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Surface Treatment Workshop: Explore 45 Mixed-Media Techniques
Breaking the Surface
Pondering how to begin a new piece of art? Surface Treatment Workshop has the answer! The authors of Image Transfer Workshop are back to show you 45 stepped-out mixed-media techniques that will add depth and texture to your artwork. These techniques are the perfect jump-off point for creating art you will love to look at, and, in some cases, touch!
In this comprehensive guide, youÆll
• 45 techniques . Exciting new applications such as the use of WonderUnder, pulled paper and plaster-dipped gauze will provide you with fresh ideas--many previously unpublished.
• Multiple variations . Each technique features swatches and descriptions to take the techniques in multiple directions with multiple mixed-media products.
• Inspirational style . Fully stepped-out projects from two artists will show you how to combine the techniques into finished works of art that can go in any artistic style.
Take Surface Treatment Workshop with you on your artistic journey for beautiful beginnings.
Pondering how to begin a new piece of art? Surface Treatment Workshop has the answer! The authors of Image Transfer Workshop are back to show you 45 stepped-out mixed-media techniques that will add depth and texture to your artwork. These techniques are the perfect jump-off point for creating art you will love to look at, and, in some cases, touch!
In this comprehensive guide, youÆll
• 45 techniques . Exciting new applications such as the use of WonderUnder, pulled paper and plaster-dipped gauze will provide you with fresh ideas--many previously unpublished.
• Multiple variations . Each technique features swatches and descriptions to take the techniques in multiple directions with multiple mixed-media products.
• Inspirational style . Fully stepped-out projects from two artists will show you how to combine the techniques into finished works of art that can go in any artistic style.
Take Surface Treatment Workshop with you on your artistic journey for beautiful beginnings.
144 pages, Paperback
First published February 24, 2011
80 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 17, 2011
What an incredible book this is to learn about different ways of creating mixed-media art. The book covers a lot of techniques, many of which I haven't seen in other art or mixed media books. And you really get bang for your bucks as the authors list (though not in detail) several variations you can try with each technique.
The 45 techniques taught are categorized as additives (drawing grounds, ventilation tape, skins and shaving foam are some I found more unusual), resist (petroleum jelly, rubbing alcohol, rinse aid, salt etc) and subtractive or combination (I especially like the rust, Tyvek and patina methods). They are illustrated and described well, although the book sometimes assumes the reader already has knowledge of certain materials. This is really more of a techniques book than a projects book, although it takes you step by step through four projects at the end. There is eye candy as well - photos of artworks created by the authors are scattered throughout.
The book highlights some materials not often used by crafters like Venetian plaster and pumice gel but I like that ordinary things found in the home are among those used in the book so even if you don't have specialized supplies, you can easily pick several techniques to play around with and experiment in your own art.
The 45 techniques taught are categorized as additives (drawing grounds, ventilation tape, skins and shaving foam are some I found more unusual), resist (petroleum jelly, rubbing alcohol, rinse aid, salt etc) and subtractive or combination (I especially like the rust, Tyvek and patina methods). They are illustrated and described well, although the book sometimes assumes the reader already has knowledge of certain materials. This is really more of a techniques book than a projects book, although it takes you step by step through four projects at the end. There is eye candy as well - photos of artworks created by the authors are scattered throughout.
The book highlights some materials not often used by crafters like Venetian plaster and pumice gel but I like that ordinary things found in the home are among those used in the book so even if you don't have specialized supplies, you can easily pick several techniques to play around with and experiment in your own art.
June 4, 2011
I love this book! I was hesitant about it because the author's previous book "Image Transfer Workshop" is, in my humble opinion, one of the best books I've invested in (and I invest a lot in books!) and I wasn't sure that a new book could live up to that opinion. I am SO happy to report that this book is another home run, totally out-of-the-ball park winner of a book.
The lay out is very well considered and the instructions are superlative - perfectly illustrated with photos that relate directly to the image. I couldn't wait to begin experimenting! One of the things that intrigued me as I read through the book was a description of Venetian Plaster - something I had never heard of before - "...Venetian Plaster gives you a unique finish that cannot be replicated with any other medium....". A tall order in my opinion. I got some of this miraculous stuff though and experimented and now have a new favorite mixed media tool. You can see my experiment from using the instructions on my other blog - mzjohansen.blogspot.com.
I can't wait to try more surface treatments from this book. It's a must have for the bookshelf of artists of all sorts - especially for fine arts, mixed media artists and visual journalers. You just can't go wrong by buying this book!
The lay out is very well considered and the instructions are superlative - perfectly illustrated with photos that relate directly to the image. I couldn't wait to begin experimenting! One of the things that intrigued me as I read through the book was a description of Venetian Plaster - something I had never heard of before - "...Venetian Plaster gives you a unique finish that cannot be replicated with any other medium....". A tall order in my opinion. I got some of this miraculous stuff though and experimented and now have a new favorite mixed media tool. You can see my experiment from using the instructions on my other blog - mzjohansen.blogspot.com.
I can't wait to try more surface treatments from this book. It's a must have for the bookshelf of artists of all sorts - especially for fine arts, mixed media artists and visual journalers. You just can't go wrong by buying this book!
September 1, 2017
I have read a lot of art books that don't make it onto my GoodReads list, but this one is well worth listing. It has tons of good ideas, clearly and succinctly presented. There will be a page or two about a technique, then a list of variations or ways you can use that technique, and lots of photos both of the process and of finished artwork. It will help take my mixed media projects up several notches.
April 29, 2012
Good primer for mixed media work. Has the standard techniques plus some innovative and interesting new ones too. Recommended for all levels of experience.
October 18, 2017
Great resource for anyone looking for instructions or inspiration on next projects.
January 11, 2012
some great basics to get you going. I would have liked a few more pages and details on each treatment. In one section there is a mention of water-slide transfer and I flipped back forth round and round to find what the hell that was and couldn't find out...it might be there and I'm missing it...but still, I heard of things like "fiber paste" that I'd never heard of and learned ways to use my gel medium stuff...i learned a lot from this book. Got a lot of ideas and inspiration. Just wish it had more! I'm greedy.
November 25, 2016
There are loads of great ideas here for creating surfaces with texture and depth. Each technique is explained with supply lists and examples of different ways of using the techniques. The book finishes up with explanation of some examples done by the authors combining different techniques for inspiration. I´m not sure I will be able to get all the supplies used in this book here in Spain, but I´m tucking away the ideas for the future.
July 27, 2012
If you want to learn how to vreate many different kinds of textures then this is on of the books to buy. It is filled with images and very inspirational.
A great book and very well written . Highly recommended.
A great book and very well written . Highly recommended.
July 27, 2012
An excellent reference for any artist. Great pictures, detailed instructions and examples. There are some very interesting techniques that I haven't seen in other books. I am excited to try some out.
July 1, 2013
I only gave this book 2 stars because I felt the instructions on each treatment/technique lacked. The instructions weren't complete and when attempting techniques - they didn't turn out. To get ideas to experiment on your own without the instructions is probably the best way to use this book.
February 11, 2014
Well,, i didn't try any technique yet,,
but i enjoyed reading this book,,
and some techniques gave really interesting results so i can't wait to try it,, :)
4 stars because some techniques weren't awesome :D
but i enjoyed reading this book,,
and some techniques gave really interesting results so i can't wait to try it,, :)
4 stars because some techniques weren't awesome :D
October 9, 2015
I received this as a prize from Rice Freeman-Zachery's fabulous blog http://voodoonotes.blogspot.com. Lots of great ideas in this book; so glad to have it in my arsenal. Thanks Rice!
June 16, 2013
Informative and inspiring. A great reference.
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August 9, 2016A very usable collection of ideas for making a variety of surfaces for mixed media pieces. The only limit is your time and imagination in how these are combined and put to use.
January 21, 2013
I love this book. 45 well-described, wonderful mixed media techniques. I use them! Great book.
November 11, 2013
Incredible and one i need to own on my buying list.
November 24, 2015
Interesting concept, poorly written
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews