Rating: 
Summary: Secrets of a Sunday, Mon, Tues, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat Painter
Review: Don't let Tom Buechner fool you. He paints EVERY day. I know because I have the great fortune of taking Tom's portrait painting class on Friday nights. I get to experience first-hand Tom's enthusiasm, skill and knowledge as a painter and as a teacher. If you can not take one of his workshops, you must buy his book. It is written with the same wit, charm and wisdom that Tom shares with his class. As he does in his paintings, Tom's book presents his philosophy and work simply and elegantly. He shares the 'secrets' that he's discovered from over 60 years of painting. You should know that this isn't a 1st grade paint-by-number, step-by-step how-to book on painting. It is a succinctly written and beautifully illustrated book that explains with great insight how, why, where and what this talented artist and teacher paints. After suffering a 15 year drought, I want to paint every day of the week and I have Tom and his book to thank for it.
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Summary: It's More Inspiration and Soul Than Techniques
Review: I had been referred to this book by a female artist friend of mine a week before I wrote this review when she left to attend a workshop by the author in New York. I got my hand on this book a few days later and finished it (not in one sitting) in about two days. This is more of an inspiration than techniques book. A very enjoyable book, indeed! Although the author does cover the WHAT's and HOW's (along with the WHY he paints) in his book, his techniques are presented in a way that, perhaps, is more appreciated by professional artists than starters. Specifically, the author briefly presents his techniques in just one page/painting in average. Several technique demos are presented, and they are very good. If one needs to be spoonfed on every technique in oil painting, this is NOT the book to look for them. A lot of techniques he mentioned in the book can be found elsewhere. The author does provide a (long) reference citation for further reading. What is so good about this book, instead, is the inspiration and humbleness that I feel when reading his book. Born in 1926, only began painting full time in 1987 (at 61 years of age) even though having done most "art-related" jobs since 1945, and still painting, his book is simply a natural outcome of this lifelong artist.
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Summary: Not Just For Painters
Review: I highly recommend this book if your producing visual imagery of any kind. Far from a densely texted "How-to" volume, this book is just as the title states- a succinct and direct exploration/explanation of how and why he creates his imagery and then what is done with it. In fact, after reading it, I was suprised at just how sparse the text is; however, since no words are extra what the reader comes to do is gain an understanding of an artistic process (for those that admire) which can be adapted within your own work methods (if you also create visual imagery.) That process of understanding is the book's strength and this artist's accomplishment and it is all done with a light and enthusiastic voice. This book was one of the very few that I could not put down until I had finished reading it.
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Summary: It was exactly what i needed !
Review: I was watching my daughter's lacrosse game with Thomas Buechners son, Mathew, (whose daughter was also playing) and talking about my summer plans : how to jump start a for -reasons -beyond- my control stalled career as a painter. Whereupon Mathew whipped out his father's just - released book for us all to see. Published by Abrams,Mr. Buechners paintings are beautifully reproduced. It contains excellent technical information and the deep philosophical insights of an elder in the arts. It was exactly what I needed. I rushed home to order one for my own studio, and one for the library at the school where I teach art. I recommend this book for all working artists and people of all ages who just love art.Buy it today! !
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointed
Review: This book did not offer one painting secret that you will not find in hundreds of other better books on how to paint. It does include a collection of very beautiful paintings by Mr. Buechner but don't expect to learn anything. I felt like I wasted money.
Rating:
Summary: Disappointed
Review: This book did not offer one painting secret that you will not find in hundreds of other better books on how to paint. It does include a collection of very beautiful paintings by Mr. Buechner but don't expect to learn anything. I felt like I wasted money.
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Summary: simple, engaging and masterful
Review: this books works on many levels for the amatuer, the collector, the art historian and the art lover: but for the painter, realist or not, it is an absolute must. By the time I had finished the first 60 pages I had come to understand my craft and its potential more clearly than the some twenty odd years of schooling and lectures and yes even painting to date has taught me. Mr. Buechner's genius lies in the simple and elegant, almost childlike way he destroys the fearful mystery of creatng depth on a canvas with paint. This knoweldge is not only the outcome of many paintings but of being aware of what each painting was teaching him. His marvelous description of how he learned about making a form come forward while he was painting a nose of one of Rembrandts paintings is a tour de force of a complex visual experience finally rendered understandable. If I seem overly impressed;well I am. I have been searching for a contemporary painter to explain some of the old master's techniques for years. In this book Mr. Buechner does so with warmth, humility and panache, but above all with wisdom grounded in practice and not wordy intellectual theories. Realist painters, run don't walk to buy this book. Anyone who has ever wondered why anyone is still fascinated with painting realist art the above goes for you also. This book is a treasure Thank-you Mr.Buechner
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Summary: phenomenal paintings-
Review: This is a terrific book, and I own many many instructional art books. It is worth buying for the illustrations of his pictures alone. There is much to be learned from this book, I recommend it highly.
Rating:
Summary: phenomenal paintings-
Review: This is a terrific book, and I own many many instructional art books. It is worth buying for the illustrations of his pictures alone. There is much to be learned from this book, I recommend it highly.
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Summary: It's More Than Technique--It's the Inspiration and Soul
Review: This is one of those rare volumes about art that is a real "keeper," to be read and reread throughout an artist's career. Had I been exposed to this volume 20 years ago, I would have benefited from the chapters on technique, lighting, glazing scumbling, and so forth. But Mr. Buechner reawakens the artist's dreams and unique vision for interpreting the visual world around us. I love the chapters and tidbits he shares about his own growth. Now, in his 70's, he continues to evolve, recognizes this evolution and gives the reader a glimpse into what might be their future as an artist. It is truly a wonderous "journey." This book may help beginning artists. But it is one of the precious volumes that will inspire artists who are ready to reach beyond sheer technique. Bless you, Mr. Buechner, for sharing your story and knowledge. Deborah Nelson -- Painter of the American West WEBSITE: http://home.earthlink.net/~nelsonsata/
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