Acrylics
are the newest type of paint around, and the most versatile. You
can use them like watercolors, or like oils, or like
their own selves. If you are like Mr Macey
you can even throw out the rulebook and take off on
your own artistic adventure with them…
Frequent
readers of my reviews will know that I do like a bit
of originality and a fresh approach to a subject. I
also admire people who recycle what they already have
and eschew buying the most expensive art materials in
the store. They gets my vote every time. The
author of this book does all this and more, championing
student quality paints and even making his mark with
house painting brushes. He also cuts up magazines
and uses them in his work, as well as found objects
such as sand and shells. If you are wondering
where all this might lead and whether it is going to
be all abstract art then think again – the work
in here are mostly landscapes and seascapes, many of
his native Cornwall. This is not a gallery
book either, but a hands-on approach to painting and
having fun while while it, and is complete with nine
projects. All the usual things you expect
to find in an art book are here of course – choosing
a palette, getting different effects, composing your
picture, etc. and also how to use found objects and
those magazines. There is a stunning rendition
of New York in here made of these that just says it
all – a brilliant fusion of the cityscape and
the abstract with a message of its own about consumerism
to impart. Elsewhere try your hand at harbour
scenes; the sun drenched Mediterranean, beaches, flowers,
woods and more. It is a freer way of working
that emphasizes the fun element while having a good
underpinning of all the painting know-how no artist
can do without. A most impressive and refreshing
book on all levels, one for the keeper shelf.
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