A Manual of Oil Painting [Paperback]

John Collier (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 17, 2006

This republication of the third edition (1889) of John Collier's classic text offers a fascinating and informative glimpse into the academic oil painting tradition of the late nineteenth century. Includes instructions for painting from life using the "sight-size" method, advice on choosing the proper paints and mediums, as well as in-depth discussions of subject matter, color theory, and the comparative advantages of direct versus indirect painting. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the revival of traditional oil painting techniques.

Product Details

• Paperback: 121 pages
• Publisher: Lulu.com (August 17, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1847288758
• ISBN-13: 978-1847288752
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,685,171 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another trip to the world of 19th century painting, March 27, 2007

By 

Beanarian - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Manual of Oil Painting (Paperback)

Very interesting discourse on late 19th century academic painting, more specifically as practiced in England at the time. John Collier's works are well-executed and that validates his words even more. You will probably find this book's tone very similar to Harold Speed's books. Personally I find this better than Parkhurst's book.

References to Millais, Alma-Tadema, Poynter and even Carolus Duran(who was Sargent's teacher) makes this book a trip to the past when art academies often follow rigorous and pretty standardised forms of training.(I find it amusing that Poynter's instructions, which were drawn up to be used in the schools at that time, were described as "The Laws of the Medes and Persians") Monochrome painting in casts, still life and other subjects are discussed, with a palette recommended by Poynter. Duran's methodology of painting is discussed as well, using text provided by one of Duran's students. The importance of good drawing is stressed as well.

This is a very thin book, with NO illustrations or pretty pictures. An evening's read should finish this book or at least give you a good idea of it. However, it is packed full of interesting tidbits and stuff that will help you understand Victorian painting more fully. There are 2 sections in the book, the first is Practical, and second is Theory. The theory part can get quite confusing as it deals with 19th century pre-Munsell colour theory, so the nomenclature used may be a little dated and hard to digest. Nevertheless, it offers a really fascinating glimpse into the world of art training and making as practiced at the time. The Practical section talks about painting, comparing your colour mixtures with what you see using your palette-knife, setting up a still-life, the use of sight-size, etc. Collier discusses history painting too, and how to go about planning your composition, etc. He also touches a little on the difficulties of portraiture, and I like it that he stresses the importance of tone, and tint in painting.

I would only recommend this book to intermediate and advanced students of drawing/painting, as beginners will be sorely disappointed that this is more of a historical paper with short bursts of information for the starter in oils. For a researcher it won't hurt to have this little book on your shelf. And if you're a fan of academic painting who enjoys looking into the kind of training in the 19th century this book will delight you, being written by one of the more accomplished painters of the period.

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A look into 19th century art practices, February 23, 2010

By 

Candace Vianna - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Manual of Oil Painting (Paperback)

This is a very good read for anyone interested in developing classical painting techniques practiced in the late 19th century. Formally and clearly written, John Collier an English 19th century artist, provides an outline for a disciplined course of study as well as insight into his personal and prevailing views regarding artistic practices of the time. The theory section of the book is understandably dated but over all this book has a lot to offer and can be an excellent guide on how to progress and improve your skills.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Valuable Resource, October 10, 2010

By 

Earl Ripley "Rip van Wrinkle" (West Coast) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Manual of Oil Painting (Classic Reprint) (Paperback)

Thus is one of the books every oil painter or artist interested in painting in oils should read. Collier deserves greater recognition than he has gotten thus far, as an artist as well as thinker and writer.