Palette Knife Painting in Acrylics - by Tim Fisher (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Let Tim Fisher help you to unlock the techniques of how to handle a palette knife in this introduction to this popular technique for the amateur artist.

The knife has a different, raw and much looser connection with the surface you are painting on especially so when combined with acrylic media and the occasional brushstroke.

Let Tim Fisher help you to unlock the techniques of how to handle a knife and using some of the different profiles available. Using a step-by-step process, each chapter of the book covers a different subject helping to build and develop new skills, that will help you to become proficient when handling a painting knife.

• Introduction to tools, material, palette, additives, and mediums as well as surfaces
• Brief introduction to your chosen palette
• Basic techniques and preparation. Completing small gestures studies and experimenting

with different angles and lighting situations will help you to establish a clear visual image of the intended painting. At the very least, this procedure will show you what not to paint.

• The importance of sketching
• 8 projects - 5 more straightforward with 3 more complex.

Some of the projects will show how to use palette knives alongside brushes to introduce texture into your paintings, and others are created using palette knives only. The book also explores collage and mixed media, incorporating paper clippings, sand and seashells to create a vibrant painting based on a day by the sea.

This book will appeal to acrylic artists of all abilities who wish to experiment with palette-knife painting in order to add stunning, dimensional effects to their artwork. It will not only teach them the basic techniques, it will also inspire them to explore palette-knife work in more depth and add another dimension to their painting repertoire.

So the time has come for action! There is no better opportunity than now to pick up one of these fascinating tools, squeeze out some paint on your palette and learn the essence of palette knife painting.

Review Quotes

Library Journal

"Artist Fisher (Beginner's Guide to Painting with Oil Pastels [Search Press]) found that paint brushes did not give him the textured outcomes that he wanted, so he started using knives and acrylic paints to achieve the affects he desired. This book begins with a brief history of palette knives and covers basic techniques, such as how to hold the knife and the best approaches for applying paint to a canvas. The illustrated instructions are clear and easy to follow. The author opens his studio to readers and shows them his four most used knives, including one he modified. The book describes ideal shapes of the blade and handle and offers recommendations for the brand and colors of acrylic paints the author himself uses. VERDICT A great starter guide for readers wanting to learn to paint with a palette knife; they will learn all about the additives, mediums, and other items Fisher has experimented with to achieve the effects that enhance his works."

Art Book Review - Jan 2024
There's not really a shortage of books on acrylics, but they do tend to major on the watercolour style. This is definitely the first I've seen that concentrates on impasto.
As soon as I saw the author's name, I knew we were with a reliable guide and, even if you don't have any of his other books, you may be familiar with Tim from Leisure Painter magazine.
There's always a temptation when writing about knife painting to go heavy with the paint and use it pretty much straight from the tube. Although it's not easy to gauge the third dimension from a flat reproduction, I don't get the impression that's the case here. In fact, it's surprising how dimensionally flat Tim's work is. This is much more about using knives as tools rather than showing off with them.
Tim is an extremely versatile artist and subjects range from landscapes and waterscapes to trees, flowers, buildings and even an extraordinarily lifelike lobster. There are plenty of demonstrations as well as exercises and examples and the book is simply a pleasure to read.

About the Author

Tim Fisher was born in Leicestershire, UK, and has had a lifelong interest in art. He is well known for his love of colour and experimentation and works in a wide range of mediums. Many of his paintings have been produced as fine art prints and cards. Tim is a regular contributor to the Leisure Painter magazine. He also runs workshops and painting holidays as well as demonstrating to art groups throughout the UK.
This is Tim's fourth new title for Search Press.