4.33

3

Jun 27, 2010

Yarnell's book is targeted at beginners to painting. Ten step-by-step painting tutorials are included, and these help the reader (assuming he actually paints along* instead of just reading!) along in getting a feel for the medium.

I get the feeling that it is not intended for complete beginners, though. For example, Yarnell mentions techniques like drybrush but they are not the main focus of the book, and first-timers may run into some problems getting the result they want. If you are really just Yarnell's book is targeted at beginners to painting. Ten step-by-step painting tutorials are included, and these help the reader (assuming he actually paints along* instead of just reading!) along in getting a feel for the medium.

I get the feeling that it is not intended for complete beginners, though. For example, Yarnell mentions techniques like drybrush but they are not the main focus of the book, and first-timers may run into some problems getting the result they want. If you are really just starting out with painting, make sure to play around with the paint on your own on scrap canvas or canvas pads first.

He shows off a simple, homemade stay-wet palette which was of considerable interest to me, because the rapid drying of acrylics is what has always kept me away from the medium.

*something which I haven't done, but am planning to do soon. I will update this review after going through one or two of the exercises.
* Right, a year later here's my update of the review:
I followed the instructions for the project "Church in the Wildwoods". The end result is here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/remiya/4...

His instructions are clear and easy to follow. Recipes for color mixing are usually in the vein of "a tiny bit of alizarin crimson and a lot of white" or "add some - not too much ultramarine to the purple". Vague, but then color mixing is (for most of us) not really an exact science. The pictures are decently sized and there is a bigger reproduction of the final painting at the end to help.

He suggests a palette of around 10 colors, if I remember correctly. Fret not, you don't have to go out and purchase the colors he recommends (though it makes your job easier). I painted my version with four - white, cad yellow, cad red, ultramarine. ...more

4

Mar 09, 2019

In my quest to learn to paint by "reading", I really learned a lot from this book. And I truly loved his painting and the step-by-step instructions with beautiful color pictures for each step.

5

Mar 04, 2017

I love this book! I had never painted landscapes before and had limited experience with painting (just a couple paint night events). I really learned a lot and am happy with the paintings I was able to create by following Yarnell's instructions. I appreciate the fact that you don't need to buy a million different paints or brushes.

4

Jul 04, 2011

Nice book: the only problem that I have with it is that the steps need to be more ordered. You have to read the whole step before you proceed, which for some people may be difficult. Other than that small complaint, I enjoyed this book.

3

Mar 02, 2013

I was not a huge fan of this. The step-by-steps were informative, but when 95% of your pictures are of sunrise or sunset, the whole thing gets very repetitive (and very purple and orange) very quickly.

4

Nov 19, 2011

A good little workbook for people who have had some introduction to acrylics. He doesn't seem to be too into mediums though, just straight paint and some water.

4

Nice book: the only problem that I have with it is that the steps need to be more ordered. You have to read the whole step before you proceed, which for some people may be difficult. Other than that small complaint, I enjoyed this book.Full Review

4

Good step by step introduction to painting.Full Review

0

We've all seen, and sometimes snickered at, the inspirational painters who teach purely romantic, "almighty and majestic" painting on cable and public TV. The best known, like Bill Alexander and Bob ...Full Review