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.
Book Description
The complete how-to guide for turning faux, mural, and decorative painting skills into a viable, home-based career! Covering everything from the fundamentals of buying supplies to coping with the growing pains of a successful business, this essential sourcebook provides a wealth of tested tips and techniques on such crucial topics as getting referrals, buying insurance, building a portfolio, dealing with supply stores, evaluating job sites, negotiating prices, interviewing clients, and much more!
Customer Reviews:
Very good book.......2007-01-19
I bought this book for my brother who is an artist and he loves the book.
Excellent.......2006-07-03
I read and re-read this book then handed it over to my sales and marketing manager. A MUST for a faux business owner.
Thank Heaven for Rebecca Pittman.......2006-06-14
This book gave me everything I need to start my own faux painting business, including confidence! Thank you Rebecca for the insight, the humor and the weekly accounting ledger located in the back. Great, superb, and HIGHLY recommended.
excellent.......2006-03-18
starting out as a muralist, and i bought the book before i landed my first job. i found it amazing how DETAILED and ENTERTAINING this book was. i knew nothing about how to start being in this business, and this book served as a complete guide. as i was reading it i thought that there were suggestions what i would never never need in life, BUT !!! boy, was i wrong. every word this book has in it is worth the pennies you pay. if you are startin out and have no clue how to manage your own business, this is a must for you!!!
A NEW CAREER AT AGE 50.......2005-10-25
I have wanted to do this for years and this little book has given me the push I needed. This is a wonderful book for anyone getting into this business,, I will refer to it often.. Thank you Rebecca!!!!!!!!!
Book Description
Every truly great watercolor painting hinges on the qualities of light and texture. In this concise guide, James Toogood shows readers exactly how to use these elements to add more drama, depth and believability to their work. Beginning and advanced artists will appreciate the wealth of instruction, including: - Clear explanations of natural and artificial light, as well as how light influences texture - Complete step-by-step demonstrations that show how a whole painting comes together - Basic color theory and pigment lessons to help artists get the most from their materials - Mini demonstrations with close-up views of techniques for light and texture - Drawing and composition basics to build a strong foundation for any piece of artwork
It's never been easier for painters to enrich their work with breathtaking light and texture!
Customer Reviews:
Warning.......2007-08-04
This is a good book for those who want to paint watercolour copies of photographs. Unfortunately, Mr Toogood doesn't show that part of his working method involved in tracing the photographs he copies. If you're looking for more expressive styles, study the work of Winslow Homer or John Singer Sargent. If you want a good instructional book on watercolour, check out Mastering Atmosphere and Mood in Watercolor by Joseph Zbukvic.
Incredible, Mr. Toogood!.......2007-03-27
Initially I bought this book for its beautiful and inspiring watercolors. Is there nothing this man can't paint? Breathtaking clouds, the wettest water I've ever seen in paint. You wouldn't know it from the cover, but the book also contains a chapter on portrait painting, step by step. He is as proficient in portrait painting as he is in landscapes, cityscapes, seascapes. I teach a "portraits in watercolor" class and I recommend this book to every student of the medium who is searching for an artist they can admire, who is willing to part with his "secrets".
Great Art, Great Instruction.......2007-01-25
There are watercolor books with great artwork, and then there are watercolor books with great instruction. This book combines both. Toogood's realistic style is gorgeous. His instructions are very clear and concise. I am a professional artist and own over a hundred books on painting, yet I was able to learn get quite a few tips from this author--expecially about painting water. An alltogether excellent book.
Incredible Light and Color in Water Color.......2006-08-22
This was not what I was looking for in watercolor books. I did not like the realism that he taught, but it may well be that for those looking for intense realism this may be a good book.
Had to own this one!.......2005-10-03
I checked this book out from my local library 3 times. When my husband saw it sitting on my table again he said, "Why don't you just buy it for yourself." I did. James Toogood has an incredible way of using watercolor to portray texture. His examples are clear and easy to follow. His paintings which are reprinted in the book are marvelously detailed and clear. I also recommend getting his demo DVD in which he shows several of the paintings in the book step-by-step. I learned so much from him.
Book Description
Using picture after picture (and handwritten instructions, for a more intimate feel), Claudia Nice teaches artists how to use dots, fine lines, brush strokes, black & white and color-a mixture of mediums and techniques to create the gleaming transparency of glass, rolling surf and ocean waves, the warmth of brick and adobe, rainbows that glimmer, sunrises and sunsets that glow, dramatic wood grain, smoothed driftwood, foliage of distant trees, intricate leaf textures, the woven texture of basketry, lifelike animal hair and dozens of other textures!
Artists will learn how to use such diverse materials as technical pens, paint brushes, colored inks and liquid acrylics, along with ways to alter and combine ink and watercolor for exciting texturing effects.
Customer Reviews:
Good Reference.......2007-03-07
I like alot of the techniques in the book. Basically that would be why I use the book. Sometimes I go back to the book to just refresh my memory. I have a few books I refer to, and it is nice to have a variety so that I can always come up with something new and creative in my own art.
Great teaching techniques.......2006-10-18
If you really want to learn how to use pen & ink along with watercolor than this is the book you need. She shows great detail and helps the artist, either beginner or advanced, how to improve on their paintings.
Nice, but material is duplicated in another of her books..........2004-06-07
This is an excellent book... IF you don't already own "Painting with Watercolor, Pen and Ink" by Claudia Nice. The material in this book is entirely duplicated in the "Painting with..." except for the last chaper called "Fur and Feathers". Please do not buy this book if you already own a copy of "Painting with Watercolor, Pen and Ink". I did and was disappointed that there was only one chapter of new material in this book.
Now, if you own the other book "Painting Nature in Pen & Ink with Watercolor" then I highly recommend this book as it has subject matter that was not covered in the "Painting Nature..." book.
If you don't own any of her books, then buy the "Painting with Watercolor Pen and Ink" ISBN 158180265X because it completely combines the material in both "Creating Textures..." and "Painting Nature..." books.
New title for this excellent book........2004-05-29
I recently checked this book out from the library and found it to be an excellent resource for me, a student new to these media. I enjoyed the book and decided to purchase it. Amazon lists the book as out of print. Indeed this title is out of print. However, don't despair. This book has been re-released under the new title "Painting with Watercolor, Pen and Ink."
Not what I expected or wanted.......2004-02-27
A better title would have been, "Creating Textures in Pen & Ink, Enhanced with Watercolor." 75% of each texture comes down to "make a detailed ink drawing". The other 25% is enhancing that ink drawing with watercolor. The pen & ink predominates everywhere. If this is the style of drawing you desire (e.g., detailed drawings where pen&ink predominates), then you will probably give this book 4 to 5 stars. I was looking for watercolor texture techniques and was disapointed.
With that said, the drawings are very well executed and the instruction quality moderate. The author relies too heavily on step-by-step examples as a teaching tool. The addition of color greatly enhances the pen & ink drawings, with spectacular results.
Book Description
Here expert watercolorist Cathy Johnson shows them how in her practical step-by-step manner. Johnson shows how to create 83 different textures, including fruits and vegtables, hair, glass, metal, fabric, flowers, fur, skin and various natural textures. Each texture, and their many variations, is demonstrated by Johnson's watercolor sketches, all with specific call outs to illustrate individual techniques. Artists can apply these techniques to their own work to create fabulous watercolor paintings that almost seem to "breathe."
Cathy Johnson is an artist/writer/naturalist. She is also the author of two additional North Light Books: Painting Nature's Details in Watercolor and Watercolor Tricks & Techniques. She lives in Excelsior Springs, Missouri.
Customer Reviews:
Best reference book for watercolorists I have seen!.......2007-08-05
Cathy Johnson's book was recommended in a college level class. With full-color representations and concise directions one receives guides to painting virtually every texture ever needed. Choose the bound version that one can open flatt, for easy referencing, if available. It is small enough to carry along but large enough to see clearly.
I have been trying to represent glass for years and Ms. Johnson's directions were so easy to follow my first attempt was successful!
Great book for beginners!.......2007-06-27
I just started watercolors recently and this book is a great resource as I am self taught except for a few tips picked up from acquaintances who have been painting for years. This book was recommended to me by another new to watercolors and I love it!
Great illustrations.......2007-04-07
This book is a wonderful "teacher"....the author takes you through step by step on every detail of creating textures....it is my "watercolor bible." It has helped me immensely with golf course paintings.
Carole D.
Arlington VA
Your own at home special class.......2007-03-25
Have many watercolor books, magazines in an attempt to start my art hobby.
Finally, took a class and the instructor recommended this book. She brought it to class and just working with it and her added a great deal to learning technique.
Excellent resource for watercolorists at all levels of experience.......2007-01-31
I've been a collector of Cathy Johnson's books for many years, and this one fills a unique niche as a handbook and easy reference for creating wonderful textures across a wide range of subjects. Whether you need to suggest bark on a tree, falling snow, mossy rocks, weathered wood or one of dozens and dozens of other surfaces you'll find easy to understand and follow instructions that will help take your painting to the next level and beyond.
Clear, straight-forward language and outstanding demonstrations make this a book every watercolorist should add to their library, whether they paint in a photorealistic style or a more impressionistic one. It's a must-have!
Book Description
The Paint Effects Bible is a library of faux finishes: 100 of them. Each is described on a single spread with a large photograph of the finish plus step-by-step illustrations, an ingredients list, and detailed instructions for creating the effect.
A valuable source for professional and amateur decorators alike, this book comes in a handy, pocket-sized format with a concealed wiro-binding that lays flat during use.
The Paint Effects Bible includes:
How to decorate with paint finishes
Basic color theory including choosing colors and combinations
Basic techniques plus helpful hints
A paint effect selector that helps you choose the best effect and variation
The paint effects are made with brushes, rollers, rags, sponges and waxes. Featured are:
Textured Effects: stone, leather, fabric, plaster, crackleglaze, craquelure, sand, metal, paper and découpage
Traditional Finishes: sienna, breccia, carrera, rosa and granite marble; oak, pine, cherry and mahogany; distressing, antiquing, trompe l'oeil, lining, marquetry, porphyry, tortoiseshell, lapis lazuli, malachite, floating marbles
Metallics: verdigris, steel, copper, rusted iron, patination, gold and silver leaf
Patterns and Motifs: stencils, murals, repeats, overlays, block printing, frottage
Other Patterns and Motifs: banding, stripes, squares, borders, spray painting
Customer Reviews:
PERFECT.......2007-09-15
This book is EXACTLY what I was looking for. Perfect condition and rapid delivery. Excellent service.
Good to have.........2006-12-14
This is a goog book to have.For amateurs like me this book breaks methods down to a step by step illustrated and recipes for paint effects and faux finishes. Worth it.
Bookcase Item.......2006-11-10
This is a good general reference book. I am glad that I purchased it, but it isn't my faux painting Bible. However, if you are looking for many ideas, inspirations and photos, this is a good item for you. I am a seasoned amateur and for me, I need specific product references to really make the recipes work. This is more general. The bottom line; it is a nice book to own.
Great Information for an Amateur Painter.......2006-11-07
This book has many finishes and the instructions to complete each. For an experienced painter of faux finishes, this is too simple, but for a person just getting started ion doing this kind of work, this is a good instruction book.
Excellent Book an Excellent service.......2006-07-18
this book arrived in wonderful condition in the specified days.It has proved to have all the receipes I required an more.
Book Description
This book brings together Gary Lord's popular series of instructional brochures into one handy, at-your-fingertips volume. Readers will discover 30 fantastic ways to put the finishing touches on a room, from simple projects any beginner can complete to more advanced projects for the serious do-it-yourselfer. Each step-by-step faux finish project is comprehensive and contains:
* A "shopping list" of materials, tools, and paint colors
* Paint color samples that readers can use to buy matching paint of their preferred brand
* Professional tips and advice on how to successfully complete the project
* Gorgeous full-color photos of the featured decorative finish
From start to finish, It's Faux Easy has everything readers need!
Customer Reviews:
Great if you want to buy stock in Aqua products.......2007-03-16
Gary Lord is a fantastic artist, but this book is far from great. While his introduction to this book encourages the reader to experiment with combining techniques, you are limited, according to his instructions, with products in the Aqua Finishing Solutions line. These products, though excellent, are more expensive than the same products that can be found at any paint or hobby store. Unless the reader is familiar with the use of faux finishing products or has taken one of Mr. Lord's classes (as one lucky reviewer had the opportunity to do), this is not a book for those who wish to learn the basics of the art of faux finishing.
Some other of Mr. Lord's books at least offer alternatives to the professional line of Aqua products that he uses exclusively in this book. Perhaps Mr. Lord uses these products daily, and he can afford to purchase expensive tints that he will use for additional projects, but the average home-users will end up with unused portions of product that they will have purchased at a premium, especially if they wish to experiment with colors.
In addition, these products are not easily found; I lived in a small town that was miles from the nearest supplier, and the only way to order the products on-line was to pay a hefty shipping fee! My local paint store, on the other hand, had plenty of Mr. Lord's counterparts' books' suggested supplies, such as basic untinted glazes, drywall compound, and interior house paint!
Another critique that I would have of this book is that the majority of the finishes have that heavy, thickly applied look of some faux finishes. There are only two or three lighter applications, and many of the finishes are heavily textured (with a dimensional product), which leave the user with finishes that will have to be scraped off the wall to get rid of them when the novelty factor is gone. The beauty of other finishing books are that they teach the reader how to do a variety of classical finishes. The finishes in "It's Faux Easy" are like sponge painting in the 80's: they will be outdated in just a few years. Most are much too trendy.
If you, the reader, wish to learn how to do limited finishes that use extra-expensive and hard-to-find products to complete them, that result in popular-today-gone-tomorrow wall treatments, and that leave you with a cupboard full of products that you will likely never use again, than this is the book for you! If you really wish to learn the art of faux finishing, try Pierre Finkelstein's "The Art of Faux." If you are not interested in artistry, but just wish to beautify your home, try the less expensive alternatives such as Linda Sheldon's "Decorative Paint and Faux Finishes" or Gail McCauley's "50 Ways to Paint a Wall". Many of these and other books also instruct the user on how to choose the best finish for their application, how to choose color, and how to experiment with color using easily and inexpensively purchased craft paint.
There are a treasure trove of great faux finishing books out there. Choose the one that is right for you! This one was not for me.
What an awesome artist.......2007-02-11
Gary Lord is a great faux painter/artist. I attended his class at his studio in Cincinnati and he does hands on teach you how to do alot of the techniques in this book. I would highly recommend this book as it has alot of visual aids to help you learn at home but as a companion to the book--go to his class! The techniques in the book are all doable by anyone who can paint and gives alot of different styles of faux painting. All of it is still in style now and yet I had never seen most of these types of painting techniques before. He shows a close up of the finished work as well as distant because photography can be tricky in the coloring of some of the treatments. You can sometimes catch him on some of the DIY type shows on t.v. and this book is available in video form as well. His studio is called Prismatic Painting
Great Faux Book.......2005-12-12
This book contains some very interesting faux techniques. The finishes require various skill levels from beginner to advanced. Many use various products on the market, i.e. Lusterstone and Aqua products. The more complex projects must be done over several days to allow time for base coats, textures, Lusterstone, etc to dry. The pictures are gorgeous. The steps are clear and easy to understand.
Each project starts with a small photo closeup of the finish, then a large photo of a room or wall using the technique. There is a materials list and a color palette for each project. The color palette indicates the name and shows a color swatch of the actual colors used. There are also sidebars included for each project that have Pro Tips. There are full-color photos throughout this beautiful book and some of the treatments are some I have never seen before. I'm a beginner so that's probably not saying much. :-)
There are several projects that actually apply the technique to paper. The techniques were pretty neat, but all I could think about was I would have to repeatedly apply the technique on paper first and THEN I would also have to hang the wallpaper or hire someone to apply it. Now, if they can only find a way to do those techniques directly onto the wall it would deserve the full 5 star. For now, I really think it warrants a 4 1/2 star rating.
Book Description
With their eye-catching design and creative potential, textured and embellished walls have become the newest trend in home décor. Do-it-yourself decorators everywhere want to learn how to use the texturing techniques featured on such networks as HGTV -- and thanks to Spectacular Walls, now they can.
Readers will find:
-38 illustrated, step-by-step projects for walls
-A variety of techniques, including Venetian plaster looks, easy wall glazing and ideas drawn from cake decorating, to create effects ranging from subtle and refined to whimsical and colorful
-A wide array of suggested materials, from drywall mud to decorative papers to faux gems and pearls
With Spectacular Walls, readers can create exciting surfaces that would make anyone proud to be a wallflower!
Customer Reviews:
creative -- but what if you change your mind???.......2007-04-11
Step-by-step techniques for inspirational projects. How to add reveals of foil, pearls, glass gems, glazed leaves and fruits. Brilliant ideas, such as how to use cake decorating tools to make 3D leaves, vines, and flowers. "When in doubt add a scroll or color it gold". WOW.
EXCEPT: How do you remove the embellishments and textured plaster when you decide to change the look of the room?
(...I hate sanding).
LOVE this book!.......2006-12-28
I am a faux and decorative painter, and this book is perfect for adding interesting ideas to your portfolio that have a little "zing!" Great addition for any decorative painter's library!
Great New Faux Finishes..!!.......2006-11-04
As a professional Faux Finisher this book rates a 5 from me because it is easy to follow the steps and accomplish the finishes without a lot of expensive tools. These are out of the ordinary finishes and add punch to a portfolio that is mainly old world plaster finishes. Fun and do-able!! Even for a beginner..!
I'm inspired!.......2006-03-27
Thank you for inspiring me to start faux finishing! With your detailed instructions, colorful large photos, and list of items to buy, you make it very easy. Your ideas are fresh and fun! I am really enjoying your book - I would recommend it to everyone who is looking for something with extra pizazz! Not the same old colors and techniques.
By adding texture and embellishments to walls you can have spectacular results both original and tasteful as well as artistic .......2006-02-06
By adding texture and embellishments to walls you can have spectacular results both original and tasteful as well as artistic - and you needn't be a painter to achieve this. Spectacular Walls: Creative Effects Using Texture, Embellishment And Paint shows how, using a step- by-step visual approach and covering everything from materials and supplies to have on hand to tips on using paint, coating, drawing and preparations. Oversized pages and many color photos make for a winning display.
Customer Reviews:
A wonderful book for beginners through accomplished artists........1999-08-29
This is one of the best books on the subject. Masterfield's work is inspiring. The photography of her (and other included artists) work is top notch. She generously shares her techniques and instructs gently and ably.
Best book on subject (experimental painting).......1998-05-17
Absolutely the best book of them all if your intereted in experimental painting. Informative and inspirational
Book Description
A few years ago, decorative painter Sunny Goode created Sunny’s Goodtime Paints with a single goal in mind: giving everyone the means to reproduce the beauty of old fresco plaster, stone walls, or glazed finishes in their own homes. Paint Can!—a lavishly illustrated, inspiring, and instructive primer on how to add decorative flourishes with paint—is the next logical step in her mission. She offers a complete on-the-page course called “Paint 101” and explains just what paint can do, from highlighting architectural details to making small rooms appear larger. And almost every technique is here: colorwashing, working freehand, stenciling, glazing, imitating stoneblock, and adding patterns to a surface. It’s the simple way to add color and personality to every room.
A Selection of the Crafters Choice Book Club.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent resource and beautifully photographed!.......2007-03-08
I LOVE THIS BOOK! We all want to make the right choice when redecorating. Sunny Goode is very experienced and has put her vast knowledge and creativity into beautiful printed pages and easy-to-follow directions. I have done several faux finishing wall/room projects in the past so most of the "how to" sections were a review or variation on techniques. What I loved was the additional ideas and use of stencils. I'll use this book for years!
Books:
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8, Issue 1
- Caliban Cove (Resident Evil #2)
- Change Your Brain
- Chew On This: Everything You Don't Want to Know About Fast Food
- Classical Drawing Atelier: A Contemporary Guide to Traditional Studio Practice
- Collector's Encyclopedia of Depression Glass
- Color Drawing: Design Drawing Skills and Techniques for Architects, Landscape Architects, and Interior Designers
- Design of Wood Structures-ASD/LRFD
- Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia
- Ed Emberley's Complete Funprint Drawing Book
Books Index
Books Home
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General
| Instructional & How-To
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Problem Solving for Oil Painters: Recognizing What's Gone Wrong and How to Make It Right
Fill Your Oil Paintings With Light & Color
Oil Painting Secrets from a Master
Landscape Painting Inside and Out: Capture the Vitality of Outdoor Painting in Your Studio With Oils
The Complete Oil Painter: The Essential Reference for Beginners to Professionals
