Journeys To Abstraction

Discover how artists paint, pour, scrape, spray, carve, stamp, collage and otherwise build complex layers of texture and meaning. Painting with egg cartons, turning acrylic paints into shards of "stained glass," incorporating old "failed paintings into fresh finished pieces... anything goes in abstract art! Marked by an inspiring freedom of form and content, this is a liberating book for any artist in search of new, dynamic forms of self-expression.

We don't have to know what a painting is if we know how it makes us feel. A fun, fascinating survey of abstract art, Journeys to Abstraction offers a behind-the-scenes look at how contemporary artists break free from literal depiction to rejoice in the pure expressive power of color, line and texture. • 58 artists share 100 striking abstract paintings, along with the ideas, inspirations and diverse working processes behind them. • Covers a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional media and techniques, including watercolor, collage, acrylics, ink and more. • Four step-by-step demonstrations show how abstract pieces come together from start to finish. Discover how artists paint, pour, scrape, spray, carve, stamp, collage and otherwise build complex layers of texture and meaning. Painting with egg cartons, turning acrylic paints into shards of "stained glass," incorporating old "failed" paintings into fresh finished pieces...anything goes in abstract art! Marked by an inspiring freedom of form and content, this is a liberating book for any artist in search of new, dynamic forms of self-expression.

Discover how artists paint, pour, scrape, spray, carve, stamp, collage and otherwise build complex layers of texture and meaning. Painting with egg cartons, turning acrylic paints into shards of "stained glass," incorporating old "failed paintings into fresh finished pieces... anything goes in abstract art! Marked by an inspiring freedom of form and content, this is a liberating book for any artist in search of new, dynamic forms of self-expression.

Discover how artists paint, pour, scrape, spray, carve, stamp, collage and otherwise build complex layers of texture and meaning. Painting with egg cartons, turning acrylic paints into shards of "stained glass," incorporating old "failed paintings into fresh finished pieces... anything goes in abstract art! Marked by an inspiring freedom of form and content, this is a liberating book for any artist in search of new, dynamic forms of self-expression.

A new poetry collection of startling beauty and thought by a great American poet.

Would you love to take your art in a new direction? In Abstract Art Painting, you will enter a realm of tactile, intuitive excitement, combining pastel and acrylic to achieve results as unique as you are. You'll learn how to explore the use of color theory in abstraction and to use underpainting to bring structure and depth to your art. In addition you'll begin to understand how to work in a series and how this can help you develop your own personal style. A sampling of what you'll add to your creative toolbox: • Pastel and acrylic techniques to use to complete your own paintings • The benefits of expressing your ideas abstractly • How to loosen up by using your nondominant hand and drawing to music • Ways to express emotions through mark-making • Using color and symbolism for expression • Working with photos for inspiration • Tips for using color studies Step into your own abstract frame of mind today!

An Inspired Collection of the Best of Abstract Art! Abstract art is a visual language--a riot of color, a profound explosion of texture and shape, a quiet collision of forms. Dynamic works of art can showcase pastel painting, showcase watercolor flowers, or even build off pen and ink drawings. Abstract artists are limited only by their imagination. And through instinct, composition and an inspired color palette, they translate emotions, ideas or experiences into immersive images you want to explore again and again. This book is a stunning volume of more than 100 award-winning abstract works showcasing the colorful and expressive nature of contemporary abstract art. Pieces have been hand-selected from the Pastel Journal's Pastel 100 competitions and The Artist's Magazine's annual competitions, hard-bound to provide years of beauty and enjoyment. Each painting is accompanied by an insightful critique from the artist. You may discover oil painting tips, watercolor techniques, details about creative process, artistic inspiration, and revelations on why abstraction is an important art form. "You need passion and dedication to do abstract work and that is really my best advice to aspiring artists. You have to let your heart and emotion lead you to where you want to go." --Denise Athanas, page 11 "For me abstract art can teach us about the beauty that lies deep within all our experience, often unseen until we change our perspective, remove our usual filters and allow our hearts and minds to open to the wonders of life." --Patricia Bevan, page 15