Читать книгу Collins Artist’s Little Book of Inspiration - Hazel Soan - Страница 8

Introduction

In a diverse and magnificent world we are inspired by both natural creation and man-made invention. Even the constant bombardment of images in the media has added to our visual repertoire. It is not just the picturesque that can move us to paint – everything and anything can interest us.

So how is it that, with all this pictorial wealth on offer, confrontation with a demanding sheet of all-too-white paper or a blank canvas often provokes the question: ‘What shall I paint?’.

The elements of painting

To be inspired to paint you need to know what a painting requires, so I have set this book out in three sections. The first section, ‘Finding Inspiration’, looks at the basic elements of a painting, what to look for in a subject and how to find it.

The second section, ‘Tools of the Trade’, looks at what we paint with and the surfaces to which colour is applied; the medium will influence the painting, and can have a bearing on your choice of subject. I have limited the scope of this book to watercolours, oils and acrylics, but most of what is said will apply to other media as well. The third section, ‘The Adventure of Painting’, puts your new-found vision into practice. Each chapter relates to different environments and explores the inexhaustible inspiration available.

There are chances throughout for you to put theory into practice with suggested projects. I also include some demonstrations. Soon you will find even the clutter on a table will inspire a painting or the queue at the bus stop will excite you to open your sketchbook!