Complete Artist’s Manual: The Definitive Guide to Materials and Techniques for Painting and Drawing

In spite of its subtitle - The Definitive Guide to Materials and Techniques for Painting and Drawing - the book is mainly about painting, and even there it can't be considered a definitive guide. Nevertheless, it's a very good reference for beginners and intermediates alike, for seasoned artists I'm not so sure. As a beginner what attracted me the most was the contrast between the materials and techniques used for oils, acrylics and watercolors. It surely helped me to decide on which one of those to focus first. Regarding content, the book is divided in 10 chapters: - “Supports” is about choosing and preparing the right surface for painting and drawing. It covers canvases, panels, and papers, and the properties of each one. It goes through topics like how to stretch canvas, how to stretch watercolor paper, sizing for oils, priming for oils and acrylics, and more. - “Drawing Media” gives a brief overview of the characteristics and main techniques associated with pencils, colored pencils, charcoal, pastels, conté crayons, inks and markers. - “Painting Media” is one of the longest chapter of the book. For each of the three most popular painting mediums (oils, acrylics and watercolors) it covers the properties of the paints, recommended starter palettes, brushes and accessories. For oils it also covers binders, mediums and diluents. Egg tempera, gouache and chroma-color are briefly explained. - “Where Shall I Start?” is a very short chapter about choosing a medium and a subject and preparing for painting, either in a studio or outdoors. - “Drawing & Sketching” is about the two fundamentals to all art: drawing and observation. Is goes about things like drawing from live models and the importance of keeping a sketchbook. - “Painting Techniques” presents a wide range of techniques that artists use to produce their paintings. It covers oils, acrylics and watercolors. - “Color & Composition” talks about color theory, color mixing and some composition principles that contribute to a balanced design. - “What Shall I Paint?” is a catalogue of painting themes and their variations, with step-by-step examples and tips on how to approach certain challenges. - “The Studio” presents the requirements for a comfortable and well organized working space. It also explains varnishing, the use of fixatives, mounting and framing as methods of preserving and displaying finished artworks. - “Gallery of Art” presents works of art featuring common painting subjects, from still-lifes to portraits.

I know little about the actuality of using artist tools, but I've always wanted to. Now I'm on a journey of finding out, of "starting art", and I'm finding this comprehensive book so useful. I've wanted to start for so long and this Manual is helping in so many ways as I decide what I'd like to try, what I could use - brushes, media, materials etc - how to use them, and what's out there to discover. I'll be referring to this manual all the time, I know.

This is a really great book at a brilliant price. It gives very informative and detailed information on all aspects of painting and drawing. It covers the materials available in great detail and also has examples of how to use the materials. There are also numerous examples of different subjects which can be used as a stimulus to get you started painting or drawing. This is quite a large book with around 400 pages. I have been a working artist for over 40 years and I find that this book is ideal for me to have at my workshops and classes as it is perfect for dipping into and for casual browsing.

I bought this for a niece to go with an art set we purchased for her Christmas present. I look through the book and was very impressed with the coverage of various art techniques and ended up buying a copy for myself. I has a very nice easy reading layout with lots of examples and covers the techniques and materials for painting and drawing.

This book is amazing. It teaches you the sometimes most basic yet essential things, that your supposed to learn in art college. It unveils the hidden secrets, professional artists dont seem to want getting out. I bought a second hand version, that arrived early in mint condition and was very affordable. I'd recommend this book both beginners, studying artists and professionals.

good basic guide

Excellent manual for both beginner and expert alike. Packed with great information, covering all aspects of art.

Good for beginners but if you're looking for detail in any one area this isn't the book. It might help you to decide what medium to chose next to try out

I am an exceptionally talented painter, and many years ago (the book has been in print for about a quarter of a century or more) I learnt almost everything I know about painting from this book. Just Google Bert Ernie Artist to see just how talented I am.

Excellent