Library Journal

Artist Akib (Painting Portraits in Acrylic) dives into the details of acrylic painting, beginning with a discussion of some of the mediums unique traits: a short drying time, suitability to a variety of surfaces, and the ability to thin the paint with water. Although the opacity of acrylics can present some challenges for artists, Akib shows that the mediums vivid colors and the ease of painting over mistakes make up for any defaults. Akib explores how a variety of mediums and tools can be used alongside acrylics to alter the paints consistency, texture, and drying time and demonstrates how brush pressure affects coverage. Readers are encouraged to try using acrylics to paint the same subject with three different techniques: by filling underlying line art with color, by using negative shapes, and by employing optical color mixing, a method favored by the impressionist painters. Dynamic street scenes, portraits, and landscapes illustrate Akibs mastery of laying down blocks of bold color to form the foundation of paintings, to which details and highlights are gradually added.

VERDICT: Many of Akibs techniques require an advanced level of artistic skill, but for experienced painters interested in trying a new medium or improving their work with acrylics, this is a comprehensive resource.

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Artbookreview.net

This developing series is something that must have sounded like a good idea in an editorial meeting and theres a reason for that it is good. I said of the first inception, The Watercolour Companion, that there was something about it that you instinctively want to like and that continues here. It is pocket-size, hard covers and, while not sewn bound, at least set in folios so that the pages fall open easily and the reader is immediately receptive to what the contents have to offer.

On the face of it, this is a relatively simple collection of hints and tips that covers the whole gamut of anything you might want to paint in acrylics which is, well, anything. I said of the watercolour volume that the whole point of it is that its something to carry with you, so theres no over-elaboration or extended demonstrations. Looking for inspiration? youll find it. Faced with a complex street scene (this is Hashim Akib, after all) have a quick sketch of a café setting. Stuck with glazing? Youre ahead of me, arent you?

Ill admit that Ive expressed doubts before about whether people really carry a library, even a pocket one, with them on field trips, but it doesnt really matter. If you do, can I have details of your coat or that rather neat bag, please? If not, keep this handy at home and dip into it from time to time. However you choose to use it, youll be glad you have it.

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Leisure Painter

Your pocket-sized, one stop guide to contemporary acrylics inspiration, practical exercises and exciting ideas for acrylic artists. In this innovative, ideas-led mini guide, master artist and best-selling author Hashim Akib showcases the versatility and vibrancy of acrylic painting. Featuring 64 practical exercises and inspiring insights, on a wide range of subjects, from portraiture to the urban landscape and using a variety of approaches, from colour dabbing, working on a base colour and refining chaos into order, this book is ideal for beginners to intermediate artists. It will inspire you with new ideas, push you creatively, and encourage you to develop your own artistic style.