International Journal of the Guild of Silk Painters
Winter 2016
Abstract painting is one of life's little mysteries to me, however much I admire and I try I never seem to achieve a satisfactory abstract acceptable maybe but not good. This book gives indicators on approaches to abstract. There are 50 exercises which with a little thought by using gutta, soy wax, dyes, silk tops, and applying scraps of rough textured silk fabrics to smooth Habotai interesting results can be achieved. I would love this for my own collection. This is using 'play' constructively to promote your own individual style.
Customer
March 09
Ive always been interested in good abstract work, but have never seen an instruction book as wonderful as yoursIts 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
Artbookreview.net
Oct 08
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 artists 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 doesnt 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, its 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 dont. If you look at an abstract and think, my dog could do better than that, then its a reasonable assumption that this is not for you. If, however, youre intrigued by the subject but dont 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 youll feel at home pretty quickly and wont have to spend a long time re-acclimatising yourself every time you turn a page.
