Book Description

Serious amateur watercolor artists will value books in this series, both for their quick and easy-to-follow practical advice, and for their handy size: they’re small enough to carry along when painting at outdoor locations. Each book presents dozens of demonstrations in easy-to-follow steps. There are also tips on choosing a particular subject for its visual interest, mixing and applying colors, and mastering basic watercolor techniques, including washes, dry brush, scumbling, masking, and directional brushwork. This practical book gives advice on painting foliage, flowers, and meadows, gates and fences, skies and trees, ponds, cornfields, country houses, and much more. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Not really a "how to" book
I was disappointed that a book whose subtitle is "How to Master Impressionism -- Step-by-Step" didn't have much down-and-dirty how-to advice. There's never a definitive "This is realistic landscape painting, and this over here is impressionism" juxtaposition to explain exactly HOW impressionism might differ from traditional or realistic landscapes. Not sure about the "contemporary realism" review, since I'm not familiar with that as a specific term, but I'd have to agree that some sort of modifier on the "impressionism" label might be appropriate here.

There are a great many paintings by Whisson showcased, and most are quite nice, with a few even breathtaking. Most are done on a very small scale, the 10x12" range.

What few step-by-step demos, or even partial demos, there are are rather pale. Many "compositional plan" examples are merely ghosted-back visuals of the finished painting with a grid superimposed and little explanation as to composition or positioning choices. Most "tonal plans" (value sketches) are just b&w photos (badly screened, imho, so you can't see the patterns well) of the finished painting. Some of the all-the-way demos seem to be done after the fact, as in he started with a finished painting he wanted to demonstrate, and then did another one, this one being photographed as he did it. The results don't match. We are rarely told the why behind choices made.

The use of color is almost ignored entirely.

He does stress sketching, which is great! But if he were to redo this book, I'd advise him to do actual demos, explaining all the way as to his specific reasons for doing everything, and how this demonstrates impressionism. He should go into composition, into value determination, and most especially, into color.

The value of this book is the many Whisson paintings showcased and the inspiration derived from same. For "how to" value, I would recommend trying to find another book.

Sound Advice for Aspiring Painters
The visual demonstrations are certainly helpful but Colley's
techniques are not fast tricks and gimmicks.

He emphasizes the importance of good draftsmanship (drawing)
in his art. A whole section is devoted to showing the
relationship between preliminary sketches/drawings and the
finished painting in his work as well as in the work of
Monet and other Impressionists.

He encourages the reader to practice drawing as much as
possible in order to grow as a painter.

I admire Whisson's compositional skills, taste, and artistic
integrity.

Wonderful En Plein Air Painting
If you are looking for techniques to learn how to paint en plein air, this book is a valuable find. Colley is able to capture the envelope of light that Monet and others sought by employing his bravado brushwork and traditional training. The photos of his paintings draw you in. One can actually feel the raking sun and smell the fresh air. However, Colley's technique is NOT Impressionism, it is Contemporary Realism. Impressionism is about learning to see color, color that other people cannot see unless they are trained to see it. It is known as full-color seeing (check out the books by Lois Griffel and Susan Sarback to learn how to see color). Colley's emphasis is more on value than color. Also, he uses large brushstrokes and completes his paintings in one session (or almost). Most of the French Impressionists worked on their paintings many, many sessions, building up thick layers of paint (Renoir was an exception to this in his iridescent period; he used thin transparent color juxtaposed with thick opaque dabs). I am not saying that one has to place little touches of color all over the place to be an Impressionist nor does one have to work on a painting more than one session. There is a great deal of freedom to develop one's own style. I am just saying that the emphasis in true Impressionism is on "observed" color. Whether you are a beginner or an accomplished artist, I am sure that you will love everything this book has to offer. Colley is a brilliant painter!

Excellent Impressionistic Instructions for A Beginner
Due to the author's great and simple instructions and step-by-step demonstrations, I was able to come out with two Impressionistic paintings from reading this book. For someone who is impatient, the author has kept in mind to keep the instructions more visual than verbal. I recommend this book immensely to other oil painting beginners who wish to make their own French Impressionist masterpieces. I hope Whisson will delve into other styles of oil painting because he has a winner in this book. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A practical guideline overall in plein-air painting.
This book could have earned a 4.5 stars in my rating system. Overall, it is a practical guideline for beginning/intermediate painters who may have just started to paint out-of-doors. My review targets these groups of readers and their presumed interests in purchasing/reading this book.

Pros:

1) The book has VERY PRACTICAL sections on material, tools, gears, etc... to get you "out of the house" to go painting. The information is available for both watercolorists and "oilists" ("oil-ists", OK, so I made up this word!) I myself find these sections particularly clear and helpful, especially for those who have already invested quite a bit in the facility to paint in-doors, as spending more money in extra tools for painting out-of-doors might become a burden. The accurate information provided in the book is certainly a big help to readers.

2) The book is well-organized and easy to read. The author covers discussion on colors, composition, then moves on to demonstrating painting plein-air in watercolors and oils. Each demo is shown step-by-step with somewhat in-depth discussion on color choices and art maneuver in each step.

3) The book also covers other issues, such as the use of multiple photos to create a painting, conversion of oil to water colors and vice versa, the recreation of paintings in the studio based on small paintings done on location, painting from memory, etc.

4) As I mentioned above, the STRONGEST point of the book, in my opinion, is that it covers the very practical aspects of this genre, in order to prepare the readers to "get out and paint" and perhaps achieve certain progresses as starters. I also appreciate the efforts of the author in sharing with the readers some of his valuable tips in painting out-of-doors. For instance, to avoid distraction when painting during the winter, one thing to do is to keep your feet warm. The author provides some very simple and useful solution (no, it is not just wearing warm boots), which must have come from his years of painting out-of-doors. "What solution", you ask? Well, it is for me to know (since I read it), and for you to find out! (It is all in there.)

Cons:

These are not really "cons", but rather my opinions of things that may have made this book a "better" one (perhaps).

1) I myself find the demos are a bit wordy in explaining color choices in each step. I did find myself skipping pages when reading the book due to boredom. However, considering the fact that this is NOT the first art book I read, nor am I brand-new to oil painting, it could be a very personal thing. On the other hand, other intermediate/advanced oil painters may feel the same way I did.

2) I do not agree with other comments putting down other authors of plein-air painting in praising this book. Although I agree the author of this book has succeeded in making this book simple and easy to read, I do find some other titles did a rather good job in explaining concepts, principles, theories, and techniques in painting out-of-doors. As a matter of fact, I find in them (other books) certain depths which may be very valuable to advanced plein-air painters. To back my opinion, the author of this book himself recommends "you" (the readers) to resort to those books as well (in the cited references).

Splendid Guide
Frank LaLumia has succeeded where many authors fail - providing excellent instruction in a concise manner. His own works are inspiring and his command of the various media is impressive, but his greatest strength is that he explains in a page or two concepts that other books mumble on about for entire chapters. I was delighted and inspired by this artist's stunning first book. Keep on writing, Mr. LaLumia! ... Read more

Book Description

Revised and updated with 280 sketches and paintings, this new edition will appeal to the large market of nature lovers, aspiring artists, botanists, birdwatchers, teachers, hikers and naturalists. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Don't let the title fool you
This book provides a tremendous amount of information on sketching in nature but don't let the title fool you- this is a terrific general sketching and drawing book. Johnson covers topics that are rarely covered in other books. The use of pens, watercolors, pencils and colored pencils (both water soluble and not) are covered. This is an invaluable book and is an asset to both the beginner and more advanced student. I'm on Amazon right now trying to find other books by Cathy Johnson- I'm that impressed.

Cathy keeps it simple...and affordable.
This is a very refreshing book. Cathy Johnson not only makes it look easy to draw and paint loose, yet accurate, watercolor sketches outdoors, but she tells you everything you need to know. This book will actually teach you how to draw and paint what you see, without making things overly complicated. Best of all, her supply list is well within the means of most people. I really enjoyed this book, and learned a great deal from it. This summer, I caught Lyme disease. It's nasty. For months, I could hardly walk, let alone hike and garden and do stuff I used to love. But Cathy's book has helped draw me back outside, and I'm learning to love nature all over again, one leaf, flower, and bug at a time. This book would make a great gift.

Fine for the Arteest on the Go
This is a pretty complete little volume. When you get it, you really do have to assume some knowledge and practice of making art and the media, however, she goes over materials and techniques, which can serve as a good refresher or initial exposure.

The best part is a discussion early on about how to pack all the materials so you don't keel over from exhaustion, hauling too much art gear, along with the usual standard hiking goodies. (I especially needed help with that, given my childlike adoration of way too many pretty colors.)

The emphasis is on SKETCHING, not doing the Mona Lisa. This is important in outdoor work as light changes and speed can be of the essence. I sometimes pick up this book so that I can just relax my techniques a bit.

The examples in the book, in many media and in monochrome or color are a delight to view. Sometimes, it's just fun to sit down with a cuppa and flip through the nice drawings of objects and scenes in nature. ... Read more

Book Description

The latest title from best-selling author Ray Campbell Smith. Clear step-by-step demonstrations introduce readers to a wide range of classic watercolor techniques; Ray then shows how to apply these techniques to all aspects of landscape painting. The book is illustrated throughout in Ray's popular, accessible style. ... Read more

Book Description

During his lifetime, artist Carl Rungius (1869-1959) enjoyed a reputation similar to that of well-known western painter Frederic Remington.Though interest in his depictions of the wildlife and awesome landscapes of the west declines after his death, growing fascination with our wilderness heritage is bringing Rungius back into the public eye.Rungius tended toward realism in his depiction of wildlife, he did some commercial illustration work for the magazine Field and Stream and paintings for the New York Zoological Society, but he also experimented with contemporary brushwork.Though his training was European, Rungius worked to develop a palette that would better convey the striking contrasts of light and color peculiar to the mountains and praries of North America.The publication of this book coincides with a travelling exhibit created by the Glenbow Museum of Calgary, Alberta. ... Read more

Book Description

Originally published in 1972 by Friends of the Earth, A Sense of Place is a remarkable look at the American continent over the past four centuries. Award-winning artist Alan Gussow presents a powerful collection of paintings that range from the earliest depiction of America by a European (John White's Indians Fishing, c.1585), to contemporary masterpieces such as Reuben Tam's White Sea.

For each picture-including works by Winslow Homer, Edward Hopper, George Innes, Georgia O'Keeffe, Anne Poor, Albert Bierstadt, Wolf Kahn, and many others-the author provides a selection of the artist's own words that describe the painting and the scene that inspired it, along with a brief introduction to the artist and his or her work. An introduction by National Book Award and Pulitzer prize winning poet Richard Wilbur explores the complex relationship between artist and land, while a new preface by Gussow discusses the history and enduring importance of the book.

Island Press/Shearwater Books is proud to bring forth a new edition of this stunning, long out-of-print volume.

PRAISE FOR THE FIRST EDITION: "[A Sense of Place] is astonishingly successful; no careful reader should see art-or nature-in the same way again."-Time "[These] paintings, done in joy by [artists] swamped in the colors and forests of an Earth old, yet alive, convey a statement in spite of themselves on behalf of the land, the spectrum of light in the air and the full panoply of Creation." -Edward Hoagland, Life "Even the most ardent conservationist cannot match the eloquence of these paintings."-Anatole Broyard, The New York Times ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The End of Landscape
A SENSE OF PLACE links the human with the natural: people make, and are made by, parts of our earth. Landscape artist and conservationist Alan Gussow has organized 63 well-chosen colorplates reminding us that paintings record the known landscape, the unknown frontier and what might be forgotten once nature and people meet. The book is a beautiful way to get to know the names in landscape art and see how the United States has changed over time: late 16th-century John White's "Indians fishing" in the Virginia colony organized by Sir Walter Raleigh; early 19th-century Thomas Cole's "Landscape with dead trees" and George Catlin's "Prairie meadows burning - Upper Missouri"; mid-19th century stained glass window specialist John LaFarge's "Bishop Berkeley's rock"; late 19th-century David Howard Hitchcock's glowing "Halemaumau" volcano; early 20th-century Marsden Hartley's rambunctious "Smelt Brook Falls" and Charles Sheeler's precise "Rocks at Steicher's"; mid-20th-century Edward Hopper's "Cobb's house" on comfortable Cape Cod and Georgia O'Keeffe's elegant "Sky above clouds II"; and late 20th-century Sidney Goodman's chilling "Landscape with 4 towers" and Anne Poor's delicate "Gertrude's bouquet." Readers get more specifics from William Gaunt's TURNER, Patricia Junker's JOHN STEUART CURRY, and Bernard B. Perlman's PAINTERS OF THE ASHCAN SCHOOL. It also is interesting to do comparison reading into Paul Machotka's CEZANNE and Richard Thomson's CAMILLE PISSARRO. ... Read more

Amazon.com

When these six artists first banded together in 1917, the San Francisco art establishment found their work raw and undeveloped. According to Nancy Boas, however, these painters represent the first fully evolved reflection of modern art on the West Coast. Her scholarly and engaging study is tantamount to a discovery of a previously unknown group of painters, and it is unusual in that it recounts the birth of modern art in a nonurban setting. She elegantly and convincingly balances biography with analysis, intertwining six personal stories into a much larger story, which is really about the birth of modernism, an integral segment of America's artistic heritage. These artists' works are expressive, energetic, and ablaze with vivid color, reminiscent of a quality of rarefied light found in Richard Diebenkorn's Ocean Park series or Vincent van Gogh's Arles paintings. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Move over Impressionists
While many books and much attention has been given to the Impressionists, little mention has been offered to the Society
of Six - California Colorists. The beautiful illustrations and enlightening text provide a case history for the needed aware-
ness of these talented and innovative artists. Nancy Boas has
obviously done a tremendous amount of research resulting in a
spectacular and much needed work on our California art history.
A perusal of this title will be richly rewarded.

Five Stars for the Six
One of the best art books around. It not only describes an important art movement, it captures the character of the artists, from the assertive leader, Selden Gile, to the gentle, inward August Gay and the troubled Bernard von Eichman. The book is illustrated with vigorously colorful paintings _ visual evidence of the influence the Six would have on artists for decades to come.

Rare insights
I was unaware of a Californian impressionist movement until I stumbled across this book -- well worth reading & wonderfully illustrated -- Stan Kelly-Bootle ... Read more

Book Description

With this book's no-clutter approach, artists will be tackling two of their favorite subjects--watercolor and landscapes--in minutes.

Reid's quick-start guide gives beginners a basic overview of materials, terms and exercises to get them off on the right foot. Then it's on to tackling more than 25 step-by-step demonstrations that cover all the basic landscape techniques. Readers will learn to paint essential elements, such as water, mountains, buildings and skies, one at a time. These easy-to-follow exercises arm artists with a set of tools, techniques and principles to enrich all their future landscapes.

This highly visual guide also includes detailed advice on how to overcome the challenges of painting outdoors and when traveling. It's never been easier--or quicker--to have fun painting outdoor scenes. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

subjective views by artists of a natural wonder!
A beautifully illustrated overview of artistic responses to America's most famous natural wonder. Ranging from portrayals by early expeditionary artists to recent panoramas that exult in the region's chromatic and geological complexity, this book examines a diverse array of imagery in historical context, augmented by a profusion of literary, scientific, and historical quotations about the canyon and its sublime effects.

First documenting the canyon's potential as a navigable waterway, then working for railroad companies interested in the area's tourist value, artists today are drawn to the region for a host of reasons, but all continue to be fascinated by its enduring spectacle. The Majesty of the Grand Canyon celebrates their achievements and explores their struggle to approach the epic grandeur.

A great history AND art AND art history for both kids and adults, USA-ers and non-USA-ers esp. not likely to see in person, or if you have been so lucky, reinforces those wonderful memories! ... Read more

Book Description

Following the success of his first book, The Best of the Joy of Painting, Bob Ross gathered sixty more of his favorite paintings to create More Joy of Painting. Now available in paperback, More Joy of Painting presents each painting in full color, followed by detailed instructions and a series of black-and-white photos to walk you, step-by-step, through the process of creating a Bob Ross original.

So, whether you want a landscape of snowcapped mountains or a serene fall day, with More Joy of Painting you can create a beautiful work of art with the same ease and grace as Bob Ross. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The best teacher I ever had.
I just wanted to say that I started watching Bob Ross on tv and got interested in the wet-on-wet technique around 1990 or 91. I sent for paints and some of his books. How anyone can ever say anything against this man , is beyond me. I even miss his little squirrel! I haven't painted for about seven years now. I'am retired and have the time now. I live in West Virginia, moved from Ohio. This is beautiful country here. I'am sure getting the urge to start back in painting. I need to get new supplies. Please send me a catalog. Paul Sensabaugh P.O. Box 6, Wva. 25123.

don't buy this
don't buy any bob ross products, he's a crook and a bandit

Memories go on!
Bob Ross lives through his paintings. You can't beat the price of this many paintings in one book! Both professional & non-professional use his techniques & patterns to continue Bob's legacy in oil! ... Read more

Book Description

Artists who pioneered open-air landscape painting between 1780 and 1840 came to Italy from all over Europe to respond directly to the beauty of landscape for the first time. With a rich selection of representative paintings from these outdoor artists, this beautiful book traces the work of the earliest members of the school, Pierre-Henri de Valenciennes and Thomas Jones, to the culminating paintings of Corot. ... Read more

Book Description

The new hardcover book by artist Luc Leestemaker has a selection of his recent abstracted landscapes. This artist is a fast rising star in the artsworld; just for 2004 more than 10 international gallery and museum shows are scheduled for the artist. The new book will be an exciting new collector's item for the growing number of fans of the artist's work. With more than 65 color plates and a number of essays by noted art critics, art writers and the artist himself. The new hardcover book that fans were waiting for... With Leestemaker's fast rising star in the artsworld, his new hardbound book with more than 65 color plates promises to quickly become a collector's trophy.. ... Read more

Book Description

Adding buildings and other man-made creations to a painting demands an understanding of perspective. Perspective is crucial to accuracy and realism, allowing a structure to fit in seamlessly with its surroundings. Yarnell starts basic, with one-point perspective, using first a box and then entire houses with doors, windows, roofs and porches to demonstrate how perspective can change. He also covers more complex two-point perspective, where two sides of a building are visible.

Painting Perspective features seven projects, which build on the first section's introduction to perspective and boast simple and well-illustrated instructions perfect for both beginning and intermediate painters. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A full-color collection of breathtaking works of art
Compiled, written, and edited by Maine art expert Carl Little and Arnold Skolnick (owner and founder of Chameleon Books), The Art Of Maine In Winter is a visually splendid, full-color collection of breathtaking works of art capturing Maine during the winter months. Ranging from abstract-style oil on canvas landscapes of snow, to woodcuts of young people enjoying simple winter sports, to impressionistic renditions of hard work among tall trees, The Art Of Maine In Winter presents an eclectic variety of gorgeous artworks, along with brief yet thoughtful commentary on the spirit of the art itself and the land reflected in the artist's view. The Art Of Maine In Winter is a welcome and highly recommended addition to any personal, art school, or community library Art History collection. ... Read more

Book Description

This beautiful book presents the 70 small-scale landscape oil sketches of the unique collection of John and Charlotte Gere. The paintings, created by eighteenth- and nineteenth-century European artists working outdoors, were completed quickly so as to capture the fleeting play of light in nature. Rarely exhibited but used instead for consultation in the studio, these pictures offer revealing documentation of artists at work. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Brush With Nature
Since there are not to many product details. I get lost with the title, I thought it teach you how to use the brushes in painting,unfortunately there are only faded color drawings inside this book.I made a mistake buying this book. ... Read more