Author: Deb Hemley

“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

I art-journaled my way through a second cancer diagnosis and treatments back in 2017 which turned out to be a very meaningful endeavor.

This month, Ratio Therapeutics, a radiopharmaceutical company based in Boston, MA will be hosting an exhibit of work by cancer survivors and my journal is included!

For the past few years I’ve had the idea of writing about the experience and offering a guide for others. I thought I might have made up the word, wayfinding, because it had popped into my head as the only word I most cared about having in the title. But lo and behold, a definition does exist according to the dictionary app on my Macbook, “the process or activity of ascertaining one’s position and planning and following a route.” (Btw, I still would have used it, even if I’d made it up!)

I’m happy to share that my book is complete; a 64 page paperback with prompts and original artwork to guide others through the process. The book can be applicable to anyone going through any life-changing event that disrupts our day-to-day lives.

The book is available for $20 on Blurb.

Heard these lyrics while painting this last night. Love when the act of artmaking provides the words and messages I most need.

When this old world starts getting me down
And people are just too much for me to face
I climb way up to the top of the stairs
And all my cares just drift right into space
On the roof, it’s peaceful as can be
And there the world below can’t bother me
Let me tell you now

When I come home feelin’ tired and beat
I go up where the air is fresh and sweet (up on the roof)
I get away from the hustling crowd
And all that rat-race noise down in the street (up on the roof)
On the roof, the only place I know
Where you just have to wish to make it so
Let’s go up on the roof (up on the roof)

At night the stars put on a show for free
And, darling, you can share it all with me
I keep a-tellin’ you
Right smack dab in the middle of town
I’ve found a paradise that’s trouble proof (up on the roof)
And if this world starts getting you down
There’s room enough for two
Up on the roof (up on the roof)
Up on the roo-oo-oof (up on the roof)
Oh, come on, baby (up on the roof)
Oh, come on, honey (up on the roof)
Everything is all right (up on the roof)

-Written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King 

Cherishing
these
moments

Trees and houses make frequent appearances in my artwork. I especially find doors and windows showing up when I least expect.

I like to think of them as openings and welcomings. They’re comforting and one of the things I love most about artmaking.

The expression and metaphor, “Larger than life” came to me today as I was working on this painting.

I know a lot of things can feel, and are—larger than life. In this case, I can’t say that I know or exactly connect with WHAT is larger than life here in this moment. 

But, just to say—so much is larger than life, every day.
And, in so many ways. 

New colors, mix of shapes and a dose of time—wouldn’t you know it—things are starting to look up again.