Customer Reviews

How I Paint: Secrets of a Sunday Painter

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

this books works on many levels for the amatuer, the collector, the art historian and the art lover: but for the painter, realist or not, it is an absolute must. By the time I had finished the first 60 pages I had come to understand my craft and its potential more clearly than the some twenty odd years of schooling and lectures and yes even painting to date has taught me. Mr. Buechner's genius lies in the simple and elegant, almost childlike way he destroys the fearful mystery of creatng depth on a canvas with paint. This knoweldge is not only the outcome of many paintings but of being aware of what each painting was teaching him. His marvelous description of how he learned about making a form come forward while he was painting a nose of one of Rembrandts paintings is a tour de force of a complex visual experience finally rendered understandable. If I seem overly impressed;well I am. I have been searching for a contemporary painter to explain some of the old master's techniques for years. In this book Mr. Buechner does so with warmth, humility and panache, but above all with wisdom grounded in practice and not wordy intellectual theories. Realist painters, run don't walk to buy this book. Anyone who has ever wondered why anyone is still fascinated with painting realist art the above goes for you also. This book is a treasure Thank-you Mr.Buechner

Don't let Tom Buechner fool you. He paints EVERY day. I know because I have the great fortune of taking Tom's portrait painting class on Friday nights. I get to experience first-hand Tom's enthusiasm, skill and knowledge as a painter and as a teacher. If you can not take one of his workshops, you must buy his book. It is written with the same wit, charm and wisdom that Tom shares with his class. As he does in his paintings, Tom's book presents his philosophy and work simply and elegantly. He shares the 'secrets' that he's discovered from over 60 years of painting. You should know that this isn't a 1st grade paint-by-number, step-by-step how-to book on painting. It is a succinctly written and beautifully illustrated book that explains with great insight how, why, where and what this talented artist and teacher paints. After suffering a 15 year drought, I want to paint every day of the week and I have Tom and his book to thank for it.

I had been referred to this book by a female artist friend of mine a week before I wrote this review when she left to attend a workshop by the author in New York. I got my hand on this book a few days later and finished it (not in one sitting) in about two days.

This is more of an inspiration than techniques book. A very enjoyable book, indeed!

Although the author does cover the WHAT's and HOW's (along with the WHY he paints) in his book, his techniques are presented in a way that, perhaps, is more appreciated by professional artists than starters. Specifically, the author briefly presents his techniques in just one page/painting in average. Several technique demos are presented, and they are very good. If one needs to be spoonfed on every technique in oil painting, this is NOT the book to look for them. A lot of techniques he mentioned in the book can be found elsewhere. The author does provide a (long) reference citation for further reading.

What is so good about this book, instead, is the inspiration and humbleness that I feel when reading his book. Born in 1926, only began painting full time in 1987 (at 61 years of age) even though having done most "art-related" jobs since 1945, and still painting, his book is simply a natural outcome of this lifelong artist.

I highly recommend this book if your producing visual imagery of any kind. Far from a densely texted "How-to" volume, this book is just as the title states- a succinct and direct exploration/explanation of how and why he creates his imagery and then what is done with it. In fact, after reading it, I was suprised at just how sparse the text is; however, since no words are extra what the reader comes to do is gain an understanding of an artistic process (for those that admire) which can be adapted within your own work methods (if you also create visual imagery.) That process of understanding is the book's strength and this artist's accomplishment and it is all done with a light and enthusiastic voice. This book was one of the very few that I could not put down until I had finished reading it.

Thomas Buechner has written a fine book. The Sunday Painter in the subtitle might make you think this artist is an amateur who paints only occasionally. Actually, he is very professional and now a full time painter after retiring from his career as director of several museums. He conveys to his readers the secrets of layered painting in oils as opposed to alla prima, all-in-one-session painting. He really opened my eyes to the beauty of glazes and scumbling, letting previous layers show through to mix their effects in the eye of the viewer. His insights into atmospheric perspective are unique in all the books I have read and are themselves worth several times the price of this book. This book has expanded my understanding and helped me paint much more vibrant paintings than before. Thank you Thomas Buechner.

This is the best art book I've bought. I love it. Inspiring and informative, it goes through many techniques such as glazing and scumbling in a helpful and achievable way. For the serious art student, I can't recommend it enough. The author presents his material in a clear and easy to understand manner and his writing is encouraging and helpful.
I always put off portrait painting because it seemed so difficult but this book changed my whole perspective. I would recommend it to any struggling or hesitant portrait painter. It's gotten me a lot more serious about my art.
I also have to say that I found the writing style clear and easy the follow. The author doesn't pontificate or put himself on a pedestle and for such a good artist to want to share his learning after a life time of painting, is one of the things that makes this book so good.
Some books you read and give away and others you keep and continue going back too. This is a keeper. I'd give it 10 stars if I could.

While Mr. Buechner is hardly a "Sunday Painter", his newest book is captivating and should appeal to the amateur, the beginner and the professional alike. Easy to read, superb illustrations and always entertaining. He tells both how to paint, what to paint, and with what to paint. He is a portrait painter, a landscape painter and a master at stilllife.

I was watching my daughter's lacrosse game with Thomas Buechners son, Mathew, (whose daughter was also playing) and talking about my summer plans : how to jump start a for -reasons -beyond- my control stalled career as a painter. Whereupon Mathew whipped out his father's just - released book for us all to see. Published by Abrams,Mr. Buechners paintings are beautifully reproduced. It contains excellent technical information and the deep philosophical insights of an elder in the arts. It was exactly what I needed. I rushed home to order one for my own studio, and one for the library at the school where I teach art. I recommend this book for all working artists and people of all ages who just love art.Buy it today! !

The editorial review is right in stating this is more of an inspirational book than anything. There are a few sections of the book where Buechner gets into enough detail that it can be put to use by the reader, but they are in the minority.

Look at the table of contents, then realize that nearly all the discussion in the book carries minimal technical depth. It is NOT an instruction book or tip book - it's a few interesting paintings accompanied by the meanderings of a talented painter.

If you like Buechner or his work and want the book for that reason, it's a great book with a handful of insights as a plus. If you want the book because you're an aspiring artist and it's been recommended to you - everything here is covered elsewhere again and again, but in far more depth.

This is one of those rare volumes about art that is a real "keeper," to be read and reread throughout an artist's career.

Had I been exposed to this volume 20 years ago, I would have benefited from the chapters on technique, lighting, glazing scumbling, and so forth. But Mr. Buechner reawakens the artist's dreams and unique vision for interpreting the visual world around us.

I love the chapters and tidbits he shares about his own growth. Now, in his 70's, he continues to evolve, recognizes this evolution and gives the reader a glimpse into what might be their future as an artist. It is truly a wonderous "journey."

This book may help beginning artists. But it is one of the precious volumes that will inspire artists who are ready to reach beyond sheer technique.

Bless you, Mr. Buechner, for sharing your story and knowledge.

Deborah Nelson -- Painter of the American West

WEBSITE: http://home.earthlink.net/~nelsonsata/