Painting on silk, in its millennia-old traditional form and also in contemporary form, has become increasingly popular. With this guide, be inspired by the nearly 500 images, the visual demos, and the aspects not covered in other books. Starting with the basic skills and techniques, here is guidance on every element of the art, including setting up your studio space, painting on preconstructed clothing, and framing your art. Most importantly, enjoy learning unusual, innovative frames of mind to intensify your creative freedom, bringing new energy to your work. A special chapter, "Color: The Workshop Experience," offers exercises for harnessing the variety of silk dye hues. Complex layered looks, plein air painting and landscapes, critiquing, seeking authenticity, intuitive improvisation, and much more are included. The authors, founders of Silk Painters International, give thorough guidance on how to push yourself out of your comfort zone to evoke emotions in your art. AUTHORS: Jan Janas and Diane Tuckman are the founders of Silk Painters International (SPIN).

Janas holds an art degree from Northern Illinois University, and is an artist and instructor. Tuckman, the founder of Ivy Imports, also teaches and exhibits widely. SELLING POINTS: * How to, but much more: a toolbox of ways to intensify creative freedom, authenticity, and more * Includes visual demos, techniques, plein air, critiquing work, learning "thought armor," and other unusual improvement guidance * Special focus on leaving your comfort zone to help evoke emotions in your work 497 colour and b/w images.