Painting Books - Page 4

Claude Monet: 1840-1926 (Basic Series)

Christoph Heinrich, Claude Monet

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Editorial Review:

Claude Monet (1840-1926) was the most typical and the most individual Impressionist painter. His long life he dedicated to a pictorial exploration of the sensations which reality, and in particular landscape, offer the human eye. But while Monet the painter was faithful and persevering in the pursuit of his motifs, his personal life followed a more restless course. Parisian by birth, he discovered plein-air painting as a youth in the provinces, where one of his homes, Argenteuil, has come to represent the artistic flowering and official establishment of Impressionism as a movement, with Monet as its creative leader. In his endeavor to capture the ever-changing face of reality, Monet went beyond Impressionism and thereby beyond the confines of self-contained panel painting: in Giverny he painted the Poplars, Grain Stacks and Rouen Cathedral series in which he addressed one motif in constantly new variations. Here, too, Monet laid out the famous garden with its water-lily pond which he was to paint on huge canvases well into the 1920s. He thereby sought to render not reality as objectively experienced, but rather that which takes place "between the motif and the artist". In their open, merely tenuously representational structure and impressive scale, his water lily paintings - created long before the currents of the contemporary avant-garde - point the way to the developments of the future.

Abstract Painting: Concepts and Techniques

Vicky Perry

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 22 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Abstract Painting: Concepts and Techniques 5 out of 5 stars.
11 of 11 people found this review helpful.

Good book. Really clues you in on the whys and what fors of abstract painting. After reading this book (more than once) I was not intimidated by trying my hand at abstract painting. The photos in the book are awesome. The author knows her art as does those artists who contributed to the book.

Editorial Review:

Up until now, a veil of mystery surrounded the techniques used to create great abstract paintings. ABSTRACT PAINTING TECHNIQUES AND STRATEGIES lifts that veil to reveal the exact methods behind the masterworks. Now students and professional artists can stop guessing and start building on the techniques of the great abstract artists to create their own innovative new work. Two clear, comprehensible sections let artists focus quickly on their specific areas of interest. The first section, on Traditional Painterly Abstraction (brush and easel painting) looks at pictorial space, brushwork, paint quality, and collage. The second section, on Post-Painterly Modern Abstraction (non-easel painting), considers options ranging from the pour-and-spatter techniques of Jackson Pollock to the staining, scraping, and abrading of modern acrylic artists. Step-by-step recipes for key approaches show every artist how to get the best aesthetic results, freeing them to move forward philosophically.

Creating Textured Landscapes With Pen, Ink & Watercolor

Claudia Nice

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Great Tips and Techniques 4 out of 5 stars.
8 of 8 people found this review helpful.

Just received this book today. It is very colourful and well layed out.

There are tonnes of tips and techniques on watercolour painting as well as specfic examples and step by steps on different effects and how to acheive more contrast etc with texturing.

Well worth it.

Editorial Review:

With the help of reference photos and field sketches, the author shows how to create realistic and colourful paintings of landscapes, ranging from expansive mountain vistas to more intimate vignettes such as tree-shaded streams and country lanes. To simplify things for the reader: each chapter explores a separate component of landscape painting: skies and clouds, hills and mountains, trees and foliage, rivers, lakes and waterfalls, rocks, flowers, etc.; these components are used in several full-page finished landscape paintings throughout each chapter to give readers a goal to work towards; the tools used to create texture in the paintings are simple and fun to use, such as sponges, scrapers and straws; and, pen and ink is used to enhance the rough and more highly textured areas of the paintings.

Bold Visions: A Digital Painting Bible

Gary Tonge

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 9 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Good Book To Inspire You, But... 3 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

The author speaks in GENERAL TERMS when explaining his process for the 'start to finish' of particular projects. It is NOT a step by step guide if that's what you are looking for. You can still pick up some interesting ideas for starting a project of your own.

An Inspiration for Digital Artists 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This book not only showcases beautiful and inspiring works of art, it provides advice and guidelines for artists hoping to develop their talents further. Be aware that the book does NOT provide step-by-step instructions, lists of tools, etc. on how each piece is done; that's to its credit. Rarely do artists do things in the exact same way. Gary Tonge simply presents his work and explains the concepts and processes that went into it. There are some examples of composition provided, although not with concrete rules, and an explanation of how light diffuses in some of his pieces, as well as sections on the importance of color, scale, perspective, and texures. This is not a rulebook or a stiff outline of steps. This is a guidebook. It offers suggestions and leaves the interpretation up to the reader. If you want a step-by-step tutorial, this is not for you. If you want inspiration and an understanding of what makes Tonge's art so dynamic, it's an invaluable text regardless of your choice of medium.

Editorial Review:

This comprehensive and up-to-date guide to the rapidly expanding area of digital painting features beautifully displayed finished works of art alongside practical demonstrations. Artists will learn to create a wide range of subject matter from futuristic spacescapes and revolutionary vehicles to medieval landscapes and beautiful maidens. An in-depth materials section introduces all the equipment you are likely to need, from computer hardware and software to more traditional art media. A detailed basic techniques section caters to both newcomers to the digital medium and those who wish to brush up on their skills.

Mastering Composition: Techniques and Principles to Dramatically Improve Your Painting (Mastering (North Light Books))

Ian Roberts

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 9 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Create Better Compositions by Design

The path to better painting begins with Mastering Composition. This effective guide blends clear, visual instruction with 5 step-by-step demonstrations to show you how to plan and paint your best work yet.

Composition is the key, and here you'll learn to design paintings with new skill and confidence. It all begins with the armature or structure of the picture plane. Every great painting has one, and you'll see through several famous examples exactly how the Old Masters used armatures to create movement, narrative, harmony and fluidity. Based on these examples, you'll practice what you've learned following a series of hands-on demonstrations.

Once you understand the basic principles of design, you'll be amazed at how quickly and effectively your compositions come together. Soon you will be painting more boldly and confidently than ever before with less reworking and overworking.

Whether you're a beginner looking for basic instruction or a more advanced painter troubleshooting a specific problem, the proven methods in this book will work for you. Ideal for all mediums, Mastering Composition gives you the knowledge you need to create powerful paintings out of every subject.

Splash 8: Watercolor Discoveries (Splash)

Rachel Wolf

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 17 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Les meilleurs livres sur les aquarelles (review from France) 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 10 people found this review helpful.

La série des livres SPLASH (actuellement le 8e volume est paru) est une pure merveille. J'ai la chance de disposer de l'intégralité de ces ouvrages achetés sur le site Amazon.com
Chaque livre présente plus de 100 oeuvres. Chacune de ces aquarelles est une découverte formidable: de la couleur, de la poésie, de l'art, du très grand art.
Je vous recommande ces ouvrages très vivement. Vous ne serez pas décus. Félicitations très chaleureuses à tous ces artistes.

Editorial Review:

There's nothing more inspiring than a glimpse into the artistic lives of the best contemporary watercolour painters. With page after page of gorgeous artwork covering every conceivable subject, Splash 8: Watercolor Discoveries: Showcases nearly 140 paintings by about 100 top artists. Gives readers advice with every piece of artwork - these "discoveries" cover both practical and creative breakthroughs made by the featured artists; Includes popular mixed-media work, as well as translucent watercolour; Whether they're art lovers or full-fledged painters, readers won't want to miss the latest installment in this popular series.

The Artist's Handbook of Materials and Techniques: Fifth Edition, Revised and Updated (Artists' Handbook of Materials and Techniques)

Ralph Mayer

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 25 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Very good on pigments, but definitely painting not drawing oriented. 3 out of 5 stars.
8 of 11 people found this review helpful.

While I don't work in oils, the coverage of oils seemed exceptionally deep. Material on pigments also was relevant to watercolor (something in which I dabble) and pastels (one of my major areas). I was disappointed not to find any real discussion of charcoal, graphite, or colored pencils. It would have been nice to get a slight discussion of materials not "professional", such as wax crayons.

the end all reference guide for artists 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

If you are searching for a book that will explain materials and tools for the artist this is the first book you should turn to. I have been referencing this book for a decade now and still have a lot to learn from Ralph Mayer, a man who spent his life investigating various techniques of painting.

If you open this book up, you will come across just about any question you might have. For instance, I recently used Mayer for egg tempra painting. In his book he has a few pages regarding the subject, not many, but enough to fully explain the basics and get you started properly. He covers brushes, pigments, paints, from the obscure to the most basic.

One section of the book that I am keenly interested in is his break down of a massive number of pigments where he goes into more detail on each than any other source I have come across.

This is not exactly a how to paint or draw book. This book is intended for those who want to make a serious study of process practices in the correct manner for archival purposes. This is a must have book that should be in any painters studio.

One last item of note: If you have used this book before and found it of interest, I highly suggest that the next time you are around New Haven CT that you visit the Yale 'Ralph Mayer' center. Yale itself has many museums and buildings worth visiting and the Mayer center is just one small highlight. Its staff was very kind when I visited. When I showed an interest in Mayer, they were eager to share some of the more interesting aspects of the collection.

Editorial Review:

Since 1940, when it was originally published, The Artist's Handbook has become indispensable for thousands of practicing artists and art students. The book has remained continually in print through many editions and has sold more than a quarter of a million copies. A detailed index makes a wealth of information readily available. Charts and line drawings throughout.

Watercolor Basics - Let’s Get Started (Watercolor Basics)

Jack Reid

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 22 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

GREAT BOOK! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

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.

Great lessons to practice with 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

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.

Great tool and teaching book 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

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.

Great book for beginners 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

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!

The New Acrylics: Complete Guide to the New Generation of Acrylic Paints

Rheni Tauchid

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 27 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

The acrylics of today have grown into the most adaptable art material of the modern age. Focusing on a popular art medium that has been around for over 50 years, The New Acrylics illustrates how artists can create lush textures, colour, and lustre with the modern acrylics readily available in any art supply store. These are non-toxic, environmentally sound, and exist in the most dazzling array of chemical formats - from the most fluid to the highly viscous. Not only do artists paint with acrylics these days, they can create rich metallic effects, or even 3-Dimensional sculptures. Traditional technique based books on acrylics cover traditional methods of painting. However, The New Acrylics is geared towards more non-conventional ways in which to manipulate modern-day acrylics, and demonstrates new applications such as glazing, textured effects, soft sculpture effects, or staining, thus reinventing the old way of handling acrylics, and revealing a fabulous new artistic medium. The underlying theme of this dazzling and sophisticated book is to encourage artists to interpret and handle acrylic paints in a vibrant, fresh, and above all, individualistic style.

Botanical Illustration Course: With the Eden Project

Rosie Martin, Meriel Thurstan

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Botanical illustration 5 out of 5 stars.
31 of 37 people found this review helpful.

This is an in depth clear book about the process of botanical illustration. Well written and great pictures. Recommend highly!

Amazing Book in both the educational and artistic value 5 out of 5 stars.
18 of 18 people found this review helpful.

This book is a wonderous compilation of educational guidelines on producing artwork and properly representing the beauty and complexity of plants using pencil and watercolor media. It also could pass as a coffee table book as the images are incredible. I was immediately struck at the techniques covered as every art book should - recommendation on watercolor/paper/pencils to use, other tools needed, shading & highlighting, importance of representing the tiniest details, color development (e.g. how to make the right green - I loved that part), depth and so much more. In many ways I was reminded of my university art classes I took many years ago, but this book covers so much more than I garnered through formal education. Those that purchase the book for learning how to bring plants to life on paper or canvas should follow the educational component of the book from the beginning to the end in order to gain the most on how to illustrate plants. By following this method, each artist will definitely get what this book offers - and makes one wish they could take part of the art classes taught at the Eden Project in Cornwall, UK. I definitely wish I could do so!

Editorial Review:

This is simply the best and most complete course in botanical illustration ever produced, with each chapter a perfectly constructed and self-contained class. Created in conjunction with the internationally renowned Eden Project—home of the only jungle in captivity—it’s put together by two leading figures in the Project’s famed art school, and uses many beautiful works from its students. Artists and plant lovers will find a wealth of practical information, with easy-to-follow exercises and case studies. The priceless advice encompasses everything from honing observational skills and plant dissection procedures to color mixing and applying watercolor. Adding highlights, producing a pleasing composition, and developing a personal style—all the building blocks for achieving excellence are here.