Synopses & Reviews
A favored medium of artists down through the centuries, oil painting allows a nearly infinite range of expression for the artist. Here is instruction in all aspects of oil painting, starting with stretching and sizing the canvas, to color mixing, brushwork, use of the palette knife, composing a picture, and taking it to completion. Titles in the new Artist's Handbook Series are designed for dedicated amateurs but will also by used and valued by professional artists. Each title in the series has a sturdy hardcover binding, allowing it to be taken out to the field as handily as it is used in the studio. The books' hidden spiral bindings keep pages lying flat, so students can work freely with their art materials without having to fight with their instruction manual. Each title supplements textual instruction with more than 400 color illustrations showing paintings in various stages of completion. There is detailed information on artists' tools, techniques, mixing colors, creating special effects, and trouble-shooting to correct errors. All Artist's Handbooks show examples of works by famous artists in the respective media to help students see how each medium has been used by world-renowned masters.
Review
"In a field crowded with art instruction series, Barron's has released the first three volumes in its new "Artist's Handbook" series. It is, perhaps, the best of the lot, and these first three volumes can be unequivocally recommended. … The books are surprisingly comprehensive, with clear and lively texts complemented by more than 400 illustrations in each. … There are delightful chapters on the history of each medium … The publisher has wisely chosen to house each book in sturdy hardcovers with hidden spiral bindings that keep pages lying flat. … Published at a very attractive price, this series can be purchased without hesitation."
Library Journal, October 2003
About the Author
Sally Harper is a writer and editor with special interest in the fine arts. She has compiled and edited a wide range of titles on art instruction and art appreciation. She is currently working in association with the National Gallery, London, on a volume to introduce children to the world of art.