Collage Techniques: A Guide for Artists and Illustrators

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. 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. 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. Read more