Customer Reviews

Collage Discovery Workshop

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Hellmuth's book proves that art doesn't begin with intellectual persuit, it begins with getting your hands messy and laughter. But that doesn't mean Hellmuth isn't a good teacher. She is an incredible teacher because you learn quickly, try experiments on your own, and push yourself to get better--all while having fun.

She starts with the traditional instructional way--defining collage, encouraging play, basic tools and supplies, and some pictures to get your interest going. Then, when your interest is fully piqued, you get the good stuff: how to do backgrounds. Step-by-step. Lots of color photographs. Tips to help you avoid common mistakes.

Hellmuth moves into the techniques of collage--transfers, using beeswax, found objects, assemblages. And for the advances, she shows some experiments, some composition work and how to tell a story.

Each section is geared for both the beginner and some more challenging ideas for the advanced collage artist.

Never patronizing or condescending, Hellmuth cheers you along with good explanations and vivid pictures. This and her next book: Collage Discovery Workshop: Beyond the Unexpected are must-haves for every collage artist's studio bookcase.

This is my first book on collage, and I am impressed! (Believe me, I am NOT easily impressed! :)) Collage Discovery Workshop goes through the ABC's of collage clearly and gives equally clear advice on the equipment needed to get started. I will now be able to go to my local craft store or Internet site well armed for what I need. As important, the book discusses theory of collage, helps to train a potential-collage artist's eye on scale, color, and what (should) look good. I am just thrilled with this book, and appreciate that the authors were willing to share their years of knowledge and trials and errors with the public. There are a lot of collage books out there that I have flipped through....this is one of the really good ones!

Since I had signed up for a workshop by Claudine Hellmuth, I was eager to have her book beforehand. I was so delighted with the book(and later with her class)....the book is filled to the brim with great ideas and illustrations for making collages. I have been an artist for over 25 years, and have seen about everything, so this book was a revelation, impressing someone who is hard to impress at this stage. Her instructions and suggestions are so clear to read, that one who had not taken the workshop could do as well as one who had. I recommend it most highly and would give it more than 5 stars if that were an option!

I have been searching for any and every book to guide and inspire my interest in altered book making. I don't own this book yet, but I borrowed it from my library. Inspire me it did! I can't wait to get my own! The book provides very clear instructions how-to photographs,as well as composition exercises. The only reason I felt this book was four out of five stars was because I wish it were longer than its 126 pages! Anyone who may doubt the value of this book should get their hands on a copy before writing a pessimistic review. Thank you, Claudine, for a fine book.

I bought this book because I didnā¤™t have the time or money to go to a proper art class. Thankfully, this book was a great teacher.

This book is full of well illustrated and easy to understand techniques that help even the most hopeless people create fabulous pieces of art (my favourite are the beeswax collages).

If you're interested in creating or learning about collage then I highly suggest you buy this book and use it to it's full potential. You wont be sorry.

I failed to pre-order and had to wait for the second printing -- it was worth the wait! Claudine Hellmuth has produced a wonderful resource for the collage artist (or for the wannabe collage artist). The various techniques are well illustrated and described, and the book is packed with inspiration. This book is a definite thumbs up!

I will add my praise to other reviewers. We often have expectations from life, and a book and in the case of Collage Discovery, by Claudine Hellmuth, I can say her work and her book exceeded my expectations.
The publisher should also be commended for bringing a new voice to the collage audience in a concise, well edited, tastefully illustrated compendium at an affordable price.
Claudine brings techniques together in a useful and instructive fashion, encouraging new artists and broadening the scope of the experienced. It is a pleasure to puruse.
It is a must have collage book for everyone's library shelf, but don't let it get dusty, "use it." I will!

I just got this book and just finished reading and enjoying it from cover to cover. Good collage books are hard to find, but Claudine has done a wonderful job of explaining some of the more "artistic" techniques in collage. I especially liked her encouragement to experiment with your design. Most instructors tell you you must have a "theme" even before beginning a collage; I like Claudine's idea of letting the elements in the collage guide your design. Can't wait to get started on some of the transfer techniques!

Claudine is one of the best teachers I have ever had for a workshop. This long-awaited book is an extension of the workshops she teaches and her personality and talent shine through each page. It is a great book for those new to collage as well as those who have some experience. The techniques are clearly explained and the rich illustrations serve to inspire with every turn of the page. A "must have" book.

Hellmuth has been my favorite collage artist for some time now, but I've never managed to make any of her workshops because of geographical distances and budgets. This book (almost) makes up for it! It answers all my questions about how-does-she-do-that, and it's opened up a new world for me in my own artwork. The book is attractive, clear, easy to understand and to follow.

Way to go Claudine!