About the Book
An exciting new talent, Fraser Scarfe's moody and expressive landscapes combine the best of the traditional approach to painting with the benefits of modern materials. His aim is to reveal the natural beauty and drama in the landscape without the need for romanticism, and this is borne out in his raw, unsentimental yet strikingly beautiful landscape paintings.
This book will appeal to acrylic artists of all abilities as well as those looking to transition from oils, pastels and watercolours alike. It follows the award-winning artist through the year, offering readers productive and inspiring ways to paint from deepest winter to midsummer while they learn to engage with their subject. Using a combination of practical instruction and inspirational example, Fraser imparts his knowledge of the techniques and materials he uses, his style and his inspiration, proving that he is truly a force to be reckoned within the art world.
About the Author :
Born in Lincoln in 1986, Fraser Scarfe grew up in Lincolnshire and, after completing a foundation course in Art and Design, began his career as a landscape painter, drawing his inspiration from his Lincolnshire surroundings. In 2008, he was awarded the SAA 'Artist of the Year' award, and in the same year he was Artist in Residence at Lincoln Cathedral. His work has been exhibited in prestigious art galleries all over the UK, including the Princes Drawing School Final Show at Christies, and is held in private collections in the UK, Europe and the USA.
Fraser aims to convey through paint the actual experience of being in a place, always trying to avoid the clichés and pitfalls inherent in landscape art. His practice is based upon a strong foundation in drawing and strict observation. He makes drawings in situ to capture the energy and dynamism of a place or experience, then uses these drawings to inform the painting process where, through the use of marks, texture and colour, his aim is to create atmospheric but true representations of the landscape.
Review :
Fraser demonstrates a way of handling, skies, lighting and distance to great effect. Through a series of exercises and demonstrations you will develop your skills in all aspects of landscape painting.
Painting through the seasons, using acrylics to depict the natural landscape. This book includes an introduction about acrylics, four sections relating to each season and a final chapter 'Reflections on The Year'. Throughout you will find exciting examples of Fraser's work. You'll discover journal entries, thoughts on painting, a close look at projects in a typical year, offering insights into the practicalities and challenges of painting. He discusses materials, drawing, sketching, sketchbooks, media, photography and using photos in work, brushes, light, composition, depth, skies, trees and colour. There are exercises to follow. The book is instructional without really being step-by-step, it is open to your interpretation. The book deals primarily with landscapes. Fraser shows paintings from all over the country, the east coast, Lincoln, Baslow Edge, Dumfries, the Lake District and London and many more places as subjects. This is a superb book, Fraser has a wonderful approach, easily understood, unstuffy. Recommended.
Apr-17
Award winning young artist, Fraser Scarfe, combines traditional methods and modern materials to show us How to Paint Atmospheric Landscapes in Acrylics. The book follows the artist throughout the year and throughout the seasons with practical advice on elements that make up the landscape - skies, clouds, trees and buildings, for example, as well as more practical considerations, such as painting in cold weather or in cities. Basing much of his techniques on traditioanl approaches and, indeed painting in a style reminiscient of the Old Masters, Fraser Scarfe shows us how to look at the landscape around us wiht new eyes, and then provides the knowledge for us to be able to recreate it in acrylics.
Capturing atmosphere in any medium is not always easy, but Fraser Scarfe shows us how in this book. I am not a gusher, but I have to say it is beautifully presented. Following the seasons, beginning with winter, he takes us on a journey of interest and delight (a bit more gushing, sorry!) This is less a 'do this' book and more of a 'come and see' exploration. He teaches by showing us his methods, and suggesting ways to overcome difficulties. He covers the basics of working with acrylics, including what is available in paints and tools, and then gives his own recommendations. I like that he is not trying to sell any particular brand of paints or brushes, unlike some well known artists who make it seem that amazing effects can't be achieved without using their special tools. Apologies if this offends, but it can be irritating.
He gives detailed instructions and tips on paints, brushes, knifes, palettes and working space in the first section. This is standard. Most books do. Yet his way of both telling and showing how make it more lively than most. Accompanying him through winter, spring summer and autumn, we learn how he goes about painting the essence of each seasonal landscape Trees, skies, and colours alter with each season, and we learn how this can be captured I am captivated by the paintings, and want to try for myself!
He doesn't repeat himself. Having given all we need to know about acrylic painting in the first section, the step by step information for the paintings then take our knowing this as given. As a previous reviewer said, he treats us like adults.With lots of tips and suggestions, he allows the reader/painter to choose his/her own way, while at the same time telling what he prefers to do.
I can find nothing negative to say about this book. And so I recommend it without reserve.
Once I started to read the introduction of this impressive book ,I knew that I was in for hours of interest and learning. Fraser to me is breath of fresh air . I am completely new to acrylics . I only started painting when I retired and that was with water colours . The way this book has been presented is excellent . He explains things clearly and plainly and not treating me as some plebeian . I find that whatever page you go to ,there is always something of interest to teach you. The illustrations are well done although I find some of his paintings a a bit dark . I am a bit apprehensive using Acrylic paint but Fraser has taken away some of my fears and I look forward to putting some of his ideas in practice . They say you cannot teach an old dog new tricks but I believe you are never to old to learn. I think that this book would be an asset to any artist book shelf and I recommend it to everyone.
Apart from the fact that it’s a substantial offering, the first thing that strikes you about this rather beautiful new book is the quote from John Constable on the front flap. Let’s be clear, it’s the only thing on the front flap, so it wants you to take notice. It’s bold and confident, being if nothing else, a hostage to fortune – it’s a lot to live up to. The gist of the quote is that the world is constantly changing, “no two days are alike, nor even two hours; nor were there ever two leaves of a tree alike”. In short, it’s about the moment, and that’s where the atmosphere comes from.
At 192 pages this is, as I said, a substantial volume and Fraser makes full use of the available space to discuss a good variety of subjects, lighting conditions and seasons as well as materials and the practicalities of working outdoors. Given room, authors too often indulge themselves or go off a tangents. Fraser, however, has a clear plan and the book flows nicely and includes plenty of generously-sized illustrations without resorting to endless demonstrations with almost identical steps.
As well as all the variations above, there’s also handy information on skies, clouds, trees, buildings and other elements that go to make up a scene. I do have a couple of reservations: Fraser’s style can be rather dark and Old Masterly. I’m writing this review a couple of weeks before Christmas. It’s already dark and I haven’t had my tea yet, so maybe I’m feeling a little jaded and in need of summer meadows. The other thing is that, although Fraser is very good at buildings on the skyline, he’s not so hot when they’re close up. There are only a few of these, though, so you can ignore them without feeling short-changed.
One thing I particularly like is a clever detail of the production. When it matters, the paintings are photographed in raking light so that you can see the texture of the impasto, which adds a lot, just where it matters. I haven’t seen it before and it’s a nice touch.
Overall, this is an impressive book that’s well worth its not excessive cover price.
