5 comments about Problem Solving for Oil Painters: Recognizing What's Gone Wrong and How to Make It Right.

1. The discussion of specific problems such as lack of depth,misplaced shadows, etc. and the illustrations are extremly helpful. The author illustrates what many teachers say. A great book!oil po



2. For the beginner and intermediate artist, "Problem solving for oil painters" is a must have on the bookshelf. The more experienced artist isn't going to learn anything new from this book, however it is a good book to keep for practical reference and inspiration. Beautifully illustrated with very many photographs of breath taking oil paintings. That alone is a reason to get this book.



3. This book has really great ideas and illustrations to go with everything, which really assisted me in seeing the value of what he talked about. If you are an oil painter, probably more especially beginning painters, or any kind of painter or color artist of any kind, this book has great insight, beautiful examples, and a lot of practicality. The only thing I didn't like about it was that the only pictures in the book are pictures that the author painted. This of makes the review of the pictures a bit biased. This is, however, something that can be overcome by by reading a section and going to a museum or looking up art online to see how the specific principle in discussion applies. I am a beginning painter and I find the book very useful.



4. This book suits more for the serious beginners or intermediate painters 'cause you have to be familiar with the basic concepts. It offers a way to verify the quality of your paintings point by point.
   My point of view is that you have to read it entirely before you can point on the problem. The topics are easy to reach after you know what you're searching for.
   Sometimes I would like to have more examples or explanations on some points.
   Simple but effective if you're not a complete beginner...



5. An excellent clearly written informative book. Will be much referred to and treasured for many years. Thankyou Mr. Kreutz

5 comments about The Art of Encaustic Painting: Contemporary Expression in the Ancient Medium of Pigmented Wax.

1. This book was unusual as an artbook. It takes me beyond the "hobby" status many art book seems to have. Proffessional and inspiring!



2. If you want information as an artist intending to try encaustic painting
   then this is a good book--it covers everything to get started painting with
   encaustic. Also some information on the ancient Fayum encaustic portraits,
   Jasper Johns use of encaustic (an interview with him) and examples of the encaustic
   work of certain other contemporary artists using encaustic techniques and some
   using other wax techniques not strictly encasutic



3. I am new this this medium. When I ordered this book I could not put it down. I read it in one night. It is packed with a lot of information. I keep refering back it.



4. I found this to be a clear and well presented book overall, enough so I found I didn't want to start this technique until I did some major re-arrangement of my studio space. Given that I haven't tried working through the tutorials, so really can't comment about them.
   
   Some seem annoyed at the art and artists presented - get over it. Art is about process, not product, learn about and experience what others have done then do your own thing. If you live somewhere with good art museums then seek out work by others that is in the genre that suits your tastes.
   
   I'll keep this book as reference when I do start my experiments with wax - so far it's the best I've seen in print.



5. WOW! This is a book that must be the encaustic paint maker's bible.
   Joanne Mattera has produced a book of reference for those artists wanting to explore the ancient art of encaustic painting. Her use of easy to relate reference material like the formulae of encaustic medium to the day to day collection of tools used to produced the art work, makes a newbie to this technique feel secure.
   She covers the important issues of studio safety to the equipment. The questions and answers found on the working reference pages are very helpful and guide the reader towards the subject matter covered chapter by chapter.
   She shares encaustic paintings from a huge range of contributing artists and this allows the reader to see the wide range of applications that encaustic painting adds to the visual arts. Joanne's vast painting experience shows through as she shares both her experiments along the encaustic journey to her leaving the door open for the new artist to "try new things for themselves."
   For the artist trying encaustic painting for the very first time to the experienced encaustic painter, this book offers information for all.

5 comments about Watercolor Basics - Lets Get Started (Watercolor Basics).

1. Watercolor painting can be discouraging for the beginner because of
   its delicate and difficult technique. A complex sketch that took a
   long time to develop can be ruined in two minutes when the novice
   painter starts putting watercolor on it, therefore wasting precious
   time and effort plus some expensive paper and paint. That's why Jack
   Reid, a fine painter with a great instructional sense, suggest
   approaching watercolor by learning-by-practice four basic techniques:
   flat wash & glazing, graded wash, wet-on-wet and dry brush. Mr. Reid
   proposes practicing these techniques on exercises a learner will be
   glad to try: nice looking pictures based on very simple sketches,
   appealing enough to be stimulating but simple enough to avoid lazyness
   and frustration. Also, the exercises proposed can be made in small
   format, thus relieving the distress of wasting materials that often
   makes the beginner repress from practicing. It's indeed a delight
   working on that simple projects and finding that Mr. Reid's advices do
   work. Along these exercises the beginner will adquire a practical
   knowledge about how things are done in watercolor.
   
   Once the beginner is supposed to manage the basics, the second half of
   the book goes into the general problems of painting: value, colour and
   composition. Again, every subject is accompanied by exercises of
   increasing difficulty that the learner may be willing to reproduce.
   
   In summary, the book is brief but worth every paragraph and
   illustration. It makes those of us painting for some time as
   self-learners to stop for a while and think seriously about changing
   the way we focus our work. The only doubt it poses is if Mr. Reid's
   approach is valid for general watercolor painting or just for
   "Reid-ish watercolor". Anyway, one's style can only be develop by hard
   work; a book can only give directions on the basics. And this book is
   great for that.



2. This book is for the "Very Beginer". It tells you what to purchase to start...ie..which brushes, what paint colors, and paper type. It then goes on to show you step by step how to use those supplies to create a picture.



3. I am teaching myself watercolor painting and this book has helped me tremendously. The step by step exercises make is so easy to learn technique and the reasons for different techniques. It has also helped me to learn to draw better. I highly recommend it to any beginner!



4. After looking at the library copy of Jack Reid's books on water color tecnniques, I knew it was the best way to learn and feel confident that I can do it! I had to have a copy of my own. The illustrations are great as the painting develops step-by-step, gently leading me to a new skill. Enjoyable confidence builder. Also, Mr. Reid's approach on materials is easy on the budget and makes the picture more important than the kind of brush that paints it. Styrofoam and twigs are right up my alley.



5. I would recommend this book to everyone to get so that you can practice watercolor techniques. Like all the other books in this series, you can't go wrong adding it to your collection.

5 comments about The Oil Painting Course You've Always Wanted: Guided Lessons for Beginners and Experienced Artists.

1. I have been painting for a while and wanted to more help with mixing flesh and shadow colors. In her book Steiger extensively elaborates the mixing of chroma, value and shadow. She brakes it down into little bits so there is no way that you'll have to guess the rest. Also this book goes from lesson lesson with exercise, of which i have done a few and find that she really has a good lesson-plan. Definitely good for the beginner of people who have been wingeing it [like me] and want to know how to paint with after a real lesson.



2. I got this book from the library. I always knew I could draw, and I always wanted to oil paint. I have a lot of books on oil painting, but I still struggle. Oil paints are tricky, sort of like playing the violin: you have to learn to control them before you start creating with them.
   
   Now, it IS for beginners, but it also says for "experienced" because she shows you tricks that maybe you didn't cover in other classes.
   
   She incorporates drawing lessons with the painting lessons. If you can't draw and shade a sphere, how are you going to understand a bush? She doesn't just have list of brushes, but she has exercises on how to blend paint with them. Each exercise in the book builds on the next.
   
   It is true that you are not going to paint a masterpiece with this book, but I do think you will say, "Oh, that's the problem", and then you can move forward with your own talent.
   
   She has one whole page on Taming Thalo Green, which no one else has in their books. She has a shading lesson in primary colors, and in secondary colors. She tells you how to dull a color without changing the value (mix it's exact complimentary in the same value, then add it). She explains glazing and scumbling. All the exercises are simple, so that if you are talented or not, you can do them. For example, she doesn't have you glaze a portrait like Rembrandt, but an apple.
   
   As she gets to harder things, she introduces more drawing. For example, when she gets to landscape, she talks about drawing perspective, as well as atmospheric perspective. In landscapes, she explains the tricks for trees and rocks (do the darks first). When she gets to portraits, then she talks about drawing the face. I don't think her portraits are all that hot, but she shows the steps then you can do them too, and infuse your talent.
   
   You will not create a masterpiece with this book, but you will have tools to create your own masterpiece because you won't be stumped with atmospheric perspective, how to do trees, how to make a shadow, etc. Just like you can't play the violin if you don't know where the notes are and how to get a good sound out of the bow, you can't oil paint if you don't know things like how Alizarin Crimson is going to behave differently from Cadmium Red Light. She will help you with this.
   
   She has taught beginning oil painting for 30 years, so she anticipates your problems and questions. Oil will not longer be something to fight with, but something that will do your bidding.



3. Not only was l able to correct old bad old habits, l have learnt an incredible amount from this art instruction book. Highly recommended to both beginners and accomplished artists.



4. I'm an artist (or, rather, used to be). I consider myself an illustrator, but haven't painted in a long time. This book is great, as she discusses mixing colors, selecting brushes, using the medium and so on. This is a fine book!!!



5. This book IS the oil painting course I've always wanted. I've taken a oil painting course at my local community college, but did not recieve the detailed instruction this book offers. I highly recommend it for the beginner painter. I also recommend Color Mixing Recipes by Walter Foster. It really helps you to get the color just right. It has an index on everything from apples to wet sand.Color Mixing Recipes

5 comments about Hawthorne on Painting.

1. Hawthorne on Painting was the most recommended book by master artist and teacher Sergei Bongart and, like most of his other students, I make it required reading for artists studying with me. The essential truths within are clear, even without pictures, and you'll find yourself reading and re-reading the rich, pithy text. A plein air painter cannot do without its information and inspiration!
   
   Also of interest to artists...
   Sergei Bongart
   Sergei Bongart - Profiles in American Art ** RARE SIGNED LIMITED EDITION **
   Eight Russian-American Artists [Exhibition, Newman & Saunders Galleries, Sept. 17 - Oct. 15, 1983]
   Wm. F. Reese



2. How good could be an advice or critic if you dont see the pictures that goes
   along with it. I did appreciate the reading of this book, but I'd say half of
   it is wasted due to the fact that there is no artwork to base judgement for
   yourself and understand the views of Mr. Hawthorne.



3. The material covered is good, but I liked the book Henche on Painting better. No color images.



4. It's a good to hear the comments from this wonderful artist expressing what makes an artist. The books modest cost is worth it, just to feel how he processes the visual world. His constructive reviews of students is enlightening. What I really missed was pictures of the works he is reviewing. The book is devoid of any pictures. You have to visualize what he is talking about. I really wanted to "see" what he was seeing.



5. This is one of the classics on painting. Every artist should add this to thier libary. It is a small book full of treasured insights for painting.
   
   Hawthorne's book is one I turn to when I am stuck in a painting. I read through the information that is given and see which one applies to my work. It is often just what I need to have a fresh eye. This is a great book for the novice or professional.

5 comments about The New Acrylics: Complete Guide to the New Generation of Acrylic Paints.

1. I'll be honest, I'm not too interested in the scientific and chemical blah blah blah of acrylic paint. But this book provided a great inspiration and exposed me to a lot of mediums I never knew existed. Highly recommended for the technical and the eye candy.



2. The New Acrylics: Complete Guide to the New Generation of Acrylic Paints
   
   Rheni Tauchid has written an up-to-date, comprehensive and easy-to-understand book that is likely to give new ideas to anyone using Acrylics. This is a "must read" for anyone using Acrylic Paints.



3. This book is a top-pro product. Its pictures inside are well enough to be a piece of art. Very useful, helpful, and instructive.



4. I LOVE THIS BOOK! I've already used many of the new techniques and loved the results. Some of the products needed for the techniques in this book can be hard to come by in stores, so I'm having to order online. It is a very new approach to acrylics that open up a new world! I think this is a must have. It also teaches you things about new products that are really great that I cant wait to use. It is worth every penny. And the book isn't one of those art books that is dry and or thinks you are stupid. It covers what you need to know quickly and with interesting information. It has many many many pictures. Covers techniques, new materials, and much more. again get this book!



5. This is an easy to follow guide to acrylic paints, mediums and techniques. It cleared up so much confusion I had about mediums, gels, pastes, glazes and finishes. And it's beautifully illustrated with great color photos that I found to be extremely inspirational. I can't wait to get started practicing some of these techniques in my paintings and mixed media pieces.

4 comments about Color Mixing Recipes for Portraits: More than 500 Color for skin, eyes, lips & hair (Color Mixing Recipes).

1. I love this book. It has become my figure painting bible. It gives you the recipes (like a cook book) of the proper amounts of each color to achieve all different skin tones and hair! It's great!



2. This is great value for a novice that needs help to mix skin colours. The text is kept to a minimum and the charts clear to understand.



3. This book is cool. Flip the hard pages (wipeable), and you have all ethnic colors at your fingertips. Of course you will need to adjust, but it is full of basic eye, nose, lips etc. colors and carts. Im glad I bought it.



4. If you are looking for a technical guide on how to mix skin colours for all the different races of people (well most anyway) then this is the book for you. It gives you all the information you need (which paint and how much)to mix just about every shade of flesh, covering both cool and warm versions, it covers the full tonal range for each mix and shadow effects. In summery it is the most comprehensive flesh colour mixing book I have come across yet and I have got most of the more popular books on this subject. At this price it is a bargin
   

1 comments about Advanced Painter Techniques.

1. If you are serious about using Painter X, by all means buy this book. Don`s easy way of teaching makes this book very useful and informative. However, this book is not for beginners. You must have some knowledge of the software in order to make the most out of this book. I`d give it ten stars if I could!!

5 comments about Sports Illustrated: In the Paint.

1. Interesting photography. If you are a fan of the swimsuit issue, and art, you will love this book.



2. Terrific collection of SI photographs highlighted by pains taking application of paint. Very artful!



3. Who would have believed that body-painting could so realistically depict actual swim-suits, etc. Outstanding!



4. SI's annual swimsuit issue is a highly anticipated delight for many afficionados of the female form.
   
   This collection of photos of some of the most beautiful women on the planet features the body painting genius of Joanne Gair. These bountiful babes sure look like they are wearing some nifty swimsuits. NOT!
   
   They are all as naked as the day they were born. Wow! I wish I had this to read back when I was in my teen years! Still enjoyable, even now.
   
   The perfect gift for that straight male you know, aged teen to octagenarian. He will appreciate your exquisite taste.



5. A beautiful gift for any SI fan, photographer or artist... the book is well put together and done with class. It goes through each year SI has featured the "painted" models with additional, never seen before photos and model comments. Gorgeous color. Great holiday gift.

5 comments about The Natural Way to Paint: Rendering the Figure in Watercolor Simply and Beautifully.

1. This book shows how to do watercolour figure sketches in a loose free style.
   
   The eye-catching pictures help in showing how to draw people with exercises that are easy to follow and understand.
   
   For learning to draw or paint people and figures this is an excellent book. He also talks about the materials needed; colour mixing, brushwork and practical tips to get the result you are after.
   
   You may not enjoy this book if you like more detailed realistic paintings as his style is sketchy but to me this is the magic.



2. Charles Reid does his usual "bang-up" job. The pictures make you want to pick up a brush immediately. I also have one of his early books...very worn by now...and this one doesn't disappoint me either.



3. This book is so helpful..from the preparatory sketch to painting in watercolor, he teaches it all. His techniques are simply amazing, and I've learned more from this book than anything else...I FULLY recommend this book



4. I have other books by Charles Reid that I love. I didn't know that this book was still available, so I was thrilled to find it. It is a great book on painting the figure. I am an art teacher, so I will share it contents with my students.



5. If you like Mr. Reid work, then you'll love this one. If you have one book
   to buy for watercolor, then this is the only one you need. This book will teach you alot, if you are ready to invest yourself.
   The spontaneity usually associated with watercolor is an illusion, and this
   book with simple exercise will help you control this medium, and help you
   cause accident that others call spontaneity.