Customer Reviews

Abstract Painting: Concepts and Techniques

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I had this book on my wish list for a long time before it came out, and could hardly wait to get it. Unfortunately it doean't live up to its promise, though it does have some good parts.

It has plenty of full-color paintings to illustrate it, but apart from the few works by such luminaries as Morris Louis and Arshile Gorky, the paintings are mostly mediocre. That was a real disappointment. The text is somewhat better, but it seems oddly incomplete. For example, there are only ten pages of text about composition, and all of those pages are mostly taken up by illustrations. Another example: in the description of direct painting methods (i.e. brush on canvas), there are only five paragraphs, just one of which is about applying wet paint to a dry surface. However, an entire chapter is devoted to staining canvas. That doesn't make much sense to me.

The chapter on oil paints gives information you could find in any painting book (or online for that matter), such as what grounds and mediums to use, but has no mention of how they are used specifically in abstract painting. Why would an abstract painter choose oils over acrylics, or vice versa? You won't learn it here.

All in all, the book does have some interesting information, but it is not very well organized and there are big gaps. It is a real let-down, since there are so few books about abstract painting.

It's a pity to dismiss Vicky Perry's book if you have done absolutely no abstract painting, because you may well find it invaluable further down the track. The text provides advanced theories that will be well beyond someone who is a complete beginner, but will be a mine of information for the experienced amateur as well as the art student.

I purchased this book before I found Brian Ryder's "Beyond Realism" (see my review of this book) and was initially as challenged by Vicky Perry's text as other reviewers. However, having now worked my way through Ryder's book (and two other's I mention at the end of this review) I found that the concepts and techniques in "Abstract Painting" began to click, and even found them refreshing and exciting. What is more, the examples of abstract art in Perry's book are from professionals, which are hardly open to criticism from amateurs. Okay, so I don't like them all either, but that can only be a plus: you can ask yourself - how would I express the artist's idea myself? (You can't do that with the one's you like - they've already made the definitive statement!)

This is no paint-by numbers book for two reasons: firstly, by its very nature, abstract art cannot be taught literally, in formal steps - as is technical drawing, for example. Secondly, the author quite reasonably assumes that the reader has some experience, not only in the fundamentals of art making, but also in basic forms of abstract expression. If you are short on either of these skills, you need to start elsewhere.

Contrary to what other reviewers claim, there are plenty of books available that can get a beginner started on abstract painting. It is just that such books are not necessarily titled "abstract." They tend to come under the cateories of design, or creativity. Even collage books like those of Gerald Brommer are a good introduction to abstract principles - with instruction included.

For the absolute beginner, I would recommend beginning with Mary Todd Beam's "Celebrate your Creative Self." All the exercises in this book are abstract, and clear instructions are given as to materials and techniques. You even get to copy to some extent! Next, I recommend Maxine Masterfield's "Painting the Spirit of Nature." That also gives techniques, but assumes more experience. Try Vicky Perry's Book after you have cut your teeth on these two - or something similar. I am sure you won't be disappointed.

There aren't many books on technique where abstract art is concerned. I understand that by its nature, each abstract painting is a new invention, and may not relate solidly to anything else. Even so, artists like me who want to create abstract works would be grateful to know how to generate certain effects with certain techniques and materials.

This book falls short in this dimension. It's filled with windy theory, and woefully lacking in practical information. There are many examples of abstract works (some good, some not), but virtually no clear information on how they were produced. Biggest weakness: there are no step-by-step photos to clarify the text and provide insights into the examples.

The book is not totally useless. If you can get through the turgid prose, there are a few nuggets of information you may find of value. But I suppose it'll have to do till somebody turns out something better.

The authoress, herself an artist, makes many excellent points. The one that stands out to me most strongly is that the whole point of abstraction/non-traditional working is to develop a technique of conceptual expression that is uniquely your own through trial. I bought this book to help me through a creative block. I must stress that painting is my job, which means I come in with certain knowledge and experience. Having read the book and the complaints of some readers, I suspect I understand the disconnect (leading me to write this review). The book might be somewhat frustrating for someone who is a dabbler (even a serious dabbler, mind you) because I think it makes certain assumptions about the reader's knowledge and confidence with paint. If one has the knowledge, the techniques and ideas presented are open-ended enough to gently guide one towards conceptual experimentation! I think this book is great for people who are comfortable enough with their painting to move into tackling conceptual problems with paint, rather than "how to paint". Her writing is snappy and concise and there are a lot of illustrations, which, in a visual medium, I appreciate. This book is one I will keep close at hand in my studio.

I am purchasing this book, because like you there is not much out there for contemporary painting. I researched long and hard and found one book in a library, then found it on line, but very expensive as it is out of print, 'Painting and Understanding Abstract Art" by Leonard Brooks. This book takes you back to the 60's (published 1964, ISBN 0-442-11119-3) and does a pretty good job of covering the basics including "A Year's course" which you can follow to increase your understanding of all the concepts of abstract art introduced in the book. Try a library, including inter-library loan requests. I went to UW Seattle Wash in the 60's and believe me they didn't teach you how to do abstract art even then, you found your own way. I was exposed to lots of modern art, and find that was the best influence. Look at art of that time, world wide. Now I paint abstractly having gone through learning to draw and paint more realisitically. I find that study of design, composition and form is the back ground to draw upon, as well as inner inspiration. Abstract art is the more demanding for all that you have learned (formal elements, handling color, paint etc.)and then given up. A painter for 20 years.

I HAVE THE BOOK NOW! WOW! I GIVE FIVE STARS! This may not be a helpful how to do it step by step kind of book, but there is a great deal of information on making & creating abstract art. Why do I say this? Because every painting is an illustration of a technique, which is well described in the caption next to the work. Abstract art is a concept expressed through the paint, the artist's visual idea, along with the artist's imposed limitations that increase the power or impact of the image. There are tons of ideas presented, any one of which you could use to start making an abstract painting. Follow the section showing one artist's method of making test paintings, make test paintings of your own by following an idea that appeals and go for it!

a book for post art school impetus---

the serious could work and experiment from the contents of this book forever...

..the negative reviews I have read here seem to come from those who were
looking for a how-to short-cut to art making in a hurry...
there is no such device

this is a highly intelligent resourse--if, as an artist, the contents seem
beyond your grasp, then keep working/seraching/researching and try reading
it again...

This book is full of excellent illustrations and details. It is not a how-to book nor does it give step by step directions. The inspiration comes from looking at the variety of possibilities and variation in styles that contemporary artists are working with. It is a sophisticated look at painting, and if the reader gives it a chance it can be both educational and motivating.

an excellent resource for students, artists and anyone curious about contemporary abstract painting
well researched and clear: a good balance of concept & technical information

highly reccommended

I was delighted with the comprehensive nature of this book. For an artist who is on the edge of abstraction this book has given me a range of very practical methods with which to proceed. It is well set out and easy to find your way around. I was impressed with the detail of e.g. opaque acrylic paint recipes.

Good book. Really clues you in on the whys and what fors of abstract painting. After reading this book (more than once) I was not intimidated by trying my hand at abstract painting. The photos in the book are awesome. The author knows her art as does those artists who contributed to the book.