Arteffects (Practical Art Books) [Paperback]

Jean Drysdale Green (Author)

Book Description

Series: Practical Art Books | Publication Date: October 1, 1993

A visual sampler, including step-by-step demonstrations, for experimenting with inks, watercolor, acrylics, oils, pastels, and unusual materials to achieve hundreds of different effects to use in your paintings.

Looking for new directions in your artwork? Between the covers of ArtEffects you'll find hundreds of fresh ideas that will spark your creative instincts.

ArtEffects is divided into five sections that cover the most-used painting mediums: inks, watercolor, acrylics, oils, and pastels. Each section begins with a general discussion of the specific medium's unique properties, physical makeup, and methods of application, followed by a list of various materials that can be used in combination with the medium. Then comes a dazzling display of examples (some with step-by-step demonstration) of the almost limitless textures and effects you can achieve by combining one medium with another, or with the myriad papers and art-related products on the market today, as well as with household and other unexpected materials such as cornstarch, string, and plastic wrap. Here, you can easily find out how a specific medium will perform in combination with, for example, sand, gold gouache, or acrylic modeling paste, and how that medium can be used in airbrush, stenciling, and monoprinting techniques.

With more than 400 full-color examples of effects that run the gamut from the traditional to the experimental, ArtEffects is an extraordinary visual reference that belongs in every artist's studio.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jean Drysdale Green was born in Perth, Western Australia. Her special interest in art began in 1969 when she joined a local artist's group, and subsequently she studied at Perth Technical College, Churchlands College of advanced Education, Stanhope Institute (in London, England), and Claremont School of Art. She has won numerous awards for her paintings, which have been shown at the Bedford Way in London, the McLelland in Frankston, Victoria, and the Burswood Casino in Perth. Her work was also featured in a one-woman exhibition in Perth. From 1981 to 1988 Green was the co-proprieter of a retail art supply business in Perth. She has participated in National Art Materials Trade Association conferences, as well as in papermaking workshops in both Japan and Australia. She is the author of Five Minute Flower Painting (Sydney, N.S.W.: Australian Artist Magazine, 1992), and in 1992 was a guest lecturer in mixed media at Curtin university in Western Australia. Currently she is president of the Watercolor Society of Western Australia.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Watson-Guptill; Seventh Printing edition (October 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823025292
• ISBN-13: 978-0823025299
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 0.7 x 11 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #355,277 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

72 of 74 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful for paper artits, very creative, inspirational, May 2, 2000

By 

Angel Lee "Liocorno Amethyst Moonstone" (Cleveland, OH United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Arteffects (Practical Art Books) (Paperback)

As a rubber stamper & paper arts lover I found this book very useful. It is packed with tons of ideas and numerous color photos inspired me. I would recommend this book to anyone who ever runs out of creative ideas or needs some inspiration.

Included in this book are many techniques for creating stunning & unique backgrounds in almost every media type. Ideas include texturing with sand, freezing or microwaving ink, and using a non-stick spray as a resist.

However, this book is not just for backgrounds. Painting techniques for many mediums are also included. There are original and helpful ideas for using pastels, acrylics, oils, inks, gouache and watercolor.

Finally, to my surprise and delight, it also covered encaustic painting, carving on hardboard & then painting it, impasto effects and many original ideas for batik type work. Get this book and use it!

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding book you'll refer to again & again..., June 20, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Arteffects (Practical Art Books) (Paperback)

This is a gem of a book that I find myself referring back to time and time again. The illustrations are lavish and the technique instructions and description of materials are clear and concise. I find new inspiration each time I refer to this book. I have found, however, it's not a good idea to read it at night before going to bed. Invariably it gets me so inspired, I am compelled to get up and start a new creative project in the middle of the night! There is truly a wealth of information and inspiration contained in this book. Many unusual techniques and materials are also covered. Highly recommended!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars like a kid in a candy store, March 30, 2007

By 

Kathryn Shimmura - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Arteffects (Practical Art Books) (Paperback)

I must disagree with the reviewer who said this book is not for the true artist. I am an artist and although I know some of the techniques or variations thereof, there are plenty more that I can't wait to try. I feel like a kid in a candy store, not knowing what to do first.

Sure, this is not a book that teaches you how to draw or paint, or how to make good compositions. Its focus is on techniques to achieve certain effects. That's all it says it is and it does that admirably.