DK Art School: An Introduction to Art Techniques (DK Art School) [Paperback]

DK Publishing (Author)

Book Description

Series: DK Art School | Publication Date: March 1, 2000

A comprehensive guide for the enthusiastic beginner and the experienced artist alike, An Introduction to Art Techniques embraces seven basic elements of art technique in one comprehensive volume. The subjects included are Drawing, Perspective, Watercolor, Pastels, Oil Painting, Acrylics, and Mixed Media. Easy--to--follow projects ---- from drawing natural forms to creating a photo collage ---- teach you all the essentials of each subject and inspire you to go on to master more complex techniques. Close--up, step--by--step photographs show artworks being created before your eyes, revealing the secrets of how professional artists produce their work. Art Techniques offers the widest choice of specific subjects ---- from mixing watercolors to block printmaking, from tonal drawing to oil painting in layers. You will find clear, authoritative text written by artists who specialize in each particular medium.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ray Smith has been a lecturer at the Chelsea School of Art and at Exeter Art College, and he was recently artist--in--residence at the University of Southampton in the UK. Smith has exhibited regularly in solo and group shows. He has received several distinguished awards. Smith is the author and illustrator of a number of prize--winning books, including DK's The Artist's Handbook and How to Draw and Paint What You See. Michael Wright is an artist and lecturer. He has taught at the University of Hertfordshire's School of Art and Design since 1982, where he is head of fine art. After studying at Liverpool College of Art and Design, Wright earned a postgraduate degree at the Royal Academy School, London, where he was awarded the silver medal for sculpture. He now specializes in painting. James Horton is a professional artist who has written several books on drawing and painting techniques. Since receiving a postgraduate degree from the Royal College of Art, London, he has had numerous solo and group exhibitions. He has lectured widely and currently runs painting courses in Provence and the Pyrenees.

Product Details

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: DK ADULT; 1st pbk. ed edition (March 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789451514
• ISBN-13: 978-0789451514
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #103,343 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

53 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Seven in one; great deal, September 17, 2003

By 

Dog of War "Dog_of_War" (Brooklyn, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: DK Art School: An Introduction to Art Techniques (DK Art School) (Paperback)

I've been drawing for years, but hit a ceiling of sorts where I wasn't able to teach myself anything new. I've had negative experiences with the strictures of drawing classes. (I confess-I am one of those who have to look at the paper when I draw.)

Then I was lucky enough to come across this book while literally holding "DK Art School: An Introduction To Oil Painting" in my hand. I sat in the store and compared them side to side, page by page. The chapter on oil painting was exactly the same as the book on oil painting. It seems that DK decided to make this a compilation of their other art books. This edition includes:
An Introduction to Drawing
An Introduction to Perspective
An Introduction to Watercolor
An Introduction to Pastels
An Introduction to Oil Painting
An Introduction to Acrylics
An Introduction to Mixed Media

Don't let the price turn you off because you are actually buying seven volumes. Each one sells separately for around half the price of this one. Included are history, materials and technique for each medium described. The only drawback is that you're getting one hulk of a book.

For people like me who have not taken classes, it will prove indispensable. The pictures are great and there are plenty of tips and step by step examples for practice. Not for in-depth study, but a high quality overview. This edition is a great value for any amateur artist and useful for those more experienced as well. Beautiful.

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love this book!, May 26, 2004

By 

C.P. Eigh (Oakland, California United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: DK Art School: An Introduction to Art Techniques (DK Art School) (Paperback)

I have been a painter and drawer for many years. At my relatively young age of 25, having earned a BFA in painting and painting professionally for several years, I still fall back on this book for new ideas or refreshening on old ideas.

My mother bought this book for me in high school. For many years, I rarely opened it. However I have found that I still reference the techniques presented in this user-friendly book quite regularly. It is a wonderful reference to have on hand.

The reason I am writing this review is because I am going to buy this book for a beginning artist friend who has had very little formal art education. I recommend this book for experienced artists as well as beginners.

Hope this helps someone out there!
Enjoy! Ciao.

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars impressive, March 29, 1999

By 

Patricia O'Tuama "rissa" (Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Introduction to Art Techniques (Hardcover)

This book is great if you are looking for a single source of information on a wide variety of art techniques. It covers the basics and history of drawing, perspective, watercolors, pastels, oils, acrylics and mixed media and is lavishly illustrated with examples, instructions and types of materials used to create each. While it is not particularily useful if you are looking for an indepth guide to any of these areas, it is an excellent (if pricey) choice if what you want is a good, solid, comprehensive overview.