The Artist's Handbook of Materials and Techniques: Fifth Edition, Revised and Updated (Artists' Handbook of Materials and Techniques) (Hardcover)

by Ralph Mayer (Author) "THE STUDY OF artists' materials and their application to the various techniques of painting covers a number of separate subjects, but they are largely interrelated..." (more)
Key Phrases: natural red iron oxide, solid bulk density, casein gesso, Pigment Red, Pigment Yellow, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Since 1940, when it was originally published, The Artist's Handbook has become indispensable for thousands of practicing artists and art students. The book has remained continually in print through many editions and has sold more than a quarter of a million copies. A detailed index makes a wealth of information readily available. Charts and line drawings throughout.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 784 pages
• Publisher: Viking Adult; 5 edition (May 31, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0670837016
• ISBN-13: 978-0670837014
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.2 x 2.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #62,082 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

84 of 85 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great reference book for all artists., August 8, 2001

By	The Artist "Extremely Untalented" (USA) - See all my reviews

I guessed writing review using reverse-psychology is rather easily misunderstood, considering review readers are from around the world with different ways of thinking. So, let me rephrase my comments about this book.

This book is a 5-STAR, due to the following reasons:

1) The book provides detailed discussion of pigments (pp 65-134), including both physical and chemical properties such as lightfastness (resistance to fading on long exposure to sunlight), density, vehicle compatibility, chemical class, formula, etc.

2) The book also covers other materials used in oil, watercolor painting, as well as other painting techniques such as tempera, mural, etc.

3) Readers will find formulas for preparing mediums throughout the book, as well as supports, solvents, safety issues; along with information on painting tools (brushes, knife, etc.) and other techniques (silk screening, sculpture, etc.)

4) Finally, for readers who prefer further reading on certain subjects, a thorough reference index serves the purpose.

This book targets professional and serious artists, and will serve well as a great reference book.

STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!

42 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very helpful for serious artists seeking permanence of work., October 21, 1998

By	Damon Denys (Salt Lake City, UT United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Probably the best, most available and comprehensive book on the technical aspects of painting. Very useful for artists who pursue absolute soundness of technique with a mind for permanence of their work. Explains in detail the wide range of supports, grounds, primers, pigments, media and application methods, as well as their respective benefits and defects. Certainly not for the casual reader.

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Artist's Bible, January 5, 2003

By	AliMcJ (Dallas, Texas) - See all my reviews

This is the Artist's classic, and the Artist's Bible of not only what materials are but when they came into use, how they are formulated and why. Want to learn how to make your own gesso for silverpoint? Want to cut a quill pen? Want to make your own pastels? Can't remember how to make your own sizing or gesso? Want to try your hand at encaustic or egg tempera painting? Want to know which colors in the spectrum are likely to fade (are fugitive colors) in watercolor and which are not? It's here.