This third book in the popular Do More Art series exposes how the simplest of writing tools is in fact the key to an entire universe of artistic expression. From simple doodling and mark-making to meticulously built-up tour de forces - a piece of graphite is all that is needed to create whole new worlds. Selwyn Leamy and Eve Blackwood explore the many different ways the pencil can be used: from hatching and smudging to frottage and even collage. Each technique is clearly explained and illustrated with works by some of the greatest contemporary pencil practitioners - demonstrating once and for all that the pencil really is mightier than the pen.

How to Read Paintings is a valuable visual guide to Western European painting. Through a gallery of artworks accompanied by informative commentary, it enables readers to swiftly develop their understanding of the grammar and vocabulary of painting, and to discover how to look at diverse paintings in detail, closely reading their meanings and methods. In the first part of the book, the Grammar of Paintings, the author reveals how to read paintings by considering five key areas: shape and support, medium and materials, composition, style and technique, and signs and symbols, as well as the role of the artist. In the second part, we explore fifty paintings through extracted details, accompanied by insightful commentary, training the reader and viewer to understand context and discover meaning within art. As a collection, the pictures featured in How to Read Paintings have a strong relationship with one another, and underpin the story of painting. This book will be a valuable tool whether you are viewing the real thing on a gallery wall, or simply reading around the subject to learn more about Western art.

Mitchell Smith's classic 1941 work presents a series of lessons covering all aspects of the art of caricaturing. [Facsimile reprint]

The Landscape Painter's Workbook is the definitive hands-on guide to the time-honored techniques and essential elements of landscape painting. Written by celebrated landscape artist, instructor, and author Mitchell Albala, this richly informative and beautifully illustrated volume leads you step by step through his approach to the genre, from establishing a composition using basic shapes to applying time-tested color strategies, with all-new lessons, practical exercises, and special topics, including: The Complete Color Strategy. What are the three aspects of color contrast that guide a painting's strategy? Notan. Explore this special type of compositional study, which identifies the underlying shapes and patterns of a composition. Picture Formats. How does the picture format-horizontal, vertical, or square-affect the composition? What are the pros and cons of each? Color Grouping. A full chapter details this special practice, which helps maintain harmony by organizing colors into a limited number of groups. Composition. An in-depth review of variation, movement, and active negative space, with illustrations that diagram the action in each example. Workshop Exercises. Instead of demonstrations that show how the author paints, The Landscape Painter's Workbook includes 10 skill-building workshop exercises to help you work through essential lessons on your own. With examples of work by 45 contemporary landscape painters-more than 80 paintings in all- in oil, acrylic, pastel, and watercolor, the lessons are suitable for all mediums. Each painting is thoroughly analyzed in terms of shape, composition, or color, with supporting diagrams, thumbnails, and photographs. The Landscape Painter's Workbook inspires and informs all artists, from aspiring to accomplished, on how to successfully portray the majesty and subtlety of the natural world. The For Artists series expertly guides and instructs artists at all skill levels who want to develop their classical drawing and painting skills and create realistic and representational art.

Discover a bountiful garden of 28 whimsical flower designs in this extraordinary coloring activity book. Zenspirations artist Joanne Fink reveals her easy-learn techniques for combining simple strokes with playful patterns in gorgeous floral designs. So much more than mere outlines to color, exquisite Zenspirations patterns are launching pads of endless imagination and creativity. You don t need to have the skills of an artist to create your own masterpiece here. After your patterning is complete, go ahead and explore color Use Joanne s finished examples for guidance, or try your own interesting color combinations to create dazzling flower art. Printed on high quality extra-thick paper, this beautiful and inspirational book is perfect for decorating with your choice of colored pencils, markers, gel pens, or watercolors. Pages are printed on one side only, and are pre-perforated for easy removal and display."