The Complete Colored Pencil Book [Paperback]

Bernard Poulin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 2002

This is a complete and thorough look at the very versatile and increasingly popular medium of coloured pencil drawing, offering creative and imaginative demonstrations of the many ways coloured pencils can be used. Poulin takes artists through every step in developing or enhancing their skill with coloured pencil, including: sound advice on getting the right equipment; suggestions for transforming available space into studio space; help for choosing from the many possibilities of surfaces; learning how to use colour effectively; and tips from the masters on how to create rich and diverse landscapes.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA-- Unlike previously published books on the subject, this one goes beyond the author's own style to expose readers to a variety of approaches through discussion and hundreds of illustrations. Chapter topics incorporate the usual information--tools, paper, preliminary sketches, and basic techniques--as well as some useful additions, such as setting up the studio space, color and its impact, and professional tips. Advanced techniques include portraits, textures, and landscapes. Poulin's discussion of how to draw from a photo or slide should be required reading for students who want to develop their skills without becoming dependent on photographs. Best of all, he includes examples of the medium by a variety of artists who approach their subjects in personal ways. The identifying paragraph for each picture gives the specific, detailed techniques that were used. The book gives practical ideas but is designed to inspire students to work on their own, making it an excellent choice for high school libraries.
- Sandi Hammonds, W. T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Bernard Poulin has illustrated book covers in addition to lecturing and writing articles on art, creativity and child development. He is also the author of Colored Pencil Drawing Techniques.

Product Details

• Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: North Light Books (February 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581802986
• ISBN-13: 978-1581802986
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,541,849 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #96 in Books > Arts & Photography > Drawing > Colored Pencil

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A comprehensive study, especially in Portraits, June 12, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Michigan, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Colored Pencil Book (Hardcover)

Bernard Poulin is a master in the medium of Colored Pencil. Whether you are beginning or advanced in the use of this new medium, you will find useful information. The work featured is breathtaking, and the information is straightforward and easy to follow. I highly recommend it.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, April 8, 2007

By 

melrose (California, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Complete Colored Pencil Book (Paperback)

Excellent artwork in the book. Don't judge the artwork by the cover, or even the back. OPEN IT, the work gets better.

Don't let the title fool you either. The author/artist even says in his introduction that he is offering you a "...'GLIMPSE' into the versatile and vibrant medium..." He is basically wanting to show the reader that colored pencil can render high value artwork just as those created in oil. Just getting the recognition it deserves. So, that is where the artist/author is coming from.

It is not a step by step book or how to draw book. He explains some techniques and gives alot of verbal information about each work presented in the book. He gives you things to think about when you start to approach your own projects, as would a college art instructor. But gives you the freedom to create your own and be an individual and expressive. Instead of step-by-step how to do the exact artwork in the book, he shows you how to do your own artwork, and inspires you to do so. Much of the work in the book is his, but he does show other artists work as examples as well. There are many subjects covered which is great. The best way to like this book and learn from it, is to really READ it and study it.

He is guiding you, not holding your hand. So beginners, don't buy this book.

16 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars this really is a poor book, November 23, 2006

By 

Cherlin "Artist" (Bristol, CT United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Complete Colored Pencil Book (Paperback)

I always read the reviews before purchases and the very first one is as far as I got for this book. It said how great the book was and the person was speaking after purchasing a decent amount of books.

Well if I read a little further I would have read the negative one saying this book offers nothing.


THIS BOOK OFFERS NOTHING

It is just eye candy and not very much of it. All you see are pencil pictures and comments about them. This book teaches you nothing. It doesn't even go over how to do anything!! It just shows you pictures of what it is it is showing ex: this is a sample of texture.

Ok I knew that, but how did that happen? I wasn't looking for step by step although sometimes that helps out a lot.

This book was a complete waste.

Don't bother