Painting Beautiful Skin Tones With Color & Light in Oil, Pastel and Watercolor

Rating:
Summary: Pastels mostly.(...)
Review: I felt that there were a lot of good things to consider in this book. The author addresses several issues and explains them regarding lighting ('temperature', position, and corrections), color theory (warms, cools, and use of each in same portrait), the importance of pre-portrait sketches, the use of photos, composition, as well as other technical things. These I felt were important to know. However, I desired a text that would emphasize the use of oils. The larger majority of the illustrations are in chalk pastel. Although you can make pastel look like an oil, I would have liked to have seen more oils and technique. There are very few water color examples.
Her portraits are lovely but I think that there is a similar look to most of them that is recognizable. Some of the examples are too smooth in the layout of color (the skin looks perfect). I did not feel that some of these portraits were true to the person pictured. Perhaps this was a flaw in printing or the client wanted to be painted flawlessly.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent for Learning Portraiture
Review: I have just purchased this book, and it is my favorite one on portraiture! The author gives excellent step by step instruction on painting portraits in all mediums...pastel, oil, or watercolor. Highly recommended!

Rating:
Summary: Excellent for Learning Portraiture
Review: I have just purchased this book, and it is my favorite one on portraiture! The author gives excellent step by step instruction on painting portraits in all mediums...pastel, oil, or watercolor. Highly recommended!

Rating:
Summary: Strictly for beginners or hobby painters!
Review: I saw this book on the shelf at the Public Library and skimmed through it because of the title. "Beautiful Skin Tones"? I think not.

Sorry, but I'm in agreement with "A Dissenting Opinion" as the skin tones I see painted in this book were pretty amateurish. I don't think it was problem with the reproductions in the book--although undoubtedly the originals look "livelier" than the repros.

I've attended some tough Art Schools where you really had to paint well in order to graduate. I don't think the author of this book would have been allowed to matriculate given the flat, muddy, or garish colors I see passing for skin color in this book. I gave the book two stars because of the verbal discussions, which have some good info in them but it's the USE of that info by the author where the problem lies. Anybody can lecture on basics but few, it seems, can apply them the way they were meant to be applied.

All in all, it's just another book by a better-than-average amateur setting themselves up as a "teacher" and pursuing the thing they love. Problem with a lot of them is that they start "teaching" and writing books before they've advanced very far, though, no doubt they truly belive in how good they are at painting, and their friends and family think they are good and they make money at painting, etc. etc.

Perhaps the author should consider going back to school and putting some more effort in painting better skin tones under professors and maestros that will take away her brush and dig right into her canvas or paper right there in front of her to break some of these obvious bad habits--overmixing being the most obvious but edge control and hitting the values right are also amongst her problems.

If she'd try this--finding some good teachers or even workshops-- plus another decade of study and work, her next book might have some value to anyone more than just the amateur or hobby painter.

I you must buy books to learn from, stick with the Harley Brown, the Daniel Greene or Sanden books and try to emulate the color and tone mixtures exactly. Better yet, go to your local reproduction store and have them print out a small canvas some simple photo you've taken and then try to paint over it until you can hit the values and hues perfectly. It's no substitute for school, but at least you'll be able to see your progress.

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful Portraiture
Review: If you are aspiring to be a portrait artist, or wish to improve your skills, this is the book for you. Chris Saper presents the needed knowledge for capturing the essence of a good portrait in a clear and concise manner. This book is beautiful in its presentation with its many colors charts, demos, and wonderful portrait examples. After reading this book you will be inspired to try portraiture. There is so much useful information given and it will translate into all art endeavors if realism is your aim. Thanks for an outstanding source among the many how to books in print today.

Rating:
Summary: Must Have Resource for Portrait Painters
Review: This book is overflowing with useful information. No matter what medium you work in the descriptions of colors and values are clear and concise. I especially enjoyed the section on the color and temperature of light. The step by step demonstrations inspire artists of all levels to begin fearlessly. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in trying their hand at portraiture.

Rating:
Summary: Lush color, fabulous portraits
Review: This is a wonderful book for everyone interested in portraiture or figurative painting. Although the emphasis here is on the use of clean, fresh color and how it applies to different racial groups, everything about painting is addressed: edges, value, negative space, etc. The artist includes many invaluable tips about working from photos - how to avoid color distortion, value clumping, etc. - as well as urging us all to work from life. If you love Harley Brown's work you'll also love Chris Saper's exciting portraits!

Rating:
Summary: wonderful book
Review: This textbook has helped me to understand tone, especially the specific colors and values involved in good portraits.