Compendium of Acrylic Painting Techniques

Aimed at all painters, from beginners to the more experienced, this book is packed with expert advice on all aspects of acrylic painting: what to do, and what not to do. Learn how to choose and mix colors, and create a multitude of effects using only one set of tubes. Discover how to make your own equipment, set up a studio space, and use household materials to save money. Beginners can follow processes stage-by-stage, while more experienced artists can dip in and out for help with specific problems. A unique section on how to develop your art and take it to a wider public is full of professional secrets which can bring you success much more quickly. Try it and Fix it panels placed throughout the book suggest ways of practicing and developing new skills, and avoiding or correcting common painting errors.

Review:

Acrylics combine the versatility of oils with the translucence of watercolors as well as being their own unique medium. If you want to paint with them here is a guide on most aspects of acrylics. Divided into three sections Setting Up, Designing The Painting and Techniques this book is certainly a good guide to the subject for the beginner onwards. After a useful page on how to get the most out of the book you can discover why painting with acrylics is a good idea. I like the parts about economizing (quite a few of these), which include making your own things such as a stay wet palette and painting supports. There are lots of handy bite-sized bits of information on the pages which make learning easy and fast, plus the author has a good grasp of what beginners in a medium really want to know. This is not a book on how to draw or paint for the total beginner in case you are wondering, but a book on how to begin with acrylics. Expect plenty about what colors to buy, brushes to choose, what to paint on, what mediums do etc as well as advice about where to work and choosing a studio which can be a shed. Tables in the corner of a room don't appear to figure, so this is truly a book for the dedicated amateur/would-be professional. There are also sections on the inevitable composition, what to paint, various techniques to try etc including framing. There are no step-by-step projects to work through, this is for those beyond all that. If this is you, then expect a good basic grounding in the subject.-Myshelf.com This is a fine compendium for all those who want to explore acrylic painting techniques. With over 300 tips, techniques and secrets, you should find everything you are looking for in this book. The beginner will find it very useful, but even the seasoned user of acrylics, might find this book handy. Acrylic is a versatile medium and Gill explores it fully. Contents include Setting Up; Designing the Painting and Techniques but the chapter titles do not convey the wealth of material inside this book. This book is packed with information and filled with excellent photographs of works. There are step by step demonstrations too. An excellent buy.-Yarnsandfabrics.co.uk/crafts Gill Barron tells you all you need to know about the medium, from choosing and mixing colours to making your own equipment and setting up a studio space. Suitable for both beginners and more experienced painters, there's something here for everyone. Beginners can follow step-by-step exercises, while the more experienced can dip in and out of sections to solve specific problems. There are lots of professional secrets revealed and the Try It and Fix It panels throughout the book give useful advice and help for avoiding problems on the way.-Leisure Painter