Paint Alchemy: Exploring Process-Driven Techniques through Design, Pattern, Color, Abstraction, Acrylic and Mixed Media (Alchemy)

by Ms. Eva Marie Magill-Oliver

Experience wonder and excitement as you mindfully take your painting technique to the next level: It’s Paint Alchemy.

Part of the new Alchemy series, Paint Alchemy explores how to build a painting practice. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced painter, you’ll learn how to create freely by combining a foundation in solid techniques and design principles with an open approach that stays focused on the moment, rather than the end result.

You will learn how to prepare your art space, work with intention, and move between action and observation, responding to the work along the way. Paint Alchemy will help you cultivate a full perspective on the process: from developing ideas in a sketchbook to crystalizing your vision.

As you work through the exercises, you’ll gain a better understanding of color theory, mark making, representational form, abstraction, and composition. Mindfulness, experimentation, and reflection will give way to wonder as your paintings develop. 

• ISBN13: 9781631595967
• Publish Date: 8 November 2018 (first published 6 November 2018)
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 5 March 2021
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Quarry Books
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 120
• Language: English

Reviews

[Quirky Cat]

I received a copy of Paint Alchemy through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Every now and then you come across an art guide that is so helpful that it takes your breath away. For me, Paint Alchemy was that book. I loved how detailed each of the pages were, more than that though I really appreciated the high quality photos that were taken for this project. Being able to actually see the textures in the paint made all of the difference.
There are eight chapters in total in this book, so it’s all very neatly organized. I love how everything was categorized into easy to find sections – making it easy to quickly reference a technique as needed.
The chapters are: building a practice (all the basics from workspace to workflow); foundations of design; seeking balance; working with intention; exploring mixed-media tools; space, composition, and form; improvising with acrylics; and finally perspectives on color. Each chapter contains an explanation for the concept being covered as well as at least one related project (most of the chapters have two or more actually).
This was a shockingly comprehensive look at paint in all varieties. I can honestly tell you I’ve never seen a guide go through so many different materials that work well with paint. It was inspiring, to put it lightly.

For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks