Customer Reviews

A Painter's Guide to Design and Composition

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Design and composition are vague terms for many artists,some paint for years without getting the concepts. This author knows what she's talking about and is able to communicate more than just the "how to" of painting. The book instructs about the little nuances that make a painting great. Beautiful paintings from 26 master artists of our time and meaty demonstrations along with clear instructions make this a must-have reference book. In fact, teachers may be referencing this book for many years to come.

This is a wonderful book. It has great step-by-step demos with clear illustrations by top notch artists, an organized content, and is written in easy-to-understand language. I had been searching high and low for a comprehensive manual on composition and design. Leave it to Margo Schulzke to come up with such a great reference book for artists and art teachers. Her regular contributions in the "Pastel Journal" only served to whet my appetite for this book. I will refer to it and treasure it for years to come.

One can never have too many books on design. In addition to containing timeless design principles, this book is full of beautiful images by well known artists with great demonstrations. I especially liked Richard
McKinley's demo showing how he builds very translucent layers that achieve a lovely luminosity.

This book in written in a way that is easy to look through, find a topic of interest and have it presented with meaningful examples. While perhaps not for an advanced artist I would see where it would be helpful for a weekend painter, beginner or novice or someone getting back into painting. It is easy to understand the concepts and advice in the way it is written.

This is a "must have" for Artists as a fundamental Reference Guide to every facet of painting. Whether you just want your paintings to have that extra something special, or you want to have a bird's eye view on what judges in competitions are looking for, then this book is for you! If you are a beginner or intermediate (and maybe even an experienced artist) you can be assured that you probably will learn something beneficial for the quality of your paintings. There are a variety of artists in this book, with radically different ways of approaching complex painting scenes (and subjects),as well as simple ones, with ease, dexterity and grace. Sylvia

What a fantastic resource! We home school and my children and I are all very interested in painting. This book goes through the principles of design and composition in a clear, focused, logical and beautifully illustrated manner. It is an art education in a single volume. I bought copies for each of my children. (It also makes a lovely coffee table piece, for those who just want to look at the gorgeous paintings.) Thank you Margot Schulzke and North Light Books!

I needed a book that would help me diagnose composition problems in my artwork. Mrs. Schulzke's book does just that. It has enough review of basics that someone new to painting or who has been out of the art school room awhile can get a refresher course. At the same time she gives some new concepts explained in a clear, concise manner.

Lots of beautiful paintings illustrate her points. Step-by-step demonstrations by other accomplished artists give the reader a mini-workshop in each chapter. I'm reading the book slowly, page by page, practicing as I go. With each chapter my design improves. This book delivers what it promises.

Margot Schulzke has put together a book that can be used by beginners or people trying to return to painting. This book is so thorough it would even sharpen the skills of a practicing artist. I found it at the library and after going through the book, I knew it would be an invaluable part of my own reference library.

Design and Composition by nathan goldstein contains succinct verbiage, if dwelled upon outshine this book forever. This author writes more like a cheerleader so that you will continue art work and offers a few morsels of knowledge.

Great book. The author covers the basics well in simple everyday language that is very easy to understand. Not some of the over your head try to impress art lingo you find in some books. The pictures are wonderful.