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Mixed-media artist Kaminsky specializes in exploring materials and techniques as she works through her own journey as a self-taught artist, and here shares some of the possibilities she’s investigated so far. Starting with an overview of colour, composition, design, interpretation, and process, Kaminsky explains the underpinnings of her work, with an approach designed to suit those just getting started or to serve as context for more- experienced artists. As is fitting for the variety of media represented, a significant portion of the book is devoted to materials, tools, and an assortment of techniques including collage, veiling, lifting, transparency, printing, and mark making. The author’s artwork is featured throughout, and while she uses a variety of techniques, her art style is recognizable, with bold, layered colours that are sustained through a variety of subject matter. For readers wishing to explore a range of techniques and enjoy the inspiration of a skilled artist’s work, this book will provide instruction as well as a jumping-off point for their own artistic journeys.

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Anne Heidemann, Booklist, February Issue

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The Innovative Artist is a series from Search Press that aims to bring to the reader a selection of artists who are at the forefront of media or techniques. Helen Kaminsky is a first-time author whose work in abstract covers a wide variety of techniques, media and styles.

Interest in abstraction has taken off in recent years and has been served by a progression of excellent books that are, however, generally basic in their approach. This is the first that starts from an avowedly higher level and assumes that its audience will have an understanding of the basic working methods. This does not mean that explanations are missing or skimped and there are plenty of examples, exercises and demonstrations that you'd expect from a publisher of instructional books.

If you're serious about abstract painting, this is a book that will, in return, take you seriously and fulfil your requirements.

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Henry Malt, The Artist

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Part of the Innovative Artist series, which pushes the boundaries of art, professional artist, Helen Kaminsky, explores the creative possibilities of mixed media, showing how layers of imagery and texture can add unique qualities to your work. Areas covered include collage techniques, printing methods, mark making with found objects, homemade stencils and stamps as well as a mix of wet and dry media. Demonstrations throughout the book will allow you to follow Helen's processes to achieve her glowing paintings.

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Leisure Painter

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This is a truly glorious book! Packed with inspiration and rich illustrations Helen’s passion for mixed media shines through on every page. As well as the demonstrations and stunning examples of finished works, the content is organised under four broad areas: The Art of the Abstract, Materials and Tools, Mixing the Media, Varnishing and Completing.

Within these key areas there are pages of detailed examples, sharing inspiration, how to play with materials, and the most creative sources of mark-making; how just by looking around your home you can find so many items to use e.g. forks, pastry cutters, toy building bricks, combs, bottle tops, sponges and so much more! Helen adopts the same approach with print making, from creating stencils, to making your own stamps, again using household items. But it is the richness of colour that makes this book such a delight and the freedom of using mixed media in such innovative and delightful ways. As a source of inspiration, The Innovative Artist: Abstracts and Mixed Media is outstanding, Helen has a created a book which will encourage experimentation by artists of all ages and abilities.

We absolutely loved it! Highly recommended!

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Kaye Thorne, EscapeLearnCreate.co.uk

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A must-have for anyone interested in creating abstract art. I am new to art and found this book invaluable. The explanations of colour, composition, design and interpretation were easy to follow and the processes and techniques of collating, stamping, mark making and creating texture have inspired me to have a go at all of these. Well worth the (very reasonable) cover price.

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Diane Hicklin, Amazon Customer Review

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This thorough and carefully explained guide examines not just the technical aspects but also what abstraction is and how it speaks to both the artist and the viewer. Helen looks at sources of inspiration as well as the creative process where ideas are translated into shapes, forms and colours.

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Paint & Create, March 2023