The Complete Book of Decorative Painting [Paperback]

Tera Leigh (Author)

Book Description

Series: Decorative Painting | Publication Date: October 20, 2001

Practical and inspiring solutions to a range of painting questions and challenges -- everything from surface preparation to floating techniques to finishing.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Don't dismiss this book as another Jocasta Innes look-alike. Instead, California artist Leigh takes in the world of folk-art painting, such as tole and rosemaling work, that goes beyond faux finishes to include brush-stroke techniques and realistic interpretations of nature, people, and animals. Indeed, this is a bona fide reference on the art, complete with all the information and instructions necessary to start a project. Of course, all the usual topics are covered: materials and supplies, color, surfaces, techniques, brush strokes, lettering and borders, finishes, even five try-your-hand projects. What's unusual is the depth and breadth of the detail; Leigh features, for example, a full chapter on specialty brushes and their usage, as well as a separate one on classes, conventions, teachers, magazines, and other resources. A bible for novices and experienced painters. Barbara Jacobs
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About the Author

Tera Leigh is a crafter, artist and author living in California.. She is the author of The Complete Book of Decorative Painting (North Light Books), winner of the Craftrends 2002 award and rated among the "Top 10 Craft & Hobby Books of 2002" by Booklist magazine. Tera has had regular columns in Paintworks, Decorative Artist's Workbook, and Tole World magazines, and has had her original designs published in many painting and home décor magazines. In 2003, she will begin writing columns for Country Marketplace and Quick & Easy Painting magazines.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: North Light Books (October 20, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581800622
• ISBN-13: 978-1581800623
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #639,752 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Award-winning author Tera Leigh is a journalist, on-air personality on TV and radio, and artist. Since Tera began publishing her work and writings in 1995, she has developed an international following for her writing and design work. She works as a full-time portrait photographer.

Tera has been published in dozens of publications internationally; from travel to art to women's issues; her writings are insightful and personal windows into her experiences. Tera's designs have been published in dozens of publications, ranging from Romantic Homes Magazine to Country Marketplace magazine. Tera has been a columnist for PaintWorks, Tole World, Create & Decorate, and other craft publications.

Other sites:

http://www.teras-wish.com/ - free articles and workshop ideas on the topic of creativity.

http://www.teraleigh.com/

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous, from Start to Faux-Finish!, March 10, 2002

By 

T (Walnut Creek, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Book of Decorative Painting (Paperback)

Ms. Leigh's book, unlike so many others entitled 'complete,' is the genuine article, and comprehensively surveys the many styles and techniques used in creating decorative paint effects for craft. Whether you are a complete beginner (like myself) or an experienced artist, this is the only resource book on the subject you will need. Beautifully illustrated and written in Ms. Leigh's informed and engaging style, The Complete Book of Decorative Painting is as enjoyable a read as it is a valuable guide to painting. Each technique is illustrated with step-by-step instructions (including technique tips such as how to hold the brush and recommended types of paint that many other publications overlook), an honest evaluation and rating of the skill required for each (so the novice painter can select projects more likely to produce satisfactory results), and interesting details on the origins and historical development of individual styles. If you get the chance to see Ms. Leigh in person, as I recently did, do so. She is as engaging in person as she is in print. Long a Martha Stewart wannabe, I was genuinely surprised as how simple some of these techniques actually are, and found Ms. Leigh's instructions clear, comprehensive and easy to follow. I recommend this book without reservation to anyone interested in decorative painting.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The finest book of its kind I have reviewed, January 21, 2002

By 

Hal H Henry (Wrightwood, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Book of Decorative Painting (Paperback)

This book is the finest book of its kind I have ever reviewed. It is a step-by-step guide to decorative painting that is easy to read and follow. This book is a must for your reference library of decorative painting materials. With this book you have a master teacher at your fingertips. The photography and detail is outstanding and shows the care and thoughtfulness that went into the completion of this work of art. The color-coded pages make it easy to find and follow illustrations you require; and I agree with the comments on the back of the book by Priscilla Hauser and Donna Dewberry.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Create professional quality results, July 7, 2002

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Book of Decorative Painting (Paperback)

Tera Leigh's Complete Book Of Decorative Painting (1581800622 ...) tells how to use color basics, brushes, and techniques to create professional quality results in crafts, home decoration, and projects. From lettering and faux finishes to brush techniques and antiquing options, this uses a reference and question/answer format along with color photos to encourage easy experimentation.