Painting The Elements

Come rain or come shine ... with this expert, all-weather advice, any day is a perfect day for painting! There is more to life (and landscape painting!) than a perfect, sunny day. In this book, 8 "seasoned" artists share their favorite tips for capturing the look and feel of the elements in oil, acrylic and watercolor. You'll learn to paint sunrise to sunset, rain or shine, summer through winter ... and every type of atmospheric condition in between. Get expert advice for evoking a thrilling range of moods, including: clear, sunny days • morning fogs • cloudy skies • snowy scenes • sunrises • sunsets • sultry summer days • morning light • autumn days • overcast days • thunderstorms • rain • twilight • moonlight • mountain mist • morning light • dappled sunlight with lively shadows • sunlight streaming through clouds or foliage • and more! A series of 18 step-by-step demonstrations show you how to use color, the principals of design, the power of light, and other artistic tools to dramatize and harmonize the feeling of weather throughout your entire scene. Learn how to paint skies that set the mood. Tune in to key differences between the light at different times of the day, and throughout the various seasons. Discover special techniques that allow the magic of a summer day or the bite of a winter's eve to shine forth. Many inspiring examples of landscape art illustrate how—through the eyes of an artist—every face of nature presents exciting expressive opportunities. Don't just brave the elements, embrace them!

Air, Water, Earth, Fire. All life on earth depends on and survives because of the four elements of nature. Poets and painters alike have captured their allure and our desire for beauty. But how do artists render the essence of atmosphere and light, the sky, fog and mist, and wind and snow, as well as different terrain, mountains, wildfire, and festive fireworks? Now, over 50 contemporary artists and more than 400 paintings reveal the secret in every possible style. Here's what is available to you here: Each topic is analyzed according to its specific properties and uses. You find the resources, methods, and styles most suited to represent each element. Each chapter offers step-by-step exercises and tutorial videos. This is magic and method all wrapped into one volume. The artists here will speak to you and you can learn from their insight and the direction in which they pursue their artistic goals.

Abstract Painting: The Elements of Visual Language examines and articulates a vocabulary of visual elements from which you build images, abstract or otherwise. As you examine line, shape, pattern, texture, depth, and color in detail, you become more aware of the elements that make up a painting, and better able to observe your own work without judgment and self-criticism. Generously illustrated with over 200 color images, this book will open your eyes to a whole new way of seeing your paintings as they develop, allowing you to be more personally expressive and authentic in your artistic expression.

Discover the hidden language of images using this full-color guide to the Elements and Principles of Art and Design with over 200 individual illustrations and 30 artwork examples. This comprehensive illustrated exploration of how images are composed is organized for easy reference and explores each element and principle in depth. Unlike big textbooks, this field guide-sized edition can easily slip into a bag or pocket for your next trip to the museum, design meeting, or classroom critique.

A landscape painting guide for oil painters that breaks landscapes down into component elements from nature, and showcases tools and techniques used by classic and modern oil painters for bringing these scenes to life. Landscape painting is one of the most popular subjects for painters working in the medium of oils--from classic masters to contemporary artists. In The Elements of Landscape Oil Painting, established Watson-Guptill author and noted instructor/painter Suzanne Brooker presents the fundamentals necessary for mastering landscape oil painting, breaking landscapes down into component parts: sky, terrain, trees, and water. Each featured element builds off the previous, with additional lessons on the latest brushes, paints, and other tools used by artists. Key methods like observation, rendering, and color mixing are supported by demonstration paintings and samples from a variety of the best landscape oil painters of all time. With The Elements of Landscape Oil Painting, oil painters looking to break into landscape painting or enhance their work will find all the necessary ingredients for success.

Create compelling paintings by mastering compositional techniques While happy accidents may occasionally contribute to producing strong, eye-catching paintings, conscious painting is more important. According to author Frank Webb, "Composition is more important than fact, technique, or subject." To create compelling, expressive works, you must make the composition the foundation of your plan. This book provides example-by-example demonstrations of how you can achieve this. The works of 24 professional artists included in this book give you an over-the-shoulder look at how to apply composition techniques. Armed with this information, you can paint a powerful picture and--just as importantly--analyze and improve a work that has gone wrong. "Strengthen Your Paintings with Dynamic Composition" is an indispensable addition to the artist's library that you will read and re-read. Webb's memorable instruction will guide the beginner through composition challenges and serve as a reference for the more experienced painter. Frank Webb, a professional artist since 1947, is a Dolphin Fellow of the American Watercolor Society, which he has represented in international exhibitions in Canada, New York, England, Scotland, and Mexico City. A guest instructor in all 50 states, juror, and lecturer, Webb has received over 110 major medals and awards from national competitions, including six from the American Watercolor Society. Collectors of Webb's paintings include National Taiwan Arts Education Center, Baylor University, Palmer Museum of Art at Penn State University, Portland Museum of Art, and South Arkansas Arts Center, to name a few.Webb is featured in "Who's Who in American Art" and "Who's Who in the East," and he is also a member of the Allied Artists of America, Audubon Artists, the Rocky Mountain National Watermedia Association, and many other art associations."

Pure, Frank Reilly method of painting by Reilly's student/class monitor Ralph Garafola. The Canvas Awaits - Fill It"Frank J. Reilly - The Elements of Painting" presents the principles and concepts of the craftsmanship involved in the graphic arts. The guidelines presented here will help students, art teachers and professional painters and designers discover and/or further develop their craft.The book is a must read for both the aspiring painter and accomplished artist - and everyone in between. It also assists art teachers and art schools in the instruction of their students and serves well as a college text book of art.◊◊◊Frank J. Reilly was an American painter, illustrator, muralist and teacher. Reilly served as the Commissioner of Art for New York City. Ralph Garafola studied at the Art Students League of New York for seven years with Reilly. Reilly was married with no children and considered his students family. He became both mentor and father-figure for Garafola."To succeed in the realm of graphic arts, like dancing and music, one must acquire knowledge. By practicing and applying that knowledge, one becomes skillful. It was Reilly's logical application which was the basis for developing my craft. After 65 successful years I have never found reason to change the drawing or painting methodology Reilly taught to me. Now through this book I share it with you."Ralph Garafola, author

Includes color circles, spheres, and scales as well as suggested exercises.