Customer Reviews:
not for an advanced artist.......2006-01-23
While Leslie writes beautifully, the only real information I learned from this book was which pastels held the best lightfastness rating and one technique of scratching I hadn't yet considered. Other than that, this book is geared very much towards beginners of oil pastel. All of the beautifully colored pieces he has pictures tend to lean towards abstract and illustrative ideas and expressions vs. more realistic interpretations of things. Additionally as a result there's really no other meathod to learn from in this book. He brushes against the ability to make realistic pictures via one artist, but goes into no detail as to how she accomplishes this task. The other great disappointment to me was Leslie's work itself. All of his works shown throughout could have been created by a High school student. He shows no real ability or understanding of how this medium can be worked. I would not recommend this book at it's original price of $32 and especially would not recommend spending double that for a used out of print copy. Save your money and check it out at the library or look for more informationon the internet.
Oil Pastel: Materials and Techniques for Today's Artist.......2000-03-28
This is an unusually thorough book. If you can get your hands on a copy, you should do so. Unfortunately, it is out of print. The publisher is Watson-Guptill and the book was originally published in 1990. The ISBN No. is 0-8230-3310-4. Here's why the book wins my vote:
It has a ton of pictures of finished art works done in oil pastel and in mixed media, using oil pastel and other media. There is a section which tells of the lightfastness of different brands of oil pastel currently on the market so readers can see actual pictures of brands exposed to sunlight for 3 months and how the sunlight does/doesn't alter the colors. There is also a "nitty-gritty" section describing the characteristics of each major brand available on the market currently, as of 1990 when the book was written, but these are the same brands available today (creaminess, hardness and what you can do with each). There are detailed diagrams of different methods of using oil pastels, broken down into steps, so readers have step by step directions of how to use oil pastels in a variety of ways. There are many ideas for composition using oil pastels. The author, Kenneth Leslie, makes it a point to tell readers exactly how each of the many works shown were developed in oil pastel (e.g., by direct observation of objects such as in a still-life, or by using photographs or collage, etc.) and on what kind of supports (e.g. which grounds to use on paper, museum board, masonite, wood, etc.) There are just lots and lots of pointers about using the medium of oil pastel. Many ideas of using oil pastels in concert with other media serve as a springboard for individual ideas. For example, I read a section of explanation and then, quite easily, I could mentally figure out how to apply the techniques shown to my own work. This will be my bible for doing oil pastel painting.
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!
Customer Reviews:
good for basics or beginners.......2007-07-08
ok for beginners and those who paint in an impressionistic style. could focus a bit more on materials. some good basic tips.
Great Foundational and Advanced Book.......2007-06-15
I'm a professional in the business and make my living as an artist. This book is a wonderful reference and is always close by on the shelf. The work in it is excellent and the principles are straight forward as well as solving lots of the problems artists and painters encounter. Love it and recommneded it many times over.
Physician, heal thyself.......2007-05-30
Sorry, I didn't like the book. I don't know how to say this kindly, but Kreutz' paintings seem to need some improvement, especially the portraits. He may have very good advice to give and should be commended for giving it, but I am reminded of the saying, "I always pass on good advice, because it never does me any good."
Finally, a book worth more than the price.......2007-02-13
I LOVE this book and keep by my easel. His checklists keep me on track.
"What are the attributes that can make this a better painting?" .......2007-01-19
As any true artist can attest, real art does not just arrive from the soul of the artist. Rather it is more often than not the result of hard-won struggles with all sorts of problems. Art in its creation is not linear. It develops by answering questions like, "What makes form look dimensional?" "How does light flow?" "How can air be represented." If the content is too dominating and the technique too finished, the painting can look impersonal. It the artist is too dominating, to expressionistic, the painting can look self-indulgent.
Gregg Kreutz in his "Problem Solving for Oil Painters" has assembled many of the questions that have occurred to him during his years as a painter. He examines the characteristics of a superior painting and shows through examples what makes one picture better than another. Some of those qualities include richness, mystery, simplicity, and focus.
Kreutz appreciates individual expression and knows that each painter develops in his or her own way. He knows that painting is not a mechanical act. When it is, the end product will be unconvincing. Painting requires creativity, insight and empathy. He builds on these attributes which vary from individual to individual with the questions that painters frequently face. He answers these in a straightforward, agnostic manner that will be useful to all painters.
This is an excellent book that will serve the intermediate to advanced to professional painter well. Kruetz's paintings have been represented in many juried shows, winning many high honors. The book is chock full of his work and I, for one, am glad. His work is inspirational and, with this book, he has forced me to raise the bar for my work by asking one question when I paint, "What are the attributes that can make this a better painting?" I no longer have any excuses - he provides plenty of answers.
Book Description
Designed to address the issues of how to paint and what to paint, PAINTING AS A LANGUAGE covers a wide range of information of central importance to beginning and intermediate painting instruction. The authors emphasize the value of the student's cognitive understanding of the process and potential of painting in the student's overall progress in the studio. Blending journal writing with painting and drawing exercises, they guide the student through selecting meaningful subject matter as well as becoming adept at shaping and interpreting that material through the language of painting.
Customer Reviews:
This is what I have been looking for!.......2007-01-25
I have been looking for this type of concise information about oil painting. I have only been painting in oils for a little over a year. This is the missing link, the information that is skipped in oil painting classes (at least the one I took). I guess they think you already know the basics. Glazes, mediums, and much more are explained. This covers more than just the techniques in learning to paint, it teaches you to tap into your creativity. Lots of easy to understand exercises. I wish there were more color examples. I would like to see the entire book printed on better paper.
Book Description
Artist and teacher Jan Kunz reveals her secrets for painting luminous watercolor compositions inspired by photographs.
Complete with more than 200 full-color pictures and eight thorough demonstrations, artists will learn a variety of techniques as they practice painting compositions which include people, flowers, animals, scenery and more.
Jan Kunz has worked as a full-time watercolor artist and instructor since 1978. She is the author of 3 additional North Light Books including Painting Watercolor Florals that Glow, Painting Watercolor Portraits that Glow and Watercolor Basics: Color. She lives in Newport, Oregon.
Customer Reviews:
A great tool for the watercolorist.......2005-08-03
Jan teaches us step by step how to transform pictures to paintings with simple insights and all the facts needed.
She shares years of experience with all levels of painters.
Each page takes us further along the path to being a better painter.
This is one of my favorite books in my art library.
Painting beautiful watercolors from photographs by Jan Kunz.......2002-06-09
It has a lot of information, but was not what I thought it would be....not enough detail
Simplifies the Painting Process with Remarkable Results.......2000-12-20
The best way to describe how valuable this book has been to me is this: when I pick up my brush, Ms. Kunz book is open and waiting within arm's reach.
She covers many techniques including collaging, proportional enlargements, and even tips for how to take photos for your subject matter. It also has many step by step demonstrations with each technique-building lesson. The book even has a chapter on most asked questions including how to paint teeth!
Don't worry about having pictures to get started because she includes a few in the back of the book and in each lesson.
Artist Motivates Me To Begin Watercolor Painting!.......2000-08-19
This book is a great guide for any level of artist! After checking this book out of the library several times and paying overdue book fines, I decided I couldn't live without it! I just purchased this book online.
What a great instruction book from Jan Kunz on set-up, photography hints, transferring and enlargements, combining photos, painting techniques and handling problems. This book has it all. She even includes sample photographs to get you started.
I'm just a beginner, but this book gave me the motivation to get started.
A Wonderful Reference Book.......1998-08-24
I love books that have lots of tit-bits of information, and this is one of those books. Although, some of the information has been incorporated from her other books, it's still worth getting. I find Jan to be very generous, and it shows in this book.
Customer Reviews:
A fantastic reference..........2007-08-23
A great book about creating "accidental" watercolor effects. Even if I only manage to utilize a small percentage of what Nita Engle teaches here, it will be a big help to me in my attempts to paint.
How to Make Watercolor Paint Itself.......2007-08-22
I like this book. I mislaid my first copy and had to reorder!
Nita most graciously has shared a lot of information.
Beginners may find the techniques difficult.
I personally seldom use Paynes gray pigment for the reason of the darkness it creates in my paintings. Note: I do mix my own darks.
I found Nita's textures and experiments most rewarding.
I highly recommend her book. BJ Cook Spokane Valley, WA
how to make a Watercolor paint itself.......2007-08-15
This book is in itself a great overall benefit to amatuers like myself who are basically self taught,I have found it very useful in the mixing and flowing of various colours,but experiment is the key word.Thank you Nita.
Great but, what a headache.......2007-03-20
I'm kinda novice in watercolor,and like a lot of people I'm impressed by
Mrs. Nita Engle's work. But this book discouraged me to even try.
I'll come back to it eventually in a few more year.
This is not the book for serious artists. .......2007-01-12
I was disappointed in this book. The art and techniques illustrated are of the type one might expect to see on a TV Craft Show. I would instead recomment Robert Wade's watercolor book.
Book Description
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, color, and luster with the modern acrylics readily available in any art supply store. These are nontoxic, 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 toward more nonconventional 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.
Customer Reviews:
The new acrylics.......2007-09-21
Just what I was looking for. Something to help me with how to work with acrylics and get the results I want.
Amazing Book!.......2007-09-19
This book is just amazing! Full of information and detail on the different techniques you can use with acrylic paints. This book will really open your mind to this medium and show you how to get some really amazing effects. I first saw this book over my friends house and he let me borrow it. Within a few hours of reading it, I ended up ordering a copy for myself as it is a definite must have. It goes over mediums, gels, textures, etc.. Too much to list. If are you serious about acrylics I would get this book!
Get the most out of acrylics.......2007-09-04
I am new to the acrylic medium and was looking for a book that would explain how to work with the medium. This book did that and more. I had no idea there are so many ways to use acrylics other than painting a typical picture. It has stimulated my creative ideas. So many ideas, so little time.
A Ten Star Book.......2007-03-23
I cannot overstate the value of this book as an ongoing reference tool. Every question on acrylic painting that I've been searching for answers to was thoroughly covered. Spectacular photographs enhance understanding of the in-depth text. I'm very thankful to have found this book and wish I had found it sooner.
good resource book.......2007-03-17
This is a great book for people still new to acrylics. The author gives a detailed explanation of the science of acrylics as well as a detailed explanation of the various media available to use with it. The book is also good at describing several processes and techniques for creating textures and various surfaces for painting on, in step by step examples.
Book Description
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.
Customer Reviews:
Botanical illustration.......2007-05-12
This is an in depth clear book about the process of botanical illustration. Well written and great pictures. Recommend highly!
Customer Reviews:
pretty close to 'Ultimate'.......2007-05-23
This book does a great job of going over almost all the facets of starting and airbrushing. One of the most complete books I've seen.
great info.......2007-01-16
I gave this book to my husband along with a new airbrush & it's been a great help to him, includes info that even the airbrush didn't company give.
Comprehensive Excellence!!.......2005-09-08
The "Ultimate Airbrush Handbook" is exactly what it's title says is! No hyperbole in the title. It covers all aspects of airbrushing, useful to everyone, including newbies like myself. Well worth the money spent!
Ultimate Airbrush Handbook.......2005-07-21
Excellent. As the title states the "ultimate". Should be the first book purchased, borrowed or stolen for the enthusiast.
Great book.......2005-04-22
I've read other "how to airbrush" books, but this one is the best.
There is something for everyone from beginner (me) to advanced airbrushers.
From masking to freehand airbrushing.
Easy and simple to understand.
Once I received it and started reading it,I couldn't put it down.
So many things I thought I knew, but the book set me straight.
Other people on web forums had recommended this book, wish I had done it sooner.
Customer Reviews:
One of the best books I've found on classical painting.......2007-06-15
This book, along with the other one by Greg Kruetz on problem solving for oil painting, is absolutely a must for those looking to learn the real power of classical oil painting using form and lighting. It is excellent and covers classical principles of oil painting including lighting, composition, and use of muted color. It is richly illustrated and features David A Leffel's work and masterful style with still life, mainly table top items, and lots of portraits. There are no landscapes featured and atmospheric perspective and plein air is not covered. However, David can make even the most simplest of items appear rich and strikingly important. I love this book and refer to it often. Truly beautiful and classical and an absolute must for those looking for traditional classical principles in the Rembrandt genre where a limited color pallet and the power of cascading light is important. This is NOT a modern art book and although the brush strokes are stylized with the impressionists' flare, it visually has the realist and Rembrandt look to it.
The printing quality is so fun that i forgot to laugh.......2007-04-26
This book provides several great composition ideas for me, the paintings theirself are outstanding, but I can't grade it 4 stars or more because the printing quality is so BAD.
Some painting photos are fuzzy, I can't look for clear details.
It's ironic to see a realistic work lost its details, and not fair to the reader. If you are an art student who wants to learn skills from "eye-looking "as I am, I won't recommond this book.
Another painting book, Problem Solving for Oil Painter, by Cregg Kreutz, which is the original book I planned to buy, will be a much better choice for great works and printing quality.
I wish there is a word to describe how bad the printing can destroy masterpieces.
Written from class notes.......2007-03-09
David Leffel has been referred to as a "modern day Master" in the class of a Rembrandt. He has been painting and teaching for about 40 years years now, and this book is a compilation of class notes written by the author while in one of David's classes. And while there is much valuable information presented, some of these notes are disjointed and refer to illustrations not even included in the book. David has since written his own book entitled "An Artist Teaches" which, while much more expensive, is probably a better investment.
That being said, however, the illustrations of David's work are worth the price of this book, and I would buy it for that reason alone. If you are a careful reader, you can pick up some solid, useful information.
Leffel At His Best.......2007-01-11
In "Oil Painting Secrets From A Master," author/art student Linda Cateura shares her class notes from two years of studying under prominent artist/teacher David A. Leffel. New York based Leffel paints in the classic tradition of the early Dutch and Flemish such as Rembrandt and Chardin. His compositions are inspired by the human form and still life. The quality of light and its relationship to the objects under observation are most important to him. Known for his visual clarity, David encourages his students to paint from life in order to perceive each subject differently from the next. Well versed in technique, he transcends method painting in order to convey dimensionality, quality of surfaces and illumination.
From Cateura's point-of-view, Leffel has the ability to transform the temporary into the eternal. He is always able to find something in any subject to lift if our of the literal into the realm of poetic. "The functional use of light is one of the most distinctive qualities of a Leffel painting. His use of light leads the viewer through the painting toward the central image. When it reaches this focal point, the light is usually at its most intense...and enables the eye to come to rest there. The light does not just illuminate the scene - it is an active participant in the drama."
Leffel believes that an artist sees what is significant and a painter sees only what to paint. In "Oil Painting Secrets From A Master," Cateura, with Leffel's help as the teacher shows us how to move from the safety of being a painter to becoming an artist. Learning is the difference. The quality of our ambition and how much or how little we learn stems from our motivation - to be an artist? To be a great artist? Fame and fortune? Relaxation and fun? And real learning requires one to abandon security and take risks - new colors, new brushstrokes, and imaginative compositions.
"Oil Painting Secrets" is amply filled with Leffel's work and is organized into four basic sections:
Artistic Thinking (seeing, the concept)
The Painting Process (materials, brushstroke techniques, massing, chiaroscuro)
Basic Advice (light and shadow, values, edges, color, still life, portraits and figures, backgrounds)
General Observations (attitudes that can hold you back)
Cateura has created a useful for book for the beginner, intermediate, advanced, and professional. It will cause you to think and rethink the your entire approach to painting...not as painter but as an artist.
The Best.......2007-01-10
I am 67 years old and have been taking art lessons for 10 years.
Oil Paintings Secrets from a Master, is the best book I have read
about oil painting "ever" it explains a lot that I have not picked up in my painting class, or missed. I have recomended it to my fellow artist
and others. It is well written and the pictures makes you feel like you are right there in the artist studio.
John Fritter
Books:
- Painting Acrylics (First Step Series)
- Painting Beautiful Watercolors from Photographs
- Painting Beautiful Watercolors from Photographs
- Painting Flowers in Watercolor With Charles Reid
- Painting People: Figure Painting Today
- Painting Sharp Focus Still Lifes: Trompe L'Oeil Oil Techniques
- Painting the Impressionist Landscape: Lessons in Interpreting Light and Color
- Perspectives on Argument (5th Edition)
- Plane Image: A Brice Marden Retrospective
- Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- History: Fiction or Science
- Earth, Air, Fire & Water: More Techniques of Natural Magic
- Volume 56, Moncyclic Azepines: The Syntheses and Chemical Properties of the Monocyclic Azepines
- And Quiet Flows the Don
- Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual
- Dogs are from Neptune
- Bratton's Family Medicine Board Review
- Harlequin Unmasked: The Commedia dell'Arte and Porcelain Sculpture
- Acts of Engagement: Writings on Art, Criticism, and Institutions, 1993-2002
- Kosciusko Alpine Flora
General
| Instructional & How-To
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Oil Pastel for the Serious Beginner: Basic Lessons in Becoming a Good Painter (Serious Beginner)
The Pastel Book
The Encyclopedia of Pastel Techniques
All About Techniques in Pastel (All About Techniques Art Series)
The Art of Pastel Painting
