Customer Reviews

Oil Painting Step by Step

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I ordered this book used. At first glance I was disappointed, but then I sat and read through it. It claims to offer a complete course on oil painting and it actually delivers.

This book is richly illustrated with color plates throughout. More importantly, the text describing the images actually relates to the instruction. It doesn't just tell what is being done or offer a generalization about the image, it describes the step being taken then tells why it's being done and how it affects the shape or form being developed in the painting.

There are multiple topics in sections on light and value, color, painting techniques and composition. These are often followed by multi-page projects and procedures that show you how to put it all together. Then there are sections that apply it all to landscapes and people. So many topics are covered in a page or two each that I instantly thought there was no way there could be any depth to the material. However, the entire book is so succinct and well written that I think it provides a good understanding of most every concept I've ever seen discussed.

All beginners should read this and set it near for frequent study and reference. Most intermediate painters should read it too, it will likely introduce new concepts and certainly help you grasp those you're familiar with. Advanced painters would be best served by separate books on color, technique, and composition especially as they apply to their chosen subjects.

Theory, application, great color plates, chock full of good hints and tips... 5 stars.