Product Description

This is one of the ground-breaking books on acrylics - new in paperback. Acrylics is now a very popular medium with artists of all abilities, especially with the advent of new and better acrylic paints. "Capturing Light in Acrylics" (hb 07134 8863 8) was and still is one of the best books on the subject. John Hammond, a highly successful practising artist, shares his experiences and knowledge of this incredibly adaptable medium and offers helpful advice, instruction and inspiration. Particular attention is paid to the skilful interpretation of light to convey the mood and atmosphere of a place. The section on Practical Considerations includes details on materials, equipment, and colour mixing; the section Interpreting Light reveals the secrets behind light and tone, shadows, changing light and weather conditions; Subjects and Inspiration sections cover choosing subjects, composition, on location, landscapes, city views, boats and beaches, Mediterranean light and figures; and Developing Ideas detail working with sketches and photographs and studio painting. Practical explanatory text and inspirational illustrations combine to make this a valuable addition to any artist's bookshelf.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #123781 in Books
• Published on: 2006-06-16
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 128 pages

About the Author
John Hammond studied at Wimbledon School of Art and Bath Academy of ARt. H e began working as a professional artist in 1982, since when his paintings have attracted increasing interest, with sell-out exhibitions in some of the UK's most distinguished galleries. His work is now prized by collectors around the world. Co-writer Robin Capon is a well-known art journalist and he is the author of 19 books on art, including Light and Mood in Watercolour (with David Curtis).

Customer Reviews

Capturing light in acrylics
There are very few books about acrylic painting and as new convert to acrylics and with a love of Venice I knew this would be a good book to have. I was not disappointed. The pictures were wonderful, doing everything that the title suggests. The book described how versatile acrylics are, using them like watercolours, glazing, through to impasto. I would have liked to have seen just a few more demonstrations so that novices like me could see that maybe one day we could produce paintings with light and vitality that are illustrated in this book. The paintings of Venice capture the colours and atmosphere and show that John Hammond loves the place. Overall a good buy.

It does what it says on the tin
As a previous reviewer says, there are not many books devoted to acrylic painting, and this is probably the best I have seen. Thankfully it is not a step by step 'how to' book, with examples of techniques for painting 'realistic rocks', or skies, or trees. Nor are there any thumbnail examples of gimmics with clingfilm, bubble wrap, salt, etc. The nearest John Hammond gets to a colour wheel is to show us how he lays out his palette.
No wasted pages filled with colour or tonal 'exercises' using pears and apples. Hooray! More space for the excellent paintings.

Yet it all seems to be there. He leads us through his own process of making his paintings, generously imparting valuable information along the way, with sections on 'Practical Considerations, 'Interpreting Light', 'Subjects and Inspiration' and 'Developing Ideas' - each section dealing with a number of useful topics.

It is not very often one can read this type of book from cover to cover, but here the text is informative, interesting and relevant. A little short on humour maybe, but John is obviously an artist who is passionate about the medium he works in, and the subjects he chooses, and gets this across. Acrylic is no longer a poor substitute for oils, or an inferior medium, or difficult to use. Some of us knew this already, but if looking at this book does not convince you, then nothing will!

The paintings are stunning. Forget wishy washy pale greens and dull browns, the works absolutely glow with light and colour, but are never garish or gaudy. The brushwork is impressionistic without being sloppy, which suits the subjects very well, and no doubt as intended, does indeed capture the light.

We do see one work at 'under-painting' stage, and another two at beginning, middle and finished, which is very helpful. If I have one tiny criticism, I would have wished for these to have been broken down into a few more steps, just to encourage those, who like me, thought WOW - I wish I could paint like that! But somehow the more you look, the more you feel that, maybe, you could just do it. Eventually.

This is a book which will inspire you to get out your brushes and start painting with renewed enthusiasm, full as it is with fresh and beautiful work. The ability to 'look inside' before you buy is invaluable. The front cover illustration gives the impression that it might be all about architectural subjects, but in fact there are as many, if not more landscapes and coastal views. The work shown on the cover does not really do justice to the contents.

The title says it all, though. Buy the book - it does what it says on the tin!

capturing Light in Acrylics
Having just come to the end of my first year in Painting with OCA . John Hammond has given me with his book 'Capturing Light in Acrylics 'a totally new way of looking at things . His paintings of rainy days and water subjects which I found daunting , have now become so exciting that I even stand in the pouring rain to capture reflections that I had never before noticed . His teqnique of layering with deep colours and building up layers of paint to give different effects all make such sense .Every time I open it I learn some thing new .I just love this book .