Painting and Understanding Abstract Art

Near Fine condition. Hundreds of illustrations (color and B/W). The text block is clean and tight, with no marks, tears, or dog ears. The author’s inscription – “Best wishes for Amy and Lucy – S.M.A. (San Miguel de Allende) Mexico – Jan 30/65” and his signature are on the first free endpaper. On the back of that same endpaper is the bookplate of the previous owner. The orange cloth book cover is in near fine condition with slight bump and discoloration at top of spine. The dust jacket is in good/fair condition – intact, but with tears along paper spine, where there is also discoloration. Description of the contents from the dust jacket flap: “At last, here is a lucid, readable book that clarifies the vastly complex world of contemporary art. Although it is an instruction book, covering techniques of abstract art in both the formal and expressive aspects, the layman who wishes to approach his gallery experiences intelligently will find it important reading. A history of the many schools of abstract painting and an explanation of their relevancy to present day art is given. By tracing the development of abstract art from its classic roots, this book reveals the constant, honest search, throughout the years, for new, vigorous means of expression. The whys and hows of abstract art are clearly set forth with the aid of pictures and diagrams. Understandable reasons are presented for certain uses of space, mass, color, and line. Paintings by great masters of abstract art are reproduced and analyzed. In addition to broad principles, the book includes such facets as a basic abstract "alphabet," the fractured image, spatial arrangement, the image forsaken, modern techniques and methods, new materials, collage, textural devices, paper-and-rags. A chart lays out a year's organized study plan for the student with a restricted time schedule; this study plan offers the equivalent of an intensive art school course. A glossary of abstract art terms and a carefully selected bibliography are appended. Abstract art is of and for our times. However, it cannot be truly understood and appreciated without a cultivated eye. With this book both practicing artists and lovers of art will find their art life greatly enriched; they will be able to distinguish abstract paintings done with integrity and high standards from the works of charlatans; the whole forward sweep of art will take on new meaning.” Wikipedia says of the artist/author: Frank Leonard Brooks (7 November 1911 – 20 November 2011) was a Canadian artist. Born in London, England, Brooks arrived in Canada in 1912. Primarily self-taught, he did study at the Ontario College of Art and taught at the Central Technical School. He became an associate member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts in 1939. He joined the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve in May 1943. During his posting as a war artist (August 1944 – May 1946), he painted the movements of an aircraft carrier in the waters of Scotland and the activities of mine sweepers and motor torpedo boats in the English Channel off Normandy. After the war, he obtained a grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs to study art in Mexico. He taught for several years in San Miguel de Allende. On 12 August 1950 he and his wife Reva, as well as Stirling Dickinson and five other American teachers, were deported from Mexico. The official reason was that they did not have proper work visas, but the cause may have been a falling out with the owner of a rival art school. Leonard Brooks was eventually able to get the deportation order lifted through his contact with General Ignacio M. Beteta, whose brother Ramón Beteta Quintana was an influential politician at the national level. Brooks has published a number of works on watercolour and oil painting techniques.”.…