Painting for the Absolute and Utter Beginner
Based on the author’s successful courses and workshops, Painting for the Absolute and Utter Beginner really does start at the beginning, helping new painters find “what works” while providing information on all the necessary tools, tips, and techniques they’ll need to create a representational painting.
The chapters follow a progressive sequence that teaches basic skills through practical, accessible exercises–how to handle a brush, achieve the right paint consistency, mix color, a
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Art Wall 3-Piece “Origin of Life in Blue” Gallery Wrapped Canvas by John Black
- SIZE: 12”x16”, 14”x24”, 16”x20”
- STYLE: Modern Impressionism. Materials. Canvas, Wood, High Quality Ink printed on Canvas (Printed Canvas Reproduction of Oil on Canvas)
- SUBJECTS: Tree and Ocean with highlights, mid-tones and Shadows. Use for home, office and even gifting!
John Black’s interpretation of the Orgin of Life in Blue. This is one of his signature pieces. He created this when he found himself reborn and revitalized with Nature and Love. Before he created this piece he was struggling and at a crossroads in his life. Things were going in many different directions, then there was a moment of clarity and everything seemed to intertwine together in hope and love. Therefore he created this piece showcasing how everything grew to form a strong bond between lif
List Price: $ 799.99
Price: $ 59.48
I WAS AND AM EXTREMELY IMPRESSED AND HAPPY WITH THIS WONDERFUL WORK…This one is a useful winner.,
Painting for the Absolute and Utter Beginner! Well, I will be honest. I do not fall into that category. I have been actively painting for about…well, let’s say that I can remember my parents arguing over the prospects of Truman Beating Dewey at the dinner table. I took courses and courses and courses in college; art courses of which most involved painting in a misguided attempt to increase my GPA so that I would not be thrown out on my ear. Since that time I have attended countless workshops and seminars.
Now you would think that I would be a pretty good artist, huh! Well, sadly I am not. While I receive a great amount of pure joy and personal satisfaction from my hobby, I fear to tell you that I am horrible. The only creatures on earth that appreciate my art work, and come to think of it, my poetry, are my dogs. They are nonjudgmental in all things and quite encouraging…as a matter of fact.
But that does not mean I don’t enjoy painting…no, no, no! It is a very important part of my life! I am so much richer for it!
Now the reason I shared the above, other than simply wanting to rant a bit, was to assure you that I know “about” art; I know the mechanics. What I don’t have is talent. Now that being said, I can most certainly verify for you that this is one fine book that I am reviewing here, and if you have never painted before, then you certainly cannot go wrong with this thing.
I went through this work page by page. Despite it all, I learned much! The author’s methodology is absolutely workable and she is obviously one of those individuals who in a natural born teacher. She knows her subject! She has the rare ability to pass her knowledge on, in an understandable fashion, via the written word.
Step by baby-step she takes you through the entire process even to the point of choosing and caring for our fist brushes. Her approach to explaining color; mixing, shading, values, properties, mixing and blending are worth much, even to those that know there way around a palette. Still life, portrait, landscape, figure…it is all here.
Now please take note. This is not one of those little arts and crafts books that teach you how to paint one or two “purty pictures.” No, this is a full blown art course with a certain degree of sophistication. This is not a children’s book, although it could well be used by a skilled teacher to teach children with.
About the only subject I could find that the author did not spend all that much time on was creativity and inspiration; but hey, that is something you sort of have to work out on our own…when you really think about it…it is not something you can get from a book; trust me!
I also liked the way that Ms. Garcia has used the work of her students to illustrate her teaching points rather than her own work. So often when the author uses their own work it is hard to separate the teaching from the “showing off.” I liked that.
Other than taking one on one lessons; or group lessons, with a real life teacher…a good teacher, this work is about as good a teacher you are likely to find.
Good book. If are in the least bit interested in taking this art form up, then you really need to check this one out.
Don Blankenship
The Ozarks
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Buy This Book,
I stumbled on “Drawing for the Absolute and Utter Beginner,” which opened a whole new world to me. Now there is “Painting for the Absolute and Utter Beginner.” Claire Watson Garcia has created two books that are perfect for a novice (like me).
Her method — well-explained, gently encouraging step-by-step instruction — makes learning the basics easy and relatively painless. Seeing other beginners’ artwork and comments helps, too.
Even if you are insecure about your ability, you’ll find that you suddenly are quite amazingly drawing and painting! There couldn’t be a better introduction to making art.
Dawn D.
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The Best Book for the Absolute and Utter Beginner,
I have had the good fortune to have taken several art classes with Claire. She makes drawing and painting fun! Her instructional techniques in class are always very clear and well organized.
This book is almost as good as her classes. The information is presented very systematically, from how to use the book itself to how handle the brushes and to mix the paint. The chapters answer the many questions beginners often have since it is based on her many years of teaching experience with novice painters. The only thing missing is her wonderful presence which is ever so helpful and reinforcing, no matter what your painting level.
A much needed addition to instructional books on painting.
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Ehh..,
The quality of the art doesn’t match what is displayed. For example in the pictures it looks like the all of the branches are very detailed and textured. This is not the case. In reality the only the branches that form the heart have a tiny bit of detail and color. The rest are just solid black lines. My canvas also came warped and the wood was also warped. Over all I loved the idea of the painting, but I’m not so in love with the painting itself. It also took nearly a month to get here from China, which I should have noticed before I bought it but I was too excited. It definitely isn’t worth the money I spent, but it’s also not bad enough to go through the hassle of returning it.
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|Very dissappointed,
This piece of art is decptively small. The picture from the studio is very zoomed and the measurements are decieving. The largest portion of this piece is only about 14″ x 20″ very tiny for the price. Buyer beware.
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|A little disappointing,
After finding this piece here online I was instantly in love with it! Upon receiving it I was disappointed, the size is acceptable but the quality of the work (artistically) doesn’t match the displayed product. The piece I received looks rushed like they were trying to send it out and get their quick buck, the trunks/background/branches all like the flowing details shown in the thumbnail for this product. I think I could’ve gotten my husband to paint the same quality of work after looking at what I got in the mail, I still like it enough not to be completely let down.
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