Customer Reviews

Collage Techniques: A Guide for Artists and Illustrators

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a great book for any collage artist looking for inspiration and ideas. It is packed with a wonderful variety of collage examples and techniques.

The book starts out with some brief history and attitudes toward collage. Then the author explains materials and tools. This includes an overview of papers, adhesives, surface media and finishes. Basic collage techniques are also covered.

In the next section you are shown numerous collage pieces using a wide variety of materials including washi, stained, prepared and found papers, photographs, fibers and fabric. Concepts are discussed from the point of view of both technique and subject matter. Although not a project book per se, there are a number of examples of artists working in a step by step sequence that can be followed.

Design elements and principles including line, shape, color, texture, unity, variety, balance, emphasis, pattern, rhythm and contrast are covered. The book wraps up with sections discussing specific subject matters such as still lives, flowers, landscapes, people, social commentary, architecture, abstract and three-dimensional pieces.

Paper suppliers are listed in the back. While suitable for a beginner, this is a great intermediate level book with much to offer for those with some collage experience as well.

This book gives encyclopedic information on collage and art principles, and other artists as well. There are step-by-step demonstrations,that are easy to understand, yet there is enough advanced techniques for the experienced artist. Well worth the price, and inspirational.

I had heard that Brommer was a highy respected collage author and teacher, so even though I am not an artist or illustrator, I figured that this book would be a good one for me to have. I was right!

Brommer covers almost every facet of collage art, beginning with its history/background, progressing to the various collage techniques, and also elaborating on the materials used to create collages. These materials include painted papers, Japanese papers, found objects, photographs, etc.

Rather than a how-to book, this is a book that presents many finished pieces in all their beauty, and explains how they were done by these very accomplished artists. It is a terrific resource and a lovely addition to any art library.

This is a fabulous book on the collage medium. Everything is
thoroughly covered from collage history, technique and
guidance for design, etc. This book will also inspire
you with its fine examples. I am very pleased with book
and highly recommend it to others.

As a collage artist, I own many books on collage techniques. This one is especially nice because is presents many established artists and their techniques vs. one artist showing all his or her own work. The materials lists and photos of a work-in-progress are also excellent. This is not a craft book, but for those serious about art making.

Being new to the area of collage, I have been searching out interesting and inpirational books from which to 'get the motor reving' so-to-speak. I've felt like Goldilocks in the Bear's house looking at some of the available materials. "This one is too short, this one is too weird, this one is too singular, this one has no background or wisdom to offer..." But, ah! this one, Collage Techniques, is just right. I found the educational and historical perspectives to be useful and interesting to read, as well as the lessons and explainations. The author uses many good examples that come from a variety of sources, so it is possible to look through and say, "Yes, that's the skill or portrayal that I'm looking for." Collage Techniques doesn't get dry or repetative, nor does it foist a single technique upon the reader. It is an older book, but in-my-opinion, a more comprehensive one than many of the newer collage books. I recommend it very highly.

I ordered this book after reading reviews of collage books.
The praise of this book, I find, is well deserved. It comments
on many techniques and provides examples with color photos.
I feel I can take off on my own now, and don't need technical
advice, even though the book is not a technical read. A good
addition to anyone's bookshelf.

Brommer approaches collage from an fine art point of view. Most other books I have looked at tend more toward the scrapbook and/or kitchy altered art genre. He has an excellent section on art paper preparations and basic design.

This gave a great range of techniques and effects for both collage and mixed media. Oddly enough this is the best sourse of mixed media approaches that I have yet seen in any book currently in print. The techniques are clearly and comprehensively explained and the illustrations are perfect. I highly recommend it!

Brommer's text is perfect for anyone interested in exploring collage as a fine art. He gives some history, hence context, for the work of collage. There are plenty of different techniques offered for exploration by the reader with lots of detail and materials lists. These are not "specific" projects, but rather show a project using the methods described and leave open-ended your own creation. The art of collage is also placed in current context when contemporary applications are examined in the end of the book. I rate this for anyone interested in collage as an art form. This is not a "craft" book, but rather almost an art course in collage in a book.