Painting Abstracts: Ideas, projects and techniques Paperback – Illustrated, 17 July 2008

I've been painting some years and completed all the local Open College Network courses but had never tried abstract painting.I recently got interested in 'playing with colour' and using paint to express feelings and emotions, but I couldn't find a book that would lead me into it. I tried a few books on abstract painting but they seemed to be very tentative and disappointing.This book is exactly what I was looking for. It takes the reader on a tour around the parameters of abstract painting, which helped me to understand the 'what', and it provides a structured series of 65 exercises which are guiding me as I explore the 'how'.Some books on painting are mainly a showcase for the author's own paintings -not so here. This book is about encouraging you to explore methods for yourself, and it is well illustrated with examples of other students' work but not as something to 'copy' or imitate, just to show a pictorial example of each exercise ( and it does not waste the first twenty pages showing you pictures of paint brushes, and explaining the colour wheel.)As another reviewer has said, this is like a full course on abstract painting led by an experienced tutor who encourages you to develop your own style of painting and to enjoy the journey of exploration.

For anyone looking to start painting abstract paintings this book is a must. The author highlights the key elements of a good abstract painting but emphasizes the importance of jut picking up your brush or knife and getting your paints out! She shows you examples of each lesson but does not expect you to follow them, they are merely a guide for you to create your own works. When I first started painting abstract paintings I was a little wary about what I could produce but I am a convert, Its amazing!

I've had this book since 2010 – I bought it to provide some examples and exercises for the students in my painting classes who wish to explore abstract ideas in their work.It's been a modestly useful volume to have to hand; it loses a star due to it's lack of consideration for oil painters (it's all geared towards fast-drying acrylics, watercolour and mixed media work with dry graphic materials) and it actually has a number of images out of focus, which doesn`t look very professional. Another negative is the inclusion of impermanent materials and techniques in some suggested exercises which any serious student should avoid – after all you don't want your work self-destructing a few weeks after you made it, do you?Most of the book, however does provide some good ideas and helpful approaches; using it under the guidance of an experienced tutor it should provide some liberating and potentially enjoyable exploration of the many different methods of adding an abstract dimension to one's work, either derived from observational approaches or pure painting as composition. The illustrations are large and the texts clearly explain the techniques employed in each example; the general advice on composition is good.There are many interesting books available that offer advice on painting abstracts; this is probably one of the better ones, despite the caveats I've mentioned.Do use the “look inside” option above for an idea of the content.3 ½ stars, ideally.

This book does exactly what the title says. It is the nearest thing to being on an actual course in the classroom. The only thing you can't have is a critique of your work from the author! It is suitable for mixed abilities from beginner to more advanced. By the end, most people should be well on their way to producing and understanding abstracts. The illustrations are great, with the author giving lots of space for pictures so the painter can see, within the confines of photography and print, texture and colour very clearly. The book is well planned and guides the reader through a series of exercises with ideas for more. A must have for painters who are grappling with the abstract concept.

Books can be a very subjective item to review but here are my basic thoughts anyway. I thought it was fairly clear that the material from this book was derived from course material, and maybe no surprises there if you researched the author. As a general guide for someone struggling to know where to start it will do a good job, but if you are expecting an emersive and very well written book, then you could end up a little dissapointed. I find that this is the type of book you will dip in and out of while working on you own art work, which is maybe what the author intended in the first place.

This book is awesome - I have tried abstract painting in the past and although thoroughly enjoyed it have never been too happy with the results. After reading this book everything seemed to start to make sense and you looked at your paintings in a different light, then to top that if you start to do some of the exercises in the book you have a great time learning along the way. I didn't start at the beginning as I was more interested in the decoupage and the natural/nature abstracts and have produced some quite good work. Buy it if you are interested in exploring abstract painting - you will not be disappointed. The only down side for me is I seem to be making alot of mess, get yourself some dust sheets !

I'm not an abstract fan in general but I can see how you can use abstracts to improve your gneral understabding of composition. I think I shall work my way through a lot of cheap acrylic paint and paper! A good balance of theory and tasks - better I thought than her second book which I borrowed from teh local library and just has 50 tasks.