The Joy of Acrylic Painting: Expressive Painting Techniques for Beginners Paperback – November 30, 2017

This book is fabulous! I took it to the office supply and had them add a spiral to it so I could lay it flat while I worked on the "mixing color" section, one of many of my favorite chapters. If you take this book seriously and really read and re-read, study and do the exercises in this book I guarentee you'll see improvement in your painting and techniques. My book is underlined, highlighted, dog-eared, somewhat paint-spattered and already has a 'well-loved' look. lol. I have treated the information in the pages as it were a course of study because it truly is 'system for painting' in your own style. Why study it like this? Well the information is so pertainant to what I need and want to immerse into my daily painting routine to become better at my craft. It's my go-to book every time I start to paint and I have learned more from this book and Annie O'Brien Gonzales's online workshop 'Floral Still Life Painting'' boldexpressiveworkshops.com then from any other book or online class. I love using color, painting expressivly and using flowers as the main subject and this book took me to a whole different level in my floral painting. I've only completed three paintings since I got the book and class a few weeks ago, but I can tell a major difference in my finished work. (as well as how much more I enjoy painting now, which I didn't think that was possible, as I loved it already). As a side note: Her technique on paint storage also saves a LOT of paint from being wasted, especially if you paint everyday like I do! Take a chance on this live 'game changer' if your into painting expressively ( NOT REALISTIC) flowers, landscapes or mixed media! BTW: BOTH of her books are equally good and each has different information, which is refreshing to see, as many artists with more then one book feel the need to repeat themselves. With all that said, I'd say it's a 10 star book.

I have taken many classes and bought many art supplies over the past three years. This book had many practical ideas that I could implement and helped put everything I learned together! I love the colorful illustrations and practical painting ideas at the end of the book too! Thank you for writing this book!

I now have both of her books. This one focuses more on still lifes, but I don't care. I love her art so much that any chance to have some examples of it to look at and hold in my hands, is enough for me! She covers the basics in both books, which I didn't need, but there were plenty of variations in the mixed media exercises in each book, which I liked. She went a little more into some abstraction exercises in this book and since abstract art intrigues me, I loved those exercises - especially the aerial landscape one. I think the colors in this book are even brighter and bolder, but her paintings have a richness and depth, they are not just "rainbow colors." I also liked the mixed media exercises in both books - there is a lot here to keep a person experimenting happily.

This book is a must for anybody that’s just starting out painting. She is great, explains everything, shows examples, perfect book !!!

May I just say I loved Annie O'Brien Gonzales' first book, Bold Expressive Painting. But here's the thing -- her second book is also fabulous! In fact, it's even more fabulous than the first one, which is saying something. The discussions about painting, inspiration, the projects, everything is designed to stimulate and motivate, and that doesn't even count the wondrous beauty of the example paintings scattered throughout the book. If there was one book that I would recommend you buy to improve your painting, this is it.

I love this book. This is my second book by this author. I like them both but this one, I love. I'm a floral painter that is tired of the same old thing. This book gives me the license to paint bright, colorful things that make me happy.

Ordered June 22 and received July 7-so disappointed to find back edge had been creased and folded open and there were spots of paint on a few pages-also could tell by discolored edge that it was a used book-should have been sold ad priced as a used book-

This is a good guide for artists who want to loosen up their style, and learn the basics. It includes how to make your own color charts and keeping a color book, processes for loose, creative painting and some mixed media processes. The photos are delightful and colorful.

This is a great book to get you past your art insecurities.

Libro ben fatto e con progetti da eseguire.

As described. It helped inspire me to attempt something new.

I loved this book. It provides simple clear instruction, great exercises and lots of inspirational advice.

Positive, enthusiastic book on painting, with lots of good ideas to inspire and encourage beginners.