5 comments about The Tao of Watercolor: A Revolutionary Approach to the Practice of Painting (Zen of Creativity).

1. I have changed my entire approach to watercolors because I read this book. Yes, I enjoyed painting, yes, I love watercolors, but this book helped me free my vision and use of colors in self expression. I honestly felt that painting started to become a chore because of some unspoken expectation (in myself). I paint more freely and expressively with the help of Jeanne and I actually enjoy it even more. New vision and inspiration...



2. ...and a handful of very nicely executed paintings. The "tao" part of the book, however, has little to do with watercolor per se, and some of prose is a little fuzzy: "Whichever paper you choose, get to know it well. Allow your paper to speak to you. It will tell you when it's ready to fulfill your desire."
   
   The emphasis is on wet-in-wet techniques, and applied to forested landscapes - in Ms. Cabonetti's talented hands - they often produce stunning results. This approach doesn't work quite as well with most of her other illustrative examples, though. The general wash terms and techniques are better described in other watercolor books, so I would recommend this one mainly for its very innovative and easy to learn approach to forested landscapes.



3. Jeanne Carbonetti has a beautiful refreshing style. She gives us wonderful instructions that are inspiring to all watercolor painters. A truly wonderful book.



4. A friend of mine who is an artist showed me this book, and I instantly fell in love with the beautiful illustrations in it. I plan to try most of the water color techniques in the book--They look like great fun as well as creating wonderful results. The book arrived in excellent condition.



5. 
   If you have read the other reviews, then you realize that this book is about painting watercolor washes. It's a welcome book for those of us who cannot draw well, as the author's technique almost completely eschews drawing. Rarely is even an outline drawing done prior to the painting. Basically, the paper is first covered with a very wet wash of two or three colors suggesting only the most general shape, if any. When that first wash has dried, it is covered with a second wash that vaguely suggests some kind of form... perhaps of flowers in a vase. In order to refine that form into something recognizable, some of the color of the second wash is tinted with additional water, or supplemented by dropping in concentrated pigment, all while the second wash is still damp. There is also the possibility of adding color glazes atop the painting or some portion of the painting after the washes have dried. The author also recommends a separate wash... or even several separate washes... for the purpose of adding both diffuse spatter and opaque, harder-edge spatter. There doesn't seem to be anything uncommon about this wash technique, and I have read it explained more articulately in a book titled "Acrylic Watercolor Painting" by Wendon Blake. So I conclude that The Tao of Watercolor's subtitle "A Revolutionary Approach to the Practice of Painting" is not appropriate. But while Mr. Blake's book is very instructive, the heartbreaker is that only 16 of its 115 images are in color. Ms. Carbonetti's book also presents many images, all of them in intense color, and many of them filling the entire page. There are about a dozen startlingly lovely paintings among them, but it is also clear that Ms. Carbonetti's technique is pretty much restricted to abstract landscapes and the occasional still life with flowers. It is unfortunately evident that portraiture is not particularly well suited to this technique. I don't recommend this book to someone new to watercolor painting, as there is some terminology (such as the phrase "pull out the edges") whose meaning is not self-evident. Although I have yet to read them, there is at least one book on watercolor wash per se, and at least one book on watercolor glazing per se. You might want to look through those before investing your money in this book. That is especially recommended in the event that you are not particularly interested in Eastern philosophy, as the author tries mightily to relate her painting technique to ancient Chinese proverbs. That works for some readers, and not for others.

5 comments about Robert Wade's Watercolor Workshop Handbook.

1. I was very impressed with this book. The side tabs make it easy to go directly to the section you want. Advice was excellent and well presented.



2. A beautifully printed hard cover book by an extraordinary watercolor artist. The book is filled with outstanding examples of landscapes, cityscapes from all over the world. In addition to being an inspired World class watercolor artist, Robert Wade is also a great teacher, the book is filled with practical advise and hands on lessons on color mixing, painting people,skies,glazing,location painting and many other subjects.Just to be able to look at his outstanding paintings would easily justify buying this book.



3. Excellent handbook for the serious watercolorist. Robert Wade has a great approach to some of the more difficult aspects of painting with watercolor. He is brief, to the point, yet his explanations make sense! Enjoyable reading and a great reference tool.



4. What a wonderful book with terrific instructions and insights. Replaces 20 books in my collection which don't come close to the wisdom this book provides.



5. I have a library of over 60 watercolor books, and this is by far my favorite. I also own all of Wades's tapes, and his new CD. I find them to be an extension of the book. I took a workshop from a famous watercolor teacher who had us doing wash on top of wash. She must have gotten the idea from Wade as he has a section on just that topic. He covers washes on top of finished paintings that changes the character of the painting completely. A fasinating book that I return to over and over again.

5 comments about A Celebration of Light: Painting the Textures of Light in Watercolor.

1. I purchased this book hoping for a clearer description on how to capture light in watercolor paintings. This book met all my expectations. I keep it in the classroom and studio for my students to use as a reference. Jane Freeman has easily understandable step-by-step demonstrations, goes through the process of how to paint reflections, glass, lace and beautiful light patterns. She has included a wealth of information for all levels of painters. An added bonus is the addition of paintings and comments from numerous watercolorists whose paintings are seen in many competitions. I recommend this book to anyone who teaches the art of watercolor and encourage them to expose their students to it. It is a wonderful addition to an artist's library.



2. A Celebration of Light is a wonderful book.. From detailed paintings to color applications the information found in this book is valuable to any artist wishing to develop a better technique. It is a bible of information to keep next to you as you are painting. Jane has demonstrated how to use light to create a better painting. From application to lifting this book is a must to every artist using watercolor



3. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn the techniques that this artist has perfected over the years. Jane Freeman leads the reader step by step from the beginning of a painting until it is finished. She tells you how to paint such things as reflections and lace plus she she even gives you tips on mixing colors and finding time to do the art. This is at the top of the list as one of my favorite art books.
   Elinor Sethman



4. A Celebration of Light is a wonderful book - there are so many many infos in this book which you should not miss. Jane Freeman shares her technique, shows her colours and how to use and mix them, how to work the best with your reference photos, gives tips about composition and she also shows many paintings in step-by-step-demonstrations. She has a great knowledge about watercolor and this book is a very valuable addition to each library.



5. A Celebration of Light is an exceptional informational book. The paintings are really great. It inspires you to go beyond your abilities and capture that evasive quality that turns an ordinary painting into one that captures your attention.

5 comments about Silk Painting: The Artist's Guide to Gutta and Wax Resist Techniques (Practical Craft Books).

1. You name it she tells you how to do it. For beginner & Intermediate silk painters. Educational, Informative and well formatted. My only suggestion is a ring binding so the book could lay flat when it is being used for refeence.



2. An excellent, comprehensive guide for the beginning silk painter. The author demonstrates many inspirational designs and recommends her preferences for dyes (by brand), gutta, and other resist options. I've not painted on silk before and, after reading this book, I feel I have all the knowledge I need to begin painting on silk.



3. I love this book! I think the blend of historical content and variety of techniques described make this the perfect book in your resource library!



4. This book has great, inspirational photos and very good instructions. My main disappointment with it is the authors attitude toward silk paints (i.e., not dyes). I have used several varieties of the paints that are made to mimic dyes and find them to work very well, leave the silk soft and be very easy to use. They are a great way for a beginner to get started and try most of the same techniques used with dyes without the hassle of steaming or the toxicity. I am glad that I had some experience silk painting before I got this book because her attitude would have discouraged me from every trying. Aside from that - it's an excellent book, worth the price and full of great pictures to inspire you.



5. This is THE best book I have read on silk painting and I have't seen another to better it in the past 10 years. There ARE other books on the same subject that are good, but I certainly haven't felt the need to purchase another since I thumbed through this beauty!

   Everything you could possibly want to know in relation to silk painting is covered in a consise and presise manner. This is supported by photo demostrations for various techniques not easily explained through the written word. The authors pratical experience shines through in the text and fablously gorgeous photos of her and other artists work.

   The book is full colour with lots and lots of sensational photos. Much of the silk painting shown is very detailed work eg flowers, pictures; rather than overall "textures" or designs which is more often what you find in other books on the same subject.

   Seriously consider this fantastic book if you are interested in this subject, it is worth every $, if only for the inspiration provided by the fablous photos

4 comments about Painting Garden Animals with Sherry C. Nelson, MDA (Decorative Painting).

1. THis is a wonderful art book. Great instructions and
   the colors are clear and crisp.
   Wonderful information.
   Thank you, DB



2. This book is well laid out, excellent pictures, easy to follow instructions, lovely patterns, money well spent on this book.



3. This is a great book for beginners or even a little more experienced painters. Unlike alot of step-by-step instruction books that miss critical steps(specifically the techniques - to me the most important part), Sherry's detailed pictures clearly illustrate what colours, brushes, and brush strokes to use to the very end of a painting. It's helped me get back into the hobby. The wildlife painting techniques have been very helpful. I still refer to it from time to time.



4. Not only are the sample paintings easy and fun to create, but they give you very good ideas for your own compositions from photos or life.

5 comments about Dynamic Light and Shade (Practical Art Books).

1. This book is killer.... it starts by talking about silhouettes.... then adding 1 highlight... then more and more form definition...
   
   Everything from directional light, to moonlight, to sculptural light.
   
   Great for anyone looking to add detail to their line work.



2. This book pre-supposes that you are an artist who has done their homework, not a how-to shade the figure or objects book. It offers tons of examples, with connoted "feeling" of imagery, of the author's remarkable abilities with the human figure as well as picture-book examples of scenes and the rendering of forms. Not a book for a beginner to be sure, so I think the low reviews would have to be from the uninitiated. After all, as the author points out, it is only after perhaps hundreds of hours of 'picture-making' does one begin to understand the art and science of dynamically rendering a scene in black and white let alone color. Beginners......Look elsewhere.



3. A very nice book, with a lot of important notes about the subject, but the images look like comics to much.



4. This book will not significantly improve your understanding of how light affects and creates shadows on form. However, I don't believe any book can do that. You can learn to draw a realistic face from your imagination, but the variations of how light will affect forms are infinite. Most artists who get good at "faking" it rely on a good understanding of form and perspective, backed by countless hours spent observing and drawing things under various lighting situations. They basically are always relying on observation, be it direct, photographic, or remembered. Try to think of an artist who could create truly convincing, consistent lighting for a scene from their head. I can't think of any. I guess my point is, let's not be too hard on old Burney, he was just trying to make a buck:)
   
   If this book has a practical application, it's probably as a collection of creative ways to light your subjects to achieve particular dramatic affects. Fun to flip through, but just not all that useful.



5. This book is good to illustrate the phenomena of light in a composition. It discusses the different kinds of light and their effect on the environment of the picture. Worth getting to use as reference material.

5 comments about Painter's Handbook: Revised and Expanded.

1. Very Good Book! There's no complete informations like Ralph Mayer, but is very simple and atualized in some topics like acrylic grounds and alkyd resins.



2. I do know how I would rate the items I ordered for my son that works in New York City, He makes a wish list of several items he would and etc.
   I have been doing this for several years and I love it as I would never know what to send him, other then Gift Cards. That's ok for some people but he lives away from home and I can choose anything I want and I know he will like the gifts I buy. He greceived gifts htat are wrapped by his Mother and Dad and he never knows what I pick out and send.. I do put other gifts like cookies, home made candy and some other surprises. Over all I would rate every thing I order and makes it so easy for me. A 5.



3. The Painter's Handbook is without doubt to artists' painting materials. Gottsegen's knowledge and expertise in the field allow for an in-depth understanding of the tools of the fine artist, and his book dispels so many of the myths surrounding art materials that have been perpetuated in other resources.
   -Mark Golden, CEO, Golden Artist Colors, Inc.



4. My painting instructor reccomended this book. If you're serious about art, you might want to get this...It's a handy reference to materials (frames,grounds,paints,solvents), techniques and safety/protection...It's also easy to follow, well researched and comprehensive. The 4 stars is because there is some outdated information...e.g. Gottsegen explains how to make oil paints...But given the health risks (of working w/ dry pigments), difficulty and time required in this process, it really isn't feasible.



5. I recommend this book enthusiastically to my students as a concise, clear, easy-to-use and thorough reference on painting materials, especially oil painting (though it does cover other painting media). There hasn't been a technical question about materials that it hasn't answered for me, and the information provided has also led me to experiment with new materials. It is not a "how-to" book on painting and there are no pictures or anecdotes, but it is oriented towards serious students and professionals. For me, "The Joy of Cooking" of painting -- wouldn't be without it.

5 comments about Dear Theo: The Autobiography of Vincent Van Gogh.

1. It is not as easy a read as Stone's van Gog biography Lust For Life, but for fans, it's a deep book.
   
   Vincent tells of how he went into the fields to paint, and then a rain storm came. He sought meager shelter behind a big tree while it lasted, and then resumed. And because he had started with a low vantage point, he now had to stand on his knees in the mud! He seems to merely mention this to point out why he considers common workman's clothes to be the artist's best friend...
   
   He also tells how he went out to paint the sea, in a storm so strong he could barely stay on his feet. One painting got so full of sand from the beach that he went to a nearby inn and retouched it... and then went back out into the storm to finish it with fresh impressions!
   
   Today, most of us: "Go out with the camera today? Nah, it's a bit nippy, and I just got the Sopranos on DVD..."
   
   Irving Stone edited Dear Theo, and while he may have done a good job generally, I think it was a disservice to the material to not indicate where he cut it. It is just one long text, no dates and no indication where each quote starts or ends.



2. I, like the many reviewers of this book, was enthralled and inspired by this collection of letters when I first read it 25 years ago. I have recommended it to many friends. At the time I would have given it five stars or even more if they were available. Irving Stone writes in his preface "My aim has been to edit the 1670 pages of material down to a swiftly flowing, continuous normal-sized book..." He succeeded but even 25 years ago I was a little disturbed by the complete absence of indications where exactly Mr. Stone had done his cutting, or his editing. Today, in the age of internet we can now do some easy checking. The unabridged letters are on the net and reveal that basically what this Dear Theo is, is another novel written by Irving Stone. There is almost no resemblance to the original letters. The novelist has used his talents and the raw material to create a beautiful saga. Worth reading, but let the reader beware.



3. These letters speak the truth of van Gogh. This book opens a window of knowledge on a man so misunderstood to the world. At 14, I absolutely am in love with this book. "Dear Theo" has ignited a fire in my soul, a burning desire to study art and the men behind the works.



4. Vincent Van Gogh was a great painter, but not a writer. So these letters are of interest in terms of history and painting. The life of Van Gogh is better exposed here than it would have been in a "real" autobiography, because Theo, his younger brother, was the only real friend Vincent ever had. He was his supporter, admirer and listener, and in fact Vincent had an emotional dependence on his brother. People interested in the process of artistic creation and creativity will find this book of enormous value and interest, since Van Gogh speaks a lot about that process in himself, one of the greatest painters of all time. But it is true, as one reviewer said, that these letters include, each and every one, eternal whining and begging from Vincent to his brother. He was, of course, always out of money and, as a genius really disconnected from the common world, unable to make a living by conventional activities. So he depended almost entirely on Theo. I would like to insist in that, although by no means a literary accomplishment, these letters are worth reading, since they expose naked the soul of a great artist and an extremely sensitive man, certainly a tortured and twisted soul.



5. here's your unadulterated chance to see just how screwed up van gogh was. letter after letter after letter sitting on the pity pot writing to his younger brother whining for money, crying for assistance, guilting his brother into supporting his art...his art habit...his art addiction. ya know, after reading this book my perspective on van gogh changed. he struck me as an ultra-martyr (in the icky sense of the word), so big into self-pity. now, having since read a little more of his history - screwy parents, etc. - i have some more compassion for the guy and for why he was so screwed up, but these letters are honestly nothing short of tedious. one after the other, whining for money, then waxing eloquent about his art, which actually struck me often as quite manipulative - like he was justifying his existence and his productivity to theo.

   anyway, i still think van gogh is a wonderful artist, but what a messed up life - can't miss that from these letters. but god, i wish they'd been even more edited. and one other thing - irving stone (the editor) thinks van gogh is one of the world's greatest writers and philosophers of all times, in addition to being the honcho primo artist. well, as for philosopher, sorry irving, no. the guy was miserable and depressed and lonely, and seemed to philosophize in his letters to just keep contact with the world, but his philosophy gets under my skin.

5 comments about Art (Eyewitness Companions).

1. This is another fine entry in the "Eyewitness Companions" series. A lot of material is packed into each of the volumes. These publications cover the waterfront, such that the tradeoff is breadth of coverage at the cost of depth. But, whether the subject is beer, cheese, wine, cheese, opera--or art, the end result is a nice reference work.
   
   Here, the focus is art. The author, Robert Cumming, begins by noting the four questions that he is so often asked about are (page10): ""What should I look for. . . . What is going on? What is the story?. . .What is its value?. . .Is it any good?" He goes on to note that (page 11) "I have tried to capture that kind of involvement [that his readers enjoy with art] and to address the four basic questions. . . ." The book begins, appropriately enough, with a discussion of what art is, and other interesting facets of the subject (record prices for artists' work, best art museums, etc.). Then, media and materials of art. This is followed by an historical organization of the history of art, from early art (3,000 BCE to 1300 CE) to contemporary art (1970-present).
   
   Many have seen the art work associated with Tutankhamen's burial; this is one example from the era of early art. Within that larger category are displays of art work from ancient Egypt, the early Aegean world, classical Greece, and so on. Other eras of interest: Gothic and early Renaissance, Baroque era, romantic art, modernism, and contemporary art. Within each of these eras a selected group of artists is singled out, information about them presented, and examples of their work displayed.
   
   Some of my favorite artists are included in this encyclopedia coverage, such as van Eyck and da Vinci (I still remember the thrill I got when I entered the gallery at the Louvre and saw for the first time his Mona Lisa). One of the nice features of this book is represented by the discussion of da Vinci, where Cumming speaks in an understandable way of the artist's life, his techniques, what to look for in his works, and so on. Many other artists are represented, from Brueghel to Rubens to Rembrandt to Delacroix to Courbet to Monet to Rodin to Chagall to Pollock to Kiefer to Lichtenstein to. . . .
   
   All in all, a nice little book to curl up with when you want to just enjoy the fruits of the human artistic imagination.



2. Like all books of this nature, this work is not the beginning nor the end all of all art books. It is though an absolute delight. I paint, granted, I do not paint well, but that is not really all that important. For me the study of art and the participation in art is a way of making my life richer and it causes me to become much more aware of all that is around me; shapes, colors, shades, details and the ability to observe all these things. This work helps greatly in these areas...it simply has made me more aware of just what is in any given painting and given me more of an appreciation for what I am looking at.
   
   Robert Cumming has given us an insightful look at some of the greatest of our paintings and works of art and some of our greatest artist throughout history. Bruegel, El Greco, Caravaggio, Rubens, Rembrandt, Poussin, Steenwyck, Claude, Vermeer, Monet, Hunt, Picasso, Degas and quite a number of other. An example of each artist's work is shown and a detailed description is given along with a short history. Inset notes are abundant and point to items and parts of the painting that the normal observer might well overlook. I know I have been guilty of that time and time again. Techniques such as under painting, symbolism, composition, background details, the angle of a hand, the set of the eyes, color combinations and contrast, imagery, all are addressed and much more.
   
   Now this book is not an advanced text suitable for the advanced student of art or even art history. It is not a guide book to be lugged around to help identify different paintings. It is not all conclusive as there are hundreds of artists, both male and female, who are not addressed. Good grief, that would take several thousand books and a life time of reading and study. What the book is, is a very good overview. It is something to stimulate, to cause you to look at art a bit differently, to be more observant, to motivate you to further study. Only 45 paintings or studies are given here, but I did like the selections the author choose. All of the paintings are in color and as true to the originals as it is possible to get with mere photography.
   
   For an enjoyable and informative read, I cannot see how you can go wrong with this one. Just remember to place the book in its proper prospective, and do not expect to become an instant art expert after reading it. Do expect to learn and do expect to enjoy. I highly recommend this one.



3. Leaves out Rosa Bonheur, Judith Leyster, Helen Frankenthaler completely, only a small space for Cassatt and Morisot.
   
   As Frankenthaler is the creator of Stain painting, and Rosa Bonheur's "The Horse Fair" is in EVERY art history book, it is hard to believe this is an oversight.



4. Very basic book to reference painters. I bought it for use while traveling in Rome and Florence but when it came to packing--this little book is far too heavy. Too heavy to bring out for a day of sightseeing in another country when there is so much else to carry.
   If you're into art history, it's good for a quick reference.



5. "There is something in painting which cannot be explained, and that something is essential. You come to nature with your theories, and nature knocks them all flat." ~Pierre-Auguste Renoir
   
   If I had not been reading this book, I may have never seen the little black cat standing at the end of the bed on the pictures of Olympia by Edouard Manet. The cat is almost invisible, blending in with the background and only visible when you realize those are two little eyes peering out at you.
   
   Each chapter of this compact book on art is color-coded. The chapters include:
   
   Materials and Means
   Early Art (2000 BCE-1300 CE)
   Gothic and Early Renaissance (1300-1500)
   High Renaissance & Mannerism (1500-1600)
   The Baroque Era (1600-1700)
   From Rococo to Neoclassicism (1700-1800)
   Romantic and Academic Art (1800-1900)
   Modernism (1900-1970)
   Contemporary Art (1970-Present)
   
   Key symbols are used throughout to indicate birth and death dates, nationality, countries were the artist was active, principal media in which the artist worked, where to see main collections of an artist's work and record prices achieved at auctions.
   
   Some of the beautiful pages in this book include Claude Monet's Waterlily Pond. Short descriptions of each artist is given and then you can do more research if an artist captures your attention. Perhaps you've always been intrigued by the convex mirror at the back of the Arnolfini Portrait by Jan van Eyck. Here we find Latin text on the wall, a bride in green and a stunningly detailed chandelier, shimmering with metallic luster. Isabella and the Pot of Basil by William Holman Hunt is equally magnificent and the painting is filled with symbols that are fun to unveil.
   
   The "Forked Forest Path," a form of installation art has beautiful lighting effects glowing through a forest of natural wood. The interior of Abbey Church in Ottobeuren, Bavaria is stunning!
   
   While looking at The Birth of Venus by William-Adophe Bouguereau, I noticed the same pose had been used in a painting for a book cover of romantic poetry I'd just reviewed. This book will not only inspire you to visit art museums more frequently, it teaches you about how to look at paintings in a deeper way. You may also feel inspired to go find a museum-quality reproduction, like The Kiss by Auguste Rodin.
   
   The marble statues really caught my attention and if you have any interest in mythology, you may find yourself reading this book and then looking online for more information. I would have loved to have found more information on Cupid and Psyche, or even the mention of butterflies and the soul. Five pages could just have been dedicated to Antonio Canova alone, but we must then go buy another book to do more research and truly, I'm not complaining. ;)
   
   "Art is the path to knowledge." ~Leonardo da Vinci
   
   ~The Rebecca Review

5 comments about Paint Along with Jerry Yarnell Volume One - Painting Basics (Paint Along With Jerry Yarnell, 1).

1. Jerry Yarnell is a versatile and talented painter who has written a number of excellent "how to" books and this one is as good as the rest. Just looking at his beautiful work is enough to provide motivation and inspiration.
   
   The book is divided into several interesting projects / paintings, each of which is supplemented with step-by-step instructions that show how to develop the painting.
   
   A beginning painter will find the insight offered by the the instructions to be invaluable in deciding how to choose a brush, mix paints, apply paint to the brush, execute a brush stroke for a specific purpose, and countless other fundamentals.
   
   It is not expected that the student's painting will be a replica of the master's. But the vast knowledge imparted here by Mr. Yarnell will help any interested and properly motivated person peer into the mind of a great painter and benefit from the wisdom of his life of devoted and passionate artistry.



2. I was terribly disappointed in this book. I can't believe he sells this stuff. Every sky is lurid orange and purple, every landscape is palpably phoney and is created by using every color in the paint box. I never saw him on TV. I wish I had. I would not have wasted my money. Cassie



3. I have already worked through half of the projects in this book and am amazed at the detail and finished quality I have achieved.
   One thing I would highly recommend is to get hold of at least one of Jerry's instructional DVDs as well. I found that once I had watched him using the techniques he describes in the book, a light clicked on in my head and the books became an even more valuable resource.
   If you want to learn acrylic painting or improve your skills by discovering some of the tricks or secrets experienced artists use, then this book is an essential addition to your library.



4. This book like so many so-called beginner's acrylics books follows the usual pattern: a chapter on materials and then an immediate huge jump into technique. It is interesting to note that the author's suggested palette contains eleven colors, three of which are not particularly light fast. After this chapter he dives into the first of ten demonstration paintings. These painting are all extremely complex and large undertakings on 16x20" canvases. I predict that most beginners are going to get lost early on in the first painting a flick it in. Maybe after I find some way to get the basics down, I'll come back to some of the Yarnell books, though I find his style rather garish.
   
   As my growing collection of unsatisfactory "beginner's" acrylics shows (the nearest big bookstore is almost three hours away) there is a huge difference between a gifted artist and a gifted art teacher, though in fairness what is probably lacking are gifted art instruction authors. When writing these books they apparently don't have any reader feedback (why not?) who could slow them down by asking questions like how do I thin the paint, how thing should it be, what's the best way to mix colors, how do I clean the brushes, how do I keep the paint from drying out on my palette or my painting, etc., etc., etc.
   
   The only painting book I've found so far which can truly claim to be a beginner's book is Jack Reid's "Watercolor Basics: Let's Get Started". That book is full of exercise paintings that let the reader learn a technique on a simple painting; the paintings are simple enough so that the beginner doesn't get lost in the detail yet have some artistic character. There are also beginner's drawing books that really do start from zero and build up the reader's technique.



5. This book is great for the beginning acrylic painter. I have been acrylic painting for 10 years now and this book helped me out with a lot of things I didn't know.