Figurative Painting with Collage

Book excerpt: Collage is an innovative and exciting technique that invigorates the artistic process through unusual associations and dislocated imagery. This practical book shows how collage can be used to portray the figure in new and challenging ways. Written for both novices and experienced artists, it explains the fundamental techniques used to manipulate different paints and collage, whilst encouraging experimentation and individual development. Contents include a guide to the materials, including papers and glues; practical exercises and instructions to explain techniques, including how to transfer processes, use mixed media and add tone; advice on developing painting from sketches, photographs and found images, and how to experiment with a wide range of image-making strategies; traces how collage was first used by cubists Braque and Picasso, and introduces contemporary methods and ideas, including photographic imagery. Illustrated with nearly 200 images to show the diverse range and depth of collage in figurative painting and aimed at novices, experienced artists and art designers.