The Complete Book of Painting and Drawing

Rating:
Summary: Follow along with the author from pencil to oils
Review: After finding this in the library, I want to have this book for myself. As a person getting back into my artwork, I enjoy the author's use of other artists to demonstrate each lesson. Want a concise explanation of working in a variety of media from pencils, pastels, watercolors and oils? Then get this book. Seeing the four or so artists approach to each lesson is a reminder that each one of us has our own style. There isn't one "right" way to depict a landscape, a portrait or a city scene. As the reader turns each page, he/she will find themselves chomping at the bit to get pencil, charcoal or paintbrush in hand.

Rating:
Summary: Look at the pictures; Don't bother with the text.
Review: This book has a series of drawing and painting projects in different media done by different artists, step by step. These are immensely helpful to me, as I get a lot out of watching other artists work.

The author, however, makes a pretense of "teaching" things about media and art in this book, but really, adds nothing to the learning process at all. He makes sweeping generalizations about art, without explanation. (e.g., "I tell my students to work in terms of the media." What does that mean??) He criticizes the artists' work without offering any analysis or alternatives, which might be helpful. (e.g., "This works well in terms of the color.") And above all, the arrogance in his critiquing tone is offensive.

On the whole, the author could be removed entirely from this book, and it would be more helpful. The photography is lovely. I like the book--I just don't read the text anymore.