Carla Co Chua

I have always admired those artistic souls that can take a blank canvas and create something out of nothing. I myself found my creative side with writing and card making, but have always wanted to dabble in paints. Something about that blank canvas just speaks to me, but there is so much I don’t know about this medium, and I would be lying if I didn’t say I wasn’t intimidated. So my hopes were high when I picked up Creative Acrylics.

All in all this isn’t a bad resource, it’s just not what I was expecting. Being a complete beginner, I was hoping for more information. There is quite a bit that is touched on, but I feel like so much could’ve been expounded on more.

I had hoped to follow along with the projects and create some art of my own, and I don’t know if it’s something wrong with me, but I struggled, and ended up feeling so overwhelmed that I gave up, and haven’t picked up a brush since. I think it’s because I didn’t feel too excited about the projects themselves, and let the fear of doing something wrong overtake me. With a title like Creative Acrylics I was expecting more creativity and would’ve liked to have had more clarity as to which type of acrylic paints I should be using, instead of me standing dumbfounded in the art section at Michael’s.

The overall aesthetics of the book are pleasing, and I did enjoy flipping through the pages, but what I appreciated the most is the author’s focus on using painting to care for one’s mental health, as well as a family activity that can bring families together, and spark creativity in minds young and old. It definitely got me thinking and, if anything, it has sparked my imaginative embers, and makes me want to learn even more about painting.

So, though I didn’t find exactly what I was looking for in Creative Acrylics, I do not regret picking up this book one bit, and could see this being a good starting place for many like myself.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from Quarry Books through NetGalley. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.… (more)