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Summary: Best serious representational painting instruction today
Review: A modern master of representational painting enlightens the reader with insights into properly seeing and accurately rendering his or her subject. Lots of full color reproductions of Schmid's extremely solid, yet loose and painterly artwork back up every point he makes. Written in a friendly, down-to-earth manner, the book makes wonderfully good sense. The information is not new and does not promise false tricks or secrets, but is such a wealth of time-tested methods that it is an ideal resource for every serious representational painter.
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Summary: We're lucky to be able to get a book like this
Review: Among my many many books on art (technique and monographs) this is one of the best, meaning: greatest influence, and highest quality of information. Schmid's color charts -- and his admonition to do them yourself (as well as his vehement insistence on working from life) is worth the price of admission. Complaining about the price of this book seems out of line -- if I were as good a painter as he, (and selling a painting that I turn out in a day or so for thousands of dollars) I'm not sure I would take the time to develop an instructional book at all!
We're lucky to have it. Other good books: David Leffel's and Tom Buechner's.
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Summary: Alla Prima Review
Review: As a new comer in oil painting, I find this book to be like sitting at the side of a master while he talks and teaches me all the valuable things he has learned over his long career.The narrative is very informal and friendly, the information is solid and important. It's encouraging and demanding, stressing the importance of passion - which is so important in anything one does. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in oil painting.
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Summary: If one could buy only one book, this would be the one!
Review: As a serious painter, I have purchased many books over the years always hoping for the "Holy Grail" of instruction, tips, etc. Mostly, I have been disappointed. This book will not disappoint. It is a veritable treasure trove of valuable and useful instruction -- A virtual "bible" for representational painters (or "direct painters" as he calls us). It is an expensive volume but well worth the investment. This wonderful book will surely become a classic along with "The Art Spirit".
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Summary: If one could buy only one book, this would be the one!
Review: As a serious painter, I have purchased many books over the years always hoping for the "Holy Grail" of instruction, tips, etc. Mostly, I have been disappointed. This book will not disappoint. It is a veritable treasure trove of valuable and useful instruction -- A virtual "bible" for representational painters (or "direct painters" as he calls us). It is an expensive volume but well worth the investment. This wonderful book will surely become a classic along with "The Art Spirit".
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointed
Review: Every artist or artist wannabe needs to read and look at absolutly everything they can on the process of making art. Sometimes, more importantly, one must explore the process of "thinking art." To read Richard Schmid is to explore one's own abilities and talents with an extrodinary guide mapping out the directions. Reading this book can lead to much self discovery and challange even those who know their direction in the art life. Philosophies and debates arise by both reading Schmid's words and looking at his incredible artwork. The freedom with which he expresses beauty goes beyond the brush. Yes, I recommend this book to all who wish to really produce art that is from the soul and looked at through trueful eyes.
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Summary: ...
Review: Every artist or artist wannabe needs to read and look at absolutly everything they can on the process of making art. Sometimes, more importantly, one must explore the process of "thinking art." To read Richard Schmid is to explore one's own abilities and talents with an extrodinary guide mapping out the directions. Reading this book can lead to much self discovery and challange even those who know their direction in the art life. Philosophies and debates arise by both reading Schmid's words and looking at his incredible artwork. The freedom with which he expresses beauty goes beyond the brush. Yes, I recommend this book to all who wish to really produce art that is from the soul and looked at through trueful eyes.
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Summary: The best book I have already read
Review: First of all, congratulations to Mr. Schmid. This book is a "bible" for all painter. You must have it in your library.
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Summary: Excellent!
Review: I am a painter who has literally read hundreds of books on the subject and this book is HANDS DOWN the very best I've read. The book is eloquent and easy to comprehend, a must for beginners and advanced painters alike
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Summary: Not Just a One Time Read
Review: I periodically review this book . As beautiful as this books is, I have underlined many pages of text.
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