Encyclopedia of Acrylic Techniques, The: A Unique Visual Directory of Acrylic Painting Techniques, With Guidance On How To Use Them

This Book is okay for the beginning artist exploring a range of obtions. The title is a bit misleading as it calls itself the "Encyclopedia", the book is way too short in my opinion to be considered an encyclopedia. however it does contain useful techniques. nevertheless it is not the type of book I was looking for. I wanted a spectrum of a variety of techniques old and new to explore the medium of Acrylic. I do see myself picking up this book often to reference back to, but it is not the type of book an experienced artist should purchase to learn new techniques.The book is informative with step by step explanations and detailed pictures. I do see myself doing some of the projects as the pictures are very interesting.Overall the book is a good buy for the new student or if you are teaching; this book would be a good refrence as the projects seem fun and a variety of levels are included.

When first opening this book, I was surprised at how small the painting examples are. I'm also unhappy with the quality of the paintings. The author describes them with positive words, but many of them are messy and unattractive. They are quite uninspiring to the beginning painter.In the section for "collage," the author presents paintings that are only partial collage. She says about one example, "Although this work on paper contains elements of collage, the artist prefers to describe it as a mixed-media painting." For another example she says "Here collage has been used in certain areas of the painting to create additional texture..." The photos of these "partial collage" paintings don't show any texture. Three out of the four collage examples look like paint scribblings. I am very interested in collage technique, therefore I'm quite unhappy with these two pages devoted to collage.I'm also interested in knife painting, but I'll just have to take the author's word for what she says because the pictures are too small for clear illustration.On a positive note: Because the text is good, it makes up (to a degree) for the poor illustrations in some sections. And some sections ARE well illustrated.

I havebeen panting with Acrylics for many years, having switched from oils because ofthe chemicals. This book provides information about all techniques in theuse of Acrylics in a very clear, understandable manner. It has proved tobe a great help to my painting efforts. I recently painted a 'Superman' for my great-grandaughter using information about glazing from the book. I would recomend it toall acrylic painters.

Being relatively new to using acrylics, I found this book to be a good overview of techniques, styles and processes for the acrylics painter. Although I felt the layout was a little disjointed at times, it is nonetheless a good primer.

I liked the ideas & techniques outlined in the book. Perhaps not enough detail for the new artist, but very good for someone who already knows their way around a canvas.

A good book on using acrylics in general.

Bought this for my husband. He has raved about the good tips from this book that he has incorporated in his painting techniques. He is an amateur artist. Would recommend for anyone just starting out in painting. My husband primarily paints flowers.

Should have looked at the author. I was so excited, but this book offers very little what I need.. nd even tho it came in the time frame. I ordered it a LONG time ago, must have come pony express./.Taught me a lesson need to look at authors! cover is very close to what the one I wanted..

very helpful

Useful hints.

I expected to see some tips or instructions. It was purely technical.

While the author is honest in calling this book an encyclopaedia, it's a mini-encyclopaedia. It runs to 175 pages with index and is well-illustrated throughout. Like all such books, it is organised alphabetically, but this may not be the best way to introduce amateurs or hobbyists to the subject of painting with acrylics. It assumes that they know what acrylic paint is, what it should be painted on and what tools to use, for example.The front and back covers (identical) show what the reader can assume to be sections from the book, but when I looked for "fantasy" as promised on the cover, it was absent from the A-Z layout of the text and also from the index.I am sure, however, that the abundance of illustrations will inspire anyone to experiment with this painting medium, since acrylic paint is renowned for its bright colours which are particularly resistant to fading and I have no hesitation in recommending it to a beginner or to someone who has been painting in acrylics and is looking for a source of inspiration.p.s. I have since found the "abstraction & fantasy" section of the book. It's the last four pages before the index and fits well with the overall feel of the rest (that is, it's brief, colourful and leaves the reader to their own devices).

The book is nicely designed and written but if you’re an absolute beginner I feel it is too far advanced in its techniques, but it would be good for someone who already has some skill