Craft Focus - April/May 2021 (Issue 84)

81 BOOKS Bookstand Stock your shelves with the latest craft-related book releases MARBLING - PRACTICAL MODERN TECHNIQUES By Freya Scott £26.99 9780764360817 Schiffer Publishing Ltd Throughout marbling’s long history, people have been captivated by both its apparent simplicity and its extraordinary complexity. Get to know and enjoy marbling’s beauty in this guide from paper artist Freya Scott, whose enthusiasm for the craft is highly contagious. As Freya explains the wide range of the art’s possibilities and how to make them come to life in your work, beginners will learn the craft from square one, while advanced marblers will find many new ideas and directions for expanding their skills. Learn how to size and prepare various papers, choose colour palettes, and make patterns, while being inspired by photos of dozens of beautiful marbled artworks. We say: This absorbing guide is so interesting and offers you the art and science you need to take marbling as far as you want to go. Mar bl ing DYNAMIC SEASCAPES By Judith Yates £15.99 9781782218234 Search Press Artists wishing to capture the excitement and power of the sea in their artwork will find this book invaluable. Judith Yates uses a mix of traditional and more experimental techniques to create her dynamic seascapes, all of which are explained in clear, step-by-step sequences, annotated examples and Judith’s stunning artworks. With sections on colour, composition, and creating atmosphere, this book is a comprehensive approach to painting the tumultuous ocean with a mix of acrylics, watercolour and acrylic inks. This book demystifies all aspects of painting the sea, including details on the form and anatomy of a wave; bringing light, atmosphere and drama into the sky; and choosing colours to create a mood. It also provides a great source of inspiration to artists who are drawn to the sea as a subject for their own paintings. We say: Judith’s varied, mixed media approach gives this book wide appeal to watercolour and acrylics artists looking to expand their creative horizons. HALF YARD SUMMER COLLECTION By Debbie Shore £14.99 9781782219286 Search Press A collection of Half Yard sewing projects for summer style, designed by the award-winning and best-selling author Debbie Shore, now in one book. Discover 40 stylish summer designs specially chosen by Debbie from her much-loved Half Yard series, including five brand-new projects for you to sink your needles into. Each item requires no more than half a yard of outer fabric, plus all the necessary hardware, trimmings and lining. As always, every project features Debbie’s friendly, easy-to-follow instructions and a beautiful photograph of the finished make. We say: Whether you’re preparing for a holiday, trying to keep the little ones occupied or planning a summer party, you’ll find a gorgeous collection of items to make: from picnic and party sets, kid crafts and home décor to casual and evening bags and a handy passport wallet. Painting Sewing THE ART OF ANGELA GAUGHAN By Angela Gaughan £19.99 9781782217985 Search Press This book provides an insight into the distinctive techniques Angela Gaughan uses to achieve her amazingly detailed, life-like wildlife paintings. It’s an inspirational guide to painting in acrylics; both for experienced artists who are interested in Angela’s methods, and those wishing to improve their skills. Sumptuous colour is at the heart of Angela’s vivid, beautiful art work. Her techniques combine the advantages of acrylics and oils. Learn her original approach to using acrylics to produce depth and character in your own wildlife artwork, and follow the step-by-step demonstrations as you build up your skills. The book begins with detailed coverage of the materials, tools and media Angela uses. Chapters on colour and light, gathering reference, and composition build upon Angela’s working method guiding you through her stages of working, from using photographic references, through completing a tonal drawing, to using transparent washes and opaque colours to create a full painting. The instructional techniques then connect into substantial chapters on colour, composition and finish off with masterwork techniques to help more advanced artists push their artwork further. We say:: In this inspirational book, Angela shares with you a lifetime’s worth of experience in art. Enjoy! Painting