Conversations in Paint [Paperback]

Charles Dunn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 10, 1995

A fresh introduction to the fundamentals, conversations in paint (previously titled The Principles of Painting) is part painter's sketchbook, part philosopher's journal, part instructor's primer. If you paint, it will give new insight into your work. If you don't paint, it will inspire you.It is also a unique object in its own right, a book as work of art. Developed as a sketchbook, the pages are crammed with watercolor sketches that look as if they've been painted right on the page, plus diagrams, charts, and reproductions of old masters and contemporary artists. Quotations from Cezanne to such unexpected authors as Harvey Penick are printed in a specially designed typeface based on the author's handwriting, giving each spread the intimate, layered quality of Sara Midda's books. Indeed, the spread-designed with text, quotes, illustrations and captions, to be read and absorbed on its own-is the book's basic building block. Open the book anywhere and learn something new about painting. About seven ways an artist sees. About the language of line. About mood and the four ways to stimulate emotion. About perspective, light and shade, style, composition, drawing, technique, mass, scale. And, from a life-long teacher, a little section at the end of the book about "Learning-applicable to any area of life.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Dunn, a marketing consultant, took his first art class at the age of 35. Thus, this volume, in the form of a "notebook," is written by and for the amateur painter with the attitude that all one needs to paint is desire. However, one of his major tenets?that talent is a myth?is a fallacy. Dunn covers the basic principles of design, contrast, theme, and perspective, but the design of the book itself muddies his intent. Structured more like an M.B.A.'s organizational chart, without chapter numbers as guides, the book is frustrating to work with. There is no lack of alternatives on the subject, such as Rex Brandt's Seeing with a Painter's Eye (Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1984).
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Part painter's sketchbook and part journal and primer, this provides beginners and advanced painters alike with food for thought. Use this 'notebook of fundamentals' as a sourcebook for inspiration and as a beginning for new painting goals. Plenty of painting examples illustrate Dunn's unique connections between art and psyche. -- Midwest Book Review

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Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Workman Publishing Company (January 10, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 156305664X
• ISBN-13: 978-1563056642
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 8.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #317,519 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to read theory with a practical twist., May 25, 1998

By 

Peter Worsley ([e-mail]) (Santa Barbara, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Conversations in Paint (Paperback)

Dunn recommends opening the book at a double page and just reading that spread in one sitting. And this is how I approached my "dialog" with the book. Though sometimes I found myself reading on, particularly when the following pages enlage on the concepts presented on the first pages. I have taken many courses on composition, design, and the use of materials. But somehow Dunn encourages rethinking. Have I thought of these aspects or techniques in my last painting? Could I make that next painting different by trying to apply this approach? An inspiring book that enourages one to try harder and to turn again and again to the many thoughts and examples presented.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An inspirational book for any one who loves painting., December 23, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Conversations in Paint (Paperback)

As a painter, designer and arthor of Decorative Panting books, my painting is instinctive. I have read every theory book I could get my hands on, but it was not until I read Conversations In Paint,by Charle Dunn, did I really understand how all the theories come together to make up a project.It has now renewed my excitement in painting and designing.

It is the most comprehensive book on painting I have ever come across. The book is full of beautiful hand painted illistrations. It has the unique quality of nurturing your own natural style yet it can show you how to improve on what you already know. No matter where you are in your painting this book has something for the non painter to the most experienced painter.

Lastly it conferms my notion that painters are not born but made. It can be a learned process, so if you want to learn to paint and design, or just need inspiration this book is for you.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars De-mystifies art and technique--WONDERFUL!, May 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Conversations in Paint (Paperback)

I wish all writers that attempt to explain complex subjects used Dunn's technique. His lesson-by-lesson guide to art is incredibly comprehensive, yet reads so enjoyably. The side-bar quotes he uses help the reader get to the philosophical heart of the subject matter; the use of diagrams and examples bring the subject to life. Even if you're not eyeing art as a career--or even hobby--this book is a great tool to understand and ultimately truly appreciate art, of all kinds. This is easily the best educational book--of any kind--that I've read.