Book Review: Plein Air Techniques for Artists by Aimee Erickson

Title: Plein Air Techniques for Artists

Author: Aimee Erickson
Genre: Nonfiction - Art - Painting
Publisher: Rockport Publishers - Copyright 2023
Publication Date: April 4, 2023
ISBN: 9780760379356
Read: March 20, 2023
Disclaimer: I received a digital advance reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Take your plein air artwork to the next level through easy-to-understand workshop-style lessons and skill-building exercises. 

In Plein Air Techniques for Artists, award-winning artist and respected workshop instructor Aimee Erickson demystifies how to capture a variety of light effects and guides you in strengthening your plein air skills through practice. This accessible book covers: 

• Materials and gear. Gain a basic knowledge of the possibilities so you can keep your options open and your plein air process fresh. 
• Composition and value. Explore the impact of proportion, color, value, line, edges, shape, and texture. 
• Color. Consider how knowledge and intention, your color palette, and what you see—your perspective—take turns being in charge of the color game, inventing rules and finding solutions. 
• Light effects. Learn how conditions of the day—how much light there is, and whether it’s soft, diffuse, golden, harsh, pale, or dusky—affect everything we see and how we paint. 
• Design and the visual idea. Discover strategies for developing a visual idea, from creating serial studies to working with a camera to improvisation. 

Featuring exceptional still lifes, figures, and landscapes by other noted artists working in a range of mediums, Plein Air Techniques for Artists gives artists at all levels of experience the guidance they need to grow as a plein air artist.

Review: "Plein air" is just a fancy way of saying "painting outside." It normally is referring to painting during daylight hours, but Aimee Erickson doesn't limit the techniques demonstrated in this book to strictly daytime. Plein Air Techniques for Artists covers the range from morning, noon, and even twilight and nocturnal. (Personally, I think nocturnes are far more interesting than daylight paintings and don't receive nearly enough attention.)

Erickson covers the basics from materials and gear to various forms of lighting--indirect, back, front, sunlight and shadow, and nocturnes--to special effects and even includes a glossary and quick reference guide. As part of the materials and gear section, I appreciated the explanation of the various mediums and their pros/cons such as oils, acrylics, watercolors, etc. Erickson also provides information on composition and value, perspective, color, and so much more. 

Plein Air Techniques for Artists is perfect for the beginner as well as the more experienced artist who may be looking to expand their knowledge.

Book Review: Creating Art with Alcohol Ink by Laurie Williams & Sheryl Williams

Title: Creating Art with Alcohol Ink

Author: Laurie Williams and Sheryl Williams
Genre: Art - Painting
Publisher:  Design Originals - Copyright 2023
Publication Date: January 17, 2023
ISBN: 9781497206250
Read: January 16-19, 2023
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Whether you're a seasoned artist or are about to paint your first brush stroke, Creating Art with Alcohol Ink will show you how to paint with alcohol ink! 

In this complete painting book, you'll discover 12 different painting techniques — including pouring, dripping, blowing, blending, staining and lifting, masking, brush painting, push and glide, dabbing, doodling, splattering, and wisping — so you can practice and master them all on different surfaces! Also included are detailed opening overviews on the basics of alcohol inks, surfaces, color theory, and other essential topics to know. 

Stunning step-by-step alcohol ink painting projects are provided to recreate beautiful birch trees, tropical scenes, mountain landscapes, and even home décor items like tile coasters, ornaments, and jewelry pendants using easy-to-find and affordable materials. With so many easy-to-follow technique tutorials and inspiring projects to try, this is an absolute must-have resource!

Review: Alcohol ink is a difficult creature to master, but co-authors Laurie Williams and Sheryl Williams make taming this beast look easy! Creating Art with Alcohol Ink focuses on techniques for using bottled alcohol-based ink versus markers, but there is a very small section dedicated to art created with markers, which I appreciated since the markers are the only alcohol-based ink I've personally used. However, after reading this book, I'm ready to try delving into the world of bottled inks.

In addition to a full-color inspiration gallery filled with art that's sure to light the creative fire in any artist, the authors take time to cover the tools and supplies needed for working with alcohol inks as well as the safety equipment. Yes, there are hazards to working the alcohol-based inks and proper precautions must be taken. I always love when artists-turned-authors share safety information so this can be factored into not just the cost of working with a new medium but into the set up of my workspace. 

The authors then cover a topic I don't see covered nearly enough in books: Color Theory. Since the nature of alcohol inks lends to free-flowing blending techniques, it pays to know in advance which colors will blend to create secondary and tertiary colors and so on rather than the well-known brownish color known as "mud." With step-by-step instructions for making your own color wheel, this vital section will save time in the long run because you'll not only know which colors will work to create dazzling new colors but how the inks work before ever starting a project. Time savers = bonus points!

Speaking of projects, Creating Art with Alcohol Ink doesn't skimp on them. With a choice of landscapes, birds, flowers, abstracts, and more and substrates from paper to metal, any alcohol ink artist from beginner to seasoned pro will find something to inspire and try. The instructions for each are clear and easy to follow, as is the writing as a general whole. It's like having two patient and knowledgeable instructors sitting next to you, sharing their secrets and their passion. If you're looking for a new artistic challenge, then pick up a copy of Creating Art with Alcohol Ink. You won't be disappointed.