Compendium of Acrylic Painting Techniques

by Gill Barron

Aimed at all painters, from beginners to the more experienced, this book is packed with expert advice on all aspects of acrylic what to do, and what not to do. Learn how to choose and mix colors, and create a multitude of effects using only one set of tubes. Discover how to make your own equipment, set up a "studio" space, and use household materials to save money. Beginners can follow processes stage-by-stage, while more experienced artists can dip in and out for help with specific problems. A unique section on how to develop your art and take it to a wider public is full of professional secrets which can bring you success much more quickly. Try it and Fix it panels placed throughout the book suggest ways of practicing and developing new skills, and avoiding or correcting common painting errors.

Genres: Art, Reference, Nonfiction

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 29, 2014

Reviews

[Debbie Yacenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent resource from setting up to building your own frames. Some of my favorite tips were wearing an eye patch while sketching (Arrr! Helps change view from 3 to 2 dimensional, Matey!), use a clear ruler when measuring for perspective, pick up charcoal dust with bread to prevent smudging paints, and put small piles of white paint next to the different hues to keep whites pure. Whether you use acrylics like watercolor, oil or gouache in abstract or representational styles, this book is a keeper.

[Christian Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you thinking of getting this book? Well, don’t think too much more, JUST GET IT!!!

I remember being at my local bookshop thinking if I should get it or not, since I already had a couple of potential purchase options in my hands and the value kept piling up. Oh boy, little did I knew I was going to love every single page… well, not all of them 100%. There were a couple of, let’s call them, sections that I didnt like, or the very least I was not interested in. Yet, I can’t believe how good, resourceful and full of tips this book is.

Honestly, it was a long time since I have loved and enjoyed a book as much as this one.

I would say it both works for those amateur painters and those more professional artists. Maybe more for beginners, but still there are so many good tips and advises that aren’t bad to read and take a note of. The amount of tips… are they 300???? I felt like it was more than 300, but I guess the editors and the writer of the book would have counted up each tip in the book for the sake of the tittle.

Loved it. Absolutely loved it.

Aside of some sections that I wasn’t interested in, the one thing I didnt enjoy was the satin look of the pages. While not fully glossy, they reflect a lot the light and it was difficult to read. Depending on where And when I was reading it I would find it easier or more difficult. Not sure how an ebook option would be. I’m more of the “feel the pages between your fingers” kind of guy, but if you like ebooks it might be the best option.

[Kitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and snackable lessons and tips. A lot of it was for very, very new painters, so it wasn't especially groundbreaking. But the stuff I did pick up was really helpful. I saw my skills improve drastically as I read through this one.

[Tonya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had some good ideas, but suggested some strange things.

Like adding paint retarder to a spray bottle to spray your paints and keep them wet—should we really be breathing that?

And they get some things wrong, like their claim that acrylic paints are all made equally lightfast.

But I really enjoyed their ideas about using acrylic like different mediums (thinned like watercolor, opaque and flat like gouache, with retardant to use like oils) but with different advantages/disadvantages than the originals.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent overview on acrylic painting. It's thorough but very approachable for beginners. The layout is modern and attractive, and it's fast to read and easy to understand.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book that covers a lot of subjects for artists working in acrylic.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good reference book, lots of tips and some techniques to utilize.