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Complete Guide To Acrylics
This comprehensive and accessible reference guide provides an in-depth exploration into the art of painting with acrylics, and has been created as one book that will accompany the reader on the complete journey from beginner to artist. With expert advice and step-by-step guidance in a wide range of techniques, this is an indispensable resource for beginning artists, students, and experienced painters alike. Drawing on the expertise of master painters from around the world, Complete Guide to Acrylics covers every aspect of working in acrylics in detail, from materials and mediums to tools and techniques. It is also a very practical approach, brimming with demonstrations to explain and reinforce the essential skills, and offering useful insights into all stages of the creative process.Accompanied by a wealth of images, and with a useful reference section with technical data and notes on commissions, selling and exhibiting, this is the ultimate desktop resource for artists, students, and hobbyists alike.
320 pages, Paperback
Published September 7, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 20, 2022
A MUST read for all - from amateurs to professional artists. Highly recommend it.
As the title suggests, this is a complete guide to acrylics. The book is strategically split in modules, which comes very handy once you've finished the book to be able to quickly find what you're looking for to re-read or check. From the types of utensils, techniques and skills, the book covers all aspects that both beginners and more advance painters need to know (or at least be aware of).
That being said, the reason for which I didn't give 5 stars is due to the fact that the book consists of 300 pages on which "all" is explained. Take it as a quick university summary book for artists... It's impossible to cover all subjects with detail in 300 pages. The word "guide" should not be ignored. You'll get to read subjects on which you would probably won't be interested. And because of that, I found myself feeling like I was spending too little time reading those subjects on which I wanted to know more or have more guidance on, and far too much time on those others on which I had no interest whatsoever. Moreover, I found certain parts of the book far, far too brief. As an example, the only 4 pages dedicated to cover acrylic pouring are just not enough and leave you with the need for more.
I believe this book should be taken as a "first aid" for painters in my opinion, as it gives very valuable info and tips, and pretty much covers much of what you should know or need to remember at some point if unsure. I would say you'll likely end up getting other books specialised in an area of your interest, whether it being colour mixing or a specific technique, as an example.
Due to the pictures showed on the book, the paper had to be of picture quality, which means it's shiny and I found it a bit difficult to read as it would reflect the light of lamps, ceilings, or even natural light from outside if I was reading near a window during the day. It would certainly be amazing to have this as an ebook option, for those with tablets or computers to be able to read it easier.
I hope all of the above helps to lower expectations of potential readers to avoid disappointment, and that is not taken as a deterrent for anyone. I really, really enjoyed this book. And as I started this review, it's a MUST read for all artists regardless of the point in their careers.
As the title suggests, this is a complete guide to acrylics. The book is strategically split in modules, which comes very handy once you've finished the book to be able to quickly find what you're looking for to re-read or check. From the types of utensils, techniques and skills, the book covers all aspects that both beginners and more advance painters need to know (or at least be aware of).
That being said, the reason for which I didn't give 5 stars is due to the fact that the book consists of 300 pages on which "all" is explained. Take it as a quick university summary book for artists... It's impossible to cover all subjects with detail in 300 pages. The word "guide" should not be ignored. You'll get to read subjects on which you would probably won't be interested. And because of that, I found myself feeling like I was spending too little time reading those subjects on which I wanted to know more or have more guidance on, and far too much time on those others on which I had no interest whatsoever. Moreover, I found certain parts of the book far, far too brief. As an example, the only 4 pages dedicated to cover acrylic pouring are just not enough and leave you with the need for more.
I believe this book should be taken as a "first aid" for painters in my opinion, as it gives very valuable info and tips, and pretty much covers much of what you should know or need to remember at some point if unsure. I would say you'll likely end up getting other books specialised in an area of your interest, whether it being colour mixing or a specific technique, as an example.
Due to the pictures showed on the book, the paper had to be of picture quality, which means it's shiny and I found it a bit difficult to read as it would reflect the light of lamps, ceilings, or even natural light from outside if I was reading near a window during the day. It would certainly be amazing to have this as an ebook option, for those with tablets or computers to be able to read it easier.
I hope all of the above helps to lower expectations of potential readers to avoid disappointment, and that is not taken as a deterrent for anyone. I really, really enjoyed this book. And as I started this review, it's a MUST read for all artists regardless of the point in their careers.
May 26, 2026
I bought Complete Guide to Acrylics because her earlier book, Painting in Acrylics, was unavailable. This turned out to be an excellent choice. The book is beautifully illustrated and explains acrylic painting techniques clearly with detailed step-by-step demonstrations. It covers a wide range of acrylic methods and materials, making it especially valuable for beginners. Highly recommended.
April 18, 2021
Amazing book for art and painting beginners!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews