Acrylic Portrait Painting

Dust jacket notes: "To those interested in painting portraits, the new acrylic paints have come as a welcome addition to the artist's palette. The versatility of these paints greatly increases the range of technical effects possible in portrait painting. This is actually two books in one: it is a complete examination of acrylic painting techniques, and it is also a practical book on painting portraits. The first half of the book explores the medium itself: the varied handling characteristics of the paints, and the other acrylic painting materials available - gesso, modeling paste, gloss medium, matte medium, gel, and retarders. In order for the reader to explore the working characteristics of acrylics, the author proposes a series of ten projects. In these projects, the reader can experiment by using acrylics as opaque and transparent color; by adding modeling paste; by painting transparently with gel; by using gesso, matte medium, varnish, etc. Mastering the use of these materials is essential for the reader to enjoy the full extent of the possibilities that acrylics offer. Firmly believing that there is more to painting portraits than simply understanding the medium, the author discusses what she calls 'the seven components of painting' - the basic principles that apply not only to portraits, but to any subject. First she discusses the planning components: motivation, composition, and drawing. Then she describes the four painting components: rhythm of application, found-and-lost lines, tone values, and color...."