The Bottom Line
If you want to move into non-representational painting but aren’t sure how to start or feel you’ve run out of ideas, these 64 experiments will provide new approaches, challenges, and possibilities.
Pros
- 64 ideas to encourage experimentation
- Illustrated by paintings from a variety of artists
- Ideas descriptive rather than prescriptive
Cons
- Ideas for non-representational painting only
Description
- Published by Watson-Guptill Publications, New York, www.watsonguptill.com. ISBN 0-8230-5663-5.
- First published in 1979, reprinted 2000. 160 pages, larger-than-average format.
- Introductory chapter contains black-and-white photos of paintings.
- All 64 experiments are illustrated with a colour reproduction of a painting.
- Experiments are described on one page with the example painting and an explanation on another.
- Each example has a detailed analysis of the painting in terms of the experiment set.
- Example artists vary from the unknown to the famous, such as George O’Keeffe.
- Opening chapters deal with the uniqueness of watercolour, loosening up, and planning a painting.
- Also tips on knowing when a painting is finished.
- Experiments arranged in three groups: composition, new concepts, and unusual techniques.
Guide Review - Watercolor Bold and Free
If you’re wanting to develop as a representational artist, this isn’t the book for you. But if you’re wanting to work looser, to experiment with abstract painting, and generally test the possibilities of watercolor (or acrylics used thinly as watercolor) you’re sure to enjoy the 64 challenges set in this book. They aren’t set out in a prescriptive way (do this, do that, now do this), but in a descriptive way. An idea is explained and an example painting given, but then you’re left up to your own as to how you execute and experiment with the idea. The ideas are grouped by composition, concept, and techniques such as unconventional brushwork and texture. Once you’ve worked through some, you’ll indeed be working bolder and freer.
