Experimental Coasts in Mixed Media

by Bernard, Mike; Hodge, Susie

• ISBN13: 9781849946612
• ISBN10: 1849946612
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2021-06-10
• Publisher: Batsford

Summary

Acclaimed mixed-media artist Mike Bernard has been at the forefront of collage painting for decades and his work has a sought-after vitality. He brings his latest guidance, ideas and techniques on a subject about which he is passionate: coastal painting. From his home near the Devon coast, he and co author (art writer) Susie Hodge, cover all aspects of mixed media painting. From considering composition and looking for contrasts to reducing elements for greater impact (and even moving towards abstraction). From working with limited palettes to including imaginary colours to a painting. From collaging with torn magazines, tin foil, plastic, newsprint to combining inks, oil pastels, PVA, acrylic and watercolours. From playing with proportion to create mood to using thick and thin oils for effect. And, of course, how to capture the mood and atmosphere of coastal life, from quiet stretches to busy harbours around the world.

The authors include several step-by-step projects to demonstrate techniques plus a series of experimental exercises helps the reader try something new.

A masterclass from a popular artist with stunning artwork of coasts from around the globe.

Author Biography

Mike Bernard's various art studies includes time at the Royal Academy schools. He has exhibited at the Royal Festival Hall and the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in London and was elected member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour in 1997. His awards and prizes include the Stowells Trophy, the Elizabeth Greenshields Fellowship, the Silver Longboat Award and the Laing Award.

Table of Contents

Foreword
Developing a style
1 Before You Paint
Motivation
Inspiration
Location
Focal point and other considerations
Colour and contrast
Identification of shapes and pattern
Simplification
Investigation
Experimental exercises
2 Palette: Materials and Combining Media
Honing things down
Materials and tools
Paints and palettes
Collage
Releasing the inner child
Trialling and investigation
Experimental exercise
Modification
Pattern
Project – Riomaggiore
3 Creative Techniques
Sketching and photography
Experimental exercise
Intuition and confidence
Repetition
Starting with collage
Achieving spontaneity
Using collage effectively
Interaction of collage materials
Being adventurous
A free technique
Project – Devon Beach
4 Atmosphere and Mood
Colour and light
Experimental exercises
Evoking mood
Contrast and viewpoint
Design
Thick and thin paint
Applying paint inventively
Texture and underpainting
Project – Polperro
5 Going Further – Towards Abstraction
Progression
Some practical advice
Imagination
When things go wrong
Experimentation
Index