Paint Lab: 52 Exercises inspired by Artists, Materials, Time, Place, and Method (Lab Series)

Will definitely be a return customer. Thank you!

As an artist who tends to be a bit too meticulous and serious about my own work, I look forward to taking the author's advise to play more, without any expectation of the outcome. I'm guessing I am not the only one out there with a stockpile of art supplies collecting dust in my studio, always deferring to the same tried and true tools. The styles and methods of painting covered in the "Paint Lab" are so varied, and I look forward to straying outside of my comfort zone and trying something new. I also bought this book for my niece, who is a budding young artist, and I am hoping we can work on some of the same projects - it will be interesting to see the results.I too would like to address a previous negative review of this book, which took issue with the quality of the paper and printing, and seems to miss the whole point of the book. Isn't it supposed to be a tool to inspire creativity, as opposed to an object d'art to be leafed through and admired? As paperback books go it is sturdier than most, and the picture quality is great. I intend to prop mine up in my studio, and if all goes well it will wind up dog-eared and splattered with paint.

I am not an artist, but I bought this book at a local craft store because it looked fascinating. As I read each unit, I felt inspired to look at my world of objects and natural beauty in a creative way. I began to see more color, texture, shadows and light...especially when I sat in my garden or admired the lake in the city where I live. Because I like texture and touch, I have begun to look for ways to create "art" with materials around me such as sunflower seeds, feathers, surprises washed up on the beach. Although Unit 3 (Exploring Your Media) did not specifically address the use of seeds or feathers, the author encouraged me to use my imagination in finding unusual media to play with. Unit 5 (A Sense of Place) matched my interest in conveying the spirit of my garden with various media. I found specific guidance and ideas to run with on my own in this book. I feel lucky to have found it and have a new perspective on art and my own talents because of it.

I really, really love this book. It's exactly what I have been looking for- it's not an "from start to finish" instructional book, but more of a collection of ideas and inspiration to change up your paintings a little bit.This is great book for any library, whether you are looking to dabble in paint or already have experience under your belt and just want to shake up your approach to painting.There are 52 "labs" in the book, each of which is a 2-page spread with lots of photos that either gives step-by-step instructions for a certain technique, an introduction to a particular artist and their style, or suggestions on how to use the world around you as inspiration for your paintings.Most of the labs in the book are based around abstract and intuitive art, so keep that in mind.I'm thrilled to have this book and go through the "Labs" inside of it. Wonderful inspiration!

I own many DIY art books. I bought then with the firm intention of making whatever they taught, but they always ended up as eye candy, since none was exciting enough to get my paint and brushes and really get involved.This book is different. It focuses on the process, not on the final result. It does not require you to spend 3 hours at Michael's and $300 at the cash register. "If you find yourself missing a specific material, substitute something else!" writes the author in the introduction. If you have gesso and some blue, red and yellow, you can start right away. What you'll produce, even if it's not the focus of the book, will often be surprisingly beautiful. And without realizing it you'll learn about color, you'll develop a style instead of just copying. Then you can go back to making cards and you'll figure out how much you learned.A final note -- it's a beautiful book, like most books in the "Lab" collection. I am not sure what the previous reviewer expected. It is not an art book or coffee table book but the colors are vivid and the binding solid.

This book is one of my most favorites. Every page brightens your day just by being inspired with easy to create artworks. All 52 ideas are awesome for all ages. I use for Elem. thru Middle School, and even created art for myself.It is a fun book to look through and holds up so well.

The paint lab is well-written, fun, bright, vivid, and joyful. It's a pleasure to read and browse through. Owning it is like finally enrolling in the college art class that I always wanted to take: educational AND enjoyable. In fact, I tried an art project with my seven year old daughter, and we had a fabulous time and felt like real artists on what otherwise would have been a dreary rainy Saturday afternoon. With very few materials, and as complete novices, we each made a beautiful abstract painting. I cannot wait to do another project now. The paint lab is like my favorite Italian cookbook: tempting, easy to follow, and perfect to peruse and re-use (and luckily, it's far healthier than making (and eating) Tiramisu). This is an amazing book for any family to inspire modern, colorful, and imaginative times!

The book is beautiful and the content is great. However if you're looking for a step by step tutorial this isn't the book for you. It will introduce you to many well known artists and give you a history on them, and then tell you to paint like them. What the heck? Many of these techniques are highly complex. This book does very little to break them down. I think someone would have to have more than just a basic understanding of painting to really succeed at all the projects. I can realistically see myself doing 1/2 of them. I purchased it used for $8, so I don't mind the disappointment.

This book is excellent with some brilliant out of the ordinary ideas using simple and cheap household things .ie string painting,using straws to blow a clot of coloured ink in all directions black and red very effective. Grandchildren love it , I love it .you don't have to use the canvas boards which are suggested .I used a cheap A3 pad from one of the family bargains shops! All these lab editions are very good .

Great book to get you started and find inspiration for art projects.Easy to follow excercises. A good base for getting ideas to help develop and build confidence to try something new. This took out of my confort zone and injected dome much needed life back into my art which had stalled in one style.

Great for inspiring creative projects. Well written and laid out. Recommend.

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Lovely product. Quick delivery. Thank you.