Journeys To Abstraction


Book Description

We don't have to know what a painting is if we know how it makes us feel. A fun, fascinating survey of abstract art, Journeys to Abstraction offers a behind-the-scenes look at how contemporary artists break free from literal depiction to rejoice in the pure expressive power of color, line and texture. • 58 artists share 100 striking abstract paintings, along with the ideas, inspirations and diverse working processes behind them. • Covers a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional media and techniques, including watercolor, collage, acrylics, ink and more. • Four step-by-step demonstrations show how abstract pieces come together from start to finish. Discover how artists paint, pour, scrape, spray, carve, stamp, collage and otherwise build complex layers of texture and meaning. Painting with egg cartons, turning acrylic paints into shards of "stained glass," incorporating old "failed" paintings into fresh finished pieces...anything goes in abstract art! Marked by an inspiring freedom of form and content, this is a liberating book for any artist in search of new, dynamic forms of self-expression.




John Salminen - Master of the Urban Landscape


Book Description

Take a Journey with the Master of the Urban Landscape! John Salminen is one of the most accomplished watercolor artists working today, earning awards and recognition all over the world. Whether depicting the trees of Central Park, the architecture of San Francisco or the busy streets of Beijing, John Salminen's watercolor paintings are snapshots of urban life that are both rich in detail and universal in appeal. In Master of the Urban Landscape, Salminen shares over 150 pieces of his artwork, spanning his entire career. His early abstracts and recent plein air work in the book's Introduction set the groundwork for four chapters of remarkable watercolor paintings that highlight different aspects of his work: architectural form, organic form, human form and light and shadow. Throughout, Salminen shares the inspiration for his paintings, challenges he encountered and techniques he used to capture unique scenes from cities around the world. Embark on an amazing watercolor journey with John Salminen—Master of the Urban Landscape. "John Salminen is a master of the medium of watercolor. His sense of light and design sets him apart from his contemporaries, and he has emerged as one of the finest living artists of our times with a style very much his own." --Dean Mitchell




Art Journey - Abstract Painting


Book Description

An Inspired Collection of the Best of Abstract Art! Abstract art is a visual language--a riot of color, a profound explosion of texture and shape, a quiet collision of forms. Dynamic works of art can showcase pastel painting, showcase watercolor flowers, or even build off pen and ink drawings. Abstract artists are limited only by their imagination. And through instinct, composition and an inspired color palette, they translate emotions, ideas or experiences into immersive images you want to explore again and again. This book is a stunning volume of more than 100 award-winning abstract works showcasing the colorful and expressive nature of contemporary abstract art. Pieces have been hand-selected from the Pastel Journal's Pastel 100 competitions and The Artist's Magazine's annual competitions, hard-bound to provide years of beauty and enjoyment. Each painting is accompanied by an insightful critique from the artist. You may discover oil painting tips, watercolor techniques, details about creative process, artistic inspiration, and revelations on why abstraction is an important art form. "You need passion and dedication to do abstract work and that is really my best advice to aspiring artists. You have to let your heart and emotion lead you to where you want to go." --Denise Athanas, page 11 "For me abstract art can teach us about the beauty that lies deep within all our experience, often unseen until we change our perspective, remove our usual filters and allow our hearts and minds to open to the wonders of life." --Patricia Bevan, page 15




The Artist's Journey


Book Description

If you yearn to say yes to your deepest expression in your art and life, this self-help book is for you. Dr. Hillis guides you past resistance on your artist's journey so you can finally trust yourself, develop confidence and cultivate deep exploration and experimentation in your art. Bonus resource library with videos lessons and book club guide.