Creative Collage Techniques (Paperback)

~ (Author), Virginia Lee Williams (Author) "The American Heritage Dictionary defines collage as "an artistic composition of materials and objects pasted over a surface, often with unifying lines and color..." (more)
Key Phrases: crystalline paper, brayer papers, matte gel medium, Nita Leland, Virginia Lee Williams, Bob Kilvert (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This is one studio handbook that lives up to the overused adjective "creative." In a colorful and inspiring layout, the book touches on the obvious clip-and-paste methods, incorporates other traditional media (rice paper, watercolor, acrylic), and then expands to consider a riot of materials, including found objects, clay, copper, beads, cloth, and rhinestones. In addition, it mines the history of collage for ideas and grounds the artist in modern legal concerns (i.e., the copyright issues involved in using others' work in your collage). This handbook will be useful to both beginning and advanced artists, and its wealth of examples make it more attractive than Anne Brigadier's more technical Collage: A Guide for Artists (Watson Guptill, 1970). Highly recommended.
Daniel J. Lombardo, Jones Lib., Amherst, Mass.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Collage is a versatile and dynamic medium suitable for artists with any level of skill and experience. Collage can be spontaneous and inexpensive when artists use materials at hand, such as magazines or newspapers, or collage can involve elaborate designs, precise detail, and exquisite craftsmanship. Materials suitable for collage are limited only by the creator's imagination and include papers of all kinds, fabric, photographs, and three-dimensional objects. Media such as watercolor, ink, and acrylics can be used to create varied effects and textures. Instructor, artist, and author Leland and her collage-artist coauthor Williams provide readers with step-by-step instructions for increasingly sophisticated collage techniques. Charts highlight recommended materials such as adhesives, protective coatings, types of paper, and supports. Numerous examples of finished collages are displayed in color reproductions, from homey family projects to beautifully textured abstractions. While Leland and Williams excel at covering technique and practical concerns, they spend some time discussing design principles and the matching of materials to subject or theme. This is as comprehensive and useful as a how-to on collage can be. Donna Seaman --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: North Light Books (September 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581800983
• ISBN-13: 978-1581800982
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #74,545 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

93 of 95 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's all here!, January 2, 2002

By	BeachReader (Delaware) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

There is not much about collage that is not contained in this book. The authors begin with a short history of collage and how to make or find materials to make your own. Later in the book, they even explain how to make your own paper for collage and making collage "supports" or backgrounds using mediums, papers, and natural or found materials.

In an early part of the book, the authors delve into the collage process and give the reader eight projects (of varying difficulty)to try on their own. The directions and illustrations are VERY complete.

The next section deals with collage design, both planning and creating, along with nine projects that are, once again, carefully explained.

The section on mixed-media collage was very good but more for a person who has both artistic AND design ability. NOT ME!!!

Even though many of these projects were beyond my limited capability, I still enjoyed reading about them and looking at the beautiful illustrations. I got lots of ideas from this lovely book.

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent art resources, July 8, 2000

By	rae trujillo (pleasant hill, ca USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Creative Collage Techniques (Hardcover)

I orginally found this book at the library and had to have it. I am not a beginner artist but it would be excellent for any beginner. It dicusses design, materials, and concepts. It would be great for teachers as the projects can be easy or advanced depending on the instructor. For the more experianced artist it offers inspiration and nuggets of information. Full color pictures too!

43 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All you need!, November 11, 2001

By	Kristeena Crabb (Lewes, DE) - See all my reviews

Absolutely the only book you'll ever need to start creating collages. Filled with a wide variety of techniques from the very simple to the very sophisticated it teaches you everything from how to get started to how to frame your finished piece. An invaluable reference book in any art library.