Acrylic Solutions: Exploring Mixed Media Layer by Layer

by Chris Cozen, Julie Prichard

Fresh new ways to create fabulous paintings with mixed media techniques! Acrylic Solutions provides the "hows" behind a multitude of effects you've admired in other artists' works--and then some! Based on the popular online teaching collaboration of Chris Cozen and Julie Prichard, this book illustrates a wealth of layering methods and techniques. Mix and match to achieve countless variations, building layer upon layer to create unique and wonderfully complex abstract art.   • Learn more than 30 step-by-step techniques for developing texture and visual interest, including collage, monoprinting, carving, color blocking, paint skins, raised stencils, glazing and so much more.    • Chapters explore the phases of a multi-layered painting, from surface preparation through adding structure, developing complexity and adding finishing touches.    • Follow the development of two paintings as each layer adds to the finished result, with tons of additional artwork throughout.    • Gain insight on how to make paints, mediums and grounds work for you. Embracing a spirit of freedom and spontaneity, Acrylic Solutions is a stimulating guide for contemporary artists of any skill level. Beginners will learn how to make visually compelling paintings from start to finish, while more experienced artists will find the tools and inspiration to take their work to the next level.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, How To, Reference

130 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 22, 2013

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many techniques, and so thoroughly explained! This book is taking my painting to a new level. I own dozens of art books, but this has become my "go-to" book for understanding types of paint and mediums and the possibilities and limitations of each. Highly recommended.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect book for anyone looking for instruction and inspiration for acrylic mixed media painting techniques. Excellent companion to Chris Cozen's instructional DVDs. I have been painting with acrylics for a year and recently decided to try mixed media. I refer to this book quite often.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good basics for acrylic, applied to abstracts.

[D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good insight into (mostly) Golden paint products, and specific to working with fields of overlapping colors and hue families. Not necessarily a How To book but a nice look into other's approaches and how they use acrylic paints in their work.

If you want to learn how to paint abstracts, which most of these photographed examples are, reading a picture book on someone else's experience will make your brain happy but it will not satisfy any soul-urge you have to create or make. Start with student grade paints and play around; learn the medium by its boundaries and limitations until you know how it works and how it does not. Play with color, texture, layers and make art that YOU like. Copying another's work is, historically, not a bad way to learn but at some point, you must jump off into your own creative realm. This book is a gentle on-ramp to your own experience.

[Lydia Kimble-wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a relatively new mixed media artist. Chris Cozen’s books are filled with easy to follow projects that provide inspiration to artists of all levels of expertise. Cozen is knowledgeable about mixed media art, and clearly describes various artistic techniques to expand an artist’s toolbox.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this author's paintings. The book is filled with techniques and examples of those techniques. This would be a great book to explore abstract mixed media techniques at a more advanced level than I am.

[Julie Akeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous art book. I want to do something different and this book has what I am looking for. Add it to your personal art library.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so inspiring! I love how it explains mixed media techniques so well. No abstract and useless instructions. Just practical advice. I'm really excited about it.

[Renata · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very little information about finishing the painting (isolation + varnishing). Hence only 3 stars.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This had thorough explanations of what, how, and why. I enjoyed the finished pieces

[Marcyb]

Beautiful Book

Excellent tutorials for lovely effects with acrylic abstract paintings. This is one of my favorites for learning mixed media techniques.

[Mary Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Contains lots of techniques for someone just starting out. Beautiful illustrations.