Page 51 - 30 Minute Artist: Painting Flowers in Watercolour

Painting Abstracts

Ideas, Projects and Techniques
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ROLINA VAN VLIET
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Publication July 2008
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Price AUD $36.99
ISBN 9781844483365
Format Paperback 225 x 225 mm A
Extent 176 pages
Illustrations 200 Colour illustrations N
Imprint Search Press
Publisher Search Press
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Classification Mixed Media/Other Art Media
BIC CODE/S WFA, AFC
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Description
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Clear, challenging and 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 and design is provided at the start of N
the book, together with an exploration of the meaning of abstract painting, and its importance as a means of self-expression and
creativity.
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Rather than providing step-by-step instructions, each of the exercises consists of information on method, materials, technique,
composition, imagery and structure which will direct you to the finished piece while at the same time allowing your creativity to flow.
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Oct 08
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This is a book of ideas for working in a purely abstract style, but also one which suggests ways of seeing and working by means of a
series of exercises that introduces 65 different approaches.
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These exercises are the heart of the book and each one is arranged across two pages with a finished painting on the right and, on the
left, notes which explain the artist’s intention and the techniques used to achieve it.
Abstraction is as much a state of mind and a way of seeing as anything else. It doesn’t really have techniques of application that are any A
different to conventional painting. so what it comes down to is structure, shape and colour. As such, it’s a difficult subject to teach - and
an even more difficult one to teach through a book - because you either understand the mindset behind it or you don’t. If you look at an
abstract and think, “my dog could do better than that”, then it’s a reasonable assumption that this is not for you. If, however, you’re T
intrigued by the subject but don’t feel you know where to start, then this book will help you a long way towards the end of the road.
The simple, straightforward, approach removes pretty much all the mystique and the rigidly standardised layout means that you’ll feel at I
home pretty quickly and won’t have to spend a long time re-acclimatising yourself every time you turn a page.
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Artbookreview.net 20081007

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