The Complete Book of Decorative Painting (Paperback)

by Tera Leigh (Author) "One of the joys of being a decorative artist today is that products developed specifically for decorative painting are making it easier than ever to..." (more)
Key Phrases: dry mop brush, coloring book painting, clear glazing medium, Burnt Sienna, Donna Dewberry, Antique Gold Deep (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
Don't dismiss this book as another Jocasta Innes look-alike. Instead, California artist Leigh takes in the world of folk-art painting, such as tole and rosemaling work, that goes beyond faux finishes to include brush-stroke techniques and realistic interpretations of nature, people, and animals. Indeed, this is a bona fide reference on the art, complete with all the information and instructions necessary to start a project. Of course, all the usual topics are covered: materials and supplies, color, surfaces, techniques, brush strokes, lettering and borders, finishes, even five try-your-hand projects. What's unusual is the depth and breadth of the detail; Leigh features, for example, a full chapter on specialty brushes and their usage, as well as a separate one on classes, conventions, teachers, magazines, and other resources. A bible for novices and experienced painters. Barbara Jacobs
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Description
As practical as it is inspirational, this guide is destined to become a decorative painting classic. It's packed with solutions to a range of painting challenges, covering everything from surface preparation to floating techniques to finishing. Information is presented in an easy-to-reference, question & answer scenario, so artists can find the help they need--fast. Full-color, step-by-step instruction clearly illustrates dozens of easy painting techniques. Painters will find complete answers to questions like these: * I can't draw a straight line. How can I paint? * I can't get the paint to go on smoothly. How do I prepare this surface? * My brushstrokes look wobbly. Help! * Where can I find ideas and inspiration? * How do I make my project look special? This guide leaves nothing to chance. It even features tips and techniques for making the most of classes and seminars, as well as a list of major conventions worldwide.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: North Light Books (October 20, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581800622
• ISBN-13: 978-1581800623
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #183,233 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous, from Start to Faux-Finish!, March 10, 2002

By	T (Walnut Creek, CA United States) - See all my reviews

Ms. Leigh's book, unlike so many others entitled 'complete,' is the genuine article, and comprehensively surveys the many styles and techniques used in creating decorative paint effects for craft. Whether you are a complete beginner (like myself) or an experienced artist, this is the only resource book on the subject you will need. Beautifully illustrated and written in Ms. Leigh's informed and engaging style, The Complete Book of Decorative Painting is as enjoyable a read as it is a valuable guide to painting. Each technique is illustrated with step-by-step instructions (including technique tips such as how to hold the brush and recommended types of paint that many other publications overlook), an honest evaluation and rating of the skill required for each (so the novice painter can select projects more likely to produce satisfactory results), and interesting details on the origins and historical development of individual styles. If you get the chance to see Ms. Leigh in person, as I recently did, do so. She is as engaging in person as she is in print. Long a Martha Stewart wannabe, I was genuinely surprised as how simple some of these techniques actually are, and found Ms. Leigh's instructions clear, comprehensive and easy to follow. I recommend this book without reservation to anyone interested in decorative painting.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The finest book of its kind I have reviewed, January 21, 2002

By	Hal H Henry (Wrightwood, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This book is the finest book of its kind I have ever reviewed. It is a step-by-step guide to decorative painting that is easy to read and follow. This book is a must for your reference library of decorative painting materials. With this book you have a master teacher at your fingertips. The photography and detail is outstanding and shows the care and thoughtfulness that went into the completion of this work of art. The color-coded pages make it easy to find and follow illustrations you require; and I agree with the comments on the back of the book by Priscilla Hauser and Donna Dewberry.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Create professional quality results, July 7, 2002

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Tera Leigh's Complete Book Of Decorative Painting (1581800622 ...) tells how to use color basics, brushes, and techniques to create professional quality results in crafts, home decoration, and projects. From lettering and faux finishes to brush techniques and antiquing options, this uses a reference and question/answer format along with color photos to encourage easy experimentation.