Alternative Art Surfaces: Mixed-Media Techniques for Painting on More Than 35 Different Surfaces Paperback – May 23, 2014

If you are looking for a book that gives you step by step instructions to copy someone else’s art style, you will be disappointed. This book opens your mind to using alternative materials in your mixed media, many of the ideas are for using products from around your home or studio in a new way. It gets you experimenting in a way that may be outside of your norm.What I liked most was the information on how to seal or paint these surfaces and helpful suggestions like watering down acrylic paints if needed to get the right bond. It also has some troubleshooting if things don’t turn out just like you planned. I’m always looking to improve my art and my skills and this book is helpful in describing techniques like making and using skins, layering transparencies in new ways, and especially using what I have in a new way. I want to try them all!

I've been looking for a book like this for over a decade! Not only a book that gives you ideas for different surfaces, but gives you more information abut that surface and how to prep and seal it. I admit, when I got the book I quick flipped through for a visual scan and loved what I saw. then I started looking at it page by page and couldn't stop saying to my husband "THIS is the book I've been looking for!!!". I'm overwhelmingly impressed! It not only gives me ideas and instruction, but inspiration! A must in your library.

MANY SURPRISING ALTERNATE SUBSTRATES AND TREATMENTS ARE WELL DESCRIBED. THE AUTHORS MUST SURELY HAVE HAD MUCH FUN EXPERIMENTING WITH THE DIFFERENT MATERIALS AND SUBSTRATES.THE PHOTOS ARE EXCELLENT AS SAMPLES OF THE TECHNIQUES THEY PRESENTED.THIS BOOK WOULD BEST SUIT EXPERIENCED ARTISTS WHO WANT TO EXPLORE NEW WAYS IN ART EXPRESSION. A GOOD KNOWLEDGE OF DESIGN AND COMPOSITION WOULD KEEP USERS FROM EXPLORATIONS THAT MIGHT LOOK A BIT TACKY OR TRASHY.

This is an excellent resource packed with clear information and tips. The material lists are clear and the copy isn't a rehash of every other book with "mixed media" in the title. There's plenty of eye candy and visual inspiration to get your creative juices overflowing. Hats off to McElvoy and Wilson for delivering on the title's promise. Worth every penny.

Very good book, and I don't say that about many books. Well worth the money, and it tells you how to prepare the different surfaces too.Received this very quickly too, unlike another book that was discounted that I am expecting from a third party that is coming via snail mail.

Great book! I am always inspired by her work, so glad to have this for all the great ideas! Very prompt delivery.

I read this book cover to cover in 2sittings and will keep it as a reference for those days when my muse will not show herself. I got a laugh out of the materials list for each project, no wonder my art studio is so full!

Have all of Sandra's and Darlene's books, loved each one. The instructions are clear and concise. Plenty of excellent photography, showing projects, step by step. I feel as if I have encyclopedia's. Thank you both for your dedication.Sharon McGlasson