Pastel for the Serious Beginner

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Summary: Dedication to teaching and sharing information
Review: I had always "worked" on a book of sorts by writing chapters here and there based on over thirty years as a College Professor and workshop instructor. When Watson-Guptill approached me to write this book, I was ready and anxious to include the fundamentals (my favorite teaching area) along with information about a media I've been working and teaching for many years. Keeping in mind the background of the reader, I attempted to make the instruction as easily understood as possible and also gave me an opportunity to showcase my work as teaching examples for the reader. I liked the way the publisher set up the book but wished they hadn't edited additional information. I guess that's the reason for another book.

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Summary: Excellent Book
Review: I really enjoy reading this book. Larry is a master pastellist with over 30 years of experience. His enthusiasm and spirit really come across in this book. He walks you through his recommendations for paper selection, pastels and studio set-up. He provides some step-by-step illustrations working from sketches to completed illustrations in still lifes, landscapes and potraits which serve as excellent examples.

Rating:
Summary: STAY AWAY
Review: I recently bought this book and "Painting the Landscape in Pastel." Both of these books are devoid of any real discussion on technique. There is page after page of discussion on color, hue, value, etc. That is all well and good but there is no thorough discussion or demonstration of how to actually apply pastel to paper, only a page or two that glosses over the subject in a couple of paragraphs. There are a couple of demonstration paintings in which the author goes through a painting's different stages but it seems a book of this nature should include more than a couple of such demonstrations.

Don't waste your time or money on this one. There are other books out there that are superior for the beginner.

Rating:
Summary: STAY AWAY
Review: I recently bought this book and "Painting the Landscape in Pastel." Both of these books are devoid of any real discussion on technique. There is page after page of discussion on color, hue, value, etc. That is all well and good but there is no thorough discussion or demonstration of how to actually apply pastel to paper, only a page or two that glosses over the subject in a couple of paragraphs. There are a couple of demonstration paintings in which the author goes through a painting's different stages but it seems a book of this nature should include more than a couple of such demonstrations.

Don't waste your time or money on this one. There are other books out there that are superior for the beginner.

Rating:
Summary: STAY AWAY
Review: I recently bought this book and "Painting the Landscape in Pastel." Both of these books are devoid of any real discussion on technique. There is page after page of discussion on color, hue, value, etc. That is all well and good but there is no thorough discussion or demonstration of how to actually apply pastel to paper, only a page or two that glosses over the subject in a couple of paragraphs. There are a couple of demonstration paintings in which the author goes through a painting's different stages but it seems a book of this nature should include more than a couple of such demonstrations.

Don't waste your time or money on this one. There are other books out there that are superior for the beginner.

Rating:
Summary: a must for any pastelists
Review: If you are serious about becoming a pastelist or even as a hobby, this book is for you. I am glad I bought it.

Rating:
Summary: a must for any pastelists
Review: If you are serious about becoming a pastelist or even as a hobby, this book is for you. I am glad I bought it.

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful art but not any help...
Review: Mr Blovits is a great artist and his paintings are stunning. But I am a serious beginner and this book was of little help. I need a step by step book that tells me the color and techniques used...There is nowhere near enough step by step technique but the man can paint and shows what is possible in pastel.

Rating:
Summary: Great reference, great for beginners
Review: This is a great reference book for those just staring to learn pastel painting. It starts with the very basics and provides a solid foundation for the artist who has aspirations of taking their work to a commercial level.

The book starts out examining materials including the pastels themselves as well as surfaces, fixatives and tools. It also discusses studio and pallet setup as well as protecting finished artwork. It then explains the fundamentals of design and composition such as color, value, light, shadow and space, and the basics of technique such as starting with shape outlines, color blocking and working from dark to light.

Selecting and setting up subject matter is then discussed, including working from life, selecting a camera and using photography as and reference. Subsequent chapters focus on pastel drawing types including still life, landscapes, figures and portraits. Each section details the necessary procedures and elements such as lighting a still life, keeping a landscape in balance or posing a figure. A step-by-step demonstration of each type accompanied by reference photos is also included.

Drawing on the author's experience and expertise as an artist, this is a book you can truly follow from beginning to end to develop and improve your own skills and abilities in working with pastels.