Book Description
Unlike many art instruction books that focus on capturing realistic images, this unusual title offers inspiration and instruction on using pastels to translate landscapes into evocative abstractions. Putting emphasis on the pure-pigment aspect of pastels, award-winning artist Mark Leach offers exciting insights into the powerful connection between color and feeling. Designed for artists of all abilities, it covers everything from making composition sketches to displaying the finished work, and includes chapters on light, form, and texture; understanding the color wheel; and painting from sketchbooks and photographs.
Customer Reviews:
Great for learning abstraction.......2007-01-11
One of the best books in my art library. Mark Leach describes clearly his process in developing luminous color with pastels, while abstracting subject matter to the simplest of shapes. I love this book and use it constantly, and I am an oil painter. Valuable, in my opinion, regardless of your medium.
That person is SO wrong!.......2007-01-07
The first person who commented on Raw Colour evidently was under the impression that this wonderful book was merely a how-to title. Having read Raw Colour from cover at least twice, I can truly say that the person who wrote that negative comment was totally wrong in interpreting this book as a how-to for abstraction! That could not be more mistaken! It's definitely not a how-to book. It's a wonderfully exciting book covering one artist's way of exploring his feelings about his subject and how he is able to express them through his use of color. I found it a very freeing book and one that reignites my desire to paint every time I open it, which is often. It is an exciting new addition to my very large library on art and pastel in particular. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in color, pastel and art expression in general. Mikki Root Dillon, PSA
Not enough substance.......2007-01-03
There are so many better books on abstraction. I would give this one a pass.
Book Description
As a teacher of colored pencil workshops, Gary Greene sees his students buying watercolor pencils "by the truckload." Problem is, they haven't known what to do with them--until now. In this much-requested book, Greene shows artists how to achieve a variety of different effects in this fascinating medium.
From loose, watercolor-like washes to precise airbrush looks, the author, along with six guest artists, shows readers how to master the medium in 18 complete painting demonstrations.
Customer Reviews:
Very Helpful.......2007-04-28
This is an excellent book for anyone wanting to learn the nuances of using watercolor pencils. The author's illustrations show the remarkable results that can be attained with this medium.
I especially want to comment on the series of cherries, which other reviewers have referred to. The cherries are the most useful and important part of the book, in my opinion, and the feature that distinguishes this book from others in this field. By repeating the same subject (the cherries) over and over, but as painted by different techniques, the author demonstrates the variety of achievable effects. I was surprised just how different each set of cherries looked when painted in the various techniques. Those demonstrations, along with other instruction in the book, make for valuable instruction. This is a great book for anyone who wants to become skilled in this medium.
Excellent techniques.......2007-04-08
I don't understand the complaint with the cherries by some of the other reviewers. Gary is just introducing the reader step-by-step to the techniques using cherrys as the example AT FIRST. There are 13 cherry techniques covered over 20 pages, but there are 128 pages in the book. Hmmmm, could there be more? WHY YES! As a matter of fact there is.
He then proceeds to use these techniques on other images that DO NOT repeat themselves. He covers stuff like portraits, animals, landscapes, textures, flowers and a bit of the abstract. There is a large variety. AND WAIT, theres more! He also demonstrates the varying techniques step-by-step with these other various non-repeating works of art! So, don't be fooled by the complaints about cherrys. It's just covered in Chapter 2 and then he goes into more depth in all the other chapters. (Chapter 1 is the usual materials tools and color charts.)
Okay, so it is not for beginners. You should know how to draw well, and be confident in your drawing. You know... be able to create the illusion of 3D on 2D. Or else you'll be one of those reviewers who says "I'm disapointed in this book, I expected more."
Painting with water-soluble colored pencils.......2007-01-04
This book was a gift so I have no knowledge of the contents other than that the gift recipient was pleased with the content and found it helpful in learning to paint with watercolors.
Overall a great introduction to the medium.......2006-03-25
As an experienced artist but a beginner in this particular medium, I found this book to be very informative. I noticed that some of the reviewers complained about the cherry paintings, but I found them to be quite helpful. I enjoyed seeing how one subject looked painted several different ways. Though some of the sample step-by-step paintings are pretty substandard, a few are quite good (such as the one of the three parrots). Though probably not the most inspiring art book in the world, this is the best book I have found as an introduction to water soluble colored pencils.
Lack luster book.......2000-04-11
I find it hard to explain why I was so disappointed in this book. Perhaps it is the redundancy of subjects(cherries), yet the cherry part was interesting in the fact that it compared a same subject with different techniques. Still it lacks something.
The other examples of pictures that were in the book were overwhelming for me. It is as if I were already expected to know how to draw the pictures. I did not find there to be enough step by step instruction.
I also have another book by Gary Greene- Textures. That book is far more inspiring and instructional than this one is.
This book just does not whet my appetite for watercolor pencils enough to make me want to race to my pencils and start drawing right away. Instead, it just makes me sigh, and put the tin away for yet another day.
This topic could be covered in a far more inspirational and effective way than was done in this book. And the examples should be more exciting and motivating than they are.
Customer Reviews:
Great instruction and inspiring tips!.......2007-03-22
This is one of the "keepers". Kristy has done an excellent job here in not only instruction, but in very informative tips and techniques. Saves the new artist allot of time in getting right to the point and avoiding common mistakes. Kristy's book is highly recommended and I'd have given it more than 5 stars if I could have!
Drawing And Painting With Colored Pencil.......2006-11-06
Drawing And Painting With Colored Pencilery good reference book, I was very happy
A Waste of money and time.......2006-08-24
There are many other books available on this subject and they are all better than this one. There is nothing to be gained from reading this book. Forget it!
Stunning Examples.......2006-06-29
The illustrations for the techniques are Kutch's own colored pencil artwork. Her flowers are stunning and if I ever achieve a drawing on the level of her poppies or the morning glories, I'll be very happy.
Unfortunately, I struggled with some of the directions, bogging down over the art terms and special tools that I don't yet have. I think I'd benefit from rereading this book after I experiment more and stock in some of the supplies (special papers, ball burnisher, citrus thinner, etc.).
The techniques are shown in 5 or 6 steps with the illustration progressing as she describes the colors used. Most of the examples are flowers or fruit, but a few landscapes round it out.
The first 49 pages deal with regular colored pencils, then the rest of the book goes on to watercolor pencils and the techniques for those.
Be Advised it is much to do about Watersoluble Pencils...........2006-03-23
This is a wonderful book, don't get me wrong, however I expected it to relate more to colored pencils by themselves. The first section does, then it goes on to a much larger section on watersoluble pencils and the final section is devoted to using them in tandem. If you are interested in using them in tandem then by all means, this book should be on your shelf! The text is precise and easy to follow, the artwork is wonderful, to say the least.
Customer Reviews:
Inspiring,beautiful and full of good tips.......1996-12-30
As a beginning pastelist, I found this book to be quite an
inspirational journey. It showed me possibilities and beauty
in a medium unfamiliar to most. I had a sense of being
educated almost unconciuosly because I was so engrossed in
the information and drawn into the beauty of this book. I
highly recommend it as a reference tool and as a treat for
the eyes.
Book Description
Artists constantly tell us that they need guidance for rendering skin tones in their portraiture. This book helps them overcome this elusive challenge by providing a clear set of easy-to-follow principles for painting a variety of skin tones in three major mediums--oil, pastel and watercolor. The first chapter is rooted in the basics, showing artists how to recognize and use the five major elements of painting: drawing, value, color, composition and edges. From there, artists learn how to work with light, shadow and color to effectively capture the beautiful skin tones of various ethnic groups, including Caucasian, Asian, African-American and Hispanic. Next, artists discover how to execute the principles learned, using detailed instruction for color selection, mixing and application. Four mini-demos, three long demos and many examples illustrate the lessons. Artists will benefit from advice on shooting and choosing photographs to paint, how to edit their compositions and work past their limitations.
Customer Reviews:
Found the way.......2007-02-04
Great work for painters...
The book was ordered to find out what I did wrong in painting portraits in oil. Clearly instructed by the book I now improved my skills dramatically, especially painting eyes... with the look of love.
Not as useful as I had hoped.......2007-01-21
I happen to think the pictures in this book are beautiful. I wish I could achieve the same level of competence with color. By buying the book, I hoped to improve my ability to quickly make sound color choices, but try as I have, I just can't get the needed information from this book. I have purchased quite a few books on painting, and some have really helped me. The really frustrating thing is that it's obvious she knows what she's doing, but equally obvious she has a hard time communicating it.
If you already understood the topic, I'm sure you would get some comforting reassurance from seeing that which you have grasped reaffirmed. If you are not already a good artist, it's pure misery to try and figure out what she is saying. I have read every word and studied every picture in some cases 3 to 5 times, and I have taken little away.
I'm sure that if she were watching me paint, I would eventually understand what she is teaching, but I was not able to get much from the book. I did enjoy looking at the pictures, but the text is pure torture.
A need for an oil painter........2006-11-13
A very excellent reference book. A must for a novice painter.
Painting Beautiful Skin Tones: One of the Most Misleading Titles Ever.......2006-10-23
I agree with several of the previous reviewers. I believe that some of the writing on skin tones offers great insight. I also believe that most of the portraits in the book are garish at best. If there were Sears Portrait Studios around before the invention of photography there is no doubt that their portraits would look like these paintings. I would even be okay with that if it weren't for the fact that the book does not even begin to discuss skin tone until halfway through the book. I would say that 1/5 of the book is actually about skin tone. The rest of the book is just like any other beginners How-To. The basics of painting. Unfortunately there is little about skin tone.
Painting Beautiful Skin Tones a must for the portrait painter.......2006-08-18
This book is excellent. Well written, easy to follow. An abundance of information. Good color information and color wheels. I refer to this book in the planning stage of each portrait.
Book Description
"Versatility, immediacy, luminosity, brilliance, ease of use--all these are attributes of working in pastel, but probably the most important of all is that it's just a lot of fun!"
--Maggie Price
Come enjoy the art of pastel painting with beloved workshop instructor Maggie Price. In this step-by-step guide, she teaches you everything you need to know to make the most of this accessible art form. From selecting the right materials to learning the fundamentals of composition, Maggie starts with the basics and progresses to 21 complete pastel demonstrations that detail specific painting techniques and effects. You'll learn how to:
- Create depth and movement with color
- Paint using a range of strokes
- Blend colors to create luminous skies, reflections and more
- Underpaint to achieve brilliant light and deep shadows
- Mix pastels with watercolor and gouache to create fluid effects
- Create new compositions from photographs
In addition to step-by-step guidance, you'll be inspired by the work of ten nationally renowned pastel artists. Their contributions to this book illustrate the limitless possibilities of pastel painting and offer additional insight for working with this versatile medium. Maggie also includes dozens of helpful sidebars to help you save time, avoid mistakes and work more efficiently.
With its blend of visual instruction, thorough guidance and breathtaking artwork, this is the only guide you need to experience the joy and satisfaction of painting with pastels.
Customer Reviews:
Pastel painting pleasures.......2007-08-05
Maggie's book covers many of the techniques for which this veteran artist is famous. The section on painting with light alone, makes this book an invaluable addition to any artist's library. Her writing style is clear and accesible whidh makes following along with the lessons simple. The examples of works in progress that Maggie provides walk you through each exercise effortlessly.
If I were attempting to paint in pastels for the first time - or, if like me, you would like to kick your pastel painting up a notch, BUY THIS BOOK. You will be delighted!
Impressive book!.......2007-07-08
I'm just getting started with pastels and fell in love with this medium. Prior to this I have done oils for years, and teach in other mediums as well. I buy reference books all the time in the areas that interest me. PAINTING WITH PASTELS by Maggie Price is the best of those I have purchased. It seemed to be written just for me! It is VERY informative; the examples are marvelous! Landscapes are my favorites and there is a strong unit on them. I have a student who likes to do portraits and there is good advice for this too. However, if you are looking for guidance on painting animals there isn't any. But the important things like values, composition, focal points, lots of stuff on colors including layering colors, and much more is in this book. Thank you, Maggie Price!
Customer Reviews:
Not a First Art Book, But a Great First Colored Pencils Book.......2005-09-26
An excellent small book, especially valuable because it teaches so much without costing a bundle. Fascinating section on learning to paint anything with just three colors and black: this is invaluable for outdoor sketching, when you don't want to take the time to find just that shade of green, and hauling all hundred colors would be a drag anyway.
This is meant for the person who can already draw or paint, but wishes to learn this particular medium.
Average customer rating:
- Drawing & Painting With Colored Pencils by Stefan Birker [Paperback]
|
Drawing & Painting With Colored Pencils
Stefan Birker
Manufacturer: Sterling Pub Co Inc
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Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0806903120 |
Customer Reviews:
Drawing & Painting With Colored Pencils by Stefan Birker [Paperback] .......2005-09-19
My complaint is with the Akron Public Library Bookstore who sold me this product. The condition of the book was outrageous. The book REEKED with cigarette smoke and it was damaged at the spine and written in. To add insult to injury, the book, which I paid shipping for came with postage due! I seem to recall having paid for shipping. I do understand that when you buy a book second hand you can expect some surprises. Here I went to Oz looking for the Wizard and found the bumbling old snake oil salesman. I will never order from this particular vendor again.
Customer Reviews:
just okay; there are much better books available.......2001-11-06
Nothing special about this book. There are at least a half-dozen better books for begiiner and intermediate pastelists. It is not bad, just not exceptional, either.
demonstrates versatility of pastels and techniques.......1999-11-05
I really am glad that I have this book. I am a beginner pastelists. This book covers a lot of material on pastels, from paper selection to pastel types, etc. The examples are not as useful for me at this point, but would probably be of more use to an advanced artist. Yet the book is still good for beginners also because it covers several different topics and techniques on pastels.
Inspiring how-to book for beginners.......1997-02-18
This book shows 17 (anonymous) painters as they build up pastel paintings. Step-by-step colour photographs show each stage and intelligent commentary directs your attention to the important aspects. Each of the paintings is in a completely different style and they include a variety of landscape, interior, figure, and still life subjects.
The paintings step out from the formulaic heavily worked approach epitomized in Watson-Guptil books with many refreshing variations on familiar genres. Simple quick sketches to carefully worked out masterpieces show the vibrancy and flexibility of pastel painting at its best.
The various demonstrations use a variety of techniques, including mixed media: watercolour backgrounds, various blending and mixing methods, dry on wet, charcoal stick, conte ochre and black, and dry and wet overbrushed pastel. There are good hints on grounds, paper selection, and surface characteristics demonstrated in simple examples. Roddon even shows you how to make your own pastels!
A book to inspire you and to encourage experimentation and adventure.
Hedley Finger,
Hand Holding Projects Pty Ltd
28 Regent Street, Burwood VIC 3125,
Australia
Tel & fax: +61 3 9809 1229
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- Secrets to Drawing Realistic Faces
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- The Beginner's Handbook of Woodcarving: With Project Patterns for Line Carving, Relief Carving, Carving in the Round, and Bird Carving
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