Customer Reviews

Watson-Guptill Handbook of Landscape Painting (Practical Art Books)

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

 

 

Unfortunately the first time I wrote a review for this book the results were affected by the insertion of inappropriate computer text. Now I will try again. The author of this book has a long and respectable history in the arts particularly at the masthead of The American Artist Magazine. He is also a good painter though staid, in my opinion. In this volume the pieces, writing and examples that deal only with traditional landscape work well. Several are quite lovely. The book itself is geared to the beginner, however, where it goes wrong is in the garrish and unprofessional examples that found their way into the chapters dealing with architecture. There is a place in every artists' life for those paintings we enjoyed doing but out better judgement should realize belong in the shadows. This is not the case with some of the authors' attempts, and as such, the goal of excellance in instruction is severely damaged. If you want an excellent book to start the journey of landscape painting with try Margaret Kesslers', but avoid this uneven guide.

I completely disagree with the 1 star reviews: As a person who like art--all types of art and engage in art, I wholehearted and without bias disagree with the negative reviews against the artist and this book. I like (I reserve "love" for absolute complete affection--so "like" comes very highly) this book very much because it feels balance. It is a balance for those who already know how to paint and for those artists who need that extra something for inspiration. (This book, as with most books are not for the paid professionals who make $$$ painting, and quite frankly would they need to buy such books; it is also not a 101 for beginners.) This book is refreshing and his text takes you directly into his thoughts on/for a painting. It's not a book that goes on and on with introductories. It does not have the "pay per word" kind of text to bore the reader. You immediately share what flows from his head as if he is speaking right next to you. I can tell you this form of natural free flowing unadorned communication is in very short supply. It is not designed to manipulate, to set off, to glorify but simple honest expressionism of his impressions--and that's what art is about--what it should do, project ones unique expression displayed and explained as only the artist can convey. The book is loaded with plates of his work as well as others with concise narratives. There are brief "how to" but they are designed to inspire the imagination rather than dominating or guiding ones skill. After reading this book from the library and now purchasing it, it seems to me these negative reviews sound more like personal attacks than objective reviews. Like most art books, he includes works form other artists that he like and provide an avenue to introducing new talents to readers.

P.S. Borrow this book from the library (if you are not buying--but read the positive reviews first if you are) and let's have some more reviews for fairness sake.

The nice painting on the front is simply the best in the book.
Many of the examples look a novice did them. The publisher
is at fault for a true " bait and switch" on this so-called handbook.

I'm sorry, I don't what to say beyond I found this book terrible disappointing. It was simplistic, provided no useful information or insight, and most importantly seems quite useless as a handbook.

Mr Doherty is an excellent painter.Let me see some of the other reviewers paintings! He covers many important points on painting and seeing what you paint. His harmony is so pleasant and topics on light and land are very understandable and organized so you can learn many more techniques artist from Tn

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2. Please enter a title for your review: This book was a major disappointment. Although the author can do some palatable work when it is just landscape his garish and poorly executed town and architectural studies are embarrasing to witness. There are much better books for landscape painters than this. try Kessler's