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Rethinking Acrylic: Radical Solutions For Exploiting The World's Most Versatile Medium
Have you ever walked into an art supply store, stood in front of the amazing array of acrylic products and just thrown up your hands in confusion, leaving the store without buying something new to experiment with? If you've ever wondered what to do with all those products, then this book is for you. If you've been using acrylic in traditional painting forms, in this book you'll find grand, wild and inventive manipulations of acrylic that will get your creative juices flowing. Compared to more traditional art mediums such as oil and watercolor, acrylic is still in its infancy. But what it lacks in years, it makes up for in its range of use. Acrylics appeared on the market for artists in the late 1940s as a quick-drying alternative to oil paint. In its early manifestations, it dried so quickly that more than a few brushes stuck immediately to the canvas! Although acrylic has been around for more than fifty years, incredible advances continue to be made in the research and development of acrylic polymers and pigments. These advancements are attributable not only to the efforts of a few dedicated chemists, but also to the work of an entire community devoted to acrylic. There are a lot of brilliant minds taking these minute molecules very seriously.
- GenresArtNonfiction
160 pages, Spiral-bound
First published December 1, 2008
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95 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 21, 2018
RETHINKING ACRYLIC isn’t particularly easy to get into, it is front-loaded with a lot of technical information and the authors seems overly wedded to Golden Paints products. That said, if you flip back and forth between the demonstrations and examples and the front matter it becomes easier to digest--and it is not difficult to identify equivalent products or substitutions in most cases.
The author use a number of their own works to demonstrate the use of new products and techniques and also showcases a nice range of artists with other styles. The overall emphasis is in the use of acrylic products in ways that create unusual, often layered, textures and effects rather than simple laying of brush strokes. It would be the rare artists who didn’t find something interesting to try in the cornucopia of ideas and the overall spirit of technically-informed experimentation will be useful to artists at all stages of their development.
After browsing through the book for a while it certainly prompted me to try out some new techniques. Pouring, waxes, using objects for texture, and lifting dried “skins’ of paint to apply on other surfaces. These ideas shook up my approach to acrylics as promised and produced interesting results. I look forward to trying some of the other techniques in the future or adapting them to my needs.
It is unfortunate that the kindle version of this book is so poorly formatted, there are obvious and repeated errors in spacing, hard returns, and font color. Even a cursory proofreading would have detected these issues rather than inflicting them on the unfortunate reader. I am choosing to not let this effect y rating but it very much effects my reading experience.
This book is also beginning to show its age. There is an extended discussion of Golden Paints Garnet Gel which was discontinued around the time of initial publication in 2008, and many novel products developed in acrylic application since then are obviously not included. However most of the common types of paint modifiers and manipulation methods are at least introduced and this book is a good jumping off point for broadening your techniques.
The author use a number of their own works to demonstrate the use of new products and techniques and also showcases a nice range of artists with other styles. The overall emphasis is in the use of acrylic products in ways that create unusual, often layered, textures and effects rather than simple laying of brush strokes. It would be the rare artists who didn’t find something interesting to try in the cornucopia of ideas and the overall spirit of technically-informed experimentation will be useful to artists at all stages of their development.
After browsing through the book for a while it certainly prompted me to try out some new techniques. Pouring, waxes, using objects for texture, and lifting dried “skins’ of paint to apply on other surfaces. These ideas shook up my approach to acrylics as promised and produced interesting results. I look forward to trying some of the other techniques in the future or adapting them to my needs.
It is unfortunate that the kindle version of this book is so poorly formatted, there are obvious and repeated errors in spacing, hard returns, and font color. Even a cursory proofreading would have detected these issues rather than inflicting them on the unfortunate reader. I am choosing to not let this effect y rating but it very much effects my reading experience.
This book is also beginning to show its age. There is an extended discussion of Golden Paints Garnet Gel which was discontinued around the time of initial publication in 2008, and many novel products developed in acrylic application since then are obviously not included. However most of the common types of paint modifiers and manipulation methods are at least introduced and this book is a good jumping off point for broadening your techniques.
March 14, 2012
Mixed thoughts on this book. Includes a lot of examples of wonderful acrylic painting techniques, photographs of art in phases of completion, bits of projects, tips on the proper use of various materials, mediums, etc. I have new thoughts about putting textures under my paintings. The writing is a mix - inspiring us to try new things - and factoids that we could find on the labels of paint containers. The contributors are highly knowledgeable but perhaps the editing, pulling it all together to a cohesive whole, is weak. Finally, the photography is not always crystal clear, cannot make out the detail in what they are trying to do. Just improving the photography would improve the book. And a heads-up that the book is practically an ad for Golden paints. I use Golden, and I highly recommend their products, but I think that should have been made clear at the outset.
December 4, 2018
3 Stars!! Eh, I couldn’t really get into this book! It has too much to read & it wasn’t keeping me interested enough to read all of it! I prefer more pictures & short explanations. This book has made me a tad more confused about acrylic painting than I was before reading! That being said, I did get a few tips & techniques I want to try out! If you want lots of information on acrylic paints & having Golden painting products shoved at you left & right, than this is the book for you! This book actually felt more like a Golden painting products brochure at times! But if you’re like me & just want the basic explanation/information and you’re not interested in being overly informed & having certain painting products pushed at you, than skip this book!
*I received this book at no charge from the publisher.*
*I received this book at no charge from the publisher.*
January 15, 2022
Great book to inspire creativity and artistic expression. Great new ideas for painting
1/15/22 re-read book for more ideas to try now that I have been painting for a while! There are now SO many techniques and ideas for me to try. Such value re-reading a book years later!
1/15/22 re-read book for more ideas to try now that I have been painting for a while! There are now SO many techniques and ideas for me to try. Such value re-reading a book years later!
December 21, 2018
A handbook full of exciting sample artworks demonstrating all the new techniques described here alongside detailed advice on what to use as well as how to use them, Rethinking Acrylics is a massive eye-opener on just how versatile acrylics can be, alongside just how many tools are at the artist's disposal for future use.
The writer Patti Brady is informed on the science of this material too - acrylics belong to the plastic family and a knowledge of how different thinning and thickening materials interact is essential if specific effects are sought. There are also discreet warnings for the unwary that as these are chemicals: they are not really meant to be ingested (eek!) either respiratorily, nor through contact through the skin as in finger painting, nor casually disposed off through the nearest washbasin plughole.
Chapters are devoted to what kind of a acrylics are available in terms of viscosity, opaqueness, translucency, pigmentation, whether or not these are of matte, gloss or of satin finish. It all depends on whether slow or quick fry is required, which ones are closest to oil paints in terms of drying times how many layers are to be used.
Then there is the question of gessos and preparing and underpainting a canvas and which paints are most appropriate for textured or cracked effects.
Likewise, there are acrylics with the texture of paper, which can even be printed on, there are acrylics that work as a skin to be reapplied and painted over on turn. Different pigments and viscosities can be used to create pours with marbled effects. Other acrylics can be mixed to create encaustic effects. Reflective and interference Paints can be applied to create reflective surfaces. Finally, varnishing a work is the way to create professional.piecrs for posterity......
The opportunity for exploration and adventure with this one medium are therefore demonstrated in this exciting book to be vast. This book was of especial interest to me, as I already work with different textures and media, constantly reworking and layering these, so this handbook has presented me with several new ideas on how to take my work into new direction in the future.
The writer Patti Brady is informed on the science of this material too - acrylics belong to the plastic family and a knowledge of how different thinning and thickening materials interact is essential if specific effects are sought. There are also discreet warnings for the unwary that as these are chemicals: they are not really meant to be ingested (eek!) either respiratorily, nor through contact through the skin as in finger painting, nor casually disposed off through the nearest washbasin plughole.
Chapters are devoted to what kind of a acrylics are available in terms of viscosity, opaqueness, translucency, pigmentation, whether or not these are of matte, gloss or of satin finish. It all depends on whether slow or quick fry is required, which ones are closest to oil paints in terms of drying times how many layers are to be used.
Then there is the question of gessos and preparing and underpainting a canvas and which paints are most appropriate for textured or cracked effects.
Likewise, there are acrylics with the texture of paper, which can even be printed on, there are acrylics that work as a skin to be reapplied and painted over on turn. Different pigments and viscosities can be used to create pours with marbled effects. Other acrylics can be mixed to create encaustic effects. Reflective and interference Paints can be applied to create reflective surfaces. Finally, varnishing a work is the way to create professional.piecrs for posterity......
The opportunity for exploration and adventure with this one medium are therefore demonstrated in this exciting book to be vast. This book was of especial interest to me, as I already work with different textures and media, constantly reworking and layering these, so this handbook has presented me with several new ideas on how to take my work into new direction in the future.
December 5, 2018
"Rethinking Acrylic" looked at using acrylic paint in creative, unusual ways and how to use various mediums, specialized acrylic paints, etc. The various demonstrations were for modern style (usually 'unique mark-making' abstract style) and experimental acrylic painting. The artists explained how to do various techniques, like pouring acrylic in various ways, or using acrylic to mimic other painting styles, like watercolor or encaustic. The book covered multiple ways to use the wide variety of acrylic mediums. If you want to better understand how acrylic can be used and the great variety of choices that are available in acrylic, then I'd recommend this book.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
January 5, 2019
I'm a keen artist, and while the artworks in the book are not to my taste at all, I did find a lot of useful information. Although the book seems to be heavily promoting one brand, Golden, it did provide lots of ideas on using mediums which I haven't tried before. Many of these tips will certainly be incorporated into my own painting, and while I cannot promise to use the identical products I am excited about broadening my artistic repertoire!
Many thanks to the publisher for a review copy.
Many thanks to the publisher for a review copy.
October 25, 2022
This was a valuable book as I recently started painting. It shows an array of techniques fairly descriptively, which would get me ready to try them on my own paintings.
It's a book I will constantly be returning to review techniques and some of the beautiful works of art displayed on the pages.
It's a book I will constantly be returning to review techniques and some of the beautiful works of art displayed on the pages.
December 19, 2017
Lots of great ideas and techniques to use and combine in your own work.
June 21, 2024
A good overview of techniques, tools, mediums, and a sprinkling of artist profiles.
February 3, 2016
From the local library this book is great! It is very technical and product detailed which I love. I enjoyed the artist’s profiles and the part dedicated to acrylic skins and transfers one of the things that I am most interested in was fantastic. I highly recommend if you are a fan of acrylics and want to learn more about acrylics and how to stretch your dollars or learn what you can do with acrylics. I also enjoyed the varnish part because that is one of the things that I am always most unsure about with my acrylics. I highly recommend for anyone who wants to paint more and especially in acrylics. The only thing I worry about is she used only Golden acrylics as far as I can tell and I use different types and brands and I wonder if they will work the same with these techniques.
April 1, 2009
This book is absolutely filled with great techniques for acrylic painters. There are gorgeous photos illustrating each technique and superb directions as well.
Not to be missed. Add to your skills!
Not to be missed. Add to your skills!
February 4, 2012
I learned alot from this great book.
I have just started painting again and since I had always painted using oils in the past, this helped me alot to think about the possibilities of using acylics instead. I'm excited to try some of the techniques discussed in this book.
I have just started painting again and since I had always painted using oils in the past, this helped me alot to think about the possibilities of using acylics instead. I'm excited to try some of the techniques discussed in this book.
June 25, 2014
Excellent "how-to" for using acrylic media. Step-by-step instructions with photos and clear explanations, e.g., why a particular medium does what it does. This is one book on technique that I will be going back to again and again.
April 12, 2009
"Radical solutions for exploiting the world's most versatile medium"
encaustic
acrylic skins
encaustic
acrylic skins
August 9, 2012
Very yummy and full of ideas.
April 6, 2013
The ideas are good but most of the examples are not so desirable...I don't want my work to look like that..I guess the best way is to experiment by myself
November 29, 2013
A wide range of acrylic techniques for abstracts.
February 2, 2014
So inspiring!! Tons of visuals and color and inspiration - my brain is spinning with possibility! and I am buying a copy of this book for my own library.
March 8, 2013
Love this book! Taught me so much!
March 28, 2017
Perfect resource book
I am certain I will be referring back to this book time and time again. So much useful information and easily searchable.
I am certain I will be referring back to this book time and time again. So much useful information and easily searchable.
November 22, 2018
Amazing book. If you thought that acrylic was just an alternative to oils or watercolour, this book will show you how wrong you are.
The book starts off with a detailed overview of what acrylics is, and then this is followed with 11 chapters of various methods and combinations to create fabulous creations on paper, cloth, board and other materials.
Some of the combinations include gels, etching, collage, skins and pouring to name a few, each is accompanied by detailed photos and explanations, as well as some artist feedback and experience.
I found this book fascinating and am really raring to try some of the methods especially the etching. I think this is a great book for people who enjoy multi media, or those who would like to add a little bit of difference to their paintings.
The book starts off with a detailed overview of what acrylics is, and then this is followed with 11 chapters of various methods and combinations to create fabulous creations on paper, cloth, board and other materials.
Some of the combinations include gels, etching, collage, skins and pouring to name a few, each is accompanied by detailed photos and explanations, as well as some artist feedback and experience.
I found this book fascinating and am really raring to try some of the methods especially the etching. I think this is a great book for people who enjoy multi media, or those who would like to add a little bit of difference to their paintings.
December 6, 2018
As a total novice with acrylics this book is a little bit more than I really needed however it does give me lots of ideas where I could go once I have the basics sorted. The first chapter was full of introductory information which I found very interesting and informative about a lot of things I didn't realise I needed to know.
The other chapters cover all sorts of different techniques some of which appear easier than others. The book has good illustrations and even though I'm not there yet I can see how I could begin to experiment in the future.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review and am very glad I did. I think this book is one I will refer to a great deal in the future and would recommend it to anyone wanting to reach toward the next level in their painting adventure.
The other chapters cover all sorts of different techniques some of which appear easier than others. The book has good illustrations and even though I'm not there yet I can see how I could begin to experiment in the future.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review and am very glad I did. I think this book is one I will refer to a great deal in the future and would recommend it to anyone wanting to reach toward the next level in their painting adventure.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews