Customer Reviews

Oil Painter's Solution Book Landscapes: Over 100 Answers to Your Oil Painting Questions

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this book because of the art work I have seen in the past by the author. I am a very big fan of her landscapes. They are wonderful. I am not a fan of how-to art books. Most seem to be written by artists looking to improve their C.V. Tolley's book is a nice suprise. There was not any superfluous info. The topics are presented with out b.s., in other words, she gets to the point. On everything from composition to color selection. The lay out is very clear and the design of the book is nice in that it is a hard bound spiral. Nice touch. The book is a little smaller than I like, but it still works. The best how-to book is still Richard Schmid's Alla Prima, but this one will add alot to ones quiver.

I've been painting outside for a couple years and this book really addresses the important issues. Right now I am studying her approach to learning to be really aware of values. She makes it easy to get a real grasp on seeing that.
Ms Tolley has a tremendous knowledge of plein air painting and is very generous in sharing. For example when painting water, paint the reflections first because they will likely change soon.
She gives great detail as to her approach.
The spiral easily allows you to open to a certain page and just lay the book flat. The book has a plasticized cover so you could actually take it into the field and study it while you paint.
I really like her basic palette and I feel like I am making significant steps forward in remembering color mixtures because of her approach.
She covers the basics and way beyond. I am learning so much!

This book is expertly written by Elizabeth Tolley, an experienced art teacher who is also a well-known professional artist. It is certainly the easiest handbook to use for students as well as intermediate painters. Designed to be taken out in the field, this is a sturdy, spiral-bound book that explains the outdoor painting method in easy to understand text. Moreover, the critical steps of each lesson are illustrated in full color throughout the book. The spiral binding takes half the space of ordinary books and allows you to see the page you are studying as you paint. This remarkable book takes the intimidation out of the challenge of painting "en plein air." Read this book first, and then go paint outdoor landscapes!

Of the 63 art books in my library, this is the best I've run into. It's to the point with skilled illustrations. By isolating one principle at a time and giving examples, it makes it easy for the reader to grasp the issue. It also isn't full of self-serving comments. Too many art books go into the soul searching and emotional aspect of painting. But not all people the same feelings, and this makes the verbiage unnecessary.

Another plus is the binding. The ring binding means you don't have to crack the book spine to keep it open.

This book is perfect for the artist who wants to-the-point instruction that includes problem solving. I'm recommending it to the students in my classes. Frankly, it's the best I've seen.

I am a neophyte oil painter who paints for a few weeks and then
stops. Elizabeth Tolley's book gives me the inspiration to start
again and NOT stop. Her book begins with the real basics and
definitions of each tool to use and WHY. The question and answer
format allows me to easily find and review a topic I need help with.
I finally feel that I can mix colors with a new understanding and make my own canvas panels following the clear and easy instructions illustrated with great photos.
The book dissects, in the most understandable way, color and
composition. I'm sure that more experienced painters could also
learn from Ms. Tolley. The book is filled with "tricks of the
trade". BRAVO.

Excuse me, I'm about to go out in "plein air" with
renewed enthusiasm!

Elisabeth Sarrow

this is a very good book. I have been oil painting for 40 years and everything I have learned plus more is in this book. I also really like the format and will recommend it to beginners through advanced painters. I also like her paintings very much so it feel smore authentic.

I just started to oil paint although I am an artist this is a new medium for me. I found the book very helpful and even carried it with me when I went to paint outside (plein air). It has a lot of helpful tips and gave me ideas on how to look at my paintings to improve them. She covers equipment and how to get started. Also how to paint different things in a landscape such as trees, buildings and the sky. She also discusses color. I recommend it to every artist who wants to improve their oil painting or a newcomer getting started. Great reference book to have around.

Elizabeth Tolley's "Oil Painter's Solution Book" was particularily helpful with information on the use of resin mediums and odorless mineral spirits. As an "old fashioned painter" using the traditional stand oil, damar varnish, and turpentine medium, this was an easy-to-understand and useful source.

The sprial bound book was so much better than the usual paper back or standard bound books. It opens flat for easier use when painting.

I would recommend this book for painters that are somewhat better than beginners or for "holiday painters" looking for information to help improve their work.

Seasoned painters may not find the book very useful, unless they are looking for specific information or the lovely images of Tolley's work.

For a person getting started in the basics of painting canvasses with oils, this is a marvelous book. It tells one everything that has to be known about painting with oils from selection of brushes, type and use of materials and the various receptors (canvas, paper, cardboard, masonite, etc.) The author is a professional artist with paintings in galleries throughout the country.

I started painting with oils only a few months ago and have aquired several books regardihg oil painting in an effort to examine several points of view on the subject. This book, while it may not be the most helpful to me at this stage in my development, it is simply an excellent source of information for old and new artists alike. I would recommend adding this to any library of anyone just beginning a very complex hobby.