The Last Layer: New Methods in Digital Printing for Photography, Fine Art, and Mixed Media (Voices That Matter)

I started my art education with books and workshops, without a formal art school curriculum. I was drawn to mixed-collages that combined digital scans with image transfers and Polaroid emulsion lifts. Along the way, I learned about the three fearless artists of the Digital Atelier: Dorothy Simpson Krause, Bonny Lhotka, and Karin Schminke. Their work was, and continues to be visionary and inspiring. But I was always left with the feeling of envy at the large scale of their work, the immense resources they had access to, and their drive to keep innovating and trying different ways to express themselves. I began to teach image transfer workshops, incorporating some of the simpler techniques now so common, and so inspired by the Digital Atelier artists who continued to lead the digital pack. Then Bonny Lhotka detoured slightly to develop a series of workshop DVD's, transfer films and sauces, and a couple of extraordinary books that shared her techniques. Such a generous and inspiring teacher! She is now the best art teacher I could ever dream of and this, her 2nd book, is my new bible. It was a natural progression for me from mixed-media collage that combined photographs and digitally scanned layers, to the time-honored art practice of intaglio printmaking. I am so happy to see Bonny covering a favorite technique of mine: photopolymer etchings with Solarplates. But wait - there's more: aged metal plates, modern versions of alternative photography, and transfers onto creative substrates. Her techniques and processes are truly unique, and I know because I have an extensive library of books on printmaking and alternative photography, including all of Bonny's DVDs. Now if only Bonny would expand the all-too-brief 10-page chapter, Finding a Voice, into a 3rd book in her series, then all would be well with my world.

I became very interested in reproducing my digital artwork on different substrates from paper and gave up the expensive idea of using heat and dye sublimation transfers. I previously paid for this work to be done by production companies, but can't afford to keep doing it. I was first attracted to the heat transfer method used to put digital media on metal since it can be very dramatic. I was not able to create anything acceptable using the emulsion (SuperSauce) and the inkjet printable film available from Ms Lhotka's DASS store. The transfer never came onto the substrate in one piece and I had to paint to fill in the gaps, resulting in something not professional enough for art shows, although I used all of the materials specified and read both books and watched the videos numerous times.

I enjoyed looking at alternative ways to output artwork, good for generating ideas and also a nice book for previously unknown resources.

A great accompaniment to her other books. Mostly new techniques on new materials that weren't covered before. So, if you haven't read the other one, I recommend that one as well. Side note: shipping from her company DASS is slow at best, and getting anyone to talk to you about your order is damn near impossible. But, since you can't get some of the items you'll need anywhere else, just make sure you give yourself plenty of time.

Excellent book. Lots of instructions, ideas & gallery pictures that exhibit how digital photos can be combined with traditional art techniques. I have all the books & dvd's by this author. Great additions to my art library. Recommended for intermediate & advanced artists.

I would suggest this is an excellent resource if you live in the United States where the products these techniques rely on are easily - and cheaply- resourced. This is then, in reality, a handbook for use with those products and should be advertised as such.

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I think The Ladt Layer is a very inspiring book for those of us who are always think,ing of creative ways to approach art.I have all of Bonnie Pierce Lhotka's books and they just keep getting better. I recommend this latest edition highly.PQuann

An interesting book, but rather intense. I'm not sure I actually like it that much, I find it hard work to read through and act on the ideas.Many of the products used are obscure to the British marketplace and named to confuse I feel.I'm sure there are substitute products available in the UK but as yet I haven't found any. I'm talking about things like Supersauce... etc.which is US branded and manufactured by the writer.I wouldn't buy this book again, and sadly I've had it far too long now to think about returning it.

I'm finding this book very useful (I teach image transfer techniques at an art college). Some new methods clearly explained.I think the cover does not do it justice as the image is a bit gimmicky and could put some people off. However inside is full of great new techniques and I've referred to it a lot since buying.

Geared toward American readers, not much use in uk as I can't get some of the materials necessary for projects described

A good selection of different and inspiring techniques but most of them feature DAAS products, which I am unable to obtain in Australia

I didn't realize this book supported such specific working solutions, that are way too expensive to ship into Canada / International. Dass product is under $20US, but 'International' shipping to Canada is $45! Though I have found a general heavy acrylic polymer to be sufficient, the only thing left to do is testing on drying times.