Book Description

Stunningly updated, totally redesigned, practical, and ready to use This new edition of Michael Doyle's classic Color Drawing is the ultimate up-to-date resource for professionals and students who need to develop and communicate design ideas with clear, attractive, impressive color drawings. In an easy to use, step-by-step approach, this comprehensive guide presents a total system of color design drawing that encompasses approaches to sketch communication as well as more finished presentation drawing. Totally redesigned to provide quick, easy access to key information, this Second Edition covers the basics of color phenomena, media, techniques, and approaches to illustrating materials necessary to communicate design ideas. With nearly 400 new color illustrations, it contains a new section on color and design principles for creating more sophisticated presentation drawings and offers innovative ideas for the reproduction and distribution of finished drawings. Color Drawing features:
* A complete body of illustrated instruction that demonstrates the development of design ideas from initial concept through presentation drawing
* Finely honed explanations of each technique and process
* Faster and easier ways to create design drawings
* Methods for combining hand-drawn and computer-generated drawing techniques
This remarkably versatile volume is both an illuminating textbook and a completely reliable self-teaching tool, as well as a handy quick reference. It is an excellent guide for students at any level and an unparalleled resource for design professionals. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

EXCELLENT BOOK !!!
I bought this book in 1991 (hardcover...) and I remeber reading practicing and admiring the author's talent in both drawing and explaining everything he knows about markers+pencils. I have many renderings that were inspired by his style. Later I moved into pure watercolor but I also remember searching for those Designer2 Markers and Eagle pencils, in the streets of Buenos Aires (where I studied architecture). If you like drawing and rendering and like strong colors: this is one of the best choices out there. (amazing renderings inside)

The best I have found on architectural drawing.
This is the best book I have found on architectural drawing, it is worth it's price. Too bad markers weren't cheaper, you would think they where made by Autodesk!

Very Helpful
I recently purchased this book for an architecture class and boy has been helpful. There is a wealth of knowledge between these pages. Architectural color rendering is broken down in a step-by-step process that is easy to follow and understand.

The best book of its kind
Probably no other book has influenced my techniques and choice of media other than this one; a true masterpeice. The examples and their implementation are very useful and easy to do, the book presumes that u have a sizable knowlege in perspective and other techniques of drawing but helps to improve your skills in COLORED presentations taking various examples from drawing shinning objects to full scale projects. The description of materials in the beginning is short though, but is enough for the intermediate user, and the book heavily uses the PRISMACOLOR markers so if u are not used to these and don't intend to use them look for another manual. In short it is a job well done!

Help! I can't get markers!
This book is absolutely fabulous. The only problem is,
I don't live in the U.S. and I cannot get professional
design markers, so I can only use professional colored
pencils or watercolor. Can someone suggest a book for that? ... Read more

Book Description

There's a trick to painting realistic subject matter withoutincluding every last little detail.It's this "soft realism" approach to colored pencil that Ann Kullburg shares in her insightful new technique book.

Kullberg teaches artists how to faithfully capture the essence of any subject without wasting time on excessive detail work. Step by step she presents 35 popular subjects and describes techniques for adding rich texture, depth and form in the most simple and straightforward way possible. Insights on getting a realistic effect include: • Mapping out a complex subject to make it easier to paint • Changing pencil strokes to create different textures • Mixing hues for greater visual interest • Creating softer, more natural edges by varying the pressure of the pencil It's all the instruction a colored pencil artist needs to effortlessly add gorgeous details to every piece they create. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Ann Kullberg Does It Again!
Ann Kullberg's new book, Capturing Soft Realism in Colored Pencil, is a fabulous sequel to her first treasure, Colored Pencil Portraits Step-By-Step. Each page has gorgeous artwork along with clear, understandable text. If you are interested in creating colored pencil portraits and you really don't know how to begin, this team of books is where to start. There are many many demonstrations and Ann writes the way she instructs. Simple but with clear directions. She tells you what materials to buy and which ones she uses for each painting. Her enthusiasm is contagious and the reader feels confident that one day, with this kind of practice, artwork like Ann's is attainable. I love it when those who have truly made it in the art world want to share everything they know with those of us still working towards that goal. Ann has a generous spirit and extends endless patience toward her workshop participants. It seems that her life goal is to communicate all that she has learned about colored pencils to others so that they can become as good as her. Her Internet magazine, "From My Perspective", is filled with more great art and advice.

I highly recommend this jewel of a book to beginners as well as published, accomplished artists. It's basic in its instruction, yet Ann paints difficult backgrounds step by step. These two books are the kind that you buy both and settle in some weekend with a good block of time and no interruptions to practice techniques and ultimately try your own painting.

CAPTURING SOFT REALISM IN COLORED PENCIL
ANN KULLBERG'S NEW BOOK IS SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL. HER INSTRUCTION IS STEP BY STEP AND ALL LEVELS WILL BENEFIT FROM HER DETAILED EXPLANATION ON HOW TO BUILD COLOR, WITH PHOTOS SHOWING THE PROGRESSION AS THE LAYERS ARE ADDED. THE EXAMPLES RANGE FROM BLACK PATENT LEATHER SHOES TO DRAWING AN OCEAN SCENE AND CLOUDS. HAVING THIS BOOK IS LIKE HAVING YOUR OWN WORKSHOP AT HOME. ANN HAS EVEN INCLUDED A QUESTION AND ANSWER SECTION THAT COVERS AREAS THAT BEGINNERS AND ADVANCED WILL FIND HELPFUL. ANN'S SPECIAL METHOD OF PAINTING WITH COLORED PENCILS IS NOTHING SHORT OF MAGICAL. HER TECHNIQUE CAN HELP GUIDE THE READER TO REALISTIC DRAWINGS WITH DEPTH AND BEAUTY. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BEAUTIFUL BOOK FOR ANY ARTIST'S STUDIO.

All reviews must have been written by the author!!
Not a good book for technique and selection of illustrations. Much must be considered in colored pencil and I learned nothing from this book. Thanks

YOU can paint realistically in colored pencil.
As a relatively new "convert" to colored pencil from watercolor, I was amazed to see the realism Kullberg can attain while still maintaining a slightly loose, soft technique with her colored pencils. I would have thought that she spent countless hours on tiny details...but in this book, Kullberg literally shows you, how to see and paint only the ESSENTIAL details in order to create masterful realistic paintings without hours of painstaking detail work.

After buying her book, I visited her annkullberg.com website and found that she also has a Video Workshop CD to go along with the book. The CD includes 2 full hours of video instruction, plus line drawings, plus extra hints, plus palette lists. I ordered the CD and have to say that it is an absolute MUST HAVE for anyone who wants to "fast forward" into colored pencil technique!! The video lessons seem somehow to have been filmed right over Kullberg's shoulder, so you literally see her every stroke as she demos, from start to finish, 6 of the subjects featured in "Capturing Soft Realism in Colored Pencil". Actually seeing Kullberg work on colored pencil paintings was a huge eye-opener for me, and well worth the affordable price!!

One last thing....don't be fooled by the cover of this book. It is not just another "Kullberg Portrait" book...but instead, covers foreground and background elements often found in portraits, and is divided into "Interiors" and "Exteriors" sections. Although I rarely do portraits, Kullberg's book will not be leaving my drawing table's side, as she covers landscape and still life elements.....and most importantly, really shows how YOU can paint realistically in colored pencil.

Ann's Book and Companion CD are the very best!!!!
Ann's Soft Realism book is fantastic but you can't just purchase the book, you MUST HAVE THE COMPANION CD! It's better than a vhs video tape. It's truly awesome and I don't say it if I don't mean it. Ann shows you step by step how to use the colored pencils and the techniques and guides you through so many demos, plus she supplies line drawings and palettes, hints, and other goodies to use and when used with the book, you can't beat it except to be in one of her workshops personally. It's so down to earth basic for the beginner and yet great for more advanced I am sure. I love that I can use the CD on the computer, it is so much faster and more fun than vhs. You can replay each segment without fussing with rewind too. Can't be beat. I think the CD companion and the book together is the best idea I have seen yet! I like that you chose different textures and materials to color. I feel that I got more than my money's worth.
. I hope you do more video workshops like this cd and hope you do it real soon Ann. Her newsletter is super too. Always a lesson to learn step by step using colored pencils. Great work Lady! I'll bet others copy this idea, but you are the first and the best!!
Hugs
Lucy H ... Read more

Book Description

This dynamic book reveals the limitless creative possibilities of colored pencils when blended with mixed media. It features the work of today's most innovative colored pencil artists, highlighting a range of new and exciting effects in step-by-step detail.

Designed to be instantly gratifying and wholly achievable, these techniques incorporate pastel, solvents, airbrush, watercolor, acrylic, ink and more. Each chapter clearly demonstrates how readers can re-create techniques in their own work.

They'll find plenty of information on tools, materials and each medium's basic characteristics.A final section includes line drawings of the demonstrations so that readers can concentrate on their new skills without worrying about getting the drawing right. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Not a practical book
This is a book which explores the combination of colored pencil with a myriad of other techniques. This is a book for the advanced colored pencil artist wishing to expand their horizons. Definitely not a how to book- not very practical.

Gets the Creative Juices Flowing
This book is a wonderful addition to your colored pencil library. It gives you the basic info on combining several different mediums with colored pencil and gives helpful info for all. Many GREAT demos. With the amount of mediums it gives, you can't expect them to go into great detail and they don't. Remarkable amount of helpful info in each chapter, though. The airbrush/colored pencil strawberry demo is so lush and juicy it's incredible. Makes me wish I owned an airbrush. Too bad they cost so much! The galleries are another great feature. This book is very inspiring. If you want specifically info on just combining colored pencil with watercolor and ink, there are several books devoted to just that combination (Creating Radiant Realism is Watercolor, Ink, and Colored Pencil, several Claudia nice books).

For the Serious Colored Pencil Artist
This is an excellent book for both beginner and advanced. There are many demonstrations on how to combine colored pencils with other media. There is also the inspiration of the beautiful works of other artists. ... Read more

Book Description

Portraits not only capture a likeness, but offer for generations to come a glimpse into the subject's life. Sounds like quite a challenge. But with Ann Kullberg's help, it's not as difficult as one might think to create lifelike colored pencil portraits.

Using her own beautiful portraiture for instruction and inspiration, Kullberg walks artists through the process step by step--from basic information about materials and techniques to two demonstrations that show how complete portraits come together from beginning to end.

Readers will also find Kullberg's secrets for making their portrait come alive, along with 17 mini-demos that make it easy to paint realistic features, hair and clothing. ... Read more

Book Description

Capturing the elusive qualities of light is one of the most sought-after goals of artists in every medium, and Painting Light with Colored Pencil helps readers achieve that goal with:

-An overview of the basics of any work of art, such as composition, gathering reference material, value and color -Over 20 step-by-step lessons covering a variety of popular subjects, including fruit, flowers, textures and water -Two extended demonstrations that show readers how to combine the individual lessons to create a refined, detailed painting

Through the techniques explained in this book, readers will learn how to unlock the potential of colored pencils to create realistic, light-filled paintings that glow. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Colored Pencil Artist's Dream Book
Thank you Ms. Newton and Ms. Gildow for putting together this wonderful colored pencil book. I have several books on the subject of colored pencil artwork and I think this one is the best of all of them. The information offered is easily adapted to any style of colored pencil work. Everything a beginner or a pro needs is in this book. It's format is intelligent, easy on the eye and logical. The artwork is breathtakingly beautiful and inspiring. If you have any questions about working with colored pencils after reading this book, then read it again! It's in there!

Would Give it a 6 if I Could
Get this book. Really. Even if you work in colored pencil only occasionally it is worth it. This book is as close to being a reference guide on anything to do with realistic colored pencil work I've ever seen. The only things missing are styles that are more experimental in approach and no focus on water-soluable colored pencils.

Some of the things I particularly liked:
1. Focus on specific name-brands of colored pencils, their binders, the effects this has on different types of paper, etc.
2. Techniques - such as:
a. mixing colors, how to apply colors evenly on varying degrees of rough to smooth paper, tonal gradations.
b. linear, stroke overlap, circular/oval strokes, burnishing.
c. liquifying dry colored pencil layers with solvents.
3. Underpainting in grey tones to get values correct and more vibrant color applied on top.
4. The actual patterns of each of the demonstrations shown step-by-step in the book. So you can actually practice each technique used in each of the demonstrations. Each demo gives a recipe of the "ingredients" used.
5. A section on common mishaps or mistakes along with tricks to fix them.

And this is only a portion of the things you can learn. I would like to mention one other thing. Most of the subjects chosen for the book all lean to the still-life or floral arrangement category. So you won't find in-depth discussions of skin tones for portraiture or fur for wildlife paintings. Even so, I believe the consistent high quality of the artwork displayed and wealth of techniques make it a worthwile addition to any colored pencil artists library.

Excellent Book on Colored Pencils
I am new to colored pencils and I found this book to be refreshing and detailed and actually had step by step how to's for newbies as well as those experienced in colored pencil. the artwork demonstrated was awesome and this is a main source of learning for me. It not only told you how to, but with what colors of pencil as well as strokes to use. Great book, so glad I bought it.
thanks

And yet....
Over all it is a solid introduction to color pencil. It has advanced techniques for those with the skills already in place. I can't give it five stars because of the samples which are drawn from the same fruit/lace/flowers crowd one sees dominating shows. It would be a more effective book if they drew their examples from a wider range of styles and subject matter. MOST glaring in it's absence is the human form-nude, portrait, draped! If the color pencil is really to be taken seriously more C.P.artists will have to tackle these classic traditional subjects.

Colored Pencil Solution Book is A+
I just got this book in te mail today and I'm really excited about it. I have been working in colored pencil for about 2 years and have seen a number of books on the subject. This one is by far the best one I've come across. Lots of basics,useful information, beautiful pictures and many techniques I can hardly wait to try. Highly recommend this book! ... Read more

Book Description

Water-soluble colored pencils are portable, versatile and much more forgiving than traditional watercolors, yet many artists have only just begun to tap into this medium's creative potential. This book explores the amazing possibilities of watercolor pencils, providing artists with basic instruction for taking full advantage of them in their artwork. Beginning with an overview of necessary materials and basic techniques, artists will learn from simple mini demos how to mix colors, create washes, layer colors and more.Artists will then see how these painting techniques are employed to capture a variety of popular subjects, including landscapes, flowers, animals, water, people, skies, trees, bridges and buildings. The last chapter of the book demonstrates how to mix watercolor pencils with other mediums to create all kinds of new and interesting effects. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

It's nice, informative but...
I liked the book, but I wish it had more information or more examples, either by the author or by other artists in the medium. In order for me to really learn about the medium, I have had to buy not only this book but others about the same subject as well... It is not a problem with this book in particular, but a problem with ALL colored pencil books. All of them show a "part" of the what the medium has to offer. I wish there was a "compendium" of several authors about the subject, so we, aspiring artists, would have some sort of "big book" or "bible" about this.

A Must for Anyone Working in the Medium!
When I first recieved a box of watercolor pencils as a gift, I had no idea what to make of them... I do passing fair work with colored pencils, but watercolors have always been beyond me. I muddled along, experimenting and tossing the miserable results, until I found this book. Oh, the joy! Finally, information on how to get the most out of my creations! How to balance the use of dry and wet, how to work the pencils to their best use, how to work in multimedia (which I do). This is most certainly a bible of sorts for the watercolor pencil artist! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

No idea where to start? pick this one.
I always liked to draw using colored pencil. Nevertheless, I never found any interesting book that would deal with several approaches to the colored pencil medium. After reading about Mrs. Borgeson work, I decided to try and never got disapointed. Her books (all of them) give you several different points of view about the colored pencil and teaches you (step by step) how to apply the techiniques to solve apparently simple problems. Layering, lifting, color interactions, error corrections, light and much more. A nice book to have and enjoy. ... Read more

Book Description

As a teacher of colored pencil workshops, Gary Greene sees his students buying watercolor pencils "by the truckload." Problem is, they haven't known what to do with them--until now.In this much-requested book, Greene shows artists how to achieve a variety of different effects in this fascinating medium.

From loose, watercolor-like washes to precise airbrush looks, the author, along with six guest artists, shows readers how to master the medium in 18 complete painting demonstrations. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Lack luster book
I find it hard to explain why I was so disappointed in this book. Perhaps it is the redundancy of subjects(cherries), yet the cherry part was interesting in the fact that it compared a same subject with different techniques. Still it lacks something.

The other examples of pictures that were in the book were overwhelming for me. It is as if I were already expected to know how to draw the pictures. I did not find there to be enough step by step instruction.

I also have another book by Gary Greene- Textures. That book is far more inspiring and instructional than this one is.

This book just does not whet my appetite for watercolor pencils enough to make me want to race to my pencils and start drawing right away. Instead, it just makes me sigh, and put the tin away for yet another day.

This topic could be covered in a far more inspirational and effective way than was done in this book. And the examples should be more exciting and motivating than they are.

The first, and best, book on this medium
A must have book for water-soluble CP users. At last, one book that shows everything that is possible with these pencils.

The introductory section lists tools and materials in a comprehensive way, allowing the user to compare brands and see what suits their style best. A short section - the cherries referred to above - then shows the wide range of different effects that can be achieved, and I found this informative and useful.

The bulk of the book is taken up by fabulous artists - including of course Mr Greene, but also Rhonda Farfan (Colored Pencil Society of America President) and Bernard Poulin (CPSA Advisor) - showing step by step how they achieve fabtastic art work! What more could you ask?

enough with the cherries
I purchased this book expecting challenging and wide ranging examples of this medium. What I got was endless pages of 2 cherries done over and over when these samples exploring technique could have fit on 2 pages and given room for more challenging examples. This book is a bust.

A 'One of a Kind' Book!
If you've been digging around for any tips and techniques on Watercolor (water soluble) pencils, look no further! The market needed a book on this 'hidden treasure' medium and this is it. This book is very thorough, beginning with the different qualities of each watercolor pencil brand, step-by-step directions on 13 different techniques, concluded with demonstrations of these techniques by numerous watercolor pencil artists. Have fun with this medium (and this book)! ... Read more

Book Description

Explore the full potential of this fascinating and versatile medium and learn how, using simple techniques, you can create works of tremendous subtlety and delicacy.

A comprehensive techniques section introduces readers to the materials needed, and demonstrates in easy-to-follow step-by-step sequences essential coloured pencil techniques such as blending and shading. Readers are encouraged to look closely at their subjects - simple exercises demonstrate how to search for hidden tones and colours that might otherwise be missed.

The author then provides 15 step-by-step projects for readers to follow. Starting with close-up drawings of subjects such as cat's eyes and pebbles, the projects work through to more complex illustrations such as a still life with fruit and a tulip in a glass vase.

In this way readers can build up skills gradually, using simple techniques learnt in earlier projects to complete the later ones. Each project is accompanied by a reference photo, a black-and-white outline sketch and a colour key, plus a 'Now Try This' box to suggest further creative explorations. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Ugh
I really didnt find this book helpful at all..For one thing for the most part, she didnt use her own art, and when she did it was discouraging because it wasnt very good(just my opinion, maybe its just her style) I dont think she showed the techniques well, she explains it to a degree, but anyone who has read anything on colored pencil could write a book like hers, she writes about a technique and show other artists work to show it, and it just isnt helpful at all, I wouldnt recommend this book at all.

The Encyclopedia of Colored Pencil Techniques
Excellent, excellent, excellent Judy Martin. This book is a great help to beginning art students, for architects, and retired professionals who take up art seriously. It gives you not only an overall view on the many techniques in drawing, but you develop a feeling for each technique. Drawing is easy at different levels, but expressions of feelings in drawings are the challenges in art. Thankyou.

This book is very helpful.
I thought this book was very helpful; every technique is demonstrated throughout it. There is color on every page giving you a better idea of how the technique is supposed to be used. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Focused on detail but not enough
I think this book si god for people who already know about colored pencil. It is not for someone who is a beginner. Don'g be fooled and buy it thinking you will learn from the beginning.

Colored pencil book.
The book is good, but I've found that this site will post your book review only if you choose "5 stars" in the drop-down menu.

Try to find a derogatory review anywhere on this site.

Knowledgible/Inspiring
Even as a somewhat-experienced artist I found this book to be at just the perfect level. While basic for anyone new to colored pencil, the book is by no means simplistic. It is intelligently written, and well illustrated. After finishing it (which I found to be as difficult as putting down any good novel) I felt I'd found a new awareness about the medium. Since, I have been excitedly pursuing all Borgeson taught me through her wonderful book. Note: A special reading treat at the end is her own prespective/insight on being an artist, whether choosing to be amatuer or professional. I highly recommend this as a good A to Z study.

One of the best books of colored pencil
This is one of the best books on colored pencil I have found. The artwork is beautiful and the instructions are superb. Projects and techniques are demonstrated step-by-step with color illustrations and photos.

The book starts with an overview of materials and tools including great advice of setting up a workspace. Then, it covers the fundaments of drawing such as perspective, volume, space, form and composition. The demonstration and discussion of color mixing and creating edges is excellent. This really helped me a lot. The book then goes on to help you really get started by giving tips on finding inspiration, using photographs, tracing and deciding when your project is finished. It explains color lifting and impressed line techniques as well as helping you build your own style.

The next section focuses of still life and floral drawings. It covers selecting and setting up a still life and well as lighting it. There are two great demonstrations of this. It nice that one included the photo the artist worked from making it easy to practice what the author describes. A section on landscapes follows. This gives all kinds of advice from working on location to assembling the elements of a basic photography kit. There is a great discussion on finding the perfect setting and center of interest, as well as using color to suggest space. There are two demonstrations here as well, showing both naturalistic and fantasy landscapes.

The afterward on integrating art into your life and selling your artwork is great for the serious artist. Whether you are just starting out or having been using colored pencil as a medium for a while this is a wonderful book on the subject.

moving beyond beginner
It seems a deep chasm yawns between the amateur artist and the emerging artist. This insightful and instructional book bridges that gap. Finally, a book that addresses how to move beyond the beginner stage! The author's generous advice is clear, relevant and timely. And you don't have to be a colored pencil artist to benefit---the majority of the book is applicable to other media as well. Written in a rare, articulate style, the author delivers provocative theories and philosophies not found elsewhere in art instruction books. An added bonus: detailed reproductions, in-progress artwork by the author, and no skimping on text. A most valuable addition to your personal art library. ... Read more

Book Description

With this surprisingly simple step-by-step guide, anyone can create beautiful pet portraits. Anne deMille Flood walks readers through her easy techniques for rendering cats, dogs, birds, horses and other cuddly friends.

Beginning and intermediate artists will appreciate the close-up demos for getting the texture of fur and feathers just right. There's also clear instruction on working from reference photos, choosing focal points and getting started.

This is an essential reference for anyone who wants to create animal portraits in colored pencil. Artists will quickly find themselves drawing better than they ever thought possible! ... Read more

Book Description

This expansive look at the versatile, popular colored pencil medium is packed with creative, imaginative demonstrations sure to help artists develop--or enhance--their skill. They'll learn about every aspect of color pencil drawing, from studio space, drawing tools and surfaces to sketching and color use. Readers will also find unique colored pencil techniques and advanced tips for creating textured surfaces and landscapes. It's all the information a colored pencil artist needs! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Little Substance in This Book
I have a personal library of over twenty books on colored pencil and unfortunately, this is the weakest book I own on the topic. There is very little on technique and there is a general lack of substance. If you are looking for an overview on colored pencil, there are far better books available. One that comes to mind is Exploring Colored Pencil by Sandra Angelo. And if you are looking for technique or practical information this book simply doesn't cut it.

Overview of Colored Pencil
This is a good overview book showing colored pencil techniques. The author focuses primarily on various techniques and the various papers used that can contribute to different effects. It is not a book geared for drawing and painting newbies. So if you are someone new to drawing and painting and want to work in colored pencil use this book in connection with books such as Mona Brookes' excellent Drawing for Older Children and Teens: A Creative Method for Adult Beginners, Too or Betty Edwards' Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain.

There are a variety works shown beside the author's that display the beauty of this medium. However, all the artwork presented in the book is realistic. There is no experimental or more abstract styles shown even though colored pencil can make these styles just as well as more popular media like oils, acrylics and watercolor. If you are thinking of trying out colored pencils as a medium there are a lot of good tips and advice available here.

A comprehensive study, especially in Portraits
Bernard Poulin is a master in the medium of Colored Pencil. Whether you are beginning or advanced in the use of this new medium, you will find useful information. The work featured is breathtaking, and the information is straightforward and easy to follow. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Book Description

Flowers are a perennial favorite subject because of their exciting variety and complexity of color, texture and detail. Using basic colored pencil techniques, artists can capture the rich textures and distinct personalities of elegant orchids, graceful roses, cheery pansies and dozens of other beautiful blooms.

Gary Greene, along with six other respected colored pencil artists, show how to make the most of colored pencil's distinctive translucent properties. In 64 glowing, step-by-step demonstrations they show how to layer, burnish and underpaint colors to create floral portraits that are truly radiant. Features advice on choosing tools and materials plus the Plethora of Flora--a colorful gallery of finished blooms. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

all a miss for 'radiant flowers'
oh dear! someone needs to read up on their Foucault don't they Srs. Greene and Poulin. The post-modern condition dissucused so eliquently by the frech post-stuctualists, including Barthes and Baudrillard, has been avoided in a rather hap-hazzard and scruffy manner here, and its a shame. 'Creating radiant flowers in coloured pencil' begins well, although mainly focusing upon the Greenberg-esque Modernist Judeo-Christian approach. This stand point may be well and good, but really people, it ain't 1935 anymore!! It is as if this book completely missed the effects of the post-war (1945-1968) period that changed so much. 'Radient Flowers' makes no refecernce to cultural pluralism, an increase of egalitarian attitudes, or even simple concepts such as dedifferentiation, disscused way back in the 70's by Jameson or Harvey. As a result the flowers I created myself with the aid of this book where flat and formalist, and said nothing of the socio-political environment of late-capitalism. Those of you searching for something a little more contemporary should perhaps investigate the writings of Susan Grant, whose book 'Once a Pirate' helped me to understand the aesthetic significance of the flower much more than this trash!!!

Excellent Book!!
This is a great book, it has many drawings not just by the author but by other artists. The pictures are clear and very large so you can see all the details. Every page has a drawing and tells what colors were used and how they were applyed. I think this book Is excellent but is aimed more for the serious artist.

The Right Book at The Right Time !
As a beginner with the colored pencil medium I have been working with flowers as my main subjects. With my love of the flowers,plants,and trees,I was naturally pulled towards wanting to put my hand to the drawing of flowers. A friend of mine who knew of my interest,gave me Gary Greene's wonderful book. Not only was I thrilled by seeing the works of truly accomplished colored pencil artists, but I was inspired by the instruction and care that went into the writing and illustration of this book.

It has not only become a teaching guide for me but,it has also become an inspiration to make me work harder to learn more about this wonderful, dynamic art medium. (And, I use the word work lightly, what a joy!) ... Read more

Book Description

The sumptuous tones of colored pencil are surpassed only by their astounding versatility and simplicity. Filled with inspiring pictures, this lively manual covers methods, materials, blending colors, design techniques, composition, perspective, and drawing animals, humans, the great outdoors, still lifes, and more. “For all levels.... Students will...be rewarded with a rich array of ideas and styles.”—Library Journal.
... Read more

Reviews (6)

Best book on the colored pencil
Hands down the best colored pencil book I've seen. I have over ten books on this topic including ones from Bet Borgeson and Janie Gildow and this is the best. In depth information is given on the history of this artform, practical considerations and technique. Throughout the book, inspiring works of art with colored pencil are displayed. This book is sure to enthuse the reader whether they are a beginner or advanced artist.

Not for the Beginner
If you want step-by-step instructions don't buy this book. While the blurb on the back touts "step-by-step demonstrations" they are a very small part of the book and have very few steps. If you are looking for something vague like "inspiration" then this book might interest you. It does have lots of pictures done both by students and professionals in a variety of styles. But if you want help with what kind of pencils to buy don't look here. There is a general discussion of pencil types (hard, soft, etc.) but no concrete examples of which is which. You are just told that price indicates quality. Paper/board selection is also vague.

If you already know a lot about colored pencil then you might enjoy this book, but don't expect a lot of help with the basics.

The best 'First Book' for colored pencil ... excellent!
I picked this up after going thru all of B. Borgenson's books and the 'Colored Pencil Solution Book'. For a beginner, it is perfect. There are many graduated actual exercises for different skill levels, instead of merely a picture and a section explaining how it was done (God, I hate when authors do that!). After a couple months of sketching, this book and then the 'Colored Pencil Solution Book' would give you enough to allow you to do just about anything. There wouldn't really be anything else to learn, only time taken to perfect the medium.

Highly Recommended!
Angelo's newest book excels in every way possible: instructive, beautiful, and enjoyable to read. Angelo is an excellent teacher. Example: each section has 3 sets of exercises, one for each level of artist (beginner, intermediate, and advanced). All exercises are open-ended and offer as many opportunities for learning as you are willing to pursue. I also have two of her videos ("Realistic Colored Pencil Textures" and "Drawing Your Loved Ones: Pets") which are excellent as well. I'm ordering her older book (Colored Pencil Basics) today!

Going In The Right Direction
Yet another book in colored pencil technique for anyone interested in drawing but its chief attribute is the variety of art styles shown by all the different artists' work. There is still a tendency for only photo realists to work in colored pencil and it is increasingly important that those of us who use this medium see work which pushes the envelope against photo realism rendered in it. A nice companion volume for "Drawing On The Right Side Of the Brain" after you are finished with that book. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Excellent drawings
The drawings and the use of colored pencils is awesome. However, She does not explain how to draw the bird, or how to apply the colors. There are some examples shown, but not for the blue bird, or cardinal. You have to figure it out on your own how to apply the colors for these.

Great book for beginners
I'm a loyal fan of Lee Hammond b/c her graphite drawing series helped me out a lot when I was 11 and 12, made me learn how to draw and also the importance of good supplies. (There's a big difference between sketch pads and artist's paper when you're doing fine art!).
Her Drawing in Color books are also good, but I can't recommend them as highly as her graphite books. I would recommend these for beginners, though. One downside to this series and the graphite one is, if you buy one, you've botten them all, technique wise. The only difference is subject matter. Lee Hammond's preferred medium is graphite, and though her colored pencil book is good, her master of the medium is not as good as graphite.
I would recommend in addition to any of this series, Ann Kullberg's books (wonderful!) and Colored Pencil Solutions. Also if you want to jazz up colored pencil, I recommend the following: Colored Pencil Explorations, Create Radiant Realism in Watercolor, Ink, and Colored Pencil, and Gary's Greene's books for using solvents.

Love Lee's artwork
Another fabulous book by Lee Hammond. I like her style, not only does she instruct, but she shows you how the work looks completed using different types of colored pencils which is great. Great job. I also have some of her other colored pencils books and love them all. ... Read more