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With the popularity of abstract painting showing no sign of abating (there was a time when books on it were a drag on the market), there has for some time been space for a book that comes between the simple project-based approach and the more academic, analytical tomes.

And here we have a thoroughly practical book aimed at the serious artist who has mastered the basics and is ready to move on to more advanced techniques and interpretations. Rather than pitching straight into the dual aspects of the book’s title, Helen first deals with abstraction – colour, composition, design and interpretation, with each section having an accompanying demonstration that manages to be straightforward without being annoyingly elementary. This augurs well for the book’s balance between simplicity and taking its subject and its readers seriously.

The matter of media is now introduced, with textures, pastes, gels, watercolour, inks and acrylics all coming into the picture – or do I mean mix? This is where things start to get exciting and where the book absolutely justifies its inclusion in the Innovative Artist series. Work here takes the form of examples and shorter exercises because Helen’s aim is to get and help you to develop your own vision and voice. Where project-based books will have you completing the author’s idea of a painting, the intention here is to give you ideas to work off and to spark the imagination.

Helen deals with a broad and complex subject, but the book never feels intimidating or inaccessible, but rather draws you in, eager to find out more. An added bonus is that the binding is sewn rather than glued, which is unusual outside hardbacks. As a result, the book falls open easily in the hands and the pages are easy to view and read.

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Henry Malt, Artbookreview.net

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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

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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 printmaking, 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 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, www.escapelearncreate.co.uk

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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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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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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