Clear challenging & inspiring this book contains instructions for 65 abstract paintings that you can get to work on straightaway with no previous experience. All the basic information relating to picture elements composition theme & design is provided at the start of the book together with an exploration of the meaning of abstract painting & its importance as a means of self-expression & creativity. Rather than providing step-by-step instructions each of the exercises consists of information on method materials technique composition imagery & structure which will direct you to the finished piece while at the same time allowing your creativity to flow. ...

Painting Accessible Abstracts is an inspirational but practical book that will help artists to paint in a less figurative way. Laura Reiter demonstrates different ways to approach an abstract painting from just a little bit abstract to completely abstract. She does this by focussing on ideas & themes as starting points looking at the creative processes involved & more unusual techniques. Laura Reiter also covers how to use materials creatively -- watercolour acrylics mixed media & collage -- & how to experiment with colour & composition. Several projects are included & in addition to Lauras vibrant colourful paintings the work of several other contemporary abstract artists is featured. ...

Terry Harrison shows how to paint landscapes in acrylics using a range of simple brush techniques & the authors own range of brushes. He introduces the brushes which he has designed to carry out specific techniques & also explains which other materials are required including using a limited palette of paint colours. He then describes what each of the brushes is suitable for before going on to explain acrylic painting techniques such as painting a tree close-up painting reflections & snow creating distance & using texture pastes glaze medium & palette knives. There are six beautiful demonstrations with easy to follow text & step by step photographs covering popular Terry Harrison subjects: a summer landscape a winter scene a coastal view a landscape with a barn a Venetian scene & a beautiful building covered in wisteria. Readers who loved Terrys Brush with Acrylics will enjoy this all new title in which Terrys brushes are put through their paces in a completely new range of illustrations & demonstrations. ...

An introduction to Italian painting in the 15th century & the social history behind it. The book covers the structure of the picture trade & its economic basis through contracts letters & accounts. The author also illustrates how art history can be used to give insights into social history by showing how the visual skills & activities of daily life can be related to the painters style. Renaissance painting is related for instance to experience of activities such as preaching dancing & gauging barrels. Finally 16 concepts used by a contemporary critic Cristoforo Landino in his description of Masaccio Filippo Lippi Andrea del Castagno & Fra Angelico are described & illustrated as a basis for looking at 15th century painting. In addition this new edition has an appendix of the original Latin & Italian texts referred to throughout the book providing access to the relevant authentic sources. ...

Painting & Understanding Abstract Art" is a practical book on how to paint abstracts but it also explains how to approach & understand abstract art. It moves the teaching of art from a doing level of painting a certain subject in a particular medium to a thinking level of what am I doing when I paint? & what am I trying to say in this painting? Using practical exercises with explanatory text John Lowry develops the thinking & doing processes together & leads the reader to a greater understanding & appreciation of this most exciting art genre." ...

The new paperback version of John Hammond & Robin Capons incredibly popular Free Expression in Acrylics (97800713490435)! It is not enough to learn just the techniques but to understand how to choose the right technique to express what you feel or how to interpret what you see. It is also important to paint the right element of what you see to give real impact. Using your instinct to simplify & exaggerate the book shows you how to have freedom of expression with a paintbrush. One of the key elements of the book is the picture analysis at the end of each chapter. A single painting is dissected to highlight
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- all the major points made within that chapter. Richly illustrated throughout with finished paintings close-up details & step-by-step instructions."

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Do you want to paint quick loose watercolours? This practical guide for beginners in a handy sketchbook format will show you how you can achieve attractive & successful paintings in just thirty minutes
- ideal for today's busy amateur artists. Expert watercolourist Fiona Peart shares her tips & techniques for producing quick & effective paintings of beautiful flowers. Ten step-by-step demonstrations follow an extensive range of the best exercises & techniques for watercolour. Each demonstration is designed to be painted in half an hour; ideal for those short on time but high on enthusiasm! The projects range from stunning vignettes to bright fresh stocks in a bundle on the back of a bicycle.
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Pastels are an extremely versatile & immediate medium. These characteristics can lead to bold exciting & impromptu paintings. However their responsive flexible nature can also be used to create subtle gentle colour with little or no texture. This practical book will guide you through the full scope of painting in pastels & explain particularly how they can be used to capture light colour & texture. With step-by-step instructions in a wide range of subject matter Painting in Pastels" will be invaluable for beginners & experienced artists." ...

Peter Wileman is one of the most dynamic oil painters in the UK today & is currently President of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters. In Painting Light in Oils he demonstrates how to create atmospheric landscapes in oils with stunning effects. Light is what motivates so many painters. It excites the eye & radiates an energy that transforms an otherwise ordinary scene into something rather special. In his first book Peter Wileman shows how he gets inspiration for his exciting landscapes & seascapes working both on location & in the studio. Several step-by-step demonstrations show how he captures light & shade on his canvas with such amazing effect. There are also sections on tone & colour harmony reflected & changing light & how to paint from both sketches & photographs. If you want to loosen up your oil painting & achieve landscapes & seascapes that are full of atmosphere this is the book for you. ...

David Curtis is one of the most successful & celebrated artists working in the UK today. His books are bestsellers & in his latest book he discusses & demonstrates his approach to painting outside on location. He paints on site whenever possible as he finds that working directly from the subject gives his work a sense of immediacy dynamism light & drama. Many artists are interested in painting outside but lack the confidence to successfully work in this way. Here David shows how to develop the necessary skills. He looks at every aspect from preliminary planning to appropriate painting techniques & above all how to capture the essence of the scene in front of you. He

Includes:: location sketching as well as advice on essential equipment to take with you. With practical advice & inspirational paintings covering a wide variety of subjects Painting on Location will prove valuable to all those who wish to paint outdoors whether to make finished paintings in their own right on location or to use the experience & information gathered as a basis for further work in the studio.

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