Abstract Painting: The Elements of Visual Language

by Jane Davies

Abstract Painting: The Elements of Visual Language examines and articulates a vocabulary of visual elements from which you build images, abstract or otherwise. As you examine line, shape, pattern, texture, depth, and color in detail, you become more aware of the elements that make up a painting, and better able to observe your own work without judgment and self-criticism. Generously illustrated with over 200 color images, this book will open your eyes to a whole new way of seeing your paintings as they develop, allowing you to be more personally expressive and authentic in your artistic expression.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

96 pages, Paperback

First published June 12, 2017

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Jane's work, so I took a chance and ordered this, and I'm so glad I did. This is a book to read again and again, discovering something new each time.

There are so many books out there about techniques and materials, surfaces and mediums. This one instead focuses on composition, and explains how to use the elements of art to compose a piece that is pleasing to the viewer. Davies uses inspirational pieces of her own work to illustrate her points, and includes questions artists should ask themselves about various elements in assessing their paintings.

This is a book I'll be keeping close at hand when composing and assessing my paintings, and it's filled with examples from the author's own studio that are sure to inspire and wow me out of the inevitable dry spell.

Thank you, Jane Davies, for the information and inspiration! I hope you write an encore; I'd love to see even more from you on this topic.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a fan of Jane Davies for a few years now. Her blog posts are rare in that she genuinely seems to want to share techniques and ideas as opposed to just using the site for promoting upcoming workshops and books.
This book is an extension of the blog and YouTube posts in that same no nonsense style and wonderfully practical way that Jane has. (Her YouTube demos often have chickens clucking in the background). It focuses on working through the elements of abstract art, practicing and extending the vocabulary and techniques needed for a cohesive piece. I'm loving it and have noticed a huge improvement in my work already.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, summed up well by its title. This is one I'll probably reread over and over, working to absorb the contents into my subconscious mind.

[Joli Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane pulled off quite a feat here- this book is filled with inspiring techniques and yet not bogged down with the same information already available all over the place about basic supplies. I appreciate her ideas on really getting to know my personal color palette from multiple perspectives, particularly the value exercises. I've taken two multi-day workshops with Jane and still learned plenty from this resource, definitely glad to add it to my bookshelf. I'm finding the ideas in the book apply equally well to my watercolor work as to the acrylic style presented- bonus!!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful book! Simple instructions, not so easy to put it all together in practice. The author uses a lot of golden paints a lot in her work, fair warning. Big beautiful transparent colors, but not cheap by any means--although a little goes a long way. I'm lucky enough to already have some of those paints. You can get a glaze paint by mixing heavy body acrylics with gel medium, but it won't have the same amount of pigment... and you can buy retarder gel to mix with your acrylic paint to get the slow drying effect.

If you've found her book you probably already know about her youtube channel, but if you don't, go check it out!

She does some pretty amazing stuff with color and line. I am a bit jealous. :-)

[جلال · Rating 3 out of 5]

كنت اتمنى "عمق اكثر" من هذا الكتاب!

الكتاب يعطي أمثلة قليلة جداً لشرح المعنى تحت كل عنوان.

بعض الصور عُدلت بالفوتوشوب لهذا الغرض، لمقارنة الصورة الأصلية بالمعدلة. افضل من اي شرح مكتوب..

كنت اتمنى لو أكثرت من هذا الأسلوب..

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some great ideas in here! I will be rereading, as needed, multiple times.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear and well-written with reasonable and achievable exercises.

I normally don't paint in an abstract style, but I can see this book as a good guide for someone who wants to explore abstraction, or who wants to improve their abstract work.