The Acrylic Painter's Book of Styles and Techniques

I don't see what people have to complain about in this book. It's 7 chapters show some good techniques from different painters, with more than one example and step by step instructions. I think what some people need to understand is that a book may only teach you a few things about painting and drawing, it cannot actually paint the picture for you. Do not expect to be painting like a pro just because you have read this book; it includes exactly what is stated in the title.

I purchased this book for a class that I am taking. It was the selected book for the class. It is excellent. I find it to be extremely readable and the examples and illustrations are very good. It would be an excellent book for self-study as well as for use in a classroom environment. I would highly recommend it.

and your staring at the canvas waiting for something, anything to inspire you...This book is excellent for taking your painting to the next level. Although the styles represented in the book are not my own, i took away several techniques after reading this book. The best thing about this book is it shows you HOW, so many books show the effect without the steps. Not this one, it's all laid out in an easy to understand and non-intimidating fashion.

The painting techniques of seven master artists, whose styles are quite diverse, are highlighted in as many chapters of this book. Textural techniques, flat opaque colors, ultra-realism, impasto, luminosity through thin glazes and experimental abstracts are all carefully described and illustrated on the pages. Not only do the artists take the reader through step-by-step demonstrations on one representative work, but they also showcase a gallery selection of other work that has been created through the same technique. My favorites were the incredibly dramatic, ultra realistic studies of still-life flowers by Barbara Buer. The technique of Michael Nevin, in his urban paintings shows an intense atmosphere of light and dark, reminiscent of Hopper. Although these are basic techniques, there is much to learn from the examples and the demonstrations are clearly described. Now, after reading the book, I am anxious to try this out for myself.

The book covers everything a beginner or intermediate artist would want to know about a variety of styles, techniques, and media.The illustrations are excellent and the text is easy to understand and well written.I found this book to be an outstanding learning tool.