Surface Treatment Workshop: Explore 45 Mixed-Media Techniques Paperback – Illustrated, May 3, 2011

I have been a fan of Ms McElroy & Ms Wilson since I first got my artsy little hands on Image Transfer Workshop: Mixed Media Techniques for Successful Transfers. I value that book tremendously and was more than a little stoked when I heard they had another compilation on the way. As much as I adore Image Transfer Workshop, this new book is equally fantastic (just on different subject matter)!I cannot agree with the other reviewer about the illustrations, though. At all. I LOVE the photos and work used as examples. I don't care if it came from class students or so-called "professionals" - I thoroughly enjoyed all of it and in my opinion, each piece pictured serves as inspirational reiteration of the projects/ideas/techniques presented. Beyond the Introduction and a short instructional on How to Use This Book, there are two major sections: Techniques and Inspirational Projects. The Technique section in broken into three sub-categories: Additives (Aluminum Foil, Drawing Grounds, Ventilation Tape, Faux Encaustics, just to name a few), Resists (Rubbing Alcohol, Petroleum Jelly, Salt, White Craft Glue, etc), and Subtractive or Combination (Painted Leaf, Rust, Sanding, Tyvek, etc). With the Inspirational Projects section containing 4 additional projects spanning ten pages, resources, and an index, this book is as thorough as it is fun to read and look at.The photos clearly show how to use the suggested materials, as well as finished samples. Samples provide adequate examples of a technique, in my opinion. With all the parts I love about this book, advanced and experienced artists beware - I doubt you'll learn many (if any) new techniques. It's a great compilation of techniques, don't get me wrong. There just aren't any new-to-me techniques - although I always enjoy seeing new ways each technique can be presented and used. I like Surface Treatment Workshop because of the vast array of techniques it covers all in one place.On a final note, it's been my experience that if there is something in the book you have questions about or don't understand, emailing Ms McElroy will produce a thorough response, quickly. I'm really glad I got this book - as much for the cool techniques as for the wonderful photographs.

A well illustrated book with some interesting techniques for creating unusual mixed-media surfaces. The directions are clean and concise while the "troubleshooting" helps you determine what went wrong in your creative process. While some of the techniques are tried and true, others are innovative, resulting in new and different textures and surfaces. Normally I prefer to learn with DVD's, but this book is well worth your time to explore all it's creative possibilites presented by the authors. Most projects can be done with common materials and tools. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in exploring their creative side, or anyone who wants to expand their arsenal of art techniques.

I like this book because it show you have to give a 3 D texture look in a collage painting and pasting images into your painting. Darlene and Sandra show many different ways of creating texture. They mention the various materials such as Opaque pouring medium, Clear Pouring Medium and Opaque Spreadable Gel list a few. Sandra shows a great example on pages 50 and 51 on using the pulled paper technique with a wonderful pattern of a simple design. I love the texture look that gives it a 3 D fell and the lifted circles that seem to rest on top of the painting.

Great no-nonsense instuctional mixed-media book. This book doesn't waste half its pages on supplies and where to get them, and no other fluff or filler. Clear, straightforward directions. Overall an outstanding workshop that introduces a ton of new and easy techniques. Especially helpful are the troubleshooting tips and variations to the particular technique being discussed. Nothing here requires a lot of investment or expense, mostly using everyday and easy-to-find materials. Nicely illustrated.

This book has definitive techniques for creating surface interest for any painting, but especially for Acrylics and oils. There are useful tips for watercolors too. Most painters use this guide as their source for mixed media techniques. The thing I really enjoy about this book is that they are creative in finding useful household tools instead of another trip to the craft store.

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 - [...].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!

Fairly informative

I recommend this book to anyone, at any level of art journaling or expression. The mixed-media techniques that I have tried so far are fun, unique and don't require expensive materials or an art degree. Though the results suggest differently. Everyone I have lent the book to for reveiw have purchased their own copies. Also, the step by step instructions are visual and very useful. Wish I had bought it a year ago when I first started art journaling.