Handcoloring Photographs Step By Step [Paperback]

Sandra Laird (Author), Carey Chambers (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1997

Step-by-step instructions show artists how to get started handcoloring black and white photographs using any coloring media—oils, colored pencils, watercolors, and dyes, among others. Lessons include how to creatively apply color to photographs, choose the right color combinations, mix media for variety and texture, present the final handcolored photographs on display, and more.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The hand coloring of black-and-white photographs began almost as soon as the photograph was invented and has persisted dspite the introduction of color film and, more recently, the digitized photo image. Photographs can be colored using the same media that artists use on canvas and paper: oils, watercolors, colored pencils, and acrylics. This is a complete guide with individual chapters giving detailed instructions for each medium plus several chapters of general tips on color and mounting. Appendixes give names of suppliers and a media chart, along with an extensive glossary. This excellent guide comes from a publisher specializing in photography books.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Amherst Media, Inc. (January 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0936262540
• ISBN-13: 978-0936262543
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #887,252 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #72 in Books > Arts & Photography > Photography > Darkroom & Processing

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must for Those Wanting to Learn Handcoloring Photographs, May 19, 2000

By 

Marilyn Dalrymple "MaLing" (Lancaster, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Handcoloring Photographs Step By Step (Paperback)

Handcoloring Photographs Step by Step

by

Sandra Laird & Carey Chambers

Sandra Laird, a commercial and fine art photographer who teaches handcoloring, and Carey Chambers, a technical writer, teamed up and competently produced a very helpful and knowledgeable book for those interested in learning the art of handcoloring photographs. Every step is described and illustrated in detail. You just can't go wrong. Chapter one introduces you to the supplies needed and media available for handcoloring photographs. How to set up your workplace is discussed as is how to choose and prepare the photograph you want to color. Part of the preparation for the photograph is the correct printing of the photograph, print size and paper choice. These considerations are fully discussed. Then you make your choice of media. You can choose oil paints and pastels, watercolor paints, colored pencils, markers, acrylics or gouache. Chapter two introduces you to toners and dyes. "Toning or dyeing can help you achieve a better handcolored result," the author suggests. A before and after sample print shows the difference sepia-toning a print before coloring can make. The results are indeed, pleasing. Each step of the toning and dyeing procedures are clearly illustrated and explained. Again, sample prints illustrate the effect each process has on a print. Selective toning or dyeing (a method of toning or dyeing only a portion of a print) is also described. You are introduced to oil paints, pastels and other oil-based media in greater detail in chapter three. How to choose the medium best for your project and preparing the print for the particular media you choose is covered. Again, clear illustrations and text allow you to follow the artist through the steps taken to handcolor a specific photograph using each oil-based medium. Laird and Chambers take the same care going into detail in chapter four. This chapter covers all you need to know to get started using watercolor paint to color your photographs. Clear explanations and instructions accompany the step-by-step illustrations. Types of watercolor (liquid, tube or cake) are discussed as are brushes. Chapter five talks about using colored pencils and chapter six discusses all other media. Can you mix the various media when coloring one print? You bet. Examples of such prints are shown with suggestions and instructions on how to do it in chapter seven. Chapter eight ties all the loose ends together, and answers any questions you still may have before tackling your project. Chapter nine is a quick course in color theory, mixing pigments and choosing the best colors for your particular photograph. The last chapter tells us how to finish the print and prepare it for showing. Subjects such as spray finishes, matting, framing and displaying your print and archival considerations are covered. Appendix A lists manufacturers and suppliers for the various products needed for handcoloring photographs. Appendix B follows with a guide to the advantages and disadvantages of the different coloring media. A glossary and index end the book. I found this book thorough, clear and complete. Well illustrated with attractive and well- done photographs, simple instructions in easy-to-understand text takes you through each step of the processes. I really can't find anything to complain about where this book is concerned. This is an excellent book for a beginner and may even give pros an idea or two they can put to use.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Text is thorough but work examples are garish., August 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Handcoloring Photographs Step By Step (Paperback)

The text of the book broadly covers handcoloring techniques and products well. The subtle nature of the process, however, is entirely lost in the garish examples pictured. Another book, The Art of Handpainting Photographs by Cheryl Machat Dorskind, is both thorough and beautifully portrays the subtle to intense use of the medium.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars By far, the best choice to learn handcoloring!, January 9, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Handcoloring Photographs Step By Step (Paperback)

After looking at other books on the subject, Handcoloring Photographs, Step by Step, offered the most examples and visuals. In my opinion, this book clearly is the best choice for anyone new to the area of handcoloring photographs. If you have to buy one book, this is the one.