Master Strokes: Pastel: A Step-By-Step Guide to Using the Techniques of the Masters (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Harrison has created two unique and exciting books based on the methods of the masters. It may seem odd at first to study an oil by Courbet to learn pastel techniques or an oil by Gainsborough to learn the art of watercolor portraiture, but it works beautifully. The core of each book focuses in detail on a series of master paintings, each chosen to illustrate a specific subject area, such as portraiture, still life, or landscape. Each is followed by a tutorial in which a contemporary artist demonstrates not how to copy the original but how to use specific techniques to create a new work. Thus, the point of analyzing Winslow Homer's "The Red Canoe" is to learn how to paint figures in a landscape in one's own work. These two books should be added to most collections to complement Ettore Maiotti's earlier fine volume, The Oil Painting Handbook: Learning from the Masters, now out of print.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

This volume contains seven “lessons” that focus on a painting by a great artist, provide background information, and give a detailed evaluation of the techniques. In addition, “how-to” instructions are provided. Master Strokes: Pastel teaches atmospheric and urban landscapes, still lifes, and portraits through a study of works by Turner, Constable, de La Tour, Monet, Degas, Van Gogh, and Courbet.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (June 30, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080692425X
• ISBN-13: 978-0806924250
• Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 9.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,818,440 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Difficult to Follow, March 19, 2003

By A Customer

At first glance this book seems almost as simple as paint-by-number, but when trying to do the projects I found that the explanations were sketchy and the photographs didn't show every step. I'm not an absolute beginner with pastels but my attempts certainly didn't get anywhere near the projects shown, and I don't feel as thought I learned anything. It's nice to see what's possible, but it would be better to work with simpler projects that are explained in detail. I definitely don't recommend this book to anyone who is not already accomplished in oil painting if not pastels.