Customer Reviews

14 Formulas for Painting Fabulous Landscapes

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
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"Formulas" is such an unfortunate word to put on anything creative. Disregard it. This book is a treasure!

NOT ONLY does it break composition down into 14 loose suggestions that will help you organize your paintings and bring your viewers into them, BUT it also tells you what to pack for plein air sketching, how to photograph the setting once you're there, and how to simplify, simplify, simplify and rearrange what it is you see so it will translate onto the canvas.

Landscape painting isn't about painting what you see. That's why God created cameras. A painting instructor once told me: "You don't paint a tree; you paint a symbol of a tree." Therein lies all the difference in the world, and Barbara goes into the same thing from a slightly different direction here. LIGHTBULB MOMENTS ABOUND!

In addition, there's Barbara's paintings on display. Though she paints more realistically than I do, I would still turn the pages and say, "Oh!" because it's gorgeous stuff.

And she shows you how you can do gorgeous stuff, too. Thank you, Barbara Nuss!!!!

I was somewhat surprised with this book as I don't usually care for the X number of steps for a perfect life type books. However, Barbara Nuss has some very good advice for the beginner and intermediate landscape painter, and even for the advanced painter. She actually does list 14 "formulas" or, as I'd classify, compositions, of landscape painting. Each formula is addressed with samples and step-by-step demonstrations. Some of these are addressed in other books (see my review on Edgar Alwin Payne). However, I think the greatest value in Ms. Nuss' advice is how she gives the viewer confidence to change things. If you don't like the actual landscape in front of you, change it! Ha! How simple is that? But most artists are so consumed with the idea of depicting things exactly as they see them, that they forget that they are the creator and can change the landscape to make a stronger composition and a stronger painting. Most outdoor painters will find value in this book. I will add that Ms. Nuss' oil paintings are much stronger than her watercolor paintngs. If you are looking for W/C, then perhaps another book would suit you better.

As a recent beginner to painting I have found it difficult to find a suitable subject to paint and have suffered from the "White Paper" syndrome on many occasions. After studying "14 Formulas for Painting Fabulous Landscapes" I am enjoying my new found ability to construct a painting by composition, rather than trying to find a scene that suits. I have been making "photographs", not paintings, but that has now stopped, thanks to Barbara Nuss and her wonderful book of design and composition.
As I am fairly new to oils, having painted in watercolour for a while, I
was especially attracted to this book by the stunning paintings I saw when I first opened it.
I just hope that one day I can produce work like hers, as every painting in this book is absolutely beautiful.
Highly recommend it for beginners and experts alike.

Barbara Nuss organizes this book around 14 well established compositional constructs. However, the book is really all about "compositional interventions". In her step by step approach towards better composition, she often uses four or five sketches as well as two or three reasonably finished paintings before reaching her final destination of a finished painting.

Regardless whether or not one likes or uses her painting style or agrees with her final compositions, her thought process is invaluable for artists of all skills.

A MUST READ for all artists.

"14 Formulas for Painting Fabulous Landscapes" is an easy to understand guide to creating beautiful landscape paintings. This book, along with Richard F. Carlson's "Guide to Landscape Painting", are the best reference books for any landscape painter, beginner to professional. In fact what Barbara Nuss has done in her excellent book is to take Carlson's concepts and turn them into a practical, step-by-step guide for producing consistently creative landscape paintings.

Clear, concise ideas for creating interesting compositions, mixing paints, and various types of painting techniques are provided. Detailed descriptions (with step-by-step photos) for creating a finished work by first doing an on-site pencil sketch, and then producing a field painting, are clearly shown. Using this preparatory research, the reader is then guided on how to make a finished painting.

If you can get a copy then buy this great book. Out of print unfortunately. Check ALL of the second hand book sites because if you can find a copy buy this book.
This is a person who knows her stuff, and teaches and reminds us of the important compositional elements and the importance of layering to the final work. Landscape is a complex yet satisfying methodology to painting with wonderful results and valuable learning. Commit yourself to learning what the author has to teach and when you are out on your own it will be second nature. Your work will be forever improved. GET THIS BOOK!

A lot of great hints for setting up your own landscapes. Many areas in this book that I paid Adult Education classes for. For a used book, I found it gently used and in great shape. Thank you,Barbara Bouchet, Concord, California

This is awesome! She is a great artist! She gives me such good ideas! It is well illustrated with step by step photos, even discussing composition and changes to scenes. I love this book! This book is worth the price tag!

Art books should help artists to develop their own language. This book is way too simplistic. If you want your art to look like a dime-a-dozen craft, then the book is okay.