Reviews (2)

Gives us a bass
I believe that Douglas Dawson is a sincere teacher, but I found this book to be a litany of rules, tricks, and gew-gaws for obtaining effects -- without a governing vision. (Contrast the similarly-named "Capturing Radiant Color in Oils" by Susan Sarback, which is above all a book about seeing and reporting what you see, and in spite of its title the most helpful book I have found for my approach to pastels.) Some of Dawson's rules are in the category of "duh!" and others make no sense. His points are usually illustrated by his own work, including landscapes (quite interesting), cityscapes (often dramatically lit but oddly unmoving), and portraits (sappy, sentimentalized, and including a few real bodice-rippers). The old saw says, "give a man a fish and he eats for a day; teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime." Dawson gives us a bass, and not a very fresh one.

Pastel beginner from Dallas digs Doug's book.
The book starts with Dawson explaining the difference between the handling of lines--drawing--and the handling of shapes--painting. He then explains and illustrates two pastel painting techniques: working from big to small shapes and working from shape to shape. Then he combines drawing and painting to launch into ways of being creative with color and light. The book ends dealing with backgrounds, depth, and finding new ideas.

Appropriate to an art instruction book, there is an abundance of illustrated examples, step-by-step pictorial demonstrations, and very stunning completed paintings. The book was easy to read, and Dawson's thoughts, examples, and techniques are very easy to follow.

I like this book very much. The most valuable thing I learned from reading Dawson's book was how to turn my drawings and paintings into works of art. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Beautiful art but not any help...
Mr Blovits is a great artist and his paintings are stunning. But I am a serious beginner and this book was of little help. I need a step by step book that tells me the color and techniques used...There is nowhere near enough step by step technique but the man can paint and shows what is possible in pastel.

STAY AWAY
I recently bought this book and "Painting the Landscape in Pastel." Both of these books are devoid of any real discussion on technique. There is page after page of discussion on color, hue, value, etc. That is all well and good but there is no thorough discussion or demonstration of how to actually apply pastel to paper, only a page or two that glosses over the subject in a couple of paragraphs. There are a couple of demonstration paintings in which the author goes through a painting's different stages but it seems a book of this nature should include more than a couple of such demonstrations.

Don't waste your time or money on this one. There are other books out there that are superior for the beginner.

Great reference, great for beginners
This is a great reference book for those just staring to learn pastel painting. It starts with the very basics and provides a solid foundation for the artist who has aspirations of taking their work to a commercial level.

The book starts out examining materials including the pastels themselves as well as surfaces, fixatives and tools. It also discusses studio and pallet setup as well as protecting finished artwork. It then explains the fundamentals of design and composition such as color, value, light, shadow and space, and the basics of technique such as starting with shape outlines, color blocking and working from dark to light.

Selecting and setting up subject matter is then discussed, including working from life, selecting a camera and using photography as and reference. Subsequent chapters focus on pastel drawing types including still life, landscapes, figures and portraits. Each section details the necessary procedures and elements such as lighting a still life, keeping a landscape in balance or posing a figure. A step-by-step demonstration of each type accompanied by reference photos is also included.

Drawing on the author's experience and expertise as an artist, this is a book you can truly follow from beginning to end to develop and improve your own skills and abilities in working with pastels.

Excellent Book
I really enjoy reading this book. Larry is a master pastellist with over 30 years of experience. His enthusiasm and spirit really come across in this book. He walks you through his recommendations for paper selection, pastels and studio set-up. He provides some step-by-step illustrations working from sketches to completed illustrations in still lifes, landscapes and potraits which serve as excellent examples.

a must for any pastelists
If you are serious about becoming a pastelist or even as a hobby, this book is for you. I am glad I bought it. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Neat book
It had many techniques to get me started on discovering new ones of my own.

Good book for beginner..
I am an absolute beginner in pastels and have bought some books which I intend to review. This is a good one with lots of beautiful work and step by steps, The only thing that kept it from 5 stars is it is poorly organized and kind of jumps around.

all inclusive
As far as a pastel technique book goes this one is all inclusive. It has the latest techniques including the mixing of pastel with other elements like water and alcohol and so on. Pastel line, color mixing, blending. The strong point of the book is that it gives an example of how to paint in pastel almost any subject like skies, rooftops, water, water in motion, vegetation, fruit, skin, portraits, fur, feathers, metal, drapery, and more. You name it. I did not see another book around that has so many different types of examples. I should know because I just published an art book myself --Creative Painting For The Young Artist. So this is a book I will now use in teaching my students.

Structured approach to get you started
This is my first pastel book, and I've found it immensely helpful in getting used to the medium. Not only does it suggest elementary exercises to getting underway (e.g. Do a painting in one color, like in charcoal, then do one in two colors, etc.) but it suggests structured approaches to doing more advanced paintings. If you've read my other reviews, if there's anything I love, it's a logical, structured approach to learning something. This book, like the other Barron's series, is originally in Spanish (Spain), so there's a distinctly European feel to it, which I find adds a romance and sophistication that American art book authors don't usually have. (Sorry...)

The demonstrations are lovely, without being intimidating, and the information is easy to follow.

a very good guide for pastelists
There are DOZENS of really good books on pastels out there but this is the one I chose after beginning the the Barron's Pastels book, which is very basic. I recommend this one before you get other pastel books. ... Read more

Book Description

Colorful, blendable, and fun to handle, pastels are one of the easiest art forms for novice artists to grasp and an engaging medium for experienced artists. Enclosed in a handy, portable case, this innovative kit offers everything you'll need to get started. The illustrated instruction book explains pastel materials and techniques, while the examples dotting each page will inspire your imagination. ... Read more

Book Description

Carole Katchen, well-known artist, workshop instructor and author, invites readers to begin expressing their own ideas in the brilliant, liberatingmedium of pastel.

This book will inspire pastel painters looking for new creative directions and gives beginners a great place to start. Checklists, tips and step-by-step demonstrations make the instruction easy to follow.Artists will first learn how to master basic techniques, from choosing colors, paper and fixativesto making expressive marks. The second half of the book guides artists to explore the "boundless limits" of their own creativity. Katchen motivates artists with:

* A 10-point checklist for choosing evocative subjects
* Tips on how to break the rules and take chances with pastel
* Strokes that will reflect and enhance personal vision
* Four different approaches to beginning a painting
* Advice on how to strive for excellence, not perfection ... Read more

Reviews (2)

an artist's art book
This book was great and fun to read. Even her painting examples in the book show how much painting can be a joy and fun. I especially liked how the book is divided up into easy to understand chapters and topics like "what you need to know about applying pastels" or "what you need to know about completing a painting" . With tips and reviews throughout the book. Thus it is a good book to use if one is also teaching art. The book is not just for beginners but for those that have been painting for years. It shows you how to "have fun with art" not just knowing techniques. Author- Creative Painting For The Young Artist

Expressive and Impressive
Carole Katchen understands the pastel artist and reflects her understanding in this book that goes from the basics of selecting and using pastels to the emotional needs of the artist. She has useful tips throughout. She has information and examples of negative painting, blending,scribbling, and stippling. There are refresher pages that emphasize the main points of each chapter. But, maybe the most important chapter is the last one, because it encourages the artist to be true to himself or herself and know that if art is done with courage, fun and dedication, it will glow with distinction. ... Read more

Book Description

From renowned drawing teacher and author Stan Smith, a comprehensive and inspiring introduction to the techniques of drawing. A must-have resource for budding artists to master drawing's most essential tools and techniques in 3 easy steps-filled with over 600 full-color how-to illustrations. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

New Orleans Premier Pastel Artist
Alan Flattmann is THE New Orleans French Quarter artist. This incredible city has influenced countless artists, and for good reason -- many people say that this old neighborhood is more European than many European cities. The incredible scope of the work is impressive. There is a major painting (oil or pastel) on almost every page. Jazz bands, Mardi Gras revelers, historic store fronts, wrought iron railings, and beautiful architecture - it is all here. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

blown away
I purchased this book last fall and was blown away by the remarkable works of Ms Capole. In January of 2004 I had the wonderful opportunity to attend her first portrait workshop. There I was able to view several of the origional paintings in person and can say that the color quality of the book's photos are true to life. The instructions are presented in an organized, concise manner along with corrosponding step by step photos. If you cannot attend one of Wende's workshops, this book is your second best option!

Author?
Daniel Greene is Ms. Caporale's husband, but he's nowhere credited in the book, as far as I can discover, with being a co-author, though I'm sure he probably lent an editorial eye. Wende can carry the promotion on her own merits.

In any event, both are masters in their own right. ... Read more

Book Description

Step by step by step...the method that every great art teacher uses!

It's the only course you'll ever have to take to become a fabulous artist. From choosing a subject and arranging the composition and putting that first stroke down on paper to the final line: whatever your medium and theme, this "drawing course" will teach you how to create pictures you'll proudly display!
Practice on a series of small, manageable exercises-for each, you'll be told exactly what brush to use, whether or not to dilute the paint, and how to fix mistakes. See every subject with a fresh eye and study composition, perspective, measuring, and negative space.Layer by layer, follow the instructions to build the work to completion.
Because the whole world can be inspiration for your images, immerse yourself in a variety of approaches: delicate pastels; full-scale landscapes of forests, sea, or city; intimate portraits that capture a person's personality; or still lifes with their emphasis on shape and form.
You'll feel like a true artist!
... Read more

Book Description

This second edition of "The Best of Pastel " continues to honor the best artists from around the world working in pastels. Selected from hundreds of entries, the 130 images presented in these pages represent the most talented artists and their works in a wide array of styles, techniques, and subjects, including landscapes, portraits, still-lifes, and abstracts.

Displays one per page, each work is reproduced in color and features artist, title, materials, dimensions, and the inspiration for the work in the artist's own words. Includes an essay by Alden Baker on how to critique your own work. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Recommended
This is an incredibly beautiful book, with improvements over the first Best of Pastel: one large picture per page, and two captions for each--an artist's statement about the painting, and a few words about technique and style. The works chosen for the book are diverse, and show the artists' range and considerable skill. The only downer, in my view, is the "Critiquing Your Own Work" section at the end. Though it contains valuable information for beginning and perhaps advanced pastellists, it is written in such a snobby and condescending manner it puts a sour ending to an otherwise very sweet book.

A Must-have for Pastel Artists and Lovers
This volume has a good range of works, including figures (which the first volume did not), and includes explanations and background on the works. Good for ideas, techniques, and just appreciating "painting without a brush".

The Best of Pastel 2
Wow! What an inspiring book for pastel and all art lovers. Makes you realize the amazing amount of talent in this country with our artists. This book really gets you excited about working in pastels. You will be running to your drawing tables, with book in hand. The reproductions are beautiful full page color drawings representing countless styles all beautifully executed. Can't wait to see, "The Best of Pastel 3". ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Gardens in Pastels
If you are a beginner, this would be the book for you. It is simply written. The book covers the basics of pastel and limited information on perspective, color theory, and atmospheric distance. I was disappointed in the book because for the money spent, I expected an adult book. The book is a thin soft cover paperback. It would be great for a 12-15 year old. Any other pastel book would cover the same basics and more. Gardens in Pastel would be a good checklist/reminder for painting on location. ... Read more

Book Description

This first ever published collection honors the best artists from around the world working in pastels. Selected from hundreds of entries, the 250 images presented in these pages represent the finest artists and the finest work covering a wide range of styles, techniques, and subjects including landscapes, portraits, still lifes, and abstracts. Stunning and inspirational, this collection is an essential addition to every artists library and a beautiful gift for any aspiring artist or appreciator of fine art.Constance Flavell Pratt was born in Rockland, Massachusetts, and graduated from the Massachusetts College of Art. Her work has been featured at the South Shore Art Center Gallery and the Copley Society of Boston, where she received the prize for Best Work on Paper. Other awards include: Best Portrait from the Pastel Society of America, the Hudson Valley Art Associations Portrait Award, and numerous prizes at the Springfield Art League, and other art shows. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Not as good as Best of Pastel 2
Sorry to disagree but this volume has almost no figure works and has little if any explanation of the paintings and drawings. The next volume has figures and helpful explanations and background.

nice format
This is a nice small book: however, if readers have Best of Pastels and Pastels 2, it the same examples of pastels from these two books.

A wonderful grouping of contemporary pastelists
This is a richly illustrated book of some of the best contemporary pastelists working today. The introduction by Flora Giffuni (founder of the Pastel Society of America) re-affirms for the reader that pastel is, indeed, a glorious medium, as do the many fine examples illustrated throughout the book. The full color reproductions are of very good quality, nicely demonstrating the vivacious qualities of this fabulous yet often misunderstood medium. Each reproduction is accompanied by the title and dimensions of the work, the artist's name, and the support used. Future editions would benefit from artists' statements (as is the case in "The best of Pastel 2"), as well as the types of pastels used by each individual artist. One minor criticism is that there are often four reproductions to a spread, which of course can distract from each individual piece (the 2nd edition eliminates that problem by placing one image to a page). The directory of artists in the back of the book is also a nice addition. This book is highly recommended to both the devout pastelist and those who are unfamiliar with the medium. ... Read more

Book Description

How to choose and use design media-a complete, practical primer

Mastery of a full range of design media is essential for architects, designers, and graphic artists in order to develop and communicate their ideas effectively. Instead of focusing solely on finished drawings, this book approaches each medium from the perspective of its use in the design process itself. Featuring step-by-step methods liberally supplemented with visual examples, it provides detailed coverage of the tools and techniques for each of the four major rendering media-pen and ink, pastels, colored marker, and watercolor. Design Media is filled with ideas to help bring out the best in drawing and rendering-from developing sound skills and improving presentations to achieving particular effects.
* Covers methods, materials, and equipment
* Contains 280 illustrations-including 200 in color-showing examples of all media types ... Read more

Reviews (1)

a rating in progress:not sure yet- but why am i not excited
I am not sure yet and want to give the book a more
serious look. Perhaps my mistake was to buy this
book at the same time i acquired Composite Drawing by
Uddin and Color Drawing by Doyle. The drawings and format
of these books instantly became well worn reference texts
for myself and students. I chose the Kasprisin book because
it presented a medium missing from the other books: watercolor techniques. I will give the prose a serious trial and i hope the book eventually proves to be a good resource too.
However, what bothers me is the book is sitting on my shelf and i am struck by the following realization: when it comes to a technique book, if i am not personally inspired by the sample drawings or paintings i am probably not going to be motivated to try to emulate the techniques. Please acknowledge this may be too shallow of a reaction and you may well find the book meets your needs. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Beginning Portraiture to Intermediate Portraiture
The book is a great place to start with regards to pastels and portraits. It covers the basic anatomical features of the face as well as layout and design of the portrait. ... Read more

Book Description

Turn the pages of An Introduction to Pastels and discover an exciting art course that teaches you how to work in this expressive and versatile medium. An Introduction to Pastels is a practical guide to a wide range of pastel techniques. More than 300 photographs guide the beginner through a series of exercises designed to teach all the essentials of pastels. revealing projects focus on professional portraits, landscapes, and abstracts, all shown in the making so novices can follow the creative process step-by-step. Unique gallery pages display works of masters -- pastels that will instruct and inspire every student of the medium. Packed with specially commissioned artworks, clear instruction, and easy-to-follow exercises, the DK Art School offers ideal courses for "armchair" art students. The DK Art School series is a new way to learn, improve, or master drawing and painting skills. Carefully constructed courses ensure that you gain both the confidence and the know-how to create imaginative, beautiful pictures. With individual volumes on subjects like still life, portraiture, or landscape, in specific media such as oil, watercolor, or acrylic, The DK Art school series offers something for everyone, and builds into a unique collection of practical art books. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Very Beginnings for very beginners
This book helped me know what I needed to get started. I like his use of classics in pastel to illustrate the beauty and range of the medium. Excellent tips for beginners from what you need, to creating your own paper for pastel work. It also give good information on how to decide what type of pastels to use - by showing different types in action. ... Read more

Book Description

This step-by-step guide takes you through materials and techniques—soft and hard pastels, pencils, and oil pastels; different papers, canvases, and fabrics; and accessories from craft knives to brushes to fixatives. Experiment with texture, color, and toning, and see how to clean, erase, and fix pastels. An inspiring gallery of modern paintings helps to hone a multitude of skills.
... Read more

Reviews (1)

IDEAL FOR BEGINNERS!
I received it yesterday,it is full-detailed,great and ideal for beginners.You will love it. ... Read more