Paint Books

Not 100% comprehensive, and spent more time than I would have liked on basic procedures, and less time on layers and masking. But still, I learned a lot from the book and it was certainly a valuable tool in helping me get the most from Paint Shop Pro.

If you ever had problems using PaintShop Pro, well this is your solution.
This book has everything you need including troubleshooting.

Previously, I had purchased Diane Koers' "Paint Shop Pro 9: Photographers' Guide" from Amazon. It is an excellent book, and I highly recommend it. Over time, however, I found some gaps in Koers' book and so I purchased McMahon's book. Now, I find I refer to McMahon's book more than Koers.
McMahon does a better job of explaining PSP9's toolbars and basic workings. He also gives valuable insights into the digital darkroom while he discusses PSP9's functions. Like Koers, he uses excellent examples and sample photos to illustrate his points. The print quality is outstanding (the book was printed in Italy and, as with all Elsevier publications, the offset process is exemplary) and enhance the lessons.
For the aspiring photographer who wants to master digital darkroom techniques using PSP9, I recommend the following books:
This one (of course!)
Diane Koers' "Paint Shop Pro 9: Photographers' Guide"
David Kays' "Paint Shop Pro 9 for Dummies"

At first glance this is an attractive book, with a high standard of graphic design and a profusion of color illustrations. Working with it unfortunately reveals a number of annoyances. First, the organization is chaotic, with topics showing up in unexpected places. Among many examples, Chapter 1 purports to introduce PSP's features, but includes redundant and superficial sections on choosing a digital camera and computer. Chapter 3 deals with basic picture manipulation, but leaps into a discussion of scripting (which probably deserves a separate chapter). The various levels of chapter subheadings use very similar type, so it's hard to discern the structure of the book. Some topics are covered in the main body of the text, but others are only found in separate "step-by-step projects", which seem to be an attempt at exercises for the reader. Another complaint is the huge number of screen shots that are simply too small to read. And the before and after examples of image adjustments are so small that it is often impossible to see the differences. The book covers a lot of material that is obvious simply by looking at PSP's user interface, yet some important topics get short shrift. For example, the issue of color management. I couldn't find an answer to the common workflow question: "What is the best sequence to apply the many functions provided by PSP?" The authors are obviously qualified to provide some insights here. There is some good material in the book, but with some attention to organization and space priorities, it could have been much better.

The name is misleading. In order to paint any of these, you need to photocopy and enlarge everything or sketch the outlines in the book onto a canvas. Also, even the outlines are vague. It says these masterpieces are not conducive to a PBN style homage so it's best to really look at a copy of the original while trying to replicate it with the vague number patterns given in this book. It is a good informational book but not a paint-by-numbers.

It has always been my dream to paint a painting that people could actually look at with pleasure. I found this book, and now my walls are filling up with wonderful paintings I did myself! Not only are the instructions easy to follow, but the techniques can be applied to copy paintings other than the ones in the book. I just finished my own copy of THE STARRY NIGHT using these techniques, and it looks great! I recommend this book to anyone who always wanted to paint but never thought she could.

I just got this book and I can't wait to get my brushes dipping into paint. There are 30 masterpiece paintings in this book. From Botticelli to Whistler, with Renoir, Degas, Van Gogh, Klimt, Modigliani, etc. in between. All with directions, step by step photos, supply and palette lists, glossery and basic information on techniques. It is written for the Acrylic painter with some gouache, watercolor and pastel information for converting. It is not your old fashioned paint-by-number. These paintings have much more blending so that they look like the originals. What a hoot to paint your own version of the masterpieces.

I don't know about others, but the "paint-by-numbers" that I grew up with involves an actual canvas & paint. Neither of those elements are in this book. The book...which is what it is, not a kit of any sort...is simply a book about painting. It includes the diagrams that you can copy onto a canvas, but that's it. It was not what I wanted when I ordered something involving paint-by-numbers & I promply sent it back.

The book was great! I painted well after just a few pages... I could have used more pictures but all and all it was an excellent book... highly reccomended..

I had high hopes for this book. 1200 paint effects!!! Holy schmokes!! No. The first 20 pages are nice. They give you the run-down on materials and preparation. However, there is only one small paragraph for each technique and then the next 150 pgs is the same effect over and over in different colors. The last 18 pgs are for special effects. Now, the book may be a good companion book, because it does show you what the effect looks like in different colors; however, you don't see it in a room, just a color swatch. I recommend getting this if you're curious about the swatches. Otherwise, look elsewhere.

This is a great book for you if you plan to decorate your home yourself. I found something that I could use for every room in my house and the techniques are explained well and easy to follow. There are many pictures that helped in following the directions that insured that the effect I wanted was achieved. You will love all the various painting techniques

I've used this for all my home painting projects. Just touchups and the like, but it was quite handy as a reference.

I also worked for John's company when he was finishing this up, so many of the photos were taken by me. Most of the demo work was done on the hood of a rotting Dodge Omni. We stripped it down and built the paint back up. That was probably where I learned the most. I went in not having a clue how to get a glassy finish from a spray can and left with an "ah ha!".

For basic paint after some little fender benders, this is great.

This book should only be kept as reference, and not used solely for the purpose of repainting any automobile. The information in this book is accurate, but not explained well enough for a beginner.

Review: "Automotive Paint Handbook", John Pfanstiehl

This book presents a comprehensive overview of automotive finishing and includes the historical progress of automotive paint systems. The book is not, however, a "do it yourself" help manual. The chapters on equipment, repairs, and the complete paint job are akin to a guided tour in a paint shop. The text and illustrations throughout are well organized. The arrangement of topics is logical moves from basics through the operation of a paint and body shop. I am an amateur vehicle restorer and although the book was interesting, it wasn't particularly helpful for my hobby.

Not worth the price - bought another book at the same time that is indispensible.

this book is written so one can get many interesting ideas and easy to follow instructions. a varity of ideas for everyone pocket book pictures demoastrate beautifully the techniques i really enjoyed this book and recommend it to everyone redecorating thier homes and or giving a room a fresh look

I can do a passable paint job- but this book helps me assess color and patterns, select type of paint and tools specific to the job, prepare the surfaces and apply the paint. It even guides me through complicated patterns and uses I wouldn't have contemplated at all, without a clear guide. This book takes you through it all with clear advice, excellent step-by-step color photographs. You'll save lots of money and time, and best of all, get easy-to-follow advice to do it right the first time.

This book was lame and expensive. I came to this book because previous books that I've read about glass painting and enameling were from the 1970s, and hence don't cover many modern enamels and materials. I thought this book fill me in on modern possibilities in enameling.

Turns out though, that Ms Weiner spends about a third of the book on general art instruction that has no specific relationship to glass OR enamels (basic color theory and paintbrush selection). Then she spends another third on profiles and pictures of other artists' works. This part wouldn't be so bad except that the profiles do not describe the techniques these artists used at all, and there's a distinct vibe that she's just promoting her buddies in the glass world.

Finally, the enameling advice she does give is shoddy and incomplete (not surprising since it's jammed into the remaining third of the book). For example, I couldn't believe she could spend a whole gratuitous chapter on paintbrush selection, yet NOT EVEN MENTION the most classic and fundamental of all glass enamelers' brushes - the badger brush. She also mentions that enamels can be fused between two pieces of float glass, but then never tells you how to do it - no firing schedules, no recommendations on the types of enamels best suited to this. It is SO frustrating! That's the whole reason I bought a book like this - for technical instruction. Finally she doesn't review the numerous types and brands of enamels on the market today - a real labyrinth that I was hoping to find help with. She chooses two suppliers and just seems to promote them the whole way through.

In short, this book is fluff and a huge disappointment. It shows you lots of pretty things that other people do but moves you no closer to being able to do it yourself. I returned my copy and got my $40 bucks back. You are way better off reading The Art of Painting on Glass by Albinus Elskus - a treasure trove of technical instruction, even if it's a little outdated in terms of products since was written in the 1970s.

When I picked this book up, I could not put it down- except to run to my glass studio! It is a perfect balance of eye candy and then the instructions to make your own.

I am delighted by the thorough listing of tools accompanied by the explanations and examples of how to use them. Everything has well photographed pictures and illustrations. Sources for materials are given. Special "tips" are highlighted in boxes for easy reference. As a previous review mentioned, I too was very pleased to see molds included in this book. The section on troubleshooting firing problems is worth the price of the book, as it has photos to help diagnose problems. The section on the techniques of well know artists, as well as the other numerous photos through out the book are inspiring.

I would rate this book as an advanced beginner and up. The author assumes the reader has basic glass cutting skills. Projects with specific instrutions are not given, so if that is what you are looking for, this is not your book. This book, in my opinion, is designed to excite your imagination, and give you the tools to accomplish it.

"Contemporary Glass Enameling" starts with a novice's introduction to types of glass, tools used to distribute and distort media, and techniques to otherwise manipulate the medium for a desired effect. What I particularly liked about the first half of the book was references to specific brands and pictures of tools, paintbrushes, sifters, and other tools by brand name so you can go to a local store or search the Internet to learn more and buy these tools and materials. Interspersed with the ABC's part of the book are very high quality photos of professional glass work and descriptions of how the pieces were made, very helpful to me as I try to gather techniques.

Later in the book is an "Artist Profiles" section that not only shows wonderful works of art but also gives hints on how they were constructed. For example, I've seen Judy Conway's "Chesapeake" series in person and assumed that they were clear surrounding black for the blank areas. I learned that actually she cut 3/8" strips of transparent brown and stacked them vertically to get the dark canvas effect. There's also very insightful comments about Brock Craig, Peter Tarlow, Gil Reynolds (who wrote the foreward), and other artists' work. Very nice to see the work and also learn how some of them were done.

Surprisingly, for a book that focuses primarilary on powders, enamels, and frits, the book also covers mold creation, inclusions, draping, and other techniques that you wouldn't expect to see in this book. These nuggets were a pleasant surprise.

Overal a very professional book, extremely well photographed, and accessible to both beginners and more advanced fusers. You'll finish the book with a list of things to buy and test as well as new techniques to experiment with. Well recommended to start or round out your fused glass book collection.

Excellent innovative approach to painting flowers in watercolor. Paul Riley departs from the standard format of predictable how to books and speaks of research and investigation, planning and preparation, exactly as he might as a teacher. (He runs successful painting workshops from his studio in Devon.) Flowers are synonymous with color and Riley is a consummate colorist. He uses unusual tools, calligraphy brushes and bamboo pens to achieve his effects. Beautiful color, articulately written.

I have just taken up watercoloring as a hobby and having had no classes in watercoloring but having a love of painting flowers, I found this book to be extremely helpful and informative. I copied several of Mr. Riley's pictures and they turned out very well. His information on watercolors and brushes to get started with are extremely helpful and I will be following his advice! I read the book from cover to cover and am looking forward to reading his book on landscapes. His book is easy for even a beginner like myself to understand and use.

I agree with the reviews here that this book is for beginners. Why? When I opened this book and saw the paintings inside, I felt as though I were looking at paintings done by someone who had just begun to paint and was taking a brush and just splashing color all over the canvas. Any beginner would be thrilled to learn from this book, because to duplicate what this artist has done would seem quite simple to do. I realize that this is just my opinion of an artist's work. Apparently he is well received and has won many awards. But, I could not even get passed the paintings to get to the text to see if it was actually of any value, because I felt the paintings were so horrid. I don't write many reviews, but this was something for which I felt strongly. I'm so glad I only paid $4 for a used copy.

I love this book! I had looked at it several times before actually purchasing it and I'm so glad I did. I haven't painted anything exactly like the book, but have instead used it for inspiriation. If you are artistic at all, you'd be able to figure out YOUR STYLE of interpreting these ideas.

In contrast to the first reviewer, I found this book very helpful. As an experienced artist, I found several new techniqes which are applicable to a number of styles and materials. Appreciated the reommendations of specific products (adhesives, for example). This book is very useful to the crafter who is looking for a new twist. I liked it enough to add it to my library.

This book is great if you already know how to paint and only want to paint exactly what they have: an old lunch box, and even older T.V., a sink, a couple of swings, a table, a gourd, a brick, etc. They give you the pattern (in most cases) but do not give you any tips on how to actually paint. I was expecting more general ideas on how to paint household items like frames, vases, candleholders, etc... If you are thinking about buying this book, I would check it out in the library first and see if it is for you!

I think background color of The Regatta at Argenteuil was made of cobalt blue and white instead of ultramarine and white as the book suggested.

Anyway, the overall content is okay.

A fantastic book for gaining insight into Monet's painting methods. As an art historian, I've spent years learning the academic facts about the Impressionists, but never picked up a brush until a few years ago. If you're like me, you don't really expect to paint exactly like Monet, but this book just walks you through a number of the artist's better-known works and guides you to create a painting exploring the key techniques. If you do all the exercises in the book, you will certainly gain an enhanced appreciation of painting with color and light. I wish my art history professors had offered us an afternoon with brush and canvas instead of just slides and books. This book would be invaluable for teachers, and it would also make a great gift for anyone interested in learning more about the process of making art.

This book offers a nice review of Monet's painting methods, though it suffers along with other art books with chapters explaining what is an easel, what is a paintbrush, etc. I suppose if one had never seen any art materials before it would be just the thing, but for most people this is just unnecessary filler. The demonstrations might be great in real life, but the end result, as portrayed in the book anyway, give the impression (no pun intended) of a poorly painted reproduction. If the finished works were of higher quality it might inspire more people to try their hand at a Monet copy; right now it seems to say "Paint this picture this way and you will end up with a picture apparently done by a five-year old". Despite all this, though, here are interesting insights into tone and color as well as technique, so that it makes nice reading for a rainy afternnoon, but I'm not sure I would buy it again.
B.O.

I finally broke down and bought Paint Shop Pro 8 and knew I best get me a book to help me out with it.

This book is very easy to read, very easy to understand and best of all it answers your questions in terms that makes sense.

I really like this book. And am glad I bought it.

This book obviously written to be the first PSP book available after Jasc's latest version appeared and it shows. Extremely superficial coverage of subject matters. If you don't have a magnifying glass available be absolutely certain you do not buy. You will never be able to read the screen shot examples printed in the book.

In the first chapter, the book defines the audience as beginning-intermediate. If you've used Paint Shop Pro 8 before, it may be too basic for you. I'm an intermediate user, but I still found shortcuts, tips, and workarounds in this book I didn't know about, so it was worth having.