Alla Prima II Companion: Richard Schmid's Materials, Tools and Techniques

by Katie Swatland

The path to creating great works of art begins with knowing the capabilities of your materials and tools...

Contained within the pages of this book are detailed descriptions of the processes that go into the creation of a painting. Learn the importance of a quality working surface and how to customize it to suit your needs, and the demands of your subjects. Explore how to handle pigment washes to achieve color harmony in your paintings. Understand the considerations involved in choosing a palette, and discover ways to create and maintain it to ensure clean, beautiful color. Read about brushes and brushwork exercises you can practice to assist in achieving mastery over them. Discover the nature of light and why an understanding of its properties is crucial to successfully expressing your subjects in terms of paint. Learn to stretch canvases, varnish paintings, photograph and ship them safely. Take a studio tour and explore helpful setups and designs. Learn the benefits of keeping a portable studio and how to custom build your own. Join Katie Swatland and Richard Schmid in this adventure as they dive into all the little nuances of painting technique one needs to know to create the paintings that live in the far reaches of the imagination.

A Special Message From Katie Swatland

I am filled with excitement to share this book with you. The past five years have been spent researching, documenting, studying, and compiling this extensive information on the technical details behind the processes that go into the creation of paintings. This book is a celebration. Contained within its pages are the discoveries, experiences, and contributions Richard has nurtured over a lifetime dedicated to the art of painting. May these intimate details of creative expression serve to assist you in your artistic endeavors as you make your own discoveries and contributions—carrying forward and building upon the Great Library of Knowledge.

- Katie Swatland 2014

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

243 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2014

Reviews

[Rachel]

What an absolute treasure of a practical guide. Essential reading if you want to build on the vital information of Alla Prima II, especially with regard to technical aspects like brush care, studio set-up, and even archival photography and crating works for transport. I was a little bit ‘meh, I don’t think I’ll ever need that’, but on the other hand, if I ever did, here it is. The technical aspects of painting can be overwhelming, so it’s great to have a breakdown by someone experienced who paints the way you want to paint. So many art books are quite general and it’s hard to get a sense of the writer-artist’s style. There’s quite a lot to take in, process, and also buy; but on the other hand, when I went about this in a more slapdash, casual fashion, I was greatly disheartened by the outcome. Turns out a hobby needs proper prep and research if you want to get the most out of it, just like anything else. Richard Schmid is a precious find in that sense.

[Herzy]

An inspiring and essential guide for every artist. This book beautifully breaks down the technical and creative processes behind painting, offering clear explanations, practical techniques, and deep artistic wisdom. From materials and light to brushwork and studio setup, every page is rich with knowledge. A masterful resource that motivates, educates, and elevates any artist’s journey.

[Quynh Vo]

Same could be said for this book - The guy (Kerouac) needed an editor after 'Desolation Angels' possibly more than he needed a bath 😋