Rating: 
Summary: Simply the best....
Review: I am just beginning to venture into decorative painting. This wonderful book answers every question I had. It is beautifully illustrated and covers every aspect of this subject in a manner easily understandable to painters new to this craft. One doesn't need to spend money on many different books, each only covering a few aspects of this topic. This book has it all, as far as I'm concerned. What a treat!!!
Rating:
Summary: a must
Review: I can,t wait to start on a new project from this book. I found in it a bit of everything, it is a lot easier to use this book than to try to find the right magazines. They are so many magazines I could not decide which ones were the right ones to buy. This book shows how to do a project and how to improve on the same subject. Great.
Rating:
Summary: A Must Have for any Painter or Wannabe Painter!
Review: I have a ceramics business and got tired of plain ol painting and wanted to expand when I found this book. It has taught me so much and my sales are way up! The techniques are explained in precise detail and are easy to follow. It even has practice strokes which I found to be very helpful. There is not a more informative book about painting out there from taking care of your brushes to a beautiful array of advanced technique. This is just a plain wonderful book and I could not say enough good about it!
Rating:
Summary: A Must Have for any Painter or Wannabe Painter!
Review: I have a ceramics business and got tired of plain ol painting and wanted to expand when I found this book. It has taught me so much and my sales are way up! The techniques are explained in precise detail and are easy to follow. It even has practice strokes which I found to be very helpful. There is not a more informative book about painting out there from taking care of your brushes to a beautiful array of advanced technique. This is just a plain wonderful book and I could not say enough good about it!
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic book
Review: I have been painting and teaching art for many years and consider myself to be a competant artist. This book is a fantastic resource for new and exprienced painters alike. It shows a variety of techniques which range from easy to difficult and stylised to realistic. The user can choose a technique which suits his or her level of expertise. It is a wonderful book and Ms Shaw is a inspired artist. I thank her for sharing her beautiful work with us.
Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive - something for all levels
Review: I have ordered several decorative painting books and this is by far the best. It builds the skills and confidence of a beginner with attractive projects and still challenges an advanced painter. Step by step instructions are given for each new skill with great pictures. It is comprehensive, well written and Jackie's personality and love for painting comes through on every page. Well worth every penny.
Rating:
Summary: I've seen plenty and this is the best
Review: Jackie Shaw does an excellent job of showcasing all that is possible in decorative painting. Her examples of stroke work apply across the board for any kind of painting. But, what makes this book work is the way she breaks down each stroke into its individual parts to show how to form them properly. Along the way she imparts words of encouragment and motivation to get you going!She also gives excellent lessons to practice by and keep you stimulated. It is part of the book's progressive learning curve so that as you advance with one part, there is more to learn in the next section as you move from beginner, to intermediate, to advanced. I rarely write review of books, but as I pulled out this book once again today to reference, I felt compelled to give Ms. Shaw her props! Thanks Jackie!
Rating:
Summary: For the decorative painter this book is a MUST!
Review: The Big Book is one of the few in the market place that "grows" with the painter as he/she develops more skill and ability. If you had no access to a teacher, you could develop into a competent tole and decorative painter thanks to Shaw's clear cut how to's. She takes you from prepping a piece of wood to selecting brushes, learning basics of strokework, on up to the achievent of complex designs. If you buy no other book on the subject of decorative art - buy this one. Pat Spooner
Rating:
Summary: An excellent learning tool.
Review: This book allows the user to progress at his or her own pace. Explanations are clear and thorough, progressing from novice through to expert. Those impatient to jump ahead may do so but can easily refer back to intermediate steps involved if they get into difficulty. It is my one and only Decorative Painting book!
Rating:
Summary: The Best!
Review: This book has it all -- clear introductory information (materials, workspace, etc.), wonderful stroke instructions, projects, patterns, finishes, and much more. Another nice thing is that the projects are "rated" as quick and easy (beginner) to intermediate to advanced for each technique. There are lots of color illustrations accompanied by clear, well-written text. The author is very encouraging and upbeat in her writing. This book is such an asset that I am ordering a copy to donate to our local library. It's definitely a must-have!
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