Customer Reviews

On Location - Plein Air Painting In Pastel

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4 star:		(2)
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As beautifully written as painted, this book "On Location" makes me want to paint in pastel even though I am a die hard oil painter of 25 years. Richard McDaniel will undoubtedly be recognized as one of the leading painters working on location in this era of plein air painting. As a painter he brings to the art world well composed, drawn, and executed works of art and yet never loses his sense of artistic touch in the delicate balance between bold color, subtle nuance and overlay upon this sound structure. What is all the more remarkable is his sense of paint, his touch and "brushwork" is as fresh, creamy and alive as any oil painter using the alla prima technique.

As a writer his skills match his range in drawing and painting with his ability to interpret, explain and diagram his method to others... no easy task. This text is richly illustrated and also organized with logic and layout, it shows a thorough understanding of the subject and a clear mind at work carrying the reader from one point to the next. Ideas flowing, the text is a reference book of information and far more than just a simple "how to".

I have seen all the great works of plein air painters of the past through exhibits in the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, Metropolitan, Terra and the National Gallery during Carter Brown's era. Very few works by contemporary artists' stand up to my scrutiny on mental comparison to these works in touch, color, composition and technique as well as Richard's work. Any student or professional could benefit by adding "On Location" to their library and studying and reflecting upon this man's work.

The paintings, text, color schemes in this beautiful book are exactly to my taste, as are his other books. I even bought his great american pastel set to go along and am fired up to go paint- not easy to get me motivated but I am now!

This beautifully executed book is not just for pastels. I use it for watercolor painting. The colors and layering are similar. Many, many breathtakingly beautiful artwork in this book. His work is excellent. If you aren't afraid to use deep, rich colors in your artwork, this is a very good book for ideas. I can't say enough about the use of color in this book. It is exquisite.

If you are inspired by nature but feel overwhelmed with information when you reach your painting site, then you must read this book. Richard McDaniel shows you how to see the structure behind the landscape. He presents you with a logical sequence of steps that allow you to focus on the important features without getting bogged down with details. The author describes his approach with precision and clarity. The examples of works in progress also help solidify your understanding by allowing you to virtually see the paintings come alive. There are also countless helpful hints for keeping yourself on track, like implementing practical organizational skills and working on value studies in the studio.
This is a great book. I'm still applying the lessons I've learned from it and I can see a definite improvement in some of my paintings. Thanks, Richard.

I am enjoying this book because of the way it is written, the descriptive pictures and the lessons I can learn from it.

The color use and spontaneity of this was book was excellent. Since I teach a plein aire class at the Botanical gardens this was instrumental in helping my students to see what they are looking at, to be selective of what they paint and use brighter more varied colors.