The Pastel Book: Materials and Techniques for Today's Artist [Hardcover]

Bill Creevy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1991

This is designed as a reference book for artists working in the pastel medium. During the past ten years innovations in pastel materials have led to exciting developments in pastel technique. This book looks at contemporary pastel materials combining this knowledge with an in-depth exploration of a range of pastel techniques. The author combines pastel colour work with watercolour, acrylic paint, gel and oils to create a variety of painted effects. He also shows how such drawing mediums as pen and ink, pencil, ballpoint pens and monotype prints can provide unusual starting points for pastel paintings. This book is designed to prove of interest to beginners as well as to professional illustrators and artists.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Bill Creevy, a versatile artist and writer, is a Master Pastelist of the Pastel Society of America, author of The Oil Painting Book, and the recipient of numerous jury awards. He lives and works in his SoHo studio loft in New York. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Watson-Guptill; 1st edition (March 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823039021
• ISBN-13: 978-0823039029
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #887,911 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #97 in Books > Arts & Photography > Drawing > Pastel

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

65 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely through, great reference, July 12, 2001

By 

Angel Lee "Liocorno Amethyst Moonstone" (Cleveland, OH United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Pastel Book (Paperback)

This is a wonderfully complete book covering all aspects of pastel painting. It is useful for both the beginner who needs to understand the medium and the experienced artist who needs a ready reference to a multitude of materials and techniques as well as a source of inspiration.

The book starts out with a very thorough overview of materials, spanning about 30 pages, with lots of pictures as well as descriptions of soft, oil and handmade pastel types with a detailed analysis by brand. Oil sticks, numerous paper types, mediums and tools are also included.

Basic pastel techniques are covered next including sketching, and pastel painting concepts such as liner, blocking-in, and atmosphere. Making corrections and the role of fixatives is also included. Then, you learn to create pastel textures by scumbling and dusting as well as by adding pencil or using fixative.

A comprehensive section on color theory follows, including an explanation of the color wheel and using metallic/iridescent colors. There are demonstrations on achieving transparency and using different paper colors. Numerous other techniques follow, showing you how to use pastels with other media such as watercolors, acrylics, modeling pastes, oils and gum tragacanth. The unique characteristics of oil pastels and oil sticks are given special treatment as well.

A list of quality suppliers as well as an index for easy reference are included in the back. This is definitely a must have for any pastel artist.

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Motivation is the Best Medicine, December 30, 2000

By 

Linda A. Goin "goinhome" (Louisville) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Pastel Book (Paperback)

As an artist, I often look to other's works to observe technique and style. Lately, I noticed I was getting a bit behind in my pastel work...many other artists were mixing media and pushing the envelope on their pastel paintings and drawings. After browsing through several pastel books, I settled with Creevy's "The Pastel Book" and I'm very happy with my choice.

Creevy not only covers materials and tools and basic techniques for the beginner; he takes the medium to new levels with the combination of watercolor, acrylics, gels, oil paint and monotypes. Creevy has also covered every brand of pastel in this book, from the hard stick pastels to the super-soft Senneliers; he also describes the effects of various oil sticks, papers and supports and tools. Step-by-step instructions for each technique helps the artist retain a mastery over the combinations on any given mix.

An exciting book that has helped me gain an edge with my artwork.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best pastel book, and I've got 'em all, October 9, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Pastel Book (Paperback)

If you have succumbed to the allure of a gorgeous new box of pastels but find yourself baffled by this fascinating, enigmatic medium, this book is by far your best bet. The author has something nice to say about every brand of pastels, and his thorough review of the market helped me understand that there are merits to owning a variety of pastel types. Even experienced painters can be frustrated by this medium, but Creevy's approach makes it manageable. I own lots of pastel books, but it wasn't until I read this one that I actually experienced a breakthrough. Wish I'd bought this one first!!