Product Description

Clear, challenging and inspiring, this book contains instructions for 65 abstract paintings that you can get to work on straightaway, with no previous experience.All the basic information relating to picture elements, composition, theme and design is provided at the start of the book, together with an exploration of the meaning of abstract painting, and its importance as a means of self-expression and creativity.Rather than providing step-by-step instructions, each of the exercises consists of information on method, materials, technique, composition, imagery and structure which will direct you to the finished piece while at the same time allowing your creativity to flow.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2577 in Books
• Published on: 2008-07-18
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 168 pages

Review
Artbookreview.net:This is a book of ideas for working in a purely abstract style, but also one which suggests ways of seeing and working by means of a series of exercises that introduces 65 different approaches.These exercises are the heart of the book and each one is arranged across two pages with a finished painting on the right and, on the left, notes which explain the artist's intention and the techniques used to achieve it.Abstraction is as much a state of mind and a way of seeing as anything else. It doesn't really have techniques of application that are any different to conventional painting. so what it comes down to is structure, shape and colour. As such, it's a difficult subject to teach - and an even more difficult one to teach through a book - because you either understand the mindset behind it or you don't. If you look at an abstract and think, A"my dog could do better than thatA", then it's a reasonable assumption that this is not for you. If, however, you're intrigued by the subject but don't feel you know where to start, then this book will help you a long way towards the end of the road. The simple, straightforward, approach removes pretty much all the mystique and the rigidly standardised layout means that you'll feel at home pretty quickly and won't have to spend a long time re-acclimatising yourself every time you turn a page. I've always been interested in good abstract work, but have never seen an instruction book as wonderful as yours - It's obvious that you have put a lot of love and hard work into this fabulous introduction to this exciting, challenging and always playful expression. You have inspired me to kick-start my painting after many years.-Patricia Cramer, South Africa For budding artists, or any artist stuck for ideas with an interest in abstracts, this could be the best 12.99 you spend. Rolina takes you through the techniques she uses to create inspiring art. This is not a step-by-step instruction book, but there are enough examples, ideas and stimulation here for you to get to grips with the techniques and produce your own stunning art. This compact 172 page book in glorious colour, explores many different ways of expression in art. This book gets a 10 from me - it is creative and gives the incentive to create.-KarenPlatt.co.uk

About the Author
Rolina van Vliet has studied at the Academy of Physical Education in Groningen, the teacher training department of Amsterdam College, and the fine arts department at the Free Academy in The Hague. She now teaches at various centres for artistic training, and has developed a new method of painting based on abstract painting. Her work varies from abstract expressionism to lyrical abstract painting, with the emphasis on spontaneity and dynamics, and with a clear preference for total abstraction. She regularly exhibits her work, has written articles for art magazines and runs workshops and courses on abstract art.

Customer Reviews

A great inspiration
I pre-ordered this book, being new to painting abstracts, and have not been disappointed. The emphasis is on creativity, inspiration and individualism. Basic information on composition, colour, texture etc is brief and succinct, and the exercises cover all aspects of "pure abstraction". These exercises are based on Ms Van Vliet's lessons and workshops, and enough information is given about each while encouraging the painter to be creative. The exercises are beautifully illustrated, a lot by works produced by Ms Van Vliet's students. I think this inspiring book could be well used not only by beginners but by more experienced artists branching out into abstract painting.

wonderful
a very interesting book which offers a powerfull idea of the elements and principles of designing, with very good lessons and pictures - I recommand it to artists who want to progress and teachers who want a good tool for their job ; I have read it and translated it in french for myself

How to enter abstract painting
I've been painting some years and completed all the local Open College Network courses but had never tried abstract painting.

I recently got interested in 'playing with colour' and using paint to express feelings and emotions, but I couldn't find a book that would lead me into it. I tried a few books on abstract painting but they seemed to be very tentative and disappointing.

This book is exactly what I was looking for. It takes the reader on a tour around the parameters of abstract painting, which helped me to understand the 'what', and it provides a structured series of 65 exercises which are guiding me as I explore the 'how'.

Some books on painting are mainly a showcase for the author's own paintings -not so here. This book is about encouraging you to explore methods for yourself, and it is well illustrated with examples of other students' work but not as something to 'copy' or imitate, just to show a pictorial example of each exercise ( and it does not waste the first twenty pages showing you pictures of paint brushes, and explaining the colour wheel.)

As another reviewer has said, this is like a full course on abstract painting led by an experienced tutor who encourages you to develop your own style of painting and to enjoy the journey of exploration.