Product Description

One of many exhilarating artistic developments that took place during the early twentieth century, the fine art medium of collage emerged from the cubist gluing and pasting explorations of Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso. As a result of its experimental genesis, collage has continued to serve not only as a primary form of expression for many prominent artists, but as a principal means of evaluating and developing new creative strategies.

Conceived and written by renowned artist, author, and teacher Gerald Brommer, Collage Techniques first presents the medium within the context of a wide variety of materials, including washi (oriental and rice papers) and watermedia; stained, prepared, and found papers; photographs; and fabrics and fibers. Each category of material is examined through a step-by-step demonstration and works by artists who approach collage in original and refreshing ways. The latest trends in technologically enhanced collage, including such high-tech applications as multiple photocopying and digital scanning, are also discussed. The author then explores how the elements and principles of design are used in collage, and how they in turn are employed in all the major genre, including still life, landscape, the human figure, abstraction, and nonobjective imagery.

Beautifully illustrated with the work of more than eighty noted artists, including Edward Betts, Jae Carmichael, Margo Hoff, Katherine Chang Liu, and Fred Otnes, Collage Techniques is an essential reference for all artists and illustrators, regardless of their creative focus or choice of medium.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #25805 in Books
• Published on: 1994-08-01
• Released on: 1994-08-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 160 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780823006557
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Amazon.com Review
Rather than a project-driven craft book, Collage Techniques is an exciting presentation of the medium as a fine art. From the famous practitioners (Matisse, Picasso, Hockney) to the many accomplished artists represented throughout the book, the images are stunning, sometimes startling. A thorough coverage of materials, supplies, and basic methods lays the groundwork of the first section; chapters then focus on various types of papers, fibers, photographs, and technologically enhanced imagery that can be incorporated. The second section explores design considerations for various subjects (still lifes, landscapes, human figures, social commentary, abstract imagery, three-dimensional works). There are no step-by-step objects here, but instead an amazing collection of work that utilizes collage by bringing together painting and sculpture and provides colorful, inventive, thought-provoking inspiration for experimenting with the medium.

About the Author
Gerald F. Brommer received his B.A. from Concordia Teachers College in Nebraska and his M.A. from the University of Nebraska. Distinguished by numerous awards, Mr. Brommer's work has been widely exhibited both nationally and internationally and is represented in over 3,500 private and public collections. He is a life member (and former president) of the National Watercolor Society, the National Arts Club, and several other professional organizations. He has written many articles and books on art technique, including Watercolor and Collage Workshop, which is also published by Watson-Guptill. A resident of North Hollywood, California, Mr. Brommer teaches workshops throughout the United States and abroad.

Customer Reviews

This is a "must read" book for the beginning artist!
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.

Great for inpiration and ideas, wonderful varitey
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.

A Beautiful Overview of Collage
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.