John Pike Paints Watercolor [Hardcover]

John Pike (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1978

One of America's most widely admired artist offers sound advice and answers questions of technical and creative aspects of the art. Thirteen full color demonstrations all begin with a value sketch and detailed descriptions of how the picture was painted. John's irrepressive enthusiasm is evident through out. Includes 37 of his favorite paintings.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

The most frequently expressed comment from our customers in their search for this book was - "I'm tired of borrowing this from the library. I want my own copy", helped us to decide to re-issue what many have described as very instructional and interesting. John wrote this in his own warm, personnal style and vision and provides facinating reading, practical advice and encouragement. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Watson-Guptill; First Edition edition (January 1, 1978)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823025772
• ISBN-13: 978-0823025770
• Product Dimensions: 12.3 x 9.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #574,497 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best book on watercolor technique, May 8, 2001

By 

"devalcourt" (Houston, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: John Pike Paints Watercolors (Spiral-bound)

I checked out this book from the library more times than I can count before discovering it was still in print. It is absolutely the best book I've found on watercolor technique (and I've checked out many of them) and the only one I own. John Pike's style of working and his discussion of technique and choice of materials helped alleviate my anxieties about getting started in watercolor. He keeps things simple. I particularly like his philosophy of using value sketches as a guide before starting any finished work, and the step-by-step color photographs showing a painting's evolution. His accompanying text is also very helpful. I've been painting in watercolor for 8 years and have many books on the subject. Mr. Pike's book is still the one I turn to consistently when I need help or inspiration.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Beginner Finds a Friend, June 25, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: John Pike Paints Watercolors (Spiral-bound)

As an absolute beginner in watercolor, my first stop after my first lesson was to the local library. Joining an existing watercolor class of long-time painters left me scrambling for the meaning of what everyone was talking about and doing. In my tiny town nestled in the Colorado Rockies, there were only half a dozen watercolor books in the library, and by some good fortune, John Pike's book, published many years before, had been donated. Even as a novice, I could see that it was far and away the best of the lot, and when I took it home and started reading and studying, I knew I had found a friend. Well, I kept that book out for over two months, and paid a hefty late fee to do so.

I thought Mr. Pike's books were out of print, but on a whim, I decided to search his name on Amazon.com, and it was exciting to find "John Pike Paints Watercolors." I admit this is not the same title I found in the library, but the book review discusses his style of writing and teaching. That style overcame the fear I had to try, to begin, to learn, to dare. He is a teacher! And because of his writing, I was able to begin to catch up to my classmates faster than I had imagined. His paintings are full of life, interesting in subject, and inspirational to a beginner. I am privileged to know that I will have his book on my own shelf.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Insight to watercolor, June 21, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: John Pike Paints Watercolors (Spiral-bound)

I first got this book in the library and now must own it. Pike's insights have opened new doors for me as a relatively new watercolorist. His methods, techniques and explanations make this one of the few books on the subject that I want to have for ready reference rather than just an occassional read. This is the best artists book I have yet to come across!