Acrylic Innovation: Styles and Techniques Featuring 64 Visionary Artists

by Nancy Reyner

Acrylic is often used as a substitute for oil paint or watercolor, but the real gold mine is in allowing the medium freedom to do what it does best. This book shows how today’s artists are doing exactly that. It’s loaded with original artwork and valuable insight from 64 artists, incredibly diverse in styles and subjects, each using acrylic in unique ways to create expressive and personal art. · 64 artists offer their individual ideas, approaches and inspirations for working with acrylic paints · 29 styles, ranging from photorealism to minimal color field and everything in between, are explored through artist profiles, artwork and boundary-breaking “challenges” that provide dynamic starting points for your own art · 29 step-by-step demonstrations illustrate acrylic-driven techniques you can take straight to your work, including collage and assemblage, reverse painting, printmaking, accidental stenciling, working with metallic mixtures and more A follow-up to the best-selling Acrylic Revolution, Acrylic Innovation takes you outside your comfort zone. Dip in whenever you feel the urge to experiment, have fun and see fresh and exciting results.

Genres: Art, Reference, Nonfiction

144 pages, Spiral-bound

First published September 9, 2010

Reviews

[Emily F.]

So far it's really informative. I'm painting and looking for ideas for new techniques. This book is a big help. The book has interviews with 64 different types of artists who offer some advise and techniques for how they create.

[Virginia Pulver · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is well organized. Each technique is accompanied by clearly marked narratives on the artist's process, tips, and info on other artists who practice the particular style being discussed. The pages are large and images are sharp. It could be an excellent resource in a painting class or for a motivated individual. The author's tone invites the reader to take some risks and to experiment, while also being mindful of the science behind the products and techniques discussed. Well done.

[Mark Merris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read

This book has some interesting information and techniques at least worth reviewing. Some are doable others not so much. The collection of various artists was different and unique.

[Katrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was inspirational more or less. Interesting to see all the different artists but not exactly what I was looking for.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrific and unusual techniques--some time consuming, some simple--lots of ideas. Lots of interesting artists featured.

[Nadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Throughout history the discovery of new art products spawned the invention of new art styles, ideas and techniques. The creation of oil paint was a catalyst for new styles of blending and realism that were previously unheard of for the egg tempera painters of that time...

Acrylic paint, first developed in the 1930s, continued to improve in quality and durability, and eventually established itself as one of the most dependable, archival and permanent artist materials offered...

Acrylic is often used as a substitute for oil paint or watercolor. But the real gold mine for the artist is in allowing the medium freedom to do what it does best. New paint requires a new way of thinking. Acrylic has a wide range of possibilities, uses and techniques."
Introduction: How To Use This Book - pg. 9

In six sections, such as, Changing Perspectives; Spatial Push-Pull; Abstracting the Window, Nancy provides methods and techniques for Creating, which allows you to ferret out your voice through the use of Acrylic paint. With the inclusion of sixty-four acrylic Artists sharing their tips, processes, and methodology the reader gains further insights and inspiration that enhances their practice. Astutely laid out and providing concise information within a spiral format that allows for effortless accessibility, this is a noteworthy contribution to the genre.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book exploring the immense versatility of acrylics. Multiple styles and approaches along with short tutorials exploring acrylic paint/medium use. DVD in the copy I read was a demo showing snipets of the author's workshop DVD.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many styles, so little time. How do I find workshops with some of the people who work in realistic styles?

[Mary Taitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable and fun to read with good ideas and tutorials

[Ellen Martens · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful resource for working in acrylic, with demonstrations of techniques.