Celtic Patterns: Painting Book [Paperback]

Aidan Meehan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1997 | Series: Celtic Design Series

A repertoire of Celtic patterns including all the main branches of traditional Celtic ornament and its use in decorating letters. Great works of art, such as the "Book of Kells" and the "Book of Durrow", were created by several artists working together, one drawing in pen and ink and the other filling in the outlines with colour. Here the reader is invited to fulfil the role of painter, while being guided by notes on the history of the designs and on the choice and order of the colours. This collection of designs, created by Aidan Meehan, is based on traditional sources - the great illuminated manuscripts and Pictish carved stonework - and includes the spirals and knotwork, geometric step and maze patterns, and beast, bird and plant designs which characterize Celtic patterns. The volume seeks to be of value to artists and designers interested in experimenting with colour combinations and techniques, as an introduction to Celtic art, and a gift for those interested in the Celtic legacy.

Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson (May 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500279381
• ISBN-13: 978-0500279380
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,105,588 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #4 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Arts & Photography > Graphic Design > Clip Art
  • #30 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Arts & Photography > Graphic Design > Design > General
  • #86 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Arts & Photography > Graphic Design > Commercial > Illustration

More About the Author

I am a Celtic artist who has written and illustrated 15 books on Celtic design, and now works as a full time artist exploring the art form in new ways, mainly as a painter. I also like to draw with the goose quill, and still enjoy doing calligraphy, mainly copperplate with the quill, and flourishing, which, it seems to me, is a continuation of the early Irish tradition, down through the centuries, by way of generations of scribes.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great designs to copy, March 30, 2000

By 

Megan L. Wiseman "formerly known as wolfkiller" (Raleigh, NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Celtic Patterns: Painting Book (Paperback)

The patterns and designs in this book are large and are ideal for the artist or craftsperson who is looking for a design to copy. However, there are no instructions or suggestions for how to use the designs and patterns shown. Because of this I wouldn't recommend this as a beginning place for the craftsperson looking for Celtic designs.

If you are looking for more instruction on how to adapt the designs for the particular craft you are engaging in, I would look elsewhere. But if you are already fairly proficient in your craft and also somewhat familiar with Celtic art, this is a terrific resource. A similar book which also has large designs to color in is Courtney Davis' book Knotwork and Spiral Patterns.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Celtic patterns: Painting Book/Aidan Meehan, July 8, 2002

By 

Betty Sylva "angiesylva" (Harrison, AR United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Celtic Patterns: Painting Book (Paperback)

A real delight. I wish there were more designs in the book, but they are large enough to study for reproduction in any craft.