Ken Howard: A Vision of Venice in Watercolour (Royal Academy Masterclass) (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This is the second book in a new series from the Royal Academy which reveals well-known artists at work. The artists offer insights into their approaches to painting, their opinions, inspirations, philosophies and views on art, with valuable tips for both amateurs and other professionals. Working in a variety of mediums, the books show the artists painting in their studios and also in some of their favourite painting locations around the world. Venice, with its stunning architecture, earth colours and atmospheric light, has had a great effect on Ken Howard's work for over 30 years. Here he paints 'contre jour', with the intense light reflecting off water, rooftops or piazzas, building his watercolours with wash upon wash of transparent layers. His subjects include St Mark's Square, the Salute, Campo S. Angelo and the famed fish market.

About the Author

Ken Howard RA studied at Hornsey College of Art and at the Royal College of Art, London, and became a member of the Royal Academy of Arts in 1992. He has won a number of awards, had numerous solo exhibitions both in the UK and elsewhere, and has paintings in many public collections.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd (December 9, 2002)
• ISBN-10: 1903973082
• ISBN-13: 978-1903973080
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,266,399 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Moderately Useful, August 20, 2005

By	Len - See all my reviews

As a brief "masterclass", Ken Howards's book is useful as a simple demonstration. However, Howard, is one of those watercolorists who do not exploit the natural white of the paper (the "classic" and best technique), preferring instead to "touch up" finished paintings with chinese white. Thus, some of his pictures have a pasty look that is closer to gouache than to watercolor.

Also, the book is relatively short, so it was frustrating to find that many pages were devoted, not to Howard's watercolors, but to oil and mixed media paintings. The text seems like a direct transcription of the video class which is also available. Hence, the conversational style seems misplaced in a text book. For those looking to be see watercolor pictures of Venice, there are many better books out there. That being said, there is always something to be learned from other painters so I've given it a few stars.