Brushstrokes: Brushstrokes: Acrylic : Effortless painting with minimal tools and materials (Paperback)

This book is the real deal. It spells out the specifics of what acrylics you really need (or ought to get) and how best to use them, to save time yet accomplish what you're trying to do. There are little tidbits everywhere in the book that are just golden and exactly what I needed to know for my art. For instance, a spray bottle. For water. Why? Because a mist or two helps keep paints on the palette from drying before I'm done. I had no idea before this, and I've just been wasting paint. And having to scrape off my palette over and over. The author also recommends needle nose pliers. Why? To unplug and squeeze tube of paint, completely, from the bottom up. I'd have never thought of that one, either. And I appreciate how the tips note whether they are truly needed or are maybe optional, so you don't have to splurge all at once. The book is beautiful, with lots of full-page photos. It's written with clear, engaging text — in plain English — arranged in a compelling layout, with tips, asides, and sidebars throughout. The book is arranged in two sections. The first goes over basic tools and tips, how to choose colors, and painting techniques. Super practical and helpful. Then, there are 11 step-by step projects, each covering new ground. Fantastic book, super helpful, and I think, a must-have for any aspiring painter using acrylics.