Harley Brown's Eternal Truths for Every Artist

by Harley Brown

Harley Brown offers artists his "truths" for painting success--the stuff he hopes they teach in art school. A well-established artist, Brown has gained a large following with his frank, no-nonsense approach to teaching art. Twelve knock-out chapters * What every artist should do first. Harley's own cheap and dirty way to start a painting
* Composition--who needs it? See why most paintings are boring. And why a few will knock your socks off.
* Working with color. Stay miles ahead of the person who skips this chapter!
* Going on from here. Your greatest obstacle isn't skill...it's attitude.
* Plus, 30 magic solutions to common problems, 15 things to leave out of a painting, 24 painting sins and much more! Supplementing Brown's advice are more than 10 step-by-step painting demonstrations in oil and pastel. His unique offerings are sure to enlighten and entertain painters of all skill levels and backgrounds.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Drawing, Reference

144 pages, Hardcover

First published March 15, 2001

Reviews

[Rachel Pieters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was actually pretty informative and pretty fun to read!

Harley writes with an easy tone and his explanations are simplified in a way that's probably easy for most to understand. Excellent for artists looking to generally improve their work in various ways, though not necessarily meant for someone looking for specific advice on working in any particular medium (Harley works mostly in pastels.)

Several pages at the end were devoted to overall advice and next steps, which was a welcome surprise.

Definitely worth a read.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an old book - it looks dated and some of the stereotypes about "generic male" and "generic female" made me gnash my teeth. But there's good info in here, well explained. So much so that I ordered myself a copy from eBay (I had checked it out from the library.)

[James · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you are mostly a Western portrait painter, this book may be for you, otherwise I recommend a pass. You can easily find examples of the author's paintings online.

[Willie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book because when I started doing street painting. I never really learned how to really use chalk. Only did once or twice while I was in college taking art classes. Well, when I picked this book from the shelves at Barnes & Nobles a 4 years ago, I was amazed by his technique. great book to learn pastel drawing and love his philosophy....

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second go-to book when things in the studio are not going well. Not only is Harley Brown's work inspirational in its own right, but he shares little bits of his own life, experiences, and how he works. And most importantly, he shared where he erred in his artistic development.

[Sandra Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harley speaks the truth! This book was a refreshing change from most art instruction books I've read. Brown's folksy delivery and rock solid instruction are a winning combination. All artists (aspiring and professional) should read this book!

[Kate Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the chatty style of writing, the experience-based comments, and the step by step demos throughout this amazing book. Something colourists wil really appreciate is the 5-point Munsell's colour wheel

[Danene · Rating 5 out of 5]

great principles, $85 for paper back

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutley brilliant. states CLEARLY what we already know, and concisely what we do not, with perfect illustrations and definitive step-by-steps.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite art books. Inspiring for anyone interested in producing art also its clear with lots of information. I refer to it often.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved what he had to say on art in general, and I love his technique, I am going to try some of what he has said and see how it affects my paintings.

[Crystal's Bookish Life · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best art book ever. Period. Loved it!

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harley Brown's books are a must have for the pastel artist.

[D.L. Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a treasure. I'm not sure if you can still get a copy, but if you find one, grab it. Harley Brown has a marvelous way of teaching. A must have for the artist.