Visual Arts

The Beginner's Guide to Abstract Art is an inspirational but practical book that will help artists to paint in a less figurative way. Laura Reiter demonstrates different ways to approach an abstract painting from ‘just a little bit abstract' to ‘completely abstract'. She does this by focussing on ideas and themes as starting points, looking at the creative processes involved and more unusual techniques. Laura Reiter also covers how to use materials creatively – watercolour, acrylics, mixed media and collage – and how to experiment with colour and composition. There is also details on texture, simple printing, mark making, colour and its meaning, and sources of inspiration. Several projects are included, and, in addition to Laura's vibrant, colourful paintings, the work of several other contemporary abstract artists is featured. Previously published in hardback as Painting Accessible Abstracts.

Need high-energy inspiration when your life gets crazy and your art keeps getting pushed to the back burner? Offering terrific mixed-media art projects, as well as tips for getting organized and inspired, Art at the Speed of Life is a treasure chest of ideas for the artist whose creative goals sometimes get stymied by the frantic pace of modern life. Author and mixed-media artist Pam Carriker proves that art and life can coexist peacefully, productively, and happily. Making things every day can be a joyful reality instead of just wishful thinking.

Unleash your inner artist and join Traci Bautista as she shares inventive ideas for making marks with handmade tools, nontraditional materials and simple DIY printmaking techniques. Pulsing with exploration and whimsy, Printmaking Unleashed features 60+ step-by-step demonstrations and countless possibilities for creating original prints, fabrics, art journal pages, mixed-media collage, and so much more. WHAT'S INSIDE... Tools Galore!

This handbook and teacher's guide by a noted instructor presents a wealth of annotated illustrations that introduce practice brushstrokes and designs. In addition to instructions on color mixing, paper selection, and proper brush handling, the book features 52 full-color plates. The vibrant illustrations, which also serve as repetition exercises for aspiring pottery artists, incorporate elements of Art Nouveau decor as well as Etruscan and Hispano-Moresque ornaments.

"Go behind the scenes in the creation of incredible pieces of design and art with Paper & Ink Workshop. This book discusses silkscreen, letterpress, and woodblock printing, and explains the techniques needed to produce the final prints. You will not only be amazed and inspired, but also able to quickly take the knowledge learned and apply it to your own work and projects. Get empowered with a new set of tools to help you tackle your client's projects, or find the inspiration to finally start your own business.