Acrylics - The Watercolor Alternative [Hardcover]

Charles Harrington (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 27, 2005

Acrylics are now second only in popularity to watercolour and can be seen as a real alternative to it. Step-by-step demonstrations and technique exercises - 25 in total - guide readers on how to use acrylic's forgiving nature to capture the look of watercolour. More than just a book on the virtues of the acrylic medium, Acrylics: The Watercolor Alternative: Illustrates transparent, translucent and opaque painting techniques while retaining the aesthetic that makes watercolour so attractive Presents easy-to-grasp, thorough instruction on such basics as designing successful compositions, making preliminary sketches and dividing the paper space Includes a gallery of outstanding finished paintings that prove acrylics can exceed watercolour's limitations

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Charles Harrington's work has appeared in many US watercolour magazines. Harrington has taught at university level for over 20 years, and teaches workshops for beginners and advanced painters.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: North Light Books (July 27, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581805861
• ISBN-13: 978-1581805864
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #481,310 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #83 in Books > Arts & Photography > Painting > Acrylics

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent, February 7, 2006

By 

Shari (OR. USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Acrylics - The Watercolor Alternative (Hardcover)

I love this book. If you love the vibrancy of watercolors but not their 'fragility' this book offers a great alternative. I am an intermediate to advanced artist and find that this book is exactly what I was looking for. I especially like the section on riverbed rocks under water. The instructions are very clear and easy to follow and cover a nice range of subjects (landscapes, water, trees, buildings, flowers, etc.) There are plenty of step by step demos to get a feel for the technique. There is also a nice, but not overly long section on materials. His painting style is somewhat realistic, but not too much. After buying lots of books I have FINALLY found just what I was looking for. I took a chance on this one, since there weren't many reviews and I couldn't look inside the book, and I am very happy with it.

39 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Review of Acrylics: The Watercolor Alternative, March 14, 2006

By 

Albino Hinojosa - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Acrylics - The Watercolor Alternative (Hardcover)

Being a former teacher of art I have 4 favorite books and this has become one of them. I found Acrylics: The Watercolor Alternative to have the best demonstrations that illustrate technique. I use acrylics in my work and Harrington's versatile use of acrylics makes for a wide range of possibilities. He is an architect which is reflected in the dicipline of his work. I love the sketches and preliminary designs he prepares. This is very important for artists. I would highly recommend this book. Bino, March 2006 Ruston, Louisiana

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Review- Acrylics: The Watercolor Alternative, November 9, 2006

By 

Barry W. Sweeny (Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Acrylics - The Watercolor Alternative (Hardcover)

Generally, this book was all that I hoped it would be. It gave specific step-by-step instructions and clear illustrations of demos for the techniques the book presents. Great pictures too. I thought of a few questions related to this topic while reading the book, and have not found the answers for some, so... it is not as comprehensive as I wished. As a long time water colorist and acrylic painter, I was given the exercises and steps I need to continue on my own using acrylics like w/c but avoiding some of the w/c problems that inhibit some of my ideas. A measure of my approval of the book is that I am considering a workshop by the author, when I have the opportunity.