The Collage Workbook by Randel Plowman

I’m often asked to review books on my blog, but recently when asked to review one particular book, I replied to the publisher with the request to receive and review a book that I really wanted to get my hands on- The Collage Workbook: How to Get Started and Stay Inspired by Randel Plowman.

Smart move. I have really enjoyed this book. So much so that I brought it to share at my recent collage component workshop at Art Is You!

I would best describe Randel Plowman’s bold artistic style as cold war propaganda posters meet sweet vintage schoolhouse readers. 1950s women’s magazine ads meet Audubon Society pocket guides. Civil engineer union meets Junior League Garden Club. Ad man meets socialite. Cool meets delightful. Every piece attaining an intriguing and beautiful balance.

This well organized book takes the unnecessary confusion and anxiety out of collage art by walking the reader through the very basics beginning with a suggested basic tool kit of essentials for crafting collages and how to use each.

Sometimes just getting started with a creative project is the biggest hurdle, especially if it’s an unfamiliar style of art or crafting. Randel helps the reader tackle all obsticles with multiple ideas for gathering imagery, giving great resources and inspiration.

The chapter on the Creative Process explores the Elements and Principles of Design as well as Basic Composition and Layering. It’s not as complicated as it may sound, as this is a very image-heavy source book with lots of great examples of each. The Explore chapter gives concise instruction on various techniques such as printing on tracing paper and building a home press.

Then come the 50 Creative Exercises! An exciting compilation of collage challenges to get your crafty blood pumping. An added bonus to The Collage Workbook is the Image Library– pages and pages of free images to copy/scan and print to get you started.This book is now a valuable part of my collage reference library. For even more unique inspiration, check out  The Collage Workbook blog, and Randel Plowman’s blog, A Collage A Day.

Enter to win a copy of The Collage Workbook by leaving a nice comment on this post. Deadline to enter is noon, Friday, October 5, 2012 (PDT). One winner will by chosen and notified shortly thereafter and mentioned here.

Thanks for all the great entries and kind words! The giveaway winner is commenter #185 Wendy Gilberd! Congratulations Wendy!