books

Books

Teaching You Art Skills

ISBN 1-84326-170-7

Price £?

Published in 1997 by Ubisoft

This one is a PC CD-ROM. Installation instructions are provided unlike the instructions of how to navigate and use this program. However they were quickly sent for when emailed for. Great for beginners to drawing like myself, but I suspect of limited use to more advanced students. The blurb claims to be equivalent to one year of art classes. I have to admit to not yet having the time to sit down and give this a good go, so I will review further at a later date. review by Jane

South by Southwest by Peter Collyer

ISBN 0-901281-84-0

Price £27.50

Published in 2000 by Thomas Reed Publications

This is what I call a coffee table book. You will find no instruction here whatsoever. Peter Collyer is a talented and established artist, and his work is breathtaking. This book describes 'Painting the Channel Islands' as it's subtitle suggests, recording not only the artists thought process behind his work but a real flavour for the area mingling in historical, legends and geographical tales. You will spend hours just gazing at the quick sketches and fully worked paintings. review by Jane

Light and Mood in Watercolour by David Curtis

ISBN 0-7134-8955-3

Price £18.99

Published in 2005 by Batsford

A beautiful book to move onto I would not recommend this one to beginners. There are only four step by step lessons and the instructions to them are lacking, but there is sufficient information for those with more experience. Where this book does excel is in the range of subjects, the great many photo's of David's work and the sheer quality and quantity of advice on offer. Committed to open air working this artist will help bring atmosphere to any subject you wish to paint. review by Jane

An Introduction To Drawing by James Horton

ISBN 0-7513-0647-9

Price £6.99

First Published in 1994 by Dorling Kindersley

Just as it says, this is the materials and mediums along with techniques. All in 70 pages along with illustrations you cannot expect more than the basics. But for the price this book will not disappoint. review by Jane

Drawing Figures by Ray Smith

ISBN 0-7513-0131-0

Price £6.99

First Published in 1994 by Dorling Kindersley

The inclusion of figures in a picture give it scale but badly drawn will ruin it, thus many artists avoid the human form. This book like the above is basic but it will give you enough information to get going and if you never progress beyond the odd blob man in the distance at least his proportions will be correct. review by Jane

Brush with Watercolour by Terry Harrison

ISBN 0-85532-970-X

Price £12.99

First Published in 2001 by Search Press

Subtitled 'Painting landscapes the easy way'. This book is essentially a manual of how to use the brushes which bear the authors name and the specially blended colours from Daler Rowney that do likewise. Each of the eleven brushes are introduced one at a time, along with the marks with which they will make and small doodles. Followed by a short chapter on techniques. Finishing with six step by step demonstrations. Whilst the book promotes the brush range it is not necessary to be seduced into buying them. You should be able to find brushes already in your possession to do the job, likewise mix your own greens. A good choice for beginners and improvers. Review by Jane

Painting with your Artist's Brain by Carl Purcell

ISBN 1-58180-397-4

Price £17.99

Published in 2004 by North Light Books

What a waste of time this book is. Claiming to 'reveal the secret of better art' through pushing aside the know-it-all intellectual brain. The first 25% of the book covers the usual materials and techniques, with no mention of 'the artists brain'. The real message throughout the rest of the book is that subjects need to be simplified to areas or shapes of tonal value to create a painting or drawing. In other words exactly the same as any other book on composition. There is nothing new in this book except for the way the message is put across, which frankly is rather confusing. Review by Jane

Painting With David Shepherd

ISBN 0-00-715772-x

Price £25.00

Published in 2004 by Collins

David shepherd has been a popular artist for many years but this is the first time he has shared his working secrets with us. One of the world's leading wildlife artists this book also covers landscapes, boats, planes, trains, interiors and portraits. Though to my disappointment everything portrayed is in oils including the step by step demo's. That said this is still a thoroughly good read and a visual treat. Review by Jane

James Fletcher-Watson's Watercolour Sectrets

ISBN 0-7134-8757-7

Price £17.99

Published in 2003 by BT Batsford

Originally written in 1997, revised in 2002 and reprinted in 2003. In this version renowned artist and teacher James Fletcher-Watson reveals his working methods for a host of subjects. Though no step by step lessons are included, the narrative breaks down the thoughts and planning processes of the dozens of paintings illustrated along with 'tips and techniques' along the way. Review by Jane

Bright and Beautiful Flowers in Watercolour by Jen Uhl Spicer

ISBN 0-7153-1875-6

Price £12.99

Published in 2004 by David and Charles

Not being a great flower painter myself I keep looking at this book with the intention of following one of the 6 step by step demos, but can never make up my mind which one as they all look so very beautiful. However most of the demo's look a little advanced for complete beginners. Review by Jane

Painting Landscapes and Nature by Richard Bolton

ISBN 0-85532-989-0

Price £9.99

Published in 2004 by Search Press

With five step by step demo's and chapters covering all aspects of the landscape at both home and abroad this book gives a good grounding to the subject for both beginners and improvers. Review by Jane

Watercolour Fairies by David Riche and Anna Franklin

ISBN 1-84448-009-7

Published in 2004 by Search Press

Not only fairies but elves, sylphs, sprites and other celestial spirits. Along with details of their characters and habitats. The book contains several step by step lessons for quite complicated pieces of work. I was attracted to the book by the innocence of fairies, though much of the contents depict rather sensuous looking spirits. Review by Jane

You can paint Animals in Watercolour by Trevor Waugh

ISBN 0-00-712035-4

Price £12.99

Published by Collins in 2002

The ever popular 'You can Paint' series are step by step guides for complete beginners. However I am going to find this book very useful, being useless at animate objects. Beginning on breaking the animals down to shapes and then forming them to appear 3D it follows with chapters on features and movement. There are exercises to try out and subjects range in both domestic and wild creatures. Reviewed by Jane.

Watercolours in a Weekend by Hazel Harrison

ISBN 0 7153 1392-4

Price £11.99

Published 2002 by David & Charles

Described as 'the only book that can teach a complete beginner how to paint a picture in just one weekend'. Better named as Watercolours in a fortnight. It contains the usual blurb on materials. Followed by six two day courses. On day one you practice techniques and brush strokes demonstrating the skills required for the painting and day two you are lead through a whole painting. The six finished paintings are by different names in the world of art teaching books on different themes, so six different styles are shown, a great bonus against having a book with only one style. In all very good value and an asset to beginners and improvers alike. Review by Jane.

Learn to Paint Outdoors in Watercolour by Alwyn Crawshaw

ISBN 0-00-411926-6

original price unknown

Published 1986 by Collins

I am, unashamedly a great lover of books and spend many a happy hour browsing charity shops bookshelves where I found this little gem for just £1. An excellent book for a beginner with lots of advice and simple exercises. Review by Jane

Frank Clarke's Paintbox

ISBN 0-563-38466-2

original price £12.99 .

published 1998 by BBC Worldwide Limited.

An absolute must for beginners is an instruction book from this gentleman. This is the book that spurred me on. With just nine tubes of paint, three brushes and his 'Have Some More Fun' method, Frank takes you step by step through eight pictures.

I have to admit that having worked through the book, I quickly became bored with Frank's simple painting methods and wanted to add more details to my paintings. And moved on to other books for inspiration. I think that everyone should own one Frank Clarke book, but never any more after that. Review by Jane.

You Can Paint Watercolour by Alwyn Crawshaw

ISBN 0-00-413393-5

Original Price £12.99

Published in 2000 by Collins

Another great book for absolute beginners. Mr Crawshaw's book has eleven exercises with additional tutorials within them of further elements that could be added to the painting. Good as a starting point or to step up from Frank Clarke. The greater amount of details within this book have you painting a quite complicated seascape by exercise eleven. Review by Jane.

Interactive Water Colour by Peter Saw price £29.95

I've included this item in the books, because it is written like a book, it will however being a cd rom take up much less space on the shelf. The cd is packed with basics, lessons, tips, how to adjust mistakes, resource galleries and more. To get all this in traditional book form would cost well over a hundred pounds and a whole bookcase to keep it all in. Additionally the lessons are supplemented with short video clips, showing you exactly how it is done and how thick you need to get the paint. This masterpiece is a must for beginners and improvers alike containing over 4,500 files, over 1000 pages and over 27,000 hyperlinks you will never be stuck for inspiration again. review by Jane.

This link will take you to the website showing you some of the contents; much better than I can, and how to get your own copy.

Still Life in Watercolour by David Webb

ISBN 1-903975-59-X

Price £5.95

Published by Search Press 2003

This is not a book that I would normally have selected for myself but it came as a double offer with my book club.

Personally I find still life uninspiring but this book does include some useful tips on using colour, light & shade, composition and painting glass. A good selection if you like to paint these subjects. Review by Jane.

The Indoor Artist by Linda Birch

ISBN 0-00-715148-9

Price £16.99

Published in 2004 by Collins

Linda Birch writes regularly for Leisure Painter magazine and also illustrates for books. Though not a 'how to' book this is accessible to all talents.

I love the image of sitting in a field wearing a big floppy hat, with a chocolate flake and my watercolours. But how would I get there without transport? Who would take over my responsibilities at home whilst I am away? And as a woman is setting off alone a good idea? For whatever reason many of us find painting outdoors either daunting or just plain impractical.

At last here is a book for us. Yes, still life is included but so is a wide range of other subjects with useful advice relating to gaining resources from photo's, video, tv and even children's toys. Plus advice on great artists to study and develop interesting styles.

Packed full of ideas to expand your painting without having to leave home. Review by Jane.

Painting Water in Watercolour by Christian Wharton

ISBN 0 7153 1388-6

Price £17.99

Published in 2003 by David and Charles

Not so much instruction as advice. The author/artist clearly has a deep love and affinity with water. I have previously struggled to gain any empathy with my subjects, but through this book I am beginning to understand what I am looking for. It's narrative had me gripped from the beginning, in addition to demonstrating this difficult subject. Review by Jane.

Fresh Watercolour by Ray Campbell Smith

ISBN 0 7153 0294-9

Price £12.99

Published in 1995 by David and Charles

Having admired this gentleman's work for some time, it is amazing I have not bought one of his books before. Sub titled 'Bring light and life to your painting', this book explains how to mix and apply your watercolour without getting muddy. With only two brief demonstrations (no step by step instructions), this book is for improvers advising on choosing subjects, composition and perspective then moving to wider subjects. Review by Jane

The Watercolourist's guide to Painting Buildings by Richard Taylor

ISBN 0-7153-0927-7

price £12.99

published in 2002 by David & Charles

Most of my reviews have regrettably been on older books which have been in my library for some time. I have now joined a couple of book clubs to update my collection and offer you reviews of books which you will have a better chance of getting your hands on. I love Richard Taylor's style which led me to select three of his books recently. In this one he covers one of my favourite subjects, buildings.

This book covers tatty little sheds to massive formal buildings of all kinds and street scenes. Using working sketches and step-by-step illustrations. If you like buildings you will love this book. However the lesson are not as clear as some books, which may prove challenging to absolute beginners. Review by Jane.

Watercolor planning and painting by Alan Oliver

ISBN 0-8069-2059-9

original price $24.95

published 1998 by Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.

This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. Chapter one covers the usual basic techniques and materials and also some about combining colours, tonal values and composition. Chapter two has ten practical step by step lessons to add to the narrative in chapter one in the form of demonstrations and also some analysis of how other artists approach the given methods. From a beginners point the step by step instructions not only show the individual stages as the painting progresses but, a separate illustration showing exactly what needs to be added at that stage. Making this by far the easiest book I have ever seen to follow. In the final chapter Alan Oliver discusses developing your own individual style in a way that inspires confidence and compares two artists' approach to the same scene. Highly recommended. Review by Jane.

Watercolour Problems and Solutions by Trudy Friend

ISBN 0 7153 1306-1

Price £14.99

Publishes 2002 by David & Charles

Described as a trouble-shooting handbook. The first third of this book clearly describes techniques and theories useful to beginners and improvers. However I was disappointed with the rest of the book, as it describes very little one can do to adjust a painting to get it right, instead the author anticipates the problems you may encounter. Solutions are to approach the painting in a different way at the outset. This book would prove useful to beginners showing them how to avoid pitfalls, but has little to offer others who wish to know how to put the painting right by making adjustments. Reviewed by Jane.

Watercolour Challenge Practical Painting Course designed and edited by Eaglemoss Publications based on the partwork Watercolour Challenge.

ISBN 0 7522 2032 2

Price unknown

Published by Channel 4 Books in 2001

A useful book for beginners it contains 10 chapters covering much of the basic information needed. Readers of 'Painting with Watercolour' will be familiar with the general format of the information and also some of the pieces are exactly the same as the magazines. I purchased this book as a hardback in a discount book store, but I believe it is also now available in regular bookstores as a paperback. Whatever way you purchase this book it will be considerably less than buying partwork magazines. Review by Jane

Awash with Colour by Dermot Cavanagh

ISBN 0-563-48805-0

Price £9.99

Published by BBC Worldwide in 2002

Published to accompany the TV series of the same name and described 'as a practical guide to watercolour painting'. The basics are covered on materials and techniques followed by some very good theory on perspective etc. The book finishes with five demonstrations as shown on TV with narrative on the different stages. This is not so easy to follow as it was quite sketchy in places, and I feel it would confuse complete beginners. But overall it is a good book and would appeal to artists who, having gained confidence were happy to work for themselves with less guidance. Review by Jane.

Atmosphere Mood and Light + Buildings Bridges and Walls both by Keith Fenwick

ISBN 0-572-02836-9 + 0-572-02835-0

Published by Arcturus Publishing 2002

Price £5.99 each

Keith Fenwick is the principle demonstrator for Winsor Newton and I looked forward to receiving this double offer from my book club having been seduced by the cover of 'Atmosphere, Mood and Light'.

I would not recommend either of these books for complete beginners as from the covers both suggest you can create paintings in minutes, and any exercises are not easy to follow without some experience.

'Atmosphere Mood and Light' offers advice on creating the light in paintings and does cover briefly the differing light according to the time of day and season. However I found that most of the narrative repeated itself through out the book. To add insult to this a printing error on page 28 has identical descriptions for painting both the sky + the mountains and buildings.

'Buildings Bridges and Walls' includes some interesting ways of adding texture to brick work. But I would have thought a book covering the subject of buildings would cover more details of linear perspective.

On the whole I found this package disappointing. Review by Jane.

Light in Watercolour by Jackie Barrass

ISBN 0 85532 906 8

Published by Search Press 2000

Price £5.95

Capturing the correct light in a painting can be very difficult. This book shows how to convey the light and consequently the mood of a painting in a number of different scenes from strong sunlight to dusk in step by step exercises. Again a very good value book for beginners and improvers. Review by Jane.

Watercolour Challenge by Diana Vowles

ISBN 0-7522-1806-9

Original Price £16.99

Published in 1999 by Macmillan Publishers Limited.

Following the usual initial chapters on materials etc., this book records the programmes shown on TV. During eleven chapters thirty three artists face the 'Watercolour Challenge', tracking their progress during the four hours given to produce their paintings. Each of the chapters also has small insights from the experts. The book illustrates how each artist will view the same scene quite differently, but holds little instruction on learning to paint. A fascinating good read all the same.

Review by Jane.

Landscapes in Watercolour by Ray Campbell Smith

ISBN 0-85532-849-5

Published by Search Press 2002

Price £5.95

These Search Press publications are such good value. Ray Campbell Smith's painting inspire me everytime and this book does not disappoint as he is also an able tutor. Covering all you need to get started in landscape painting. Review by Jane

Wild flowers in Watercolour by Wendy Tait

ISBN 1 903975 04 2

Published by Search Press 2003

Price £5.95

An excellent book to introduce flower painting. Subjects covered include composition, using masking fluid, negative painting and step by step lessons. A good choice for beginners and improvers to watercolour painting, but also valuable to more experienced artists who have never tried flower painting before. Review by Jane.

Forests & Woodlands plus lakes & Rivers by Richard Taylor

ISBN F&W 1-85585-842-8 L&R 1-85585-843-6

Price £8.99 each

Published in 2001 by Collins and Brown

I bought both of these books together. Hard-backed and a little over A5 in size these books are handy to pop in with your equipment when painting outside. Inside the pages are on spiral binders allowing the books to open fully, ready to guide you with clear instructions on how to approach your subject. Review by Jane.

Ian King's Watercolour Landscape Techniques

Hardcover - 128 pages (3 March, 2003)

ISBN: 0007137451

Cost £16-99

Published in March 2003 by Collins

Described as "This is the first book by well-known and very popular Anglia TV artist Ian King. It teaches how to paint traditional landscapes, buildings and seascapes using Ian’s ‘trademark’ 7-stage painting technique. I found the book very informative. The book covers everything from the basics of choosing materials and the essential techniques for mixing washes and brushwork. As a newcomer to painting in Nov 2002 I highly recommend this book, all the components to painting a landscape are included and five demo pictures are presented for the reader to try with each step explained in easy to follow detail.

Thank you to Steve Westgate for this review.

Water-Soluble Pencils by Wendy Jelbert

ISBN 0-85532-771-5

Price £6.99

Published in 2003 by Search Press

Covering both water soluble pencils and pastels, comparing them, using them both wet and dry. This book is a hotch potch of differing techniques with four step by step demonstrations and a gallery of finished works. Very good as an introduction to this relatively new medium.

Painting with Oils by Noel Gregory

ISBN 0-85532-900-9

Price £5.95

Published in 2000 by Search Press

As with all Search Press publications this is a practical guide from basics to painting a variety of subjects. I found this a sound introduction to oil painting; which incidentally does not agree with my impatient nature but, I shall probably use it as a guide for working with acrylics which will dry quicker, or better still watercolour.

I can Draw Wild Animals by Terry Longhurst

ISBN 1-40540-357-8

Price I found it in the Poundshop

Published in 2003 by Parragon

This book is written for children, but as I struggle with animate objects I thought I'd go for this grass roots book. Covering 14 different animals readers are given clear instructions on how to approach each subject along with brief details of it's habitat and why certain body parts are shaped as they are, thus giving children a good insight to these creatures. In addition to helping along the odd adult like myself. Having followed the instructions for the elephant I felt able to look for photographs and attempt a larger picture. there are other titles too farm animals, dinosaurs, flying machines and cars&trucks. Review by Jane

The Complete Book of Sketching by John Hamilton, John Marsh, Robert Norrington and Sharon Finmark

ISBN 0-7537-0778-0

Price unknown

Published in 2003 by Chanceller Press

This book is a compilation of previous publications by the individual authors. Consequently some information is repeated over and over. But this does not seem to matter so much as often it is on the subject of perspective etc which needs to be reinforced on some students before it sinks in. The book covers a wide range of subjects with the exception of portraits and animals. Sketching should never be underestimated as good draughtsmanship is essential to successful paintings. Perfect for beginners and improvers alike.

Coastal Landscapes by David Bellamy

ISBN 0-00-712176-8

Price £17.99

Published by HarperCollins in 2002

I would not recommend this book for absolute beginners. Demonstrations are accompanied by the briefest of narrative, leaving the reader to have to study the techniques for themselves. It does make a very book for advancing students.

The book covers work in oils and pastels in addition to watercolour. The information is valuable whatever medium you choose to work in. At the end of each chapter are exercises to help practice the skills discussed and a photograph for you to have a go at yourself. The final chapter shows David Bellamy's interpretations of those photograph for you to compare your own work with.

Throughout the narrative is instructive and practical. At times we read little anecdotes of how David has escaped from many scrapes whilst trying to gain the optimum angle for sketching and painting. This information shows that even brilliant masters like David Bellamy are as daft and human as the rest of us. I believe that a book by David Bellamy is a must for all students at some point of the journey from beginner to artist. Review by Jane.

The Drawing and Painting Course by Angela Gair

ISBN 1-86147-000-2

Original Price £19.99

Published in 1996 by Abbeydale Press

This big value book contains sections on drawing, watercolour and oil painting. I have also seen these elements offered as three separate books.

The drawing course offers fourteen projects working with a number of different mediums. The watercolour course has thirteen projects introducing a number of techniques and unusual effects. And the oil painting course adds another twelve projects. Though I am interested mainly in watercolour the other chapters make interesting reading and have much to say regarding colour harmony etc.. Review by Jane.

ISBN 1-84081-210-9 ISBN 1-84081-206-0

Painting with Watercolours, Oils & Acrylics

& Drawing with Pencils & Pastels both by Hazel Harrison

Published in 1996 by Anness Publishing Limited

Both of these titles were previously published as part of a larger work 'How to Paint & Draw'. Both books are in two sections according to media, they offer much less of the step by step exercises but more in techniques and special effects. Good information as you begin to develop into 'improvers'. Review by Jane.

Art Class edited by Ken Howard

ISBN 1-84100-165-1

Original Price £15.99

Published in 1999 by Bramley Books.

This and the following book are both good for the improvers. It has little to say on media and, concentrates instead on the disciplines of art. Included are drawing, painting, composition and perspective. The details in each section quickly move from the basics to more complicated issues. A hefty read in my humble opinion, many may take an initial glance and place it back on the shelf. But it is a good book to read a little of and return to when you are ready. Review by Jane.

The Complete Artist edited by Ken Howard

ISBN 1-84100-166-X

Original Price £15.99

Published in 1999 by Bramley Books

Described as 'A beginner's Complete Guide to Painting and Drawing' Again I found this a hefty read. But then I am not as literate as some. Four artists make their contributions to portrait drawing, landscape, figure drawing and still life working in a variety of mediums. Again more for improvers, this book does not contain step by step exercises but has more of the technical stuff.

It is important though to study a variety of artists' styles so that you can pick and choose elements that you prefer to use, contributing to your own style. Review by Jane.

Great Masters Titian by Iain Dickinson Gill and Whistler by Michael Howard.

ISBN 1-86160-466-1 and 1-86160-475-0

Price £6.95 each

Published in 2002 by Quantum Publishing

Beginning with a brief history of the artists life the book continues to reveal the artists' techniques by close examination of a number of their works including close-ups. These two books are part of a series which also includes Bruegel, Cezanne, Degas, Gauguin, Goya, Manet, Monet, Pissaro, Rembrandt, Renoir, Rubens, Toulouse-Lautrec, Turner and Van Gogh. Review by Jane

The Art of the Impressionists by Janice Anderson

ISBN 1-85813-636-9

Price unknown

Published in 2002 by Parragon

Plotting the impressionists movement with a general introduction and illustrating a number of works by different artists, I love to browse this and the next book with an afternoon cuppa.

The Life and Works of Monet by Edmund Swinglehurst

ISBN 1-85813-903-1

Price unknown

Published 2002 by Parragon

The title says it all. A brief biography is followed by 50 full colour reproductions of his painting with narrative to explain each works significance.

Edward Seago by Ron Ranson

ISBN 0-7153-9001-5

Price £40.00

published in 1987 by David & Charles

This is one very stylish book, though not that thick the book is large. As you turn the pages you can feel the quality and the pictures are breathtaking, much detail of which would be lost if the book was presented smaller.

Ron Ranson the author, is also a successful artist himself, having been inspired to take up painting in middle age after studying Seago's work. Edward Seago was born in 1910 his sad demise in 1974 robbed the world of an artist who had devotees across the globe. Ron Ranson has produced this fine tribute to the artist describing his life and influences. A thoroughly good read but, not for those looking for instruction. Review by Jane.

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