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The Complete Guide to Painting and Drawing Techniques and Materials by Colin Hayes
The Complete Guide to Painting and Drawing Techniques and Materials
- GenresArtNonfictionCrafts
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1978
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About the author
Colin Hayes
40 booksColin Hayes was educated at Westminster; Christ Church, Oxford; and the Ruskin School of Drawing; and was a member of the Royal Academy. His paintings are in the collections of the British Council and the Arts Council.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 24, 2019
Is the title of this book a contradiction? If it is a guide, how can it be complete? If you buy this book thinking it will turn you into a competent artist, you may be disappointed. I suspect it has been created to be used as a text book to support more complete guidance from a real teacher. If we accept that that is all it is, then I consider it to be a very good book. It certainly covers a lot of the aspects of art that I have yet to see in any other instruction book.
Often when reading an art book I come across a word that I am not familiar with. I turn to the back in hope of finding a glossary. Unfortunately most books don't have one. This one does. Unfortunately it is incomplete. More than once I would look for a definition of a word I found in the book and it would not be there. Still, I appreciate that the effort has been made.
Something else I like about this book is the high quality colour reproductions of many great works of art, as examples of each particular medium. Unfortunately, much space is wasted with black and white reproductions which simply do not do justice to the work shown. I get around this by reading the book sitting in front of my computer. I can find a colour version of most of the pieces of art (usually on Wikipedia) as well as many more by the same artists.
Another thing that bugs me is that pictures that are included to demonstrate various techniques are also in black and white and quite small. They don't show a lot. Perhaps if you are using this as a text book they might remind you of what your teacher showed you but if you are reading it by yourself, they may not give a clear demonstration.
Still, overall I think this is a good book. It might not be complete but it goes much further than many other books.
Often when reading an art book I come across a word that I am not familiar with. I turn to the back in hope of finding a glossary. Unfortunately most books don't have one. This one does. Unfortunately it is incomplete. More than once I would look for a definition of a word I found in the book and it would not be there. Still, I appreciate that the effort has been made.
Something else I like about this book is the high quality colour reproductions of many great works of art, as examples of each particular medium. Unfortunately, much space is wasted with black and white reproductions which simply do not do justice to the work shown. I get around this by reading the book sitting in front of my computer. I can find a colour version of most of the pieces of art (usually on Wikipedia) as well as many more by the same artists.
Another thing that bugs me is that pictures that are included to demonstrate various techniques are also in black and white and quite small. They don't show a lot. Perhaps if you are using this as a text book they might remind you of what your teacher showed you but if you are reading it by yourself, they may not give a clear demonstration.
Still, overall I think this is a good book. It might not be complete but it goes much further than many other books.
December 2, 2019
A Volume For All Artists
While browsing a thrift store, I came across this book. It’s one of those that had a special inviting look when I saw it on the shelf. Soon as i picked it up and fanned through the pages, I knew it was a keeper. Why hadn’t I found this book years ago? Once home, I sat and read almost the entire book. This book incorporates instructions I have in at least half a dozen other books separately.
Inside are sections for oils, acrylics, tempura, fresco, watercolor, gouache, pastels, and on and on. It covers how to make pigments for each. Whatever is needed to make each type of art is covered. There is also info on easels and other inclusive items an artist may need. You’ll also find gorgeous pictures of some of the old famous artists as techniques are explained.
This volume is so inclusive , I’ll be making this my art bible. If you’re an artist – fledgling or pro - and want good inclusive information in one book, get your hands on a copy of this one.
While browsing a thrift store, I came across this book. It’s one of those that had a special inviting look when I saw it on the shelf. Soon as i picked it up and fanned through the pages, I knew it was a keeper. Why hadn’t I found this book years ago? Once home, I sat and read almost the entire book. This book incorporates instructions I have in at least half a dozen other books separately.
Inside are sections for oils, acrylics, tempura, fresco, watercolor, gouache, pastels, and on and on. It covers how to make pigments for each. Whatever is needed to make each type of art is covered. There is also info on easels and other inclusive items an artist may need. You’ll also find gorgeous pictures of some of the old famous artists as techniques are explained.
This volume is so inclusive , I’ll be making this my art bible. If you’re an artist – fledgling or pro - and want good inclusive information in one book, get your hands on a copy of this one.
March 25, 2009
My copy of this was published pre 90's.
July 13, 2017
An excellent reference book jam-packed with illustrations.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews