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The Complete Painting and Drawing Handbook
Aimed at the novice artist, the book is organized around simple guidelines, which help the reader to progress in a structured manner and achieve satisfying results. The book is structured into four sections - drawing, watercolor, acrylics and oils. Each section opens with an overview of materials and basic techniques, and then moves on to achievable step-by-step projects that will help to train the reader's eye and develop their painting or drawing skills. Clear explanations of basic principles encourage readers to tackle subjects ranging from simple studies to landscapes and portraits, and galleries of contemporary artwork illustrate how successful artists approach different topics and techniques. Written by practicing artists, whose enthusiasm will inspire as well as guide, this book brings a breath of fresh air to practical art teaching. With vibrant artworks and engaging text, the books encourage the reader to experiment in order to develop their skills and gain confidence.
480 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 3, 2011
This book covers nearly everything I want to know. I never took anything art classes beyond the basic high school level, but love art and consider myself moderately talented. (No genius, nothing worth pursuing, but I enjoy it.)
The guides are clear, good to follow, and allow you to deviate without going crazy because you haven't painted by the same numbers.
The things I wish this omnibus covered? Field-painting, and other outdoors problems you might encounter.
Although--I don't know how this book would work for you if you have never picked up a pencil before. The basics covered are very useful, but I used more of the painting and coloring techniques, those are very useful. This book isn't rigorous in the many styles though, this is really just to get you going in the right direction.
As a warning to the amateur approaching oils: you might want to take a class--they are messy and smelly and there are many tips my mother taught me who did quite a bit of oil painting when she was younger.
The guides are clear, good to follow, and allow you to deviate without going crazy because you haven't painted by the same numbers.
The things I wish this omnibus covered? Field-painting, and other outdoors problems you might encounter.
Although--I don't know how this book would work for you if you have never picked up a pencil before. The basics covered are very useful, but I used more of the painting and coloring techniques, those are very useful. This book isn't rigorous in the many styles though, this is really just to get you going in the right direction.
As a warning to the amateur approaching oils: you might want to take a class--they are messy and smelly and there are many tips my mother taught me who did quite a bit of oil painting when she was younger.
January 16, 2016
I grabbed the book to see if I had any skill. Turns out I might. Thanks to this book, I have learned to go from a doodler to an amateur artist. For everyone, no matter what age, this book teaches you with clear instruction and illustrations how to better your craft. Many techniques used and shown.
July 29, 2018
Good resource.
March 1, 2019
Well structured and very readable. Helpful.
Read
December 9, 2013like drawing
August 25, 2016
A comprehensive manual of techniques that has projects that inspire me to create.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews