Creating Abstract Art: Ideas and Inspirations for Passionate Art-Making Paperback – October 3, 2014

I am a retired psychologist who used to do clinical and educational consultations for many years in a variety of settings. After retiring, I began dabbling in photography, printmaking and painting and sought out a number of highly accomplished professional artists for instruction in these areas with the goal of developing my skills as a photographic artist. In my opinion, Dean Nimmer's book, "Creating Abstract Art"', is an excellent example of an educational text which can also serve as a reference for both students and teachers of abstract art. Additionally, it can serve as a sourcebook for professional artists looking for stimulating ideas and exercises to further their creative expression. "Creating Abstract Art" is a very well-written book by a highly accomplished professional educator and owning a copy will likely prove to be of benefit to almost every student, teacher, and artist willing to consider the ideas and complete the exercises it contains.DISCLAIMER: I have been a student in Professor Nimmer's painting courses for the past year and a few samples of my work appear in this book. I am delighted to see that Professor Nimmer has decided to share his expertise in the form of a book which is available to students and artists around the world.

I've been waiting for this book! Chock full of exercises designed to get the creativity flowing and show you how to re-frame your thinking. Exactly as the title says, the book provides the artist with ideas to get you moving in your own direction, prompting you to put hand to page and START the process. It is not a how-to with step by step instructions for a finished product. It is a means of inspiration to get your personal process underway with clear illustrations of how to take the first step and inspirational works by other artists using a variety of media and techniques. Use it as an idea book when you are at a loss as to how to begin, or you think you are pressed for time but want to do something, anything, to be creative. You will not be disappointed. This is a complimentary follow up to Dean's earlier book, Art From Intuition, another great collection of motivating ideas. I've used ideas from that book with all ages and I plan to do the same with Creating Abstract Art.

You will be excited to learn a lot from this book. You will be able to study the illustrations and different paintings as the author gives directions on making abstract art

This is a good book on abstract art. I is nice to study another artist’s creative process. Great book.

I waited eagerly for this book to be published, as there is so little worthwhile information about creating abstract art. Sorry to say it's a disappointment. Just a picture book of finished artworks, some of it pretty good, much of it less than impressive. Lots of philosophy and not nearly enough how-to-do-it. I know the author has strong credentials as an artist and teacher, but this book doesn't reflect that level of quality.

A wonderful book filled with straightforward ideas on how to create abstract art suitable for all skill levels. As a practicing artist, this book got me excited to just have fun and make some art without over thinking every detail. I could see this book not only being useful in the classroom, but for anyone who wants to approach making both two and three dimensional abstract art. With a wide range of suggested projects and full of colorful pictures as examples, this book is a pleasure to read and look at.

I recently attended Dean Nimmer's workshop based upon this book. I had never created abstract art and It was fascinating! We explored the essence of what abstract art is, and ways to think about making an abstract work which was challenging and great fun. Creating Abstract Art: Ideas & Inspiration for Passionate Art Making, is a very positive and informative discussion. I highly recommend it for anyone who is interested in exploring the wild world of abstract art.

Great book by a brilliant artist. Dean is the sort of artist who doesn't shy from competition but rathers shares all he knows so as to create more artists. A well-written how-to and exercise guide with beautiful visual examples.DISCLAIMER: Dean is like family to me and I know him to be a wonderful and empathetic human being. I was on the cover of his first book, so I may just be a bit biased. And, envious of his mad skills.