want to:

Create 28 new composition studies and six final artworks you’re proud to share.
Use simple design principles to stop second-guessing your compositions, fix what's not working, and bring balance to every piece.
Build a clear, repeatable process you can use for any abstract artwork.
Add depth, structure, and cohesion without losing your intuition or creative voice.
Avoid overworking your pieces and finally know when a piece is finished.
Find flow in your process, and joy in every step – from paper prep to final touch.
Grow and thrive as an artist with support from our warm, welcoming, and inspiring artist community.
Learn from an expert artist tutor who makes composition feel doable not daunting.

Helpful FAQs
Have another question? We’re here to help! Please contact the Take Two team at support@fibreartstaketwo.com

: As soon as you enrol you’ll get instant, lifetime access to the complete course.

Cordula will be available in the student community Facebook group for live engagement between 23 June and 15 August 2025.
: Not at all. This course was created for creatives who want to watch in their own time, hit pause, re-watch, take a break, and then return for more!

While you will receive live support during the first eight weeks of enrolment, there is no set schedule to complete this course. Plus, you’ll have all the material for life!

“Before the pandemic I could not have imagined an online art course but now I am a complete convert. I think the freedom to take your time and disappear down your own rabbit hole is such a joy!” Wendy G
: Below is a list of the tools Cordula uses in her art practice and collage techniques during the course. We always recommend using your existing tools and supplies before purchasing new materials:

Splatter brush (or an old toothbrush)

Synthetic brush (soft hair)

Foam stamping brushes

Paint brayer

Foam roller (old is best)

Reed or bamboo pen

Feather

Corks and foam craft sheets (for handmade stamps)

Japanese scraper (or paint scraper)

Q-tips (cotton swabs)

Netting or fabric with large holes (example: onion or potato packaging)

Titanium paper scissors

Small sharp paper or nail scissors

Cutting knife (X-acto) and mat

Small plexiglass or glass plate

Gel plate

Spray/mist bottle for water

Trays or plates for paint and water

Acrylic paints - all colours (consider using what you have on hand)

Acrylic ink

Acrylic medium

Paint pens

Pencils and graphite sticks

Papers (anything you already have in your stash like gift wrapping papers, photographs, tickets, book pages, old personal letters, as well as white and coloured tissue paper, lokta paper, rice paper, drawing paper, and black paper)

Mixed media sketchbook

Canvas art boards
: Cordula will be available in your private student community group on Facebook during the live tutor interaction period. For your course, this period will be between 23 June and 15 August 2025.
: At this stage, we choose to host our student community groups on Facebook as it’s a free, accessible platform that allows ease of communication for both students and tutors.

To ensure an inclusive experience, we live stream our Q&A sessions through YouTube and send regular updates via email for those unable to create a Facebook account.

We also have multiple moderators actively engaged within the group to ensure our communities remain safe and welcoming learning environments.

This community is not compulsory, but it’s highly recommended - and our students love it!

“FATT have put together this fabulous format that nurtures the interactions among us. I didn’t even do Facebook before!” – Chris Carlson
: That’s okay - you don’t need to be a tech whiz to enjoy our online fibre art courses!

Our students regularly report (with much relief 😉) how easy it is to use our online learning platform. We’re also proudly well-known for our top-notch customer service and are always just a message away if you need support.
: Absolutely. Our course content is fully responsive, so you can access your course wherever you feel most comfortable - your computer, phone, or tablet. All you need is an internet connection.
: Should you watch less than 10% of the course content within 7 days of your purchase and not be satisfied with the quality of this production, we will process a full refund. For further information, please see our terms and conditions.
: Because we have students from all around the world, we have set up geolocation to accommodate your local currency where we can. We currently accept USD, AUD, GBP, Euro, CAD and NZD… with more to come! If your currency wasn’t mentioned, your bank will still automatically convert it to your local currency once the charge goes through.

(And on the topic of being international, the Take Two team are based in Australia… hence the spelling of things like fibre, realise and enrol!)
: Great question. You can post your questions about the course in our private Facebook group; either someone from the community, Take Two or your tutor can help you.

If you have more technical questions or are unable to join the student group, please don’t hesitate to contact support@fibreartstaketwo.com.

“I am so glad I found FATT. Everything is so well put together and the support is wonderful.” Jeniffer H

Art, for me, is deeply personal –

it's a way of expressing what words often cannot. Living in the countryside, surrounded by the ever-changing beauty of nature, has profoundly influenced my work. Over the years, I have been drawn to explore themes of time, transience, and the cycles of life, often represented by the recurring motif of the circle in my compositions. I create in solitude, letting the image find its own path, and allowing the magic of the process to unfold naturally.

In this course, I wanted to address a common challenge I’ve observed in my students –hesitancy in completing an artwork, often due to the overwhelming possibilities that composition presents. While intuition is a powerful tool in art-making, I believe that combining it with a conscious understanding of composition can transform your work in profound ways. This course is designed to help you bridge the gap between intuition and conscious decision-making, resulting in stronger, more cohesive compositions that truly reflect your unique artistic voice.

Composition is the backbone of any successful artwork. It’s not about adhering to rigid formulas but about enhancing your personal style and visual language.

I’m excited to share my knowledge and experiences with you, and I look forward to seeing how you integrate these lessons into your own creative practice.
Cordula

Composition is the backbone of all artwork.

Composition is one of the most important skills an artist can develop.

By the end of the course, you’ll have created 28 studies, six finished artworks, and a trusted composition process you can return to again and again.

The Art of Abstract Collage is perfect for artists of all levels who want to trade blank canvas paralysis for a step-by-step plan towards a balanced artwork every time.

Join Cordula for over 12 hours of beautifully filmed learning on composition techniques that take your art from hesitant to harmonious.

Create Extraordinary Textural Masterpieces.

How The Art of Abstract Collage unfolds: