Abstract and Colour Techniques in Painting Book

Many artists find the move into abstraction a difficult and uncertain one because they lack the proper guidance needed to take this bold step. In this inspirational workbook, award-winning mixed media artist Claire Harrigan leads painters towards non-representational painting through the use of color. Fantastically illustrated throughout and featuring sound technical advice, it covers every aspect of abstract painting, from concepts and influences, inspirations and starting points to approaching subjects, basic design considerations, and surface textures. Step-by-step analyses of Harrigan’s own work demonstrate the importance of color contrast, harmony, and impact in a range of mixed media.

Daniel Lombardo - Library Journal

Abstract art is an oft-misunderstood genre. Harrigan, a major Scottish artist, feels that many find the move into abstraction difficult because they lack the proper guidance. Here, she guides the artist through the composition and structure of abstract and semiabstract painting, covering a range of subjects, e.g., still lifes, flowers, buildings, figures, and landscapes. Her primary interest is the use of color in mixed media, i.e., combining acrylic, gouache, watercolor, oil, pastel, and collage. She shows the process of abstraction through the simplification, distortion, and exaggeration of a subject, and she takes a look at painting pure abstraction, without initial subject matter or inspiration. Recommended.