Abstract Painting: Concepts and Techniques

I paint in Oils and in Acrylics and I am virtually self taught although have had classes in watercolour and pastels over the years. I have many books on painting however this particular book is very very informative.Although this book is about abstract painting,it is a wealth of knowledge about painting with oils with heaps of information on painting concepts and techniques as well as colours, supports, mediums, grounds etc. Then it goes into Acrylics and again tells you all about the paints themselves, mediums, gels and so on.. Quite frankly, the information in this book is enough to get you started and moreso. I took this book out of the local library and knew that I had to own it. Good luck to you on you painting journey.

I bought this book together with 'Painting Abstracts' by Rolina Van Vliet. I have found both books to be very useful both in terms of explaining concepts and in giving lots of illustrations which give inspiration and ideas about what looks good and what doesn't. As a beginner and not being a naturally talented artist I found that one really needs all the help one can get from books and instructional stuff from the web especially when it comes to understanding how the various media work e.g. oils, acrylics, watercolours etc. This book is certainly helpful for the beginner, it may not be so valuable for soneone who is already an experienced artist and is already sure of what they are doing.

This is just about the best practical guide to creating abstract paintings in a contemporary context that I have come across. The book gives in depth insight into the work of several of the most interesting abstract painters working today. The artists shown are not lightweights - amongst them are some of the most highly regarded serious painters of today. It is well illustrated and manages to combine practical advice on the 'how to' aspects of painting with a good feel for some of the themes and issues in conemporary art. This book gives a very good flavour of what has happened in abstract painting since modernism. I recommend it without reservation.

As a novice abstract artist this book gives me a great history, background and theory of abstract painting in many forms as well as suggestions and tips for processes. I borrowed it from the library first and found it so useful and interesting I have bought my own copy and know it will always be a useful and inspiring book for me.

This is the best book on abstract painting that I have come across. It is written for the amateur artist who is also a serious student. It deals with the definition, history and psychology of abstract work and discusses composition, materials and techniques. It is illustrated with many inspiring examples of artists' work with clear and jargon-free notes. It is a book I shall treasure and use as a reference for years to come.

Great images, good paper stock, But I was hoping for more of a manual on how to paint with acrylics. Perhaps it is my fault for not researching the content a little more closely before purchase, but it seemed more of a history book on art, with little "How To."Nice to add to the book shelf though, and perhaps I need a second look!Happy Painting!

This is a really good book for those new to painting abstracts - really thorough explanation of the various techniques, including lots of sample paintings with good description of how each is used. I would recommend this highly.

I am pleased with the contents of this book and have used many ideas from it.