Ron Ranson On Skies: Techniques In Watercolour and Other Media [Paperback]

Ron Ranson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 30, 1998

From the serenity of a color-streaked evening sky to the breaking light of a new day to the misty grayness after a rain shower, the ever changing sky dictates the whole mood and feeling of landscape painting. Master watercolorist Ron Ranson demonstrates how to capture the sky and improve the quality of your paintings, using a palette of only seven colors. He explains how to use a camera as a tool and photographs as a source to keep your work fresh, immediate, and spontaneous. A colorful gallery of finished paintings illustrates the results of the various techniques, and Ranson's constant enthusiasm provides plenty of encouragement. From clouds to sunlight to weather conditions, by successfully interpreting the beauty of the sky you will create more effective paintings every time you put brush to paper. A Selection of F&W's North Light Book Club. Studio Vista 128 pages (all in color), 8 3/4 x 10 7/8.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

A prolific author of how-to-paint books, Ranson has created a valuable work on a topic that is, at best, treated as only a chapter elsewhere. Skies are often neglected by nonprofessional artists or are done quickly in one of a few repeated patterns. Ranson, who has painted skies from Norway to Borneo, begins with an excellent photo-essay that will change the way most artists perceive this part of their paintings. From golden sunlight through the darkness and drama of storms to haze and varieties of fog, examples teach the reader to use observation of the sky to add depth and richness to landscapes. Ranson brings considerable talent and enthusiasm to this highly recommended title.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Studio Vista (June 30, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0289801753
• ISBN-13: 978-0289801758
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #128,852 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #99 in Books > Arts & Photography > Painting > Watercolor

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Treats a neglected topic beautifully, April 13, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Ron Ranson On Skies: Techniques In Watercolour and Other Media (Paperback)

I was delighted to find a book devoted to my favorite subjects, skies. This book is one of a kind, as far as I know--and much needed. The techniques are presented clearly and with optimism; Ranson makes you want to go get your paints and brushes and try any of the beautiful skies presented. If I could keep only three or four of my watercolor books, this book would definitely be on the keep list.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Skies, by Ron Ranson, December 26, 2001

By 

Jack Mulhollen (Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ron Ranson On Skies: Techniques In Watercolour and Other Media (Paperback)

As a teacher of transparent watercolors for the past 10 years,I've found that painting skies is the first and formost lesson that a student must learn. This book is a valuable must for any new student. Ron shows all the basics needed to learn how to paint all types of dramatic skies. I still refer to this book to keep sharp! Jack...

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful techniques for painting skies, September 6, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Ron Ranson on Skies: Techniques in Watercolour and Other Media (Hardcover)

This is a superior book with great teaching techniques, telling what color paints are used to get certain effects. The pictures themselves are worth the book, but his teaching techniques are excellent, and his artistry awesome. I recommend it for beginners and for anfyone who wants to learn to paint skies.