The Complete Guide to Altered Imagery : Mixed-Media Techniques for Collage, Altered Books, Artist Journals, and More

by Karen Michel

A wide range of techniques borrowed from both traditional and digital art has recently begun to blend into one art form, known as altered art. The Complete Guide to Altered Imagery is the only book currently on the market that provides fascinating tips and creative ideas solely focused on this new form of art. An in-depth discussion manipulation techniques is supplied, making this an essential handbook for all artists and crafters looking for creative ways to alter and enhance various types of imagery in new and traditional ways, and then to integrate this altered art into their work.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Crafts, Reference, How To, Journaling, Creative

128 pages, Paperback

First published August 26, 2005

Reviews

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had this book sitting on my wishlist for a while, but I was very on the fence. When I saw it at the library I was quite excited, and now I have read it, I will need to grab it at some stage for my own bookshelf. The book is split into 4 chapters covering altering actual photos, printer/scanner images, other found imagery and prints. There is also an artist gallery with selected featured artists.

I really liked this book, and there were lots of ideas that really excited me, with good images and clear explanations of techniques. She also includes useful tips for further extension of ideas.

I had never seen many of the techniques and it was interesting to see how to get similar effects as some photo apps with photos. Increasingly I am putting more photos on to some of my art journal pages and using more images so it was interesting to see the techniques here, that I will also be able to experiment with.

I particularly loved many of the techniques she shared on altering and integrating found images into your work. Karen's journal pages are stunning with her layers of paint and gesso and juicy yumminess, and full of meaning.

Spreads of her journals are given with clear guidance, however the spreads are not shown so you can recreate her pages but rather so that you can create your own pages and go off in other directions. I was particularly inspired by her bird images and the use of found imagery.

The print making section also greatly inspired me. I particularly want to try her gum dichromate printing process, which coincides with an exhibition I saw recently that really intrigued me. She also went over lino printing, mono prints (many of the ideas would work with gelatin printing that is currently exciting a lot of people). The ways she pushed monoprinting was exciting and filled me with ideas for how to take it further. I also really love the monoprinting effect.

The artist gallery was filled with images, artist's profiles and artist's tips. Some of the artists that really inspired me were:
Monica Riffe
Michelle Ward
Lynne Perrella
Juliana Coles
Carlo Thertus
Anne Grgich

This are no "project-based" works with step by step directions, so if that is what you are looking for than this book is not for you. The images are also altered a lot, and I have read a comment alluding to the destruction and vandalism of images, so if you are looking for new scrapbooking formats, then this book is probably also not for you.

It is about utilising images, some of which you won't ever put into an album, to give the images new meanings, or to emphasise the meaning you want to convey with the image. It is not about preserving images for family histories, so if that is what you primarily want to do, this is not the book for you either.

The book also uses a lot of paint (which I personally love), and is not primarily about collage, which is another complaint I have seen. So if you are looking for a straight collage book, then this is possibly not the book for you. :)

I would really recommend this book, I really liked it. There are a lot of techniques in this book, and the work inspires you to push your use of imagery to new directions.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is geared towards novice to experienced artists who wish to experiment with multi-media, art journal, collage, photo alteration, and book art techniques. The pictures are excellent, as are the lists of materials used for each piece. As a complete neophyte artist, I have to say that it is a little above my head in terms of knowing how to create the art itself. However, the book offered me loads of inspiration.

[Palma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is FANTASTIC! It is filled with many great techniques on how to alter images and a great addition to the mixed media artist's book collection. I hight recommend it and you'll save a lot of money spent on online workshops that only shadow this book's contents.

[Phyllis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a lot of good ideas for altering actual photos. Lots of good photos included. Also a good chapter on using found objects, like pix from magazines. Project Gallery by various artists is inspiring. The cover is not inspiring.

[Filipe Bernardes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good introduction to mixed-media concepts and processes, full of examples from the author and other artists.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love looking at books like this. Gives you different techniques on working with pens, scanners, collage, image transfers, paints, etc. Lots of pictures of art work.

[Virginia Pulver · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a stimulating book. It is an aspirational book. The images and examples provided provide the reader with eye candy and enough information to take a leap into a new adventure. The artists whose works are curated for this volume offer a great resource for those who wish to learn more about specific techniques and styles. It is a great resource.

[liberal sprinkles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book was like visiting the museum for me. There's plenty of eye candy and inspiration and the author shares the techniques she uses to alter different types of images for her art. It's a lovely and varied showcase but though Michel describes the process of creating the artworks, it's not quite a step-by-step guide and may not be for people who aren't familiar with altering images or mixed media, or who prefer a more projects-type book with more detailed and visual instructions.

I would use this book as a source for mixed media art ideas but if you need clearer instructions on techniques, I'd use a book like Surface Treatment Workshop.

[Sarah Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who is starting to learn about mixed media journaling and artwork this book had so many great ideas and techniques. I really can't wait to start trying some of these and getting them into practice and already recommended the book to a friend. If you are looking for inspiration or ideas definitely give this book a look. The author explained how to do thing in a very clear manner that I could understand and there are a lot of great color pictures of steps and finished pieces.

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[Evelyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

One of the best, most clear set of reasons and reflections I’ve ever read. Everything he writes is brilliant.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are lots of great techniques and projects to push you outside of your comfort zone.

[liberal sprinkles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book was like visiting the museum for me. There's plenty of eye candy and inspiration and the author shares the techniques she uses to alter different types of images for her art. It's a lovely and varied showcase but though Michel describes the process of creating the artworks, it's not quite a step-by-step guide and may not be for people who aren't familiar with altering images or mixed media, or who prefer a more projects-type book with more detailed and visual instructions.

I would use this book as a source for mixed media art ideas but if you need clearer instructions on techniques, I'd use a book like Surface Treatment Workshop

[tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and amazing! When I first received this book, I just stared at its awesomeness. Karen Michel is a fantastic artist with a mix-match vision. I love all the different types of media she used. It really got my wheels turning.

[Tanya Minnick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Totally great book for those creative souls. Full of cool ideas, techniques and images to get the creative energy flowing. Some seem to require special materials or tools, but otherwise fun. I have this book out in view most of the time.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thorough compendium of various transfer processes, as well as collage techniques and photo altering (copies, photoshop, and emulsion shifts). This will be a well-loved book in my reference library.

[Kathy Hauck · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty!

[Sarah.b · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is PACKED full of wonderfully clever photo manipulation and altering ideas, LOVE everything in this book.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is delicious! A visual feast and so inspiring - I can't wait to put some of these techniques to use.

[Jaime · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really nice book but for someone that is looking for very advanced techniques. It will help anyone looking for inspiration greatly.

[Blackbook · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed media techniques for collage, altered books and artist journals.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Filled with a myriad of different techniques that I never would have thought of. Lots of projects related to altering actual photos (like the ones you have printed from the drug store).

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of all kinds of techniques to play with!!