Book Review, “Experimental Nature in Acrylics” by Paul Bailey

“Experimental Nature in Acrylics” by Paul Bailey

Published by Batsford, 2023

182 pages / $34.95

In artist Paul Bailey’s recent book, “Experimental Nature in Painting,” he shares his strategies for anchoring experimentation in acrylic painting. As he elucidates in the introduction, his aim is not merely to depict “place” in the landscape but to capture “the temperature, the elements, the wonder, or the apprehension.”

The book features a comprehensive collection of exquisite prints showcasing Bailey’s work, which spans many years as an accomplished painter influenced by the landscapes of Wales. The captions offer insightful glimpses into the artist’s mindset, revealing his thoughts about his painting career at the time of creation, as well as details about the geometry of the depicted landscapes. These annotations provide brilliant insights into the mind of an artist.

Organized into sections on brushwork, tools, and specific techniques such as washes, masking, and scratching; color and tone; and composition, the contents of the book guide readers through Bailey’s creative process. Readers also gain insights into the seasons during which the paintings were created and, in many instances, Bailey’s choices of paint colors.

Bailey’s personal style in landscapes is refreshingly expressive, characterized by freestyle brushstrokes and splatters that often convey a profound sense of awe, mirroring the artist’s emotional response to the scene.

By the book’s conclusion, readers are treated to a stunning gallery of Bailey’s work accompanied by inspirational text that encourages one’s own artistic endeavors. It becomes evident that Bailey himself has relished the journey chronicled in the book and that his reflection on his body of work has guided his artistic evolution. He urges readers to similarly reflect on their own artwork, to rediscover their strengths and identify areas for improvement.

Whether perused cover to cover or explored in-depth through individual paintings, this book is sure to become a cherished resource for artists experimenting with acrylics and nature-inspired themes, offering endless inspiration and guidance.

Available on Amazon