Raw Colour with Pastels

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.

Average customer rating:

Gives us a bass
Pastel beginner from Dallas digs Doug's book.

Capturing Light & Color With Pastel
Doug Dawson
Manufacturer: North Light Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Pure Color: The Best Of Pastel
The Art of Pastel Painting
A Painter's Guide to Design and Composition: 27 Masters Reveal Their Secrets
The Big Book of Painting Nature in Pastel (Practical Art Books)
Painting With Pastels: Easy Techniques to Master the Medium

ASIN: 0891343768

Customer Reviews:

Gives us a bass.......2001-07-06

I believe that Douglas Dawson is a sincere teacher, but I found this book to be a litany of rules, tricks, and gew-gaws for obtaining effects -- without a governing vision. (Contrast the similarly-named "Capturing Radiant Color in Oils" by Susan Sarback, which is above all a book about seeing and reporting what you see, and in spite of its title the most helpful book I have found for my approach to pastels.) Some of Dawson's rules are in the category of "duh!" and others make no sense. His points are usually illustrated by his own work, including landscapes (quite interesting), cityscapes (often dramatically lit but oddly unmoving), and portraits (sappy, sentimentalized, and including a few real bodice-rippers). The old saw says, "give a man a fish and he eats for a day; teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime." Dawson gives us a bass, and not a very fresh one.

Pastel beginner from Dallas digs Doug's book........2000-10-09

The book starts with Dawson explaining the difference between the handling of lines--drawing--and the handling of shapes--painting. He then explains and illustrates two pastel painting techniques: working from big to small shapes and working from shape to shape. Then he combines drawing and painting to launch into ways of being creative with color and light. The book ends dealing with backgrounds, depth, and finding new ideas.

Appropriate to an art instruction book, there is an abundance of illustrated examples, step-by-step pictorial demonstrations, and very stunning completed paintings. The book was easy to read, and Dawson's thoughts, examples, and techniques are very easy to follow.

I like this book very much. The most valuable thing I learned from reading Dawson's book was how to turn my drawings and paintings into works of art.

Average customer rating:

Very Helpful

Excellent techniques

Painting with water-soluble colored pencils

Overall a great introduction to the medium

Lack luster book

Painting With Water-Soluble Colored Pencils
Gary Greene
Manufacturer: North Light Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Drawing and Painting with Colored Pencil: Basic Techniques for Mastering Traditional and Watersoluble Colored Pencils

Watercolor Pencil Magic

No Experience Required!: Colored And Watercolor Pencil (No Experience Required)

Water Soluble Pencils (Step-by-Step Leisure Arts)

Painting Light With Colored Pencil

ASIN: 1581802951

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.

Average customer rating:

Great instruction and inspiring tips!

Drawing And Painting With Colored Pencil

A Waste of money and time

Stunning Examples

Be Advised it is much to do about Watersoluble Pencils....

Drawing and Painting with Colored Pencil: Basic Techniques for Mastering Traditional and Watersoluble Colored Pencils
Kristy Kutch
Manufacturer: Watson-Guptill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0823015688

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.

Painting With Pastels: Easy Techniques to Master the Medium

Average customer rating:

Pastel painting pleasures
Impressive book!

Painting With Pastels: Easy Techniques to Master the Medium
Maggie Price
Manufacturer: North Light Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1581808194

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!

Average customer rating:

lovely book
Excellent series
Excellent first art book
Beautiful art book for kids
Great intro to art

Dancing with Degas
Julie Merberg , and Suzanne Bober
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Board book

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ASIN: 0811840476

Book Description

This imaginative board book features beautiful paintings by a renowned artist paired with playful, rhyming text. Children can enter Edgar Degas's magical world of toe shoes, tutus and elegant ballerinas. Dancing with Degas is a fun introduction to art and an imaginative adventure all rolled into one!

Customer Reviews:

lovely book.......2007-01-16

Wonderful Degas photos illustrate ballet beautifully, I wanted one of them for myself.

Excellent series.......2006-06-22

My daughter has enjoyed all of the books in this series since she was about a year old. They were the first baby board books we sought out by author after seeing how much she enjoyed the Matisse one. This one is her favorite lately; she loves to dance around the kitchen when we read it.

Excellent first art book.......2006-04-21

Fun story about dancing, illustrated by Degas classics. My near 3 yo daughter loves dance related stories and she simply adored this book on the first read, "pretty pictures daddy". A great way to introduce art to your child, I look forward to the other books.

Beautiful art book for kids.......2006-02-07

I have four of Julie Merberg's books and this one isn't a disappointment. Her books are fabulous introductions to art for little ones. The pictures in this book are beautiful Degas paintings. My daughter loves looking at the dancers and listening to the flowing text that goes with the pictures. All of Merberg's books are worth the price if you want to begin introducing art to your little one.

Great intro to art.......2005-08-24

Our 7 month old daughter loves the books in this series and gets very excited when we get ready to read them to her. I can only recommend these to anyone that wants to introduce their kids to art in a fun and exciting way. The poems that accompany each picture are fun and relate to each painting, which also helps expand their vocabulary.

Drawing With Crayons, Pastels, Sanguine, and Chalks (The Complete Course on Painting and Drawing)

Average customer rating:

Drawing With Crayons, Pastels, Sanguine, and Chalks (The Complete Course on Painting and Drawing)
Parramon
Manufacturer: Barrons Educational Series Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0812019318

How to Paint With Colored Pencils (Watson-Guptill Artist's Library)

Average customer rating:

Not a First Art Book, But a Great First Colored Pencils Book

How to Paint With Colored Pencils (Watson-Guptill Artist's Library)
Jose Maria Parramon
Manufacturer: Watson-Guptill Pubns
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0823024636

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:

an artist's art book
Expressive and Impressive

Express Yourself With Pastel
Carole Katchen
Manufacturer: International Artist Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1929834071

Book Description

Carole Katchen, well-known artist, workshop instructor and author, invites readers to begin expressing their own ideas in the brilliant, liberating medium of pastel.

This book will inspire pastel painters looking for new creative directions and gives beginners a great place to start. Checklists, tips and step-by-step demonstrations make the instruction easy to follow. Artists will first learn how to master basic techniques, from choosing colors, paper and fixatives to making expressive marks. The second half of the book guides artists to explore the "boundless limits" of their own creativity. Katchen motivates artists with:

* A 10-point checklist for choosing evocative subjects
* Tips on how to break the rules and take chances with pastel
* Strokes that will reflect and enhance personal vision
* Four different approaches to beginning a painting
* Advice on how to strive for excellence, not perfection

Customer Reviews:

an artist's art book.......2003-02-11

This book was great and fun to read. Even her painting examples in the book show how much painting can be a joy and fun. I especially liked how the book is divided up into easy to understand chapters and topics like "what you need to know about applying pastels" or "what you need to know about completing a painting" . With tips and reviews throughout the book. Thus it is a good book to use if one is also teaching art. The book is not just for beginners but for those that have been painting for years. It shows you how to "have fun with art" not just knowing techniques. Author- Creative Painting For The Young Artist

Expressive and Impressive.......2001-09-07

Carole Katchen understands the pastel artist and reflects her understanding in this book that goes from the basics of selecting and using pastels to the emotional needs of the artist. She has useful tips throughout. She has information and examples of negative painting, blending,scribbling, and stippling. There are refresher pages that emphasize the main points of each chapter. But, maybe the most important chapter is the last one, because it encourages the artist to be true to himself or herself and know that if art is done with courage, fun and dedication, it will glow with distinction.

Average customer rating:

Drawing & Painting With Colored Pencils by Stefan Birker [Paperback]

Drawing & Painting With Colored Pencils
Stefan Birker
Manufacturer: Sterling Pub Co Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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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.

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