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.

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!

First off, I bought this hoping it would help me with mixed media surfaces in jewelry making: decoupage, patinas, heat coloring, etc. So, my bad for not paying more attention.It IS helpful in some ways in giving me ideas I can incorporate in some jewelry designs. But for the most part, this is designed for canvas based paint designs, using a range of techniques familiar mainly to someone who paints...someone who knows a gesso from resist.The pictures are amazing. The artists create collages and prints that are indescribably beautiful. I'd love to learn some of the techniques if I branch out from jewelry. They also are reasonable about materials: they often incorporate household items like bleach pens, salt, aluminum foil, and even dishwasher rinse aids. If you're into creating depth and variety in a paint based style, this IS it. I loved browsing the pages, especially the ones of finished projects.However, the artists are assuming some general knowledge of paint terms, mediums, etc. In the step by step instructions, it seems like the last few steps are missing from some...they get you started going but not to the completion of the project (assuming you know, I guess). But, in their favor, they give many variations on each technique. I think if you had the materials and the time, you could figure it out.In all, for a paint artist wanting to experiment, this book would be perfect. I'm giving it four stars because it did knock me out and did inspire ideas, even though it's not exactly what I wanted. I hope you find this review helpful!

Me encantó el libro, justo lo que esperaba. Y el envío llegó en el tiempo prometido. Gracias

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.