Paint Lab: 52 Exercises inspired by Artists, Materials, Time, Place, and Method

by Deborah Forman

Paint Lab is packed with unique and experimental techniques and ideas in painting.

This hands-on book is organized into 52 units, which may, but don't need to be explored on a weekly basis. The labs can be worked on in any order, so that you can flip around to learn a new mixed-media technique or be inspired by a particular painting theme or application. The underlying message of this book is that, as an artist, you should learn and gain expertise through experimentation and play. There is no right or wrong result, rather you will find new forms of expression in your work and gain confidence in your skills.   Designed to inform and inspire new artists and rekindle passion for painting in experienced artists, this book offers a range of exercises broken down by Who (artist-inspired), What (tools and materials), When (a time-based concept), Where (a sense of place), and How (inspired by a technique or method).     Paint Lab is illustrated with brilliant full-color images and multiple examples of each exercise. This book offers you a visual, non-linear approach to learning painting techniques, and reinforces a fun and fearless approach to creating art.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Crafts, Reference

136 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's 52 lessons that you can complete in your preferred paint medium. The author makes a suggestion based on what medium she used to complete the project. I like that there's 52 projects so if you chose to do one each week, you'd have a year's worth of projects. Many of the projects can be done several times in order to practice the technique or create a series of paintings based on that theme. The author also includes the inspirations behind each project. At the end of the book, there is a recommended reading list. One of the activities also promotes using an app to assist with urban sketching. I liked reading the activities in this book, and am excited to try some. Most of them can be modified to use the supplies I have on hand. Lastly, I would just like to say that this book is good for beginners or more experienced artists because you can try to replicate the projects using the pictures or you can do your own thing and either way I think you'll end up with a piece of art you can be proud of.

[Rachel Coyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did all 52 exercises in this book - one a week - all year. It was my New Year's Resolution to start painting again. This book was a terrific help and so inspiring!!!

[Carolm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gives a lot of different paint projects to try. It is suitable for beginners, as well as those with some experience. Most of the projects have a reference to an artist that you can check out to see the principle/technique that the project is showcasing.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

another series winner

Paint Lab is an excellent example of exercises to inspire and educate. Useful for art teachers working with kids, or any art student looking for inspiration and ideas.
Highly recommended

[NayDoubleU · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. Not what i was looking for or expected it to be

[Gerisgrltrl2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great prompts for exploring various uses for paint. Great reference book for artists.

[Tara Blais Davison · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Art technique ideas, most a little bit complicated.

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

These 52 creative painting exercises will expand any aspiring painter's repertoire, teaching them new techniques that achieve new effects which can become their own artworks or be incorporated into a larger one. It takes inspiration from the styles of different artists, from Paul Klee to Gerhard Richter, Georgia O'Keefe and even some art from young children. It explores a wide range of media techniques from masking to rough surfaces, textiles, crackle paste, drawing into painting, photocopy transfers and linocut printing. It explores capturing moments of time and a variety of places and viewpoints, and lastly explores playing with the colour wheel to achieve mood and atmosphere. Highly recommended for artists of any age.

Reviewed for www.GoodReadingGuide.com

[Sonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series. I think that some are stronger than others but have really enjoyed the ones that I have. This book is visually appealing and has fun projects. my favorite thing about this series of books is while it gives you ideas and project plans;it also lets you feel unhindered enough to do what you want to do or take the project further and where you want it to go. I also enjoy the history of the represented artists as well as the mix of artists - some you know and some who are less known- all are relevant and their styles stand out. Great book these books are in my artists library and I constantly return to them to build on my bank of ideas.

[Mortalform · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quotes from the text

"If I create from the heart nearly everything works, if from the head, almost nothing." Marc Chagall p 54

"You connect yourself to the viewer by sharing something that is inside of you that connect with something inside of him. All you have as your guide is that you know what moves you." Steven Brust

"Every artist dips his brush into this won soul ans paints his own nature into his pictures." Henry Ward Beecher p 106

[Aubrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! I was looking for an art project that would inspire a casual artist (my sister) without overwhelming a slightly crafty amateur (me). Paint Lab was just the book I needed. The instructions for the "exercises" are simple to understand and provide guidance without being paint-by-numbersy. Now the only problem we're having is that we can't agree on which project we want to try first!

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

great if you're looking for some new techniques to try. this book came at a good time! it's a lab - it's an experiment, it's getting loose. I will be using some of these techniques to explore more, to deepen my entire practice. This book is great for people who have maybe stepped away from painting for a while, and want to jummp back in and try new things.

[Amoreena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love all of the lab books, and this one is a good resource but if I only had $20 to buy an art book, it probably would not be this one. The projects seemed like good reminders to use techniques I already know!

[CharityJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lab series provides a good intro to various types of art. This one included tutorials for interesting paint techniques. Great for those who want to explore creating their own art.

[Chelsea Raak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great art book for the kiddos!