By Gerald Brommer Collage Techniques: A Guide for Artists and Illustrators

by Gerald F. Brommer

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.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Reference

Paperback

First published August 1, 1994

About the author

Gerald F. Brommer is a renowned artist, author, educator, and juror. He has written and edited over 25 art books for high school and college art education, developed 7 poster sets on art techniques and the elements and principles of art, and created 13 art education video programs. His paintings have appeared in more than 160 one–man shows, 200 group shows, and over 20 international exhibitions. He is represented in over 4,300 private art collections in 44 states and nine countries. He currently leads art workshops for artists throughout the world.
Jerry holds a Master of Arts degree and an Honorary Doctor of Literature degree. He studied at the University of Nebraska, Nebraska’s Concordia University, USC, UCLA, the Chouinard Art Institute, and the Otis Art Institute.

Around the world, he has been acknowledged as the master of watercolor, acrylic, and collage techniques and is in high demand as a teacher, consultant, and art exhibition juror. He has been described as a humorous, sincere individual with a genial personality who has inspired many artists.

Reviews

[Jennifer nyc · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d read other reviews of this that said it was too basic. I can’t help wondering if those readers DNFd this book early on, because after some basic demonstrations, the book shares art from a wide variety of artists to show the materials and methods they used and the intention behind their work. It’s a wide and shallow book, perfect for getting lots of ideas quickly. It felt more geared towards painters who want to incorporate collage into their paintings rather than the other way around, so it didn’t exactly apply to me, but I enjoyed working my way through it.

3.5

[Tammy V · Rating 5 out of 5]

The publishing date on this book is 1994 which is probably why I liked it so much. I'm looking for not technical collage methods and this book is full of them. I will pay attention from here on out to publication date as it matters in terms of addressing what I want.

There are tons of articles and examples of different types of collages and moves from materials to expressions.

If you're looking for inspiration to help you dig out of a block or to inspire your day to day creativity, this book does it! Good one for your library shelf or to keep handy when you're starting to create to delve into and dream.

Types of paper play a big part in many of the suggested ways of collaging and a helpful list of paper suppliers is listed in the back - given the publication date I wouldn't expect all to still be there but you never know.

[Mel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some decent info and ideas in this, but not enough to warrant more than three stars. The first half of this is much better than the second.

[Ryan Trauman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm just starting to wade into the aesthetics, techniques, and materials around collaging. I already have a pretty good idea. I want to collage primarily with found print materials, watercolors, pencils, and ink, so a lot here wasn't relevant to me. But it was great to be exposed to so many examples and possibilities. Since I purchased my copy, it will now serve as an excellent resource for ideas when I'm looking for inspiration.

The only real drawbacks are that it feels really dated in its aesthetics (nineties), and the color images are pretty low quality, which makes it difficult to see some detail in the examples.

Still highly recommended, especially if you can find a used copy.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit musty and fussy but there are some good pointers here.

[Pat Schafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on collage techniques.