Aug 12
This is a book about how colour works. As well as the technical aspects of the properties of pigments and how to choose and balance a palette, there is also an extraordinary creative element to the book. This makes for a guide which, while being quite highly scientific, is also comprehensible to the artist, being couched in language that relates to the studio rather than the laboratory. The books is extensively illustrated and terms such as substrates, duochrome and luminescent are explained both in words, and by example paintings that show you what happens when you put colour on paper. It's an old saw that artists need, but don't want to learn about the properties of their chief stock-in-trade, but this book makes the process a pleasure.
* Artist, The *
Oct 12
From the minute we pick up a canvas, or a brush, we make colour choices before we paint a single brushstroke. This book helps you to make colour choices. It talks about pigments, colour and mediums that can raise your art to a new level. It is for acrylic artists at any level. Learn how to create shadows, brights or greys in a variety of different themes such as landscape or portraits. I liked the colour groups, the innovative look at the colour wheel, how Lexi explains the different types of acrylic paint and mediums and the effect they achieve. I love the examples from different artists, the explanations and the inspiration. The galleries for given themes such as skies and clouds are very good. I would be very surprised if even seasoned artists did not find something inspirational here, that sends their work off in a new direction. Certainly for beginners, it's a real boon. I'm sure you will learn from this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
* Karen Platt Yarnsandfabrics.co.uk/crafts *
Feb 13
If dynamism is something you feel is lacking in your work, then this is the book for you. It will show you how to make the best choices of colour to give life to your shadows, luminosity to your brightest lights and contrasts to create drama. The book is packed full with information and colour palettes, which clarify the huge choice of paints available today. The first section concentrates on the range of acrylic paints and mediums and the physical effects they create. Section two moves on to colour theory and explores the visual effects pigments can have when mixed or applied direct to your support. The final section consolidates what you have learnt so far and shows you how to apply it to specific subjects, such as landscapes, animals, flowers, still life and portratis. A useful pull-out flap gives you the author's colour wheel, which is referenced throughout the book, as well as a list of substitute paints for each position on he wheel. There's a lot of information to take in here, but the impact of Lexi's work, particularly the luminosity she is able to create, shows there's much to be learnt from the colours you choose and the way you apply them.
* Leisure Painter, The *
