Customer Reviews

Pure Color: The Best of Pastel

5 star:		(4)
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3 star:		(2)
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I began collecting books this past year on successful pastel paintings. This particular collection is my latest and as someone who's always loved the medium of pastels, I think Pure Color is truly the finest and most inspirational book of its kind...makes me feel like happier than a kid in a candy shop! I also appreciate begin able to have access to the artists' contact information located at the end of the book; going to their web sites is like having an extension of the hardcover version of the book and makes the experience of reading the book exponentially better.

This edition of Pastel Paintings is outstanding for the quality of the artwork. It goes beyond the usual predictable landscapes and still lifes. There is a variety of painting styles, many loose and free. The inclusion of a beautiful figure drawing among several portrait and figure paintings is refreshing. This is a wonderful book to add to your collection of pastel art. The color and style of these works are supremely exciting.

I was looking for a book that would show other artists' work AND also give me some insight into how they chose the colors they did and a little about how they composed the piece, at least if I want the book to keep in my own library. This is a beautiful book, but doesn't teach me anything about working with pastel colors or about composition. For that, look at "All About Pastels" and for hands-on practice, I loved the book "Pastel Workbook," which is coming out in paperback soon. I did enjoy looking at this book from the library, but don't see a need to own it.

This one is the most comprehensive book on pastel art I've seen. Beautifully presented, it's the ideal companion to my other art books. Carefully chosen artists show their work and describe the process involved in creating each masterpiece.

Every painting in the book is a jewel and this book is a treasure. It is divided into four chapters: 1.still lifes, 2.figures and faces, 3.landscapes, 4.lights, reflections and shadows. Information about contributors is very helpful. This is not an art instruction book, but it can certainly teach you a lot about the medium, color, composition, etc. by example.

I was challenged to buy book based on the cover review. Upon receiving the book, I was somewhat disapointed in the content within. I expected a higher caliber of colorists than illustrated.

Jim Gola, Sec
NW Oil Painters Guild

www.oilpantersguild.com