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Learn to Paint in Acrylics with 50 More Small Paintings: Pick Up the Skills, Put on the Paint, Hang Up Your Art
Rejoice in this second volume of 50 mini paintings from Mark Daniel Nelson to practice your painting techniques and add to your portfolio of small works. Actively learn all you need to know about acrylic painting as you create these all-new projects following the illustrated step-by-step instructions.
Like the first book, the prospect and promise are both exciting and addictive. This book explains a range of painting techniques, including creating complex scenes , varying brush strokes , negative space , rendering multiple planes , reflections on metal , and color and how to use it . Each fun project teaches a different technique and adds another piece of art to your own mini art collection.
Projects vary from abstracts and simple color-mixing exercises to figurative subjects —a flower, a sunset, a busy street scene—and many more. These can be mounted, exhibited, collected in a portfolio, or given away as gifts for friends to cherish. Each project adds skills to your repertoire, leaving you primed to dive into more complex theory and practice.
If you are coming to acrylics for the first time , or are keen to improve your skills and sometimes daunted by the thought of filling a large empty canvas or blank piece of board, this is your ideal guide. These small paintings will free you from creative hang-ups and replace them with an addictive desire to create that next 5-inch square!
Like the first book, the prospect and promise are both exciting and addictive. This book explains a range of painting techniques, including creating complex scenes , varying brush strokes , negative space , rendering multiple planes , reflections on metal , and color and how to use it . Each fun project teaches a different technique and adds another piece of art to your own mini art collection.
Projects vary from abstracts and simple color-mixing exercises to figurative subjects —a flower, a sunset, a busy street scene—and many more. These can be mounted, exhibited, collected in a portfolio, or given away as gifts for friends to cherish. Each project adds skills to your repertoire, leaving you primed to dive into more complex theory and practice.
If you are coming to acrylics for the first time , or are keen to improve your skills and sometimes daunted by the thought of filling a large empty canvas or blank piece of board, this is your ideal guide. These small paintings will free you from creative hang-ups and replace them with an addictive desire to create that next 5-inch square!
- GenresArtNonfiction
144 pages, Paperback
Published June 9, 2020
2 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 19, 2020
This will be a great book for kids or adults who want to learn to paint with manageable projects that don't require a lot of money, time or supplies. The author explained that he did this follow-up book to provide more projects but also to fix some things he felt he did wrong in the first book. In this one, he uses far fewer colors and only 4 brushes to make it more affordable. Each project has step by step directions with color photos of the whole process. These are easy projects that will give you the skills to do lots of painting techniques.
The designs and colors aren't to my personal taste, so I don't think I'll actually try any of them. I don't know why I'd want a small painting of a block of butter or a pineapple slice or t-shirt, though I appreciate that the practice is great for new (or experienced) artists and some people do like little squares of odd art. If these were mostly nature items and in different color palettes, I'd really love it. I may still use it at some point for homeschooling art though, since it seems perfect for that.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book via Net Galley.
The designs and colors aren't to my personal taste, so I don't think I'll actually try any of them. I don't know why I'd want a small painting of a block of butter or a pineapple slice or t-shirt, though I appreciate that the practice is great for new (or experienced) artists and some people do like little squares of odd art. If these were mostly nature items and in different color palettes, I'd really love it. I may still use it at some point for homeschooling art though, since it seems perfect for that.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book via Net Galley.
June 18, 2020
As a complete beginner to painting in acrylics and painting in general, I found that this book was very user friendly and presented in a straightforward manner. The background information to help one get started was easy to follow and explained in such a way that did not seem as if it was going "over my head." I liked how various products, such as student vs professional grade, was compared to provide an overview of various resources.
The paintings had ample background information with very well-laid out steps for each time a new color or technique was built upon the previous step. The steps were very clear and thoroughly explained. I like how there are even suggestions of other paintings to try in the bottom left corner.
Children and adults of all ages will enjoy painting through this book or just skipping to one of personal interest. This is a valuable resource that should belong on every shelf!
Thank you to Mark Daniel Nelson, Quarto Publishing Group, and NetGalley for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The paintings had ample background information with very well-laid out steps for each time a new color or technique was built upon the previous step. The steps were very clear and thoroughly explained. I like how there are even suggestions of other paintings to try in the bottom left corner.
Children and adults of all ages will enjoy painting through this book or just skipping to one of personal interest. This is a valuable resource that should belong on every shelf!
Thank you to Mark Daniel Nelson, Quarto Publishing Group, and NetGalley for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 24, 2021
Pretty much just like the title says. This is a second volume, and I hadn't read the first, but it was not necessary. The author clears up some frequently asked questions that arose from the first volume. The paintings' subject matter ranges from pretty standard (e.g., flowers) to kinda kitschy (takeout carton). But once you start understanding how to combine colors and make shadows, you can take your knowledge and apply it to your own subject matter.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
July 28, 2020
I’m in love with this book. It went beyond my expectations. First of all, it is super friendly for beginners. What I usually expect from art teaching books is a list of tools and materials with descriptions…and that’s it. However, I got wonderful explanations, examples and images of the different types of brushes, paints and acrylic mediums! (I actually bought one and used it like a top coat but now I know what it is truly meant for).
Specially liked that it explains the different acrylic paint options you might see at the store and suggests what color set to buy as a beginner. That’s the kind of help you need when you are just starting and see tons of colors at the art store and have no idea if you should buy titanium white or zinc white or… oof! it can get overwhelming really fast. Anyway, I appreciate that this book considers the real struggles of a beginner and makes the process more enjoyable and with pictures.
It contains 50 step-by-step tutorials for creating small paintings like the ones you see on the cover, but here’s the catch: you are not just painting random images, each tutorial teaches you a mini art lesson. The best part? you don’t even feel like you are struggling to learn something new.
For example, the first project is a simple red door. It helps you get familiar with your brush and how to apply your paint. Second lesson makes you practice tints and shades (how one single color behaves when you add white or black and how it changes depending on the ratio). Third one is opaque layering, and so on. From basic techniques to art and design principles, by the end of the book you will have 50 gorgeous paintings. The cherry on the top is that each project takes only one spread (2 pages) and it shows you other paintings from the book that can work well together for displaying on your wall as a group.
If you like projects that are fast to complete and look good, this is a great option for you. It’s very satisfying to learn something new and have something fully finished that you can display on your wall right away. I wish more books had this format, it makes learning more enjoyable. It starts with the very basics, but I would also suggest it for intermediate artists to sharpen up or gain new skills and for anyone who wants to relax painting these small projects.
Specially liked that it explains the different acrylic paint options you might see at the store and suggests what color set to buy as a beginner. That’s the kind of help you need when you are just starting and see tons of colors at the art store and have no idea if you should buy titanium white or zinc white or… oof! it can get overwhelming really fast. Anyway, I appreciate that this book considers the real struggles of a beginner and makes the process more enjoyable and with pictures.
It contains 50 step-by-step tutorials for creating small paintings like the ones you see on the cover, but here’s the catch: you are not just painting random images, each tutorial teaches you a mini art lesson. The best part? you don’t even feel like you are struggling to learn something new.
For example, the first project is a simple red door. It helps you get familiar with your brush and how to apply your paint. Second lesson makes you practice tints and shades (how one single color behaves when you add white or black and how it changes depending on the ratio). Third one is opaque layering, and so on. From basic techniques to art and design principles, by the end of the book you will have 50 gorgeous paintings. The cherry on the top is that each project takes only one spread (2 pages) and it shows you other paintings from the book that can work well together for displaying on your wall as a group.
If you like projects that are fast to complete and look good, this is a great option for you. It’s very satisfying to learn something new and have something fully finished that you can display on your wall right away. I wish more books had this format, it makes learning more enjoyable. It starts with the very basics, but I would also suggest it for intermediate artists to sharpen up or gain new skills and for anyone who wants to relax painting these small projects.
June 7, 2020
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Learn to Paint in Acrylics with 50 More Small Paintings is a new tutorial and style guide for portfolio and skill building in acrylic painting. Due out 9th June 2020 from Quarto on their Quarry imprint, it's 144 pages and will be available in paperback format.
This is the second book by the author with a similar format. A gallery table of contents contains a thumbnail of each of the tutorial paintings with page numbers. The following chapters progress thematically: a chapter on materials, tools, and supplies is followed directly by the tutorials. Each of them includes some technique or lesson on applying paint, using materials, preparing ground, painting different surfaces, reflections, color contrast, intricate details and more.
Each of the individual tutorials contains a materials list in a bullet point sidebar, a short introduction and information on the lesson takeaway, and detailed step by step process photos. The photos are very well rendered and clear. Many of the photos show the position of the brush and hands for clarity.
The author has also included an abbreviated glossary and index as well as some online supplies links. Worth noting, the tutorials in the book utilize a palette which includes only the standard "basic 8" colors.
This is a worthwhile skill (and portfolio) building guide full of tutorials with accessible digestible short projects. Five stars. This would make a superlative choice for all ages, especially bundled with the basic supplies.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Learn to Paint in Acrylics with 50 More Small Paintings is a new tutorial and style guide for portfolio and skill building in acrylic painting. Due out 9th June 2020 from Quarto on their Quarry imprint, it's 144 pages and will be available in paperback format.
This is the second book by the author with a similar format. A gallery table of contents contains a thumbnail of each of the tutorial paintings with page numbers. The following chapters progress thematically: a chapter on materials, tools, and supplies is followed directly by the tutorials. Each of them includes some technique or lesson on applying paint, using materials, preparing ground, painting different surfaces, reflections, color contrast, intricate details and more.
Each of the individual tutorials contains a materials list in a bullet point sidebar, a short introduction and information on the lesson takeaway, and detailed step by step process photos. The photos are very well rendered and clear. Many of the photos show the position of the brush and hands for clarity.
The author has also included an abbreviated glossary and index as well as some online supplies links. Worth noting, the tutorials in the book utilize a palette which includes only the standard "basic 8" colors.
This is a worthwhile skill (and portfolio) building guide full of tutorials with accessible digestible short projects. Five stars. This would make a superlative choice for all ages, especially bundled with the basic supplies.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
July 16, 2020
It's interesting that this is the 2nd book because this appears to be a great starter painting book, covering many of the things a person who knows little about painting would want to know with - and each lesson includes a simple painting to follow along with to apply what has been learned. In the beginning of the book, the author talks about student paints vs artist-grade, palettes, and brushes as many art books do-- I really enjoyed this section, which gave very clear reasons and pros/cons on different items -- it was great to see a book that actually works to teach why and how to tell the difference is yourself compared to many art books (which are often extremely specific, sending the budding artist out on a hunt to find the exact materials named by the artist). I would say the only real downside IMO is that the pictures themselves are mostly not all that compelling and the author apparently expects you would like them all well enough to hang upon your wall. The simple paintings at the beginning make sense given what is trying to be taught, and it appears the lessons build upon each other so you should try all the paintings but I think I would try them out on simple paper first.
May 16, 2020
This book is actually an excellent step-by-step painting book that teaches the basics of acrylic painting.
I can't say I necessarily would want half of these paintings but as you walk through the tutorials the skills you need are easily accomplished by painting each one. The tutorials are very detailed with excellent pictures of each step. I can tell you without a doubt your skills will improve by trying these fun and non-intimidating paintings. This is perfect for both a beginner or someone just hoping to improve their skills.
I highly recommend this book it is awesome not only as a way to improve skills but as a fun way too just lose your self in a quick and enjoyable mini art project.
I received this book from NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - Quarry for an honest review.
#LearntoPaintinAcrylicswith50MoreSmallPaintings
#NetGalley
I can't say I necessarily would want half of these paintings but as you walk through the tutorials the skills you need are easily accomplished by painting each one. The tutorials are very detailed with excellent pictures of each step. I can tell you without a doubt your skills will improve by trying these fun and non-intimidating paintings. This is perfect for both a beginner or someone just hoping to improve their skills.
I highly recommend this book it is awesome not only as a way to improve skills but as a fun way too just lose your self in a quick and enjoyable mini art project.
I received this book from NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - Quarry for an honest review.
#LearntoPaintinAcrylicswith50MoreSmallPaintings
#NetGalley
May 17, 2020
I love this book. I read Mark's first book with 50 different small paintings when I first started painting years ago. It helped me so much when I first started painting. I still have some of the small paintings from that book on my studio wall.
This book is set up very similarly but with all new paintings. Some of the concepts are the same with different paintings to explain the concept. Comparing the two books and seeing an extra example was also very helpful. He does a good job providing simple objects to teach concepts and techniques.
I am glad I read both books. However, I enjoyed the paintings in the first book more. Some of the paintings in this book, a pop-tart, crayon, T-shirt were too trite for me.
I highly recommend this book for the beginning painter.
I received this galley from NetGalley.
This book is set up very similarly but with all new paintings. Some of the concepts are the same with different paintings to explain the concept. Comparing the two books and seeing an extra example was also very helpful. He does a good job providing simple objects to teach concepts and techniques.
I am glad I read both books. However, I enjoyed the paintings in the first book more. Some of the paintings in this book, a pop-tart, crayon, T-shirt were too trite for me.
I highly recommend this book for the beginning painter.
I received this galley from NetGalley.
July 12, 2020
Wow, I think it's a perfect book for beginners in acrylic painting! There is everything you might need to start, basic materials, principles, minimal color theory and so many mini tutorials (2 pages each, with material and color list, related exercises, easy steps, illustrated as needed). The paintings are tiny (5x5 inch), surely not intimidating, every tutorial makes you learn something new about techniques, from the very first lesson on how applicate the paint to gradually more complex tasks, so while executing them you actually learn to paint, at least the essential know-how. No more procastination, lack of ideas or self confidence, fear of the white canvas, etc., you'll enjoy the journey. I appreciated also the clean and joyful layout.
November 17, 2021
After having read and thoroughly enjoyed the first book, I eagerly bought this one, knowing it was an update to the first. It is enough of an update that they are two separate books, so I am glad I have both. It is very much a book for beginners to painting or to acrylics. Having some drawing or painting knowledge beforehand helps, but is not necessary.
I did find that for the most part, I liked the subjects of the first book better, there are too many basic shape paintings for my taste in this one. However, it has a better flow, uses a limited pallette and brushes, which makes it easy to follow.
Overall, I very much enjoyed this book and am working my way through the 50 paintings.
I did find that for the most part, I liked the subjects of the first book better, there are too many basic shape paintings for my taste in this one. However, it has a better flow, uses a limited pallette and brushes, which makes it easy to follow.
Overall, I very much enjoyed this book and am working my way through the 50 paintings.
June 8, 2020
One of the best ways to learn to do something is to do it regularly. To create a routine around it. This book is a fantastic way to do that. It has all that you need to know to get started. It explains paint, brushes, surfaces, basic color theory and design principles. And then there are 50 paintings. You could do one a day, one a week, or even one a month. They are each simple and yet look great. I especially loved the chess piece, the wrapped candy, and the pretzel. These are simple and fun and great way to start your journey into acrylic.
with gratitude to netgalley and Quarry Books for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
with gratitude to netgalley and Quarry Books for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2020
This is a fantastic book for beginners hoping to improve on their craft or take it up as a hobby. Each project is broken down into six parts with images to show how the painting is built up and layered upon to give you the outcome. The paintings are small enough to keep you engaged and as they progress the difficulty level increases. I have found that rather than buying the materials immediately I have been sketching a few of the pictures and just shading them with a pencil. I know this does not give me the same outcome as the books but it is a great way to practice. Perfect for beginners.
This book was provided by Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.
This book was provided by Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.
November 4, 2023
"Learn to Paint in Acrylics" by Mark Daniel Nelson is a fantastic resource for budding artists. With a hands-on approach and 50 engaging exercises, Nelson helps readers grasp the fundamentals of acrylic painting. The step-by-step guidance is clear and encouraging, making it accessible for beginners. The inclusion of small paintings allows for manageable practice and gradual skill-building. Whether you're new to acrylics or looking to refine your technique, this book is a valuable addition to any artist's toolkit.
I was provided an advanced copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was provided an advanced copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2020
50 step by step acrylic paintings to learn and master certain skills in acrylic painting. This book provides exactly what it offers, and the section on tools and color theory is well detailed and explained. This is the second book Nelson has created, but you do not need to have worked on the skills from book 1 to use book 2. It's the same lessons, just with a different variety of paintings. Great no matter what stage of skill level you are in, as there are so many paintings to help you grow and harness your talents.
June 2, 2020
Good, fun and easy way to learn about acrylic painting on a small scale. Firstly the book starts with an overview of painting, especially with acrylics, covering color equipment and others. Next is the projects and learning aspects of these 50 small paintings - putting on paint, light and shadow and interpretive approach. Each technique is shown on one page with other practice designs in similar style depicted. Each painting teaches a new effect with acrylics.
A fun book .
A fun book .
August 17, 2020
I thought this was a very well written book. It was easy to understand and only required a handful of colors and brushes. The best part was that since these were small pieces of artwork, you aren’t so focused on every little detail and can get down to the art part of the painting. The methods of blending the colors and the explanations were great. There were so many ideas and each step was broken down to explain why you were doing each step and in that order. Great learn to paint book.
October 29, 2024
I didn't do all the paintings in this book, probably about 10 or so. A lot of them were very juvenile looking (not at all like the ones shown on the cover), but I really liked the ones I painted. He says in this book that he tried to correct the mistakes he made in his first book and so he decreased the number of paint colors required. I still felt like he could have given some more detailed instruction on some of the steps, but overall it's a great book.
May 14, 2020
This book is perfect for when you're in lock down and would like to work on your painting skills or get into painting.
I love the idea of small canvases and projects focusing on colors or shadow or form separately because doing all of it at the same time on a large canvas can be daunting and frustrating.
The little squares can also function as gifts or you could organize a family paint and sip.
I love the idea of small canvases and projects focusing on colors or shadow or form separately because doing all of it at the same time on a large canvas can be daunting and frustrating.
The little squares can also function as gifts or you could organize a family paint and sip.
March 1, 2022
These exercises teach a lot. The step-by-step is very well explained and teaches different techniques. It's not about the theme of these paintings, it's about what you learn from each one. Then apply to themes you like.
June 6, 2020
A good book to learn acrylic painting skills. There are ideas such as technique, shadow, colours, etc for painting 50 small canvases.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the eARC
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the eARC
August 14, 2020
Thank you Netgalley and publishers for the book
this is the first time have got an art book and it was really helpful during the hours in quarantine
this is the first time have got an art book and it was really helpful during the hours in quarantine
August 6, 2022
Important thing i learned ; colours and values, harmony and how important it is to the painting..
(I paint only one) didnt like the paintings or maybe the style of it.
(I paint only one) didnt like the paintings or maybe the style of it.
February 19, 2023
Very nice step to step art! 🙃👍
January 26, 2025
Should revisit. Clear layout.
December 3, 2020
I love the simple concept of learning to create small pieces of art in a short period of time (The author suggests one hour). Chapter 1 is all about Materials, tools and techniques. In chapters 2, 3 and 4 there are fifty projects to choose from. Each project page includes a list of materials, a colour palette list, and six ordered illustrations with instructions to guide you while you produce your picture.
This is an inspiring way to get started with acrylics. Thank you to Mark Daniel Nelson, Net Galley and Quarto Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is an inspiring way to get started with acrylics. Thank you to Mark Daniel Nelson, Net Galley and Quarto Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews