Customer Reviews

A Proven Strategy for Creating Great Art

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

When I read the reviews of this book I was amazed at the range. Much of the difference seems to me to relate to whether you like his paintings which are generously shown in the book. I like his paintings which probably biases my opinion of his teaching but I think he delivers as much as any book can on the promise to put forth a proven method to paint better paintings.

I think the principles he puts forth are applicable to most painting styles. Let me say first, there in nothing new in this book. However he has a non-dogmatic but well formulated approach and makes the point that continued experimentation is essential to artistic growth. He reviews all the basics. Design is fundamental to a good painting. Design is largely created by the values and shapes chosen. If you try out a series of thumbnail sketches you are more likely to come up with an interesting design. Doing a value study is going to help you focus on the values that will make the painting work. If you are going to paint in color you need to know how light and color work on the variety of light and shadow planes. Contrasting warm and cool colors is usually helpful. Paying attention to edges - when to accentuate, soften or lose them. The importance of Using accents. Avoiding too much color mixing on the palette or mixing with the brush on the painting in order to create clear and interestingly textured brushwork. Where this book excells is in the examples of these principles he gives from his own work, often going step by step through sketch to value study to blocking color in to show how he works. Although not everyone will like his work, those who do are likely to find inspiration.

That said, this book is going to appeal more to painters who are drawn to color because of the examples of his work and his emphasis on how to use color.

This is an excellent and beautiful book, though I have a few questions (which I hope Mr. McCaw will see and answer here). For example, he says to limit one's choice of colors to six--a warm and cool version of each of the primaries--plus white and perhaps black. Later, however, he states that, rather than trying to mix colors, it is best to simply use desired tube colors. That seems inconsistent. Similarly, he advises against using white for highlights, yet some of his paintings show highlights of white. (I can't criticize his advice, just the apparent inconsistencies.) It is for such ambiguities that I give four rather than five stars. (If I could, I'd give 4.5 stars.)

The book's flaws are quite minor, relative to the great instruction it otherwise provides. In fact, I think I learned more from this book than any other art book I have read. I recommend it.

Many of its concepts are also found in another book, The Yin/Yang of Painting, which I also recommend. Each of these books comes at the subject from a little different perspective, using a somewhat different vocabulary and (obviously) different paintings as illustrations. If possible, read both.

I shy away from buying art books, I've been burned by a few. You know the kind, where the artist just writes a book to get his name out and try to get more popular. The kind that are very light on technique yet show full color paintings on every page. I even decided not to buy any more books like that, but everyone kept recommending this one so I thought I'd try it.

I must say, it's not like the average books I was describing above. If you just thumbed through it you'd find a lot of his paintings, but if you take time to read the captions you'll see that he gives his insights and points out specific points related to the text for each one. It's one thing to say "use warm/cool contrast around the focal point", and it's another to demonstrate it with a real painting. The book covers some basics, things I've seen before, but they are presented in the author's unique way which makes them easy to understand. Sometimes I need to see something several times before it makes sense, and many of these theories seemed to make a lot more sense to me after reading the book.

Before reading the book, I wasn't particularly fond of his painting style. But once I read into his strategy and technique, I can honestly say I appreciate his art a lot more. I guess I didn't like it much before the book because I just didn't understand all that was going on. So keep an open mind and don't judge the book by his painting style alone.

The photos of his studio and the last section were extremely interesting. I was asking myself throughout the entire book "What colors does he have on his palette". Fortunately he does tell at the end. I could recognize the phthalo blue in his paintings, which he confirmed at the end. I'm going to try using it a bit more.

Finally, I usually don't refer to other reviews but I think it's unfortunate that two low reviews can distort the rating of this fine book. One gives 2 stars yet seems to approve of the book. And the other is just totally opposite of my experience.

Overall, a great book that I highly recommend to other artists.

I am not wont to read instructional art books but... Dan Mccaw is tremendously clear in imparting his information while trying to get the reader to integrate his/her voice into the art. The superbly written text is clear, professional and heartfelt; Its obvious he is not your typical 'teaching czar' or 'formula' painter therefore the title can be misleading. Aside from this book being a constant easel-side reference, I often find myself just flipping through it to look at his beautiful art. Can't wait for volume 2.

Not only does this book address and embrace the basics of art but
also acknowledges the importance of developing individuality and creativity. I found this book to be sincerely written and easy to understand. I highly recommend it not only for his words but also his art

I loved this book. Dan McCaw is one of the best artists that I have ever seen....past and present. His words of inspiration and style of painting are remarkable. I learned more from this book than any art class that I have taken, or any art book that I have studied. I am happy with the paintings that I have accomplished with the help of Dan's book and I look forward to better paintings in the future using his instrution.

Recommended by a friend, I must say that I was initially attracted to the paintings in this book and found my self just looking at the pictures. However, as I gradually began to read I saw what a wonderful, inspirational and entertaining writer Mc Caw is. He clearly has a talent for teaching equal to that of painting for throughout the book he draws wonderful parallels between art and life. This book also makes a fabulous gift! Perri T.-New Mexico

Anyone trying to interpret their own vision in expression will find this hands-on book: invaluable. Finally! Someone who can express abstruse ideas cohesively, as paint...and colour...and texture...and design! Pap-ist my ass :) Thanks again, Dan McCaw, and humbly, Siobhan.

this book ranks up there with harley brown's, richard schmid's,
and 'how i paint'.......if you like books by artists centered
around their own work and techniques - this one is a keeper:-)

inspirational as well!

I own well over 50 art books. Some are instructional, some are just good for studying the great painters. Of all my instructional type books, I would rate this #1!! I love his style and his lessons are terrific. I teach Impressionist oil painting and my students love this book as well! I hope he writes another-I will buy it.