This thorough guide examines not just the what – the technical aspects – but the why – what abstraction is and how it speaks to both the artist and the viewer. Helen looks at sources of inspiration as well as the creative process where ideas are translated into shapes, forms and colours. These can involve found and observed objects as well as natural forms such as rock strata or moving waters.

Some of the images Helen illustrates are less representational than others, but the underlying form is always present, sometimes recognisably so as ideas take flight from the initial vision. She is always careful, though, to explain thought processes as well as working methods and creative aspects such as mark-making, composition and order of work.

There are plenty of examples, exercises and demonstrations, but this is very much a field where you’re encouraged to think for yourself and develop your own approaches, something which Helen admirably primes you to do.

Search Press • Paperback • 176 pages • Colour throughout