Many artists find the move into abstraction a difficult and uncertain one because they lack the proper guidance needed to take this bold step. In this inspirational workbook, award-winning mixed media artist Claire Harrigan leads painters towards non-representational painting through the use of color. Fantastically illustrated throughout and featuring sound technical advice, it covers every aspect of abstract painting, from concepts and influences, inspirations and starting points to approaching subjects, basic design considerations, and surface textures. Step-by-step analyses of Harrigan?s own work demonstrate the importance of color contrast, harmony, and impact in a range of mixed media.