Customer Reviews

Dramatic Light: Paint Eye-Catching Art in Watercolor and Oil

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The example paintings in this book (such as on the cover) are the drool-over sort that you want to paint but can't--or can but don't.

The author lets you in on secrets; how to paint translucence, using a banana and a fictious cellophane screen. Then you move on to copy an exercise of those translucent shopping bags from trendy little boutiques. After that, you will have little problem rendering translucent windows, bags and even diaphanous material over skin.

There are bags of sweets in cellophane, glass jars, sheer curtains, stained-glass windows and water. A lot of material on differently-lit surfaces and scenes. And the book is not just for watercolorists--oils are also included (by figuring out how oil works, you could probably extrapolate these studies to acrylics.)

A very nice book just to peruse, helpful for the actual examples and 23 different studies-in-progress. Big Thumbs Up.

I purchased this book based on the available descriptions. It is well laid out and a really good book for a beginner. It includes demonstrations and description of needed materials to achieve the various desired light effects. It has lots of organized color photos and would be a good first painting book for special effects. I gave it 4 stars only because I am well beyond the beginner stage and was looking for more advanced information. If you are serious about starting out, this could be good for you.

I really enjoyed the book, bought it for a friend and could hardly bear to pass it on. I have taught art for years and still learned from it. The author really knows his stuff. Good value for money and useful as reference when teaching. Aimed at adults, but easily understood.

I am a graphic artist who is constantly trying to be a better fine artist.
I have many instructional painting books and have found this one to be one of the best for the following reasons:
-especially quick read/ref -not so wordy like most
-easy to understand instructions
-great tips not found in other books

As a self taught artist I finally learned how soft edges can create dramatic light and prevent flattening silhouettes. It also teaches how to create transparency. This book helps me to improve painting water and its reflections. Every lesson is beautifully illustrated. This book even has practical tips on the business of art. A must have for every self taught artist.

There are like 4 or 5 examples for oil painting! compared to 15-20 examples for watercolors! i am pissed off, the tittle is miss leading and the instructions and art chosen for oil example is quite poor.

This is a wonderful book with plenty of step by step exercises. Being a professional watercolor artist, I found the book a wonderful way to practice, learn even more and to encourage me to paint daily in someone elses style. I tend to box myself in, so often use books to increase my comfort zone.
This is a great book with some lovely paintings to do yourself. I think it works for all levels of painters, unless you are someone like VanGough or Monet or... well you get my drift!