The Acrylic Artist's Bible

by Marylin Scott

This hardcover book with internal wire-o binding is 6.5in x 8in, a perfect size for artists to keep handy and reference often. The stylish design of this book, along with the interior photographs, illustrations and diagrams, make the learning process simple and fun for beginners, and provides useful tips for more advanced readers.

With its great flexibility, acrylic paint can mimic the appearance of oils, tempera, and watercolors in unique ways, each method pictured in a separate step-by-step demonstration. The author also examines the use of acrylics with airbrush, sculptural, and printing techniques-even three-dimensional relief painting and collagraphy printing methods are included-and how several of these different creative processes can be integrated successfully in one composition with ink, pencil, charcoal, and pastel. Inspiring examples of representational and abstract subjects are depicted throughout, and a complete survey of all the latest acrylic materials covers the best paint brands, painting mediums, supports, varnishes, brushes, knives, and palettes.

This book contains instructions on painting many different subjects, like landscapes, trees, mountains, buildings, still lifes, and portraits. It makes an ideal gift for someone practiced in the arts of acrylic painting, and newcomers to the art form. 

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

192 pages, Spiral-bound

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Marylin Scott is a professional artist who works across a wide range of media. She studied painting at the Guildford School of Art and the Royal Academy of Painting in London. She is a respected practical art author.

Reviews

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew absolutely NOTHING about painting techniques or even the kinds of tools used. This was the first painting book I bought when I was browing Eckersleys one day and I found it quite practical and informative. It went in depth on how to keep your acrylics wet, how to use mediums to bulk up the texture, or adding water so acrylic behaves like watercolours. Acrylics really are a versatile painting medium and I think this book really aimed to show just how versatile it is. While I enjoyed the techniques, I found some of the actual paintings to be a bit old fashioned. I'd classify my own styles and tastes as more abstract/modern as opposed to traditional. Even though I do appreciate good art, I don't see myself painting vases of flowers or bowls of fruit, so I wished the book was a little more in-depth on more unconventional types of acrylic work.

[Donna Mallery · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great REFERENCE Book!

This book is a fantastic reference book on everything acrylics from techniques, color mixing to even how it mixes with other types of paint, charcoal, etc. I think an artist of any accomplishment could use this book as a reference! This is NOT a how-to book. It is simply reference, but, boy, does it pack a punch!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple to understand instructions for acrylic techniques. Also explains some color mixing theory with examples.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked at this one to get an idea of how helpful it will be to me when I actually take the time to start painting again. When I decide to pick up my paintbrush, I want to remember this book, as helpful steps, information, and illustrations are provided.

[kb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Painting is such a fun and friendly experience that it gets to a point where I would feel like I actually know what I’m doing… But I really don’t. Everything I know about using acrylic paints I learned by experience (which is, well, the best teacher), so it was enriching to learn more about the techniques and materials shared in this book.

Read the rest of my review.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very, very helpful collection of and explanation of acrylic techniques with "how tos" and examples. I have never considered combined pastels and acrylics! The multi media suggestions are very helpful. I am ordering a copy to keep as a reference.

[Carolm · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like having professional artist's works to highlight certain techniques. However, I prefer that they are integrated with the technique, not put in a gallery at the end, which lessens their impact. The term tutorial is used, when it is really a demonstration.

[Eleonora Ronconi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cool reference book

I do like this book a lot, but the photos are pixelated and I’m not sure if it’s a problem with the book’s resolution (I read it on my iPad), or the photos were not scanned properly.
Everything else was very good!

[Crystal Crane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

[Joseph Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice, inspirational, well-written

[Keishua · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very helpful primer.

[Andreas Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Altro manuale utile...
Anche questo manuale contiene le basi per iniziare, tuttavia oltre alla solita trattazione manualistica di pennelli, digressione storica sul tipo di colore da utilizzare eccetera, contiene anche la nozione di "tavolozza umida", che consente a chi fa uso di acrilici di pensare ad una soluzione alternativa alla solita superficie rigida sul quale sprecare litri di colore acrilico. Oltre a mostrare ovviamente varie tecniche di stesura del colore acrilico.

[Amber Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

should have started reading BEFORE painting. love it. unlike most art book it teaches practical tip rather than how to recreate existing work

[Sharon Rainey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for the beginner

While I don't think I could accomplish even a third of these yet, they provide ideas and aspiration for the possibilities of where I can take my skills.