[.ca] Oil Painting Techniques and Materials (ISBN 0486255069)

A good book for beginners.:
Let me be honest with you, folks. This book is good for beginners who start painting (realist art) in oil, for several reasons: 1) It introduces the heart and soul of realist painting (as opposed to "modern art", which is covered in its own chapter), as well as (briefly) demonstrating an approach to paint in oil. 2) It discusses important elements in drawing and painting (tone, form, and value), the importance of accuracy in drawing and painting. 3) It discusses other issues such as composition, color, design. 4) It demonstrates how to paint a head from life with black and white plates to show the painting progress. 5) It comments BRIEFLY some of the old masters' works. However, this part is rather brief, in my opinion. 6) It covers colors and materials to some extent. It is, overall, a good start for beginners who need to get their feet wet in this field. However, do not expect to be able to paint the way the old masters did with just the information coming from this book.

a rare and valuable guide to traditional painting technique:
This book is a treasure. I have checked it out of the library several times already and now have finally decided to buy it. I have yet to find a better guide to traditonal painting techniques. In a world of modern techniques based on 20th century aesthetics, this is the book for those of us who follow a different path. If you want to paint like Velasquez, Titian, or Nerdrum, this is the place to start.

Exceptional:
This book, originally published in 1924, is one of the best books I have ever read on the subject. The author's insight into not only technique, but the artist's mindset is truely a treasure. This book is a must read for any serious painter, as well for any serious artist.

This is a book that should become your Bible of painting.:
This book you shall refer to over and over again learning newer and newer concepts and ideals you would have thought you had already learned. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR THE SERIOUS AND TRUE STUDENT OF PAINTING.