Showing that, contrary to popular belief, abstract painting does possess rules, this guide lays the groundwork of well-defined techniques that keep abstract artworks within the confines of clear expression. Helping artists evolve from the formal structures of representational painting—such as cityscapes, still life, and portraiture—toward a more adventurous notion of representation, this resource combines step-by-step techniques with a gallery of finished pieces to offer aspiring artists equal parts instruction and inspiration. Emphasizing color above all else, this manual explores the application of textures, using both opposing color shades as well as opposing color temperatures, for an amazing array of shapes that refer back to the original inspiration.

Virginia Cobb develops three abstract paintings, each started by emphasizing a different design element: line, shape, texture. In the first half of her process she builds a rich under structure. She creates, destroys, and creates again unpredictable shapes, textures and color combinations. In doing so she establishes multiple layers of depth and mystery. Her final process is a rational analysis that evaluates color temperature, edges, shapes and balance. She applies the concepts of linkage, depth, rhythm and harmony to an amazing result. In the process, you see Virginia's bold and inventive handling of the media while â??listening in' on her thought process. Her daring solutions reflect a lifetime of experimentation and experience. The result is three very different paintings that have in common strength, beauty and mystery.

Free yourself of color inhibitions. Watch Carl take a flat street scene and turn it into a colorful, energetic environment using lush color and active brush work.Carl Dalio explains the different types of light and where to anticipate areas perfect for adding vibrancy. Carl gives a brief explanation of perspective, explains the strengths of his limited palette and executes a quick sketch directly on his watercolor paper. He paints the scene in a logical yet free manner including simple figures.You learn how to keep your colors clean and vibrant as you make your own painting full of life and energy. IN ADDITION the DVD workshop includes a special half hour in-depth explanation of color and light.Carl's constant attention to design and color management results in a scene that radiates energy. To learn a freeing and exciting method for working with watercolor, join us for Carl Dalio on Color Power: The Path to Visualizing Energetic Color.

Many artists find the move into abstraction a difficult and uncertain one because they lack the proper guidance needed to take this bold step. In this inspirational workbook, award-winning mixed media artist Claire Harrigan leads painters towards non-representational painting through the use of color. Fantastically illustrated throughout and featuring sound technical advice, it covers every aspect of abstract painting, from concepts and influences, inspirations and starting points to approaching subjects, basic design considerations, and surface textures. Step-by-step analyses of Harrigan’s own work demonstrate the importance of color contrast, harmony, and impact in a range of mixed media.

Until now, the techniques used to create great abstract paintings were surrounded by a veil of mystery. Abstract Painting: Concepts and Techniques lifts that veil to reveal the exact methods behind the masterworks. Now students and professional artists can stop guessing and start building on the techniques of the great abstract artists to create their own innovative new work. Two clear, comprehensible sections let artists focus quickly on their specific areas of interest. The first section, on Traditional Painterly Abstraction, using brush and easel, looks at pictorial space, brushwork, paint quality, and collage. The second section, on Post-Painterly Modern Abstraction, considers options ranging from the pour-and-spatter techniques of Jackson Pollock to the staining, scraping, and abrading of modern acrylic artists. Step-by-step recipes for key approaches show artists how to get the best aesthetic results, freeing them to move forward philosophically.

Full instructions for 65 abstract paintings are provided in this guide that urges beginners to plunge right in, learning about composition, theme, and design while they paint. The history of abstract painting and its importance as a means of self-expression are covered in the guide's beginning pages, and each of the paintings that follow conventional step-by-step instruction is replaced with information on composition, imagery, method, materials, and technique, allowing the painter to copy straight from the book—or make changes according to the flow of creativity.

Filled with inspired instruction, this detailed guide shows how to compose dramatic, beautiful, thought-provoking, and evocative abstract paintings. Providing background information about the artistic style, the procedures and aims of the abstract method are explored in depth. This manual also teaches where to find inspiration, how to develop ideas, the way to create lively effects, and how to apply a range of techniques on different surfaces, whether it be transparent watercolor or thickly applied acrylics. While focusing on the goal of developing the creativity and self-expression inherent in each individual, the approach is unique in that there are no step-by-step instructions.

Abstract artists aim to make unseen ideas visible, and this inspiring guidebook collects 50 abstract exercises for painters looking to expand their abilities and build their expressive repertoires. From purely conceptual compositions to emblematic interpretations of real objects, instructor Rolina van Vliet offers concrete insights into how each project moves from an assemblage of brushstrokes into an expressive idea. Accompanying each exercise are numerous detailed photographs that demonstrate the application of various media and methods, showing paintings that range from atmospheric, textured, and nuanced  to raw, powerful, and vibrant. The accompanying buying guide provides artists with additional advice on choosing supplies and other materials.