Book Description
Offers down-to-earth advice on painting gorgeous outdoors scenes through 10 step-by-step demos Teaches painters how to master the art of observation Shows readers how to translate field notes and sketches into fully realized studio paintings The overwhelming beauty of the outdoors is one of the most inspiring - and elusive - subjects for painters. With Landscape Painting Inside and Out, Kevin Macphearson first shows readers how to see like an artist, then teaches them how to recreate their vision into stunningly realistic outdoors scenes. His insightful process encourages readers to focus on the small details to achieve big results.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent examples.......2007-09-19
This book gives practical, specific advice on improving your landscape painting technique. I especially like the illustrations. The paintings are beautiful and "fresh." Not your average landscapes. They inspired me.
shadows.......2007-09-10
Great book Good information but Kevin seems to lose his separation of the lights and shadows in some of his demos in the back of the book He talks about it but then shadows start getting to light in value and too much detail. This could be from the reproductions of his painting
Not as much "color and light" in this one........2007-08-11
Having read this author's previous book on putting color and light in your paintings, I was a little disappointed with this one---I expected more. The book was well organized, (had, once again, pages of stuff about selecting your brushes, etc.); the author set forth his view of a limited palette, and said that you needed to be excited about your painting---but I don't believe that he was excited when he wrote this. If he was, he didn't convey it well. Had a number of exercises, some reasonable, others only for the wealthy (use an entire tube of cadmium red light on your painting (That is, really thick!)
Anyway, having read through the book, I would not buy this book again --- that's the bottom line.
Wonderful instruction for the Plein-Air artist........2007-06-27
Kevin Macpherson gives thorough instructions in his book from colors used to composition. A beautiful book with many demonstrations. I would highly recommend to the beginning or advanced Plein-Air painter in oil.
A "Must Have" Resource.......2007-05-23
If you are an oil painter or even if you are a want-to-be painter, Kevin MacPherson's book is a terrific reference. Personally, I'm a Plein Air painter and Kevin is a master at painting on location. He covers what supplies you'll need and techniques in painting. I've had this book for some time and still refer to it often.
Customer Reviews:
Not impressed..........2007-06-08
I purchased this book because of all the great reviews it received. I was not impressed. Everything was way too simplistic. If you're an intermediate or professional painter, you will not learn anything from this book that you don't already know.
REAL help for a struggling painter.......2007-05-12
AWESOME book packed to the full with inspiring paintings & photos, really practical tips for the would be painter, and help over all those overwhelming and sometimes insurmountable difficulties confronting the aspirant oil painter. Replaces mystery with method. I'm really thrilled to have discovered Kevin Macpherson's approach to painting "plein air" and am already seeing the fruits of applying it.
Fill Your Oil Paintings With Light & Color.......2007-01-28
Good reference book; should be in all artists library.
Excellent Advice and Technique.......2007-01-13
I used to use a pallete of 10 colors but took the author's advice and tried using 3 plus white. Within one day I learned I can mix most colors. The important thing is the pure simplicity and fantastic range of colorful grays you'll generate while mixing. Try it. Later, he says to add a green and gradually others.
His advice on simplifying shapes is wise. The eye averages images. Your intellect wants to paint detail everywhere but that's not what the eye actually sees. To create realistic scenes it's necessary to see color correctly and avoid the urge to sketch with paint. Viewed closely, great paintings often show blotches of color and heavy brush strokes but viewed as a whole it all works together and conveys harmony and an emotional pull.
As for materials, I agree with the author's selection of hardboard-like supports. The Mona Lisa is painted on board and I'm not about to criticise DaVinci.
North Light Books publishes many good painting guides and this volume is one of the best.
Great for the Beginner.......2006-12-04
I took an art class at the museum and our teacher had this book, she let us practice using this book. It is time consuming, but worth it! I've never painted using this technique before and I was suprised at how good I did. It's well worth buying and adding to your library!
Book Description
Knowing how to use a brush properly is essential for effective oil painting. Brushwork Essentials shows artists everything they need to know to render a variety of elegant strokes, along with other exciting techniques like paint mixing and brush shaping.
Weber makes mastering each technique easy. He provides detailed, easy-to-follow instructions, step-by-step demonstrations and complementary artwork that highlight each brushstroke as it appears on the canvas. Readers will also learn how to use different strokes to achieve specific effects, such as lighting, shadowing and more.
Customer Reviews:
Ok ... I Guess.......2007-04-27
This is a tough book to review. I give this book 3 stars (the above is inaccurate) I like the idea of learning how to apply paint to the canvas (or whatever) but somehow looking at photos and reading the text leaves something to be desired. In my opinion this would have been better as a DVD where a person could actually see the process taking place.
The review of materials (in every Northlight book) gets tedious. The author seems to assume the reader hasn't painted before; however, I doubt a beginner in painting would purchase a book on brush technique.
Brushwork Essentials does cover a lot of territory and it does demenstrate the importance of knowing what your combo of brush and paint can achieve. A lot of learning is included in the book. The problem is visualizing what the author is talking about. A couple of photos with text doesn't carry the ideas forward very well. Many people will benefit from this book, but it isn't something that is all that easy to grasp.
After buying and reading numerous art books I have become disappointed with Northlight books. They publish a ton of books on every conceiveable subject; however, they are very repetitious and often do not manage to put the ideas forward very well. Northlight should switch to DVD or other types of presentations because their books are not cutting it as far as I am concerned.
If you want to buy this book I suggest getting it used because I do not think it is worth the full price (which I paid). Cheated again by good advertising and poor execution.
AD2
Rare information about brush work........2007-04-11
There are few, if any, books describing brush work for painters so it was helpful to get some instruction. It seems so simple but the use of different brushes as well as brush strokes is essential.
As helpful as a class.......2007-02-19
I am a new oil-painter and have found that this book is an invaluable source to have as a reference. The easy to read instructions and beauful photo's of paintings make this pretty goof proof and encourages one to try new techniques and brushes.
A must have for your library.......2007-01-25
I have a huge library of art books. This is one I particularlly appreciated because it is a topic that is not covered in art classes. The only class that might come close would be calligraphy or Sumi-e.
Don't Brush This Off.......2007-01-02
Mark Christopher Weber, artist and author, in his "Brushwork Essentials" provides the beginner with generous amount of information and examples related to the use of the brush. He covers:
Types of brushes and what they were designed to do
Choosing and purchasing a brush
Choosing and shaping a brush for use
Mixing paint with a brush
What consistency of paint to use with a brush to get the desired effect
The mechanics of using a brush and results
Wet on wet painting and blending
Caring for the brush
And, putting it all of the essentials together for landscapes, figures, and still life.
This is a great step-by-step book for the beginner or for those who need a refresher on the use and care of the brush.
Customer Reviews:
Simplify Your Painting.......2006-12-30
Too many colors on your palette? Are you a beginning oil painter? This is the book for you! Morgan Samuel Price lays out the theory and techniques of painting with a basic palette...a few primaries, a couple of earth tones, and that's it. Several lessons are presented for the reader to follow along with. This book will definitely improve your painting.
Oil Painting with a Basic Palette.......2000-05-04
This is a finely illustrated book for beginners through advanced oil painters who are interested mainly in landscape painting. Even the table of contents is illustrated with photos of her paintings and short descriptions for easy access to chapters. Demos are illustrated as well, including how to use and hold brushes, preparing surfaces. The book also examines the basic tenets of painting including value, composition and design, effects of light on color. This is a useful, lovely book to read and use in landscape painting.
Book Description
Mastering Color takes artists beyond the color wheel for a deeper understanding of the emotional and practical uses of their palettes. It features inventive, yet easy-to-understand, concepts and techniques that apply to every subject, medium, and painting level, with:
-An in-depth section on the properties of color, including color density, mother colors, and transition colors
-Examples, charts, mini-demos, demos, and comparisons to illustrate color theory
-Advice for maximizing color as it relates to value, design, light, shadow, and mood
Artists will appreciate this in-depth look at color theory -- one that's sure to maximize the beauty and appeal of their next paintings.
Customer Reviews:
great book.......2007-09-09
great book-like the explaination on all the color schemes. very easy to understand and refer to when doing color studies.
KARIN WAS RIGHT.......2007-08-19
I just got this book and I too am glad I did not pay attention to the ONE negative review.... I know, everybody has the liberty of saying what they think, but I was truly surprised and inspired once I opened this book! I cannot wait to finish reading it and putting into practice its tips! Thank you Vicki Mcmurry!
Scooterpaints.......2007-03-19
I spent the afternoon with 2 other artists; one brought this book to share... we were oohing and aahing. I had to buy immediately & can hardly wait for my own copy to arrive. For those painting awhile, we don't need the basics and it's good to have such wonderful artists sharing their techniques to inspire us. I look forward to having this in my 'arsenal'.
Awesome book, as beautiful and inspiring as the cover!.......2007-02-17
If you love color and are ready to take your painting to the next level, this is the book for you! I just received Ms. McMurry's masterpiece a few days ago and was so pleasantly surprised. Please do not listen to the ONE negative review - (I almost did and am so glad I went with my intuition instead...) this wonderful treat is as gorgeous on each page as the cover promises. If you are touched by the passionate painting on the cover as I was, you will love the book. Not only is it a visual feast, but Ms. Mcmurry takes us inside her knowledge and discoveries of a painter. She is like a friend sharing her secrets.
Even just flipping through the pages I have picked up many new tips (and I've been painting all my life...) and can't wait to read the whole book cover to cover. In addition to the great insights and instruction, I find the best way to learn from great artists is to just "absorb" the paintings and let them affect you a on a deep level- each of Vicky's paintings is like a "transmission" of color mastery.
Even though this may not be the perfect book for a complete beginner (the title is "MASTERING Color" afterall...), I believe that painters of all levels (and art lovers...) will greatly benefit from this treasure.
And by the way, I have never met Ms. Mcmurry (although I'd love to study with her...) and didn't even know about her until a few days ago. I just love her book and art, and find it sad that beacuse of one bad review many folks might be missing out on it. If you enjoy this book, please write a little note to let folks know.
Happy Painting!
I wish I didn't buy it.......2007-01-29
This book really has annoyed me. I knew nothing about using color in oil paintings, and I still know nothing after reading it:
1) The book is basically a series of pictures of this artist's paintings (one or two per page), with really little comments near them. The pages are really empty: small pictures with little text.
2) Sometimes the author speaks about techniques (i.e. direct or indirect painting)
and after reading the text I still don't understand what is she talking about.
3) There are also a lot of trivial explanations (like that of primary, secondary colors, etc.) that it seems a joke dedicating a lot of space to them.
4) The paintings are almost all beautiful, but it is not worthwhile buying the book just to see the illustrations.
5) The most of the explanations sound to me like: "I thought I could use red here, and I did it. I like the result because it reflects the emotions I had when I was
painting. You must do what you find right". Do I have to extract a knowledge from that?
After reading the book I thought the author made an effort to avoid good explanations. Perhaps this book is not intended for beginners like me, but I think it is a bad book for everyone. She seems a good painter, but this book tells me she is not a good teacher.
Sorry for the comparison (because they seem to follow different goals), but "Painting the Impressionist Landscape" from Lois Griffel is infinitely better than this one
from Mcmurry. I never regreted buying Griffel's.
You are warned: don't let a good cover mislead you.
Customer Reviews:
Great Book.......2007-02-19
Certainly a great book. Well designed. I am a hobby painter. Self taught and this book has certainly inspired me into painting some of the pictures in the book. If you love nature and painting this is simple step by step book has a wealth of information. Would certainly recommend it.
Painting Garden Birds with Sherry Nelson.......2006-08-10
The author provides step by step instructions and photos for painting a variety of birds with oils. This is a great book for the beginner decorative oil painter.
Painting Garden Birds with Sherry C. Nelson.......2005-08-25
I've enjoyed having this book as a reference. The step by step instructions work just as well with other mediums instead of the recommended oils, so far I've painted the Wren in watercolors and the Cardinals in Acrylics.
would give this 6 stars if I could!.......2005-04-25
This is an absolutely wonderful book that any beginning artist must have. Ms. Nelson's instructions are so clear and easy to follow that anyone can produce beautiful paintings. Not only does Ms. Nelson tell you what colors to use, but what direction to make your painting strokes, how to hold the brush, what brushes to use..how much easier can you get?! I am currently working on my first bird from the book. My family can't get over how life-like my painting is. I am even surprised at the results! I am definately going to purchase more of her books and I have no doubts that eventually I'll be able to do paintings on my own once I've mastered the techniques in the book.
Great for Beginners.......2003-01-08
For new enthusiasts, this book is a must get for painting realistic birds of many varieties. The instructions are easy to follow and the illustrations are top notch. The author even gives the exact colors that are used in each painting.
Book Description
*Features birds and flowers--both perennially favorite subjects--in bright colors and stunning settings
*Fine artists, leisure painters, and decorative painters alike love author's timeless and realistic style
*Teaches all the basic skills from brush loading and blending to creating shape and texture
The follow up to the bestselling Painting Garden Birds, this book is aimed at beginning oil painters but contains vivid examples that will attract even the most advanced artists. Master decorative painter Sherry C. Nelson provides 15 step-by-step projects, each highlighting a specific feature of the songbird, a variety of poses, and tips on capturing the flowers and foliage unique to the bird's habitat. Included are everyone's most beloved songbirds: blue jays, sparrows, doves, and more--all accented with lady bugs, butterflies, and other cute insects."
Customer Reviews:
Another excellent Sherry Nelson Book.......2007-07-27
I have several Sherry Nelson books and they are the best books in my art library. They are very informative, clear and concise.
I highly recommend the books.
Great author/painter--great book.......2007-05-13
Sherry C. Nelson has written another great book on painting birds. Her easy to follow instructions enable even a novice to create beautiful works of art.
Great Book.......2007-05-08
I love this book. The step by step pictures and instructions on painting all the different kinds of birds and the backgrounds is exactly what I was looking for.
Book Description
For more than a thousand years, Eastern Christians have used their hands and hearts to create icons, proclaiming God's reality in a visible-and breathtakingly beautiful-way. This ancient art is enjoying a renewed interest in the West, as people of faith create icons and use them to meditate on mysteries for which there are no words.
A Brush With God is a guide to painting icons and using them in prayer. Written with warmth and energy, it describes the history of icons and examines why they've been a spiritual tool for so many centuries. Written from a uniquely Western perspective, the book guides artists-from novices to professionals-through the process of icon painting, using traditional techniques but employing contemporary materials. Included are eight full-color plates of the artist's icons.
Customer Reviews:
Nicely done.......2007-08-22
I love this book! I created the icon of St. Nicholas using the books instructions, and got positive feed back on it from my "extremely honest" family and friends. The materials required are readily available and the directions are clear. Most importantly, the spiritual experience during the process was incredible. I can't wait to do the other two icons in the book. However, I do believe you need to be confident in your artistic skills to be successful and avoid frustration. My only criticism is the lack of pictorial examples. I had to refer to another book to understand the difference between the Greek and Russian style.
A history and how to of icons.......2007-04-05
A background about icon painting and projects to get you started.
Well done.......2007-03-17
This nice little volume gives enough background to get you started on both creating and appreciating icons. Whether you just want a deeper appreciation for the artistic aspects or a deeper appreciation of the spiritual disciplines associated with icons, this is wonderful place to start. It includes several colorful plates in the center to provide good examples or starting points for you own artistic exploration.
The text is well written, concise, and clear. Chapters are arranged to first give you an appreciation of the spiritual connection icons can help fulfill. It is a brief introduction to a vast topic but one you will want to gain deeper understanding of their purpose. Then the author briefly describes some of the artistic nuances and differences in Russian, Greek, and Coptic styles that will give you more to ponder as an artist. With that brief overview of background information, the author then takes you through the technical aspects of creating several icons youself. The instructions are clear and step-by-step so they are easy to follow. Ultimately, practice will yield results. You will not likely create a priceless gem on your first try but the instructions are enough to give you a good start. And the more practice, the better you will be.
There are several little tidbits of added information in the Appendixes for further study and appreciation. All of this in so few pages might seem impossible. However, this thin little book is loaded with a broad view that does not sacrifice too much in depth. It is a perfect introduction to the topic and very well done. The author clearly loves the topic and conveys that passion in an infectious manner. An enjoyable read even if you never pick up a brush. The understanding of the spiritual, artistic, and technical aspects will provide greater appreciation of this art form enriching your life with beauty.
Modernist catholic using acrylic.......2007-01-17
I own this book but this book is not that good.
The first thing I have to say is that the author is not Orthodox christian, but catholic of the latin rite born and former benedictine monk. The book suggest you to use Acrylic paint and say nothing about Egg Tempera! Well, if I am going to use acrylic paint, why hand painting? I would prefer an inkjet printer! If you have only this book then you will have to buy one about egg tempera.
In page 11 he says that his first teacher recommended (just!!) abstinece from meat and alcohol but then he complete change the meaning of fasting.
Say nothing about the use of Holy water and natural hair brushes, his brushes are acrylic as well.
Just what I expected.......2007-01-11
I was pleased to receive the book in a timely manner, new, and exactly as I had expected it to be.
Book Description
The allure of dramatic lighting in paintings is irresistible for both artist and beholder, but achieving the effect is another matter. In 10 full step-by-step demonstrations, five acrylic and five oil, Dorothy Dent reveals the techniques behind the magic of light-filled landscapes in a variety of light and weather conditions that are reminiscent of Thomas Kincade. Readers will enjoy:
-Clear instruction from a true master on the painting of light, a perennially hot topic
-Self-critiques by the author showing the importance of those final perfecting touches
-Projects with varying levels of difficulty for a wide audience
-Introductory chapters to bring beginners up to speed and inspire confidence
With Dorothy's expert teaching and coverage of all four seasons, readers will be able to render realistic landscapes using this popular technique!
Customer Reviews:
best ever.......2007-07-18
I have many how to paint books and Dorothy Dent's are my favorite. This book includes 5 lessons in acrylic and 5 lessons in oils and her step-by-step instructions are very clear and easy to follow. She also includes exact colors to use which would be helpful to the beginner artist. I have recreated all of her pictures with surprising success. She also includes templates you can enlarge to transfer the image to your canvas. I would highly recommend this book and her other acrylic "Realistic Landscapes" step-by-step book.
Ten step-by-step projects for both beginners and advanced painters.......2006-04-03
Dorothy Dent's Painting Landscapes Filled With Light provides ten step-by-step projects for both beginners and advanced painters who want to paint light-filled landscapes depicting different seasons and times. Color values are surveyed in landscape projects which show how to capture sunsets and sunrises, autumn foliage, moonshine on water, and more. More than just an exercise book, each project includes diagrams showing light direction and color tonal values and a commentary on how experts fine-tune paintings such professional finishing touches.
Excellent book.......2006-03-19
Another excellent book from Dorothy Dent. From the beginner to the seasoned painter there is something for everyone to learn in this book. Her explanations of light are easy to understand and follow. Recommend highly.
Book Description
Perfect for learning big techniques on a small scale *How to incorporate painting techniques onto a tiny canvas *Includes 12 step-by-step demonstrations The perfect book for any artist with limited space to paint, limited funds for supplies, or physical restrictions, Big Art, Small Canvas gives readers the techniques they need to create tiny masterpieces quickly and affordably. With basic instruction for beginner or intermediate painters, the book focuses on capturing landscapes and still lifes in tiny oils, leading to art that can be hung in a variety of places, and making it easier for aspiring artists to get a foot in the door with galleries.
Customer Reviews:
A good Start.......2007-01-10
Overall, the book was good. I liked the intro and the chapter on equipment. I would have liked more step by step pictures to show the development of the painting. Also, some better descriptions of painting techniques would have been helpful. The book does inspire me to experiment on my own but it doesn't give enough insight to avoid common mistakes.
Gorgeous Paintings.......2007-01-10
Disregard the size of the paintings if you like, and just look at the gorgeous colors and brushwork!!!!! So sensuous. The author is very generous with her information. Her color palette is unusual, and the color schemes she uses are really, really lovely. This is one of the top oil painting books around. I highly recommend it.
Big Art Small Canvas: Paint Easier, Faster & Better With Small Oils.......2006-12-04
Recently, since I was going to attend a workshop led by Joyce Washor, I purchased her book since it was on the materials list as suggested reference. I studied it before, during, and after the course, each time being totally fascinated. It is a clearly written guide, filled with helpful illustrations and photographs of her exquisite oil paintings, designed for any artist irrespective of their experience level. This is truly a favorite in my art book collection!
Books:
- Landscape Painting Inside and Out: Capture the Vitality of Outdoor Painting in Your Studio With Oils
- Landscape Painting Inside and Out: Capture the Vitality of Outdoor Painting in Your Studio With Oils
- Limnology: Lake and River Ecosystems
- Linnea in Monet's Garden (Linnea Books)
- Luminosity: The Paintings of Stephen Hannock
- Magic Tree House Boxed Set 1, Books 1-4: Dinosaurs Before Dark, The Knight at Dawn, Mummies in the Morning, and Pirates Past Noon
- Making Comics: Storytelling Secrets of Comics, Manga and Graphic Novels
- Making Polymer Clay Beads: Step-by-Step Techniques for Creating Beautiful Ornamental Beads
- Making Polymer Clay Beads: Step-by-Step Techniques for Creating Beautiful Ornamental Beads
- Maximum Ride #3: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports (Maximum Ride)
Books Index
Books Home
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- Typography 27
- America Alone: The End of the World as We Know It
- When Dieting Becomes Dangerous: A Guide to Understanding and Treating Anorexia and Bulimia
- Designs of the Times: Using Key Movements and Styles for Contemporary Design
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General
| Instructional & How-To
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Fill Your Oil Paintings With Light & Color
Carlson's Guide to Landscape Painting
Mastering Color: The Essentials Of Color Illustrated With Oils
Problem Solving for Oil Painters: Recognizing What's Gone Wrong and How to Make It Right
Brushwork Essentials: How to Render Expressive Form and Texture With Every Stroke
