I was offered this book as an ARC by NetGalley. I am studying for an Open Creative Arts degree and so probably wouldn't call myself a beginner in acrylics. Regardless of this I do like to pick up and flick through books aimed at all levels as you never know what tips you can find.

The information on the types of acrylic and mediums was very simple and yet provided a thorough summary for beginners as it can be overwhelming when you enter an art or craft store looking at supplies for the first time. Even now I still find myself spotting new products which I have no idea what to do with!

Personally, this book is not for me as the examples were far too simple and generally not my taste. I found the examples of how to paint the 'Hydrangea' and 'Sky and Clouds' to produce the most sophisticated results. I would suggest that if you are undecided (and can't have a flick through the book in person) it is worth looking at the Carla Co Chua's work online via Instagram to see if it is the kind of work that you would like to create. If so, the instructions are written in a very accessible way and by following the clearly illustrated steps you are likely to achieve results to give you confidence. After that, continue to play and experiment to discover your own style!

Found this book to be super informative. I attended art school and have a BFA but never quite learned all of the different aspects that are at play when it comes to painting and I've always wanted to know more.

The way the information in this book is written gives you all of the information and steps on how to paint basic and slightly more complex paintings. The first few pages discuss, paint types, different surfaces that you can paint on. There's a section on care for your brushes, different medium choices and their differences. And a section about tools that you may or may not need. Now this might be a touch more information than someone looking to pick up painting as a casual hobby or even a beginner starting out but it's definitely informative in a way that the information can be absorbed by either.

I really enjoyed the section on color theory, I felt that this gives the right framework for people to work on projects that are outside of the box. Ones where they aren't just copying the project based on the pictures in the book.

I managed to paint a couple of things not only using my own acrylic paints but on my ipad and with procreate using the techniques in the book. Handed the book over to my thirteen year old to see what he opinions on the book were and she was able to replicate a few pieces in the book with ease.

Definitely a book to checkout if you're looking for not just a basic paint by numbers instruction, because this one is a fountain of information for someone genuinely interested in learning a craft.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for honest feedback. I am approaching this book as someone who would be a beginner to paints. This cover is pretty cool, I like the floral patterns. This book has a section for the tools/beginner tips to gather what you need to start up. It then moves into a more "serious" beginner steps, like color theory and basic techniques. In other sections, there are step-by-step instructions on how to paint images. Some examples include chocolate glazed doughnut, flowers, landscapes and skies, animals. There were some projects as well, like painting flowers on shoes and fish on bowls. Overall, beginner friendly and cool ideas/tips. Clear instructions and lots of visuals to follow.

A fantastic book for anyone wanting to start in acrylic paining or wanting more information on it.
There are so many tips and clever techniques on these pages.
The author has done a great job of squeezing so much into one book,
From brushes, paints, inks, paper,and media.
This is a great book to polish existing skills and well ad developing new ones.





I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is genuinely like having 1:1 art classes, but in a book. It covers and explains all the basics, taking you through everything you need to know from colour theory and equipment, to getting stuck in and having a go. I am an absolute beginner when it comes to painting, and often find that instructional art books go over my head, the projects are too hard, and I just end up very frustrated. This book had me painting flowers and landscapes that not only looked like I wanted them to, but that I was proud of as well. Not only are there very clear step by step written instructions, but they are coupled with extremely helpful photographs to show you exactly what you’re aiming for at each stage in the process. Couldn’t recommend this book highly enough.

Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group and Netgalley for an eARC of this book to read and review.

3 Stars! Good book for absolute acrylic painting beginners. This book takes you through the different kinds of acrylic paints and pictures so you can see the difference between soft and heavy bodied acrylics. I wish it had explained more and had pictures about mediums that can be added to acrylic paint since that’s what I thought the book was about. The book had some instructions on how to paint flowers or grapes step by step but I wasn’t very inspired by them and would’ve liked more step by step painting instructions.
*I received this at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*

I liked how the book started out, with all the basic explanations, because it felt like it was laying a solid foundation for something. It had just the right amount of information to make it appealing to a beginner. I didn’t, however, like the projects they chose all that much. I came to the conclusion that this book would be best suited for kids who want to learn about using acrylics, maybe at around 9/10 years of age. If you are an absolute beginner this book is for you.

Good for beginners to both drawing and painting with acrylics. Simple projects and lots of information and detailed steps with photos to guide through the process. Also it includes projects on various surfaces which is good to know to incorporate on DIY projects later.

Thanks to the publishers for sharing this book. It's a nice introduction to acrylics for beginners, with clear instructions. My full review appears on Weekend Notes.

One of the first things I noticed about this book were the colorful pictures. I was so surprised…I learned things in the first few pages that were probably going to be very important as I began my foray into acrylic painting. She gives useful info on types of brushes, colors to use, how to mix colors, and so many other things. The best thing of all, Carla Co Chua gives several “paint along” exercises to “teach” some techniques and actually leave you with some finished paintings!!! I absolutely loved this book, and it is a wonderful experience that will leave you wanting to paint more.

This was a super helpful book for anyone looking to get into the hobby of acrylic painting. It gave all of the basics you need to know, the supplies, etc. And I also loved the tutorials for different paintings. I wish I had read something like this when I got started because it's absolutely essential!

A great book for any artist! Lots of tips, tricks and facts to help you learn and improve as an artist, this is a fantastic guide for anyone interested in art no matter the medium. Would wholeheartedly recommend this and intend to purchase upon release!

Good but I guess the art just didn’t click with me. Good for a complete beginner. This might be a good addition to our collection as our patrons love easy art like this

Having received a beautiful set of Acrylics, brushes, etc for Xmas, I was delighted to receive an advanced copy of this book by Carla Co Chua. What a well written and easy to follow book, the illustrations and step by step instructions are clear and concise and have an easy, light narrative flow. I enjoyed every bit of it. I have even begun to do a floral painting and it's not too shabby! (It even looks like flowers). My very grateful thanks to Netgalley, the publishers and especially the author for this opportunity to expand my knowledge.

Creative acrylics by Carla Co Chua Is a bright, fresh and fun take on acrylics for a beginning artist.

This lovely book walks you through the fundamentals of design elements, using the acrylic medium and additional supplies, the tools that you need to paint, setting up your workstation and how not to be too judgmental of your own work.

Step-by-step techniques are clearly laid laid out to build up your confidence, skills and inspiration.

Carla also teaches how to paint on different surfaces, and mix and other types of media to have a truly unique piece of art.

I would highly recommend this for anyone starting off with painting and the easy to use acrylic medium!

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto publishing for the advanced readers copy in return for my honest opinion.

I like this book, it maybe a little basic, but I think people sometimes forget the basics.
The book starts well with information about equipment, various acrylic paint, surfaces, colour theory and technique. Chapters follow with lessons on painting Still Life, Flowers, Landscape and Skies, Adorable Animals and finishes with some projects such as Cupcake Apron (painting on fabric) and Kio Pond (painted in a wooden bowl) and others are easy and fun.
I love they way the layering way of painting is explained and the various ways it can be used.
This is a great staring point for anyone wanting to learn acrylic painting

An excellent book for those about to embark on their creative journey with acrylics. It provides very useful information on the different types of paint and how to prep the workspace. I appreciated that fact that Chua didn't focus just on canvas but also other type of mediums. Highly recommended for beginners. The only reason why this does not get full 5 stars is because I would have appreciate seeing more projects per surface type.

Unfortunately, I found myself disappointed in this book. It doesn't give beginners enough detailed information in general, and the step-by-step instructions are particularly lacking.

It doesn't work any better for non-beginners. The projects, though varied, are limited in number, not very enticing and don't incorporate what the title hints. Of the many Quarry Books I've reviewed, this is the rare exception to their standard of excellence in How-to books.

I appreciate Quarry Books granting me access to an e-ARC of this book via Net-Galley. The book is scheduled for publication 1/11/22. All opinions in this review are my own, and they are freely given.

Inspirational and simple. When you're in a creative stump, look no further than Creative Acrylics for ideas to copy or expand on. I'm now on my way to paint some donuts.

I have used my acrylic paints on shoes, bags, and clothing, and so was very excited to get more inspiration for other creative projects in this book. I was disappointed that there weren’t more projects featured ( I counted only five). However beginners will find all the information they need to start painting on various surfaces. The step by step pictorial painting instructions are well written and the paintings are cute and whimsical.

The materials info was useful as it reminded me that I need some textile mediums and possibly an acrylic leather sealer.