Paint Books

If you enjoy the techniques of many do-it-yourself crafts but aren't fond of the country or primitive patterns, this is your guide to painting furniture. Jocasta Innes, with Stewart Walton, has brought her painting expertise to furniture with 34 designs that will appeal to the most sophisticated painter. Themes include leaf and berry borders, rococo ribbons, english roses, rope borders, sun,moon& stars motifs,and a selection of classic motifs that will give new life to painted furniture. The authors give explicit directions and creative ideas for using their designs in a variety of ways. The book even comes with separate patterns and transfer paper that are housed in a pocket at the back of the book. So, forget that tired pineapple border, and make a statement with scrolls, fluer-de-lys, or a neoclassic wreath. Finally a book for the more sophisticated traditionalists! Once you own this book, your only problem will be choosing which pattern to start with!

I bought this thinking it might offer a few tips I could use, but not expecting too much. Wow, was I surprised at what I got. This book is a must have for any beginning or intermediate artist using oils and, depending on their typical subject matter, for some advanced artists too.

There are 20 step-by-step demonstrations plus 24 finished paintings show in B&W and 10 in full color - most of these are full page and all are beautiful. There's a total of 65 B&W images and 50 full color ones in the book. Not to worry, the b&w plates are almost exclusively of the initial block-ins and tonings of the canvas in the demonstrations.

Now to the best part! The demonstration subjects covered are 1) Glass 2) Fur 3) Silver 4) Shiny Fabrics 5) Candlelight 6) Rough-Textured Fabrics 7) Filmy and Lacy Fabrics 8) Wood 9) Fruits 10) Bread 11) Smooth Vegetables 12) Leafy Vegetables 13) Rust 14) Old Books and Paper 15) Worn Leather 16) Pottery 17) Shiny Leather 18) Beverage in a Glass 19) China 20) Jewelry.

Each demonstration has two 2/3 page B&W images showing block in and two 2/3 page color images showing color application. Each image is accompanied by several paragraphs discussing colors and tones applied and why.

If this book showed and discussed a few more intermediate steps of the demonstrations I would never need another. As it is, the large color photos and color application notes gave me just what I needed to move beyond my stumbling points and grasp painting fabrics and textures accurately.

These series of how-to's published by Walter T. Foster are invaluable to the novice painter. Each page contains a finished painting including multiple frames from beginning to the end. At the bottom page the artist gives further instruction and tips regarding tints used as well as techniques.

I always thought you had to be "born" with the talent but with the aide of these books, to quote Henry Higgins, "I believe she's got it"!!!!!!!!!!

Carolyn V. Stearns has been the featured artist at the Americana Sampler Show in Nashville, Tennessee and in one of the top 10 craft shows in the nation, The Yellow Daisy Festival, in Stone Mountain Georgia since 1997. This 2001 53 page book covers Includes such delights as a Paper-Mache Santa Plate, Penquin Picket, Willie Freeze Plant Stick, Snowman ornaments, canister, picture frame & picket, Easter Bunny Decoratiosn, Turkey Door Hanger, Napkin Holder, Witch Pickets, Halloween,and more, with paint color conversion charts templates to trace and all fully color illustrated. A great find for craft shows, fund raising, and fast and easy projects for the family and friends. I'm so glad I found this book.

I bought this book for my son. He was reluctant to read it, but finally did. He thought it was enjoyable! I have noticed a difference in his behavior and manners.

This is actually a paperback book and although small in page numbers it is large on information. It takes an in depth look at a single painting, how it was created and what motivated Edward Hopper to paint it. The book, which actually accompanies an exhibition of similar title at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, offers a short version of Hopper's career and then launches into how the artist's painting "Hotel Lobby" was created. There are comparison images with other artists, an overview of the 10 sketches made for the painting, and a discussion of how Hopper progressed from what may have been an actual hotel lobby to the finished canvas. Also included is a laboratory examination of the painting and an look at how Hopper used perspective in this work. Although written by a museum curator, it is not pedantic. The book is easy and enjoyable to read and gives great insight into the way Hopper's personal life may have affected his choice of subject matter. It is rare to find a book that discusses Hopper's work through his sketches. If you like this great American artist's paintings and want to know more about their creation, you are going to love this book. Although it focuses on just one painting, the discussion can be applied to much of Hopper's work. It is, of course, much more enjoyable a read if you can see the painting in person, but even if that is not possible you will certainly come away with a fresh view of Edward Hopper and his work.

Have enjoyed using this book for my sunday school class. Very refreshing change from most of the bible craft books i have seen lately.

As a Fine Art student in college I would have been quite happy purchasing Shirley Dahlsten's book, "Passion and Paint in Creating 'Great Art'." Such inspiration and guidance would have certainly boosted me up and given much help.

As a tool for beginning artists this book is invaluable to be sure. Offering technique and practice methods, it is a teaching tool that is as necessary as the drive to create and the materials to work with. My professors in college gave many of the same instructions and assignments and it took years for me to complete them. Through Shirley's book you can learn at your own pace and likely be completing great works in considerably less time than it took me. Her lessons in design, drawing, color, texture, and mediums are all spot on. Her deeper instructions on purpose, meaning, intent and preparation are inspirational. The how-to section of the book, on the business of being an artist, is a valuable addition. My favorite parts though involve the numerous quotations that are shared to involve the reader in the creation of art, the creation of an artist in the reader herself. It is an outreach to the part of the reader who needs to hear encouragement, acceptance, and inspiration.

"Passion and Paint" is fittingly named, but whatever the medium an artist chooses, the lessons within are purposeful and endearing if one lets them be. The text is open, honest, to the point, and simply - helpful. This easy to read and understand book is perfect for anyone considering picking up a pencil or brush, from the high school or college student to the next Grandma Moses. On the aesthetic side of things, the book is downright beautiful. Shirley's work is displayed throughout and the captivating images are motivating to say the least. Bright and colorful, exquisitely executed, and used as teaching tools themselves, her work is a delight.

"Pastel: Portraits" is a dynamic journey through the various techniques needed to master the profound art of chalk pastels. By reading this thorough guide, pastels transformed from being my worst enemy to my best friend. I watched my works change from desperate, melodramatic abstracts to well-developed, realistic portraits. The person that I have to thank for this miracle is Ken Goldman. His kind and light-hearted nature are translated in this book with its gentle and open suggestions. I can say without a doubt that Ken Goldman has changed my life.

I am an absolute beginner and this book was a great help. It takes you step by step through techniques to making pictures and includes a list of the colors you need. It helps build up your skills. If you know nothing about pastels but would like to, BUY THIS BOOK!