Customer Reviews

The Art of Landscape Painting

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Normally I shy away from how-to art books. They tend to rely too much on gimmicky techniques, and the art sometimes seems to lack sincerity. This book, however, is filled with images of Strisik's small, beautiful oils and informative insights into his methods.

Strisik seems to prefer autumn and winter landscapes, but he travels extensively and captures scenes from around the world. There are many color plates that showcase his lovely muted-yet-rich palette. There are also many black-and-white photos, which is not a problem, since Strisik's tonal scale is so accomplished.

There are demonstrations with the paintings depicted in various stages of completion. I found the comparisons of photos of the painter's on-site locations with the finished painting to be especially revealing.

Strisik comes across as a master painter who is always searching, always striving, for the fullest expression of beauty in nature. Both serious and beginner landscape painters can benefit from this book.

I have read a LOT of books on landscape painting, from technique to historical accounts. Hands down, this one made the most sense to me. Part Two: Conception, Composition, and Design is worth the price of the book alone. Strisik's advice on leaving out detail--and his expounding upon that topic, should be required reading for every art student. I wish I'd had it 30 years ago! "The conception of the subject is the important thing in art--that's the real measure of the painter." He goes on to say that materials and techniques are secondary to it. If you have no concept, no ideas, no FEELINGS about your subject, no amount of equipment and technical virtuosity will make a painting worth looking at.

If you are looking at the ONE book that can help you get started in painting, or can make you a better painter if you already paint, plunk your money down for this one. A solid investment!