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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book is very useful if you are interested in an academic/classical style of painting and take the precedent set by 17th century masters as your starting point. It is written by a painter,draughtsman and teacher of immense ability who made a living as an artist 100 years ago- The illustrations whilst not vibrant in print quality are very informative. A note of caution, It is not a book for amateurs who are not willing to wrestle with the serious issues of painting and the language he uses at times is outdated and therefore hard going. I also highly reccomend his companion book on drawing.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book is old fashioned, verbose, sometimes pompous, and filled with only a few plates, many of which are not the best reproductions. It is however, excellent. Like his book on drawing it is not for beginners, and apropos the reviewer below, it is not for the talentless or the dilettante. However, if you are at a level where you are bored by the poor quality of the instruction in most contemporary art books and are interested in traditional techniques, then this book is very useful. As with all books on art instruction, simply reading it and not practicing it will not make you a better painter.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
For anyone who has come through the lottery of Art College education over the past few decades this book may answer some important questions about how to actually paint successfully in Oils. Without being pedantic the author shares his considerable experience as a painter, laying out in an ordered fashion methods and stages in development of painting. It is a practical book written for people who would like to be told straightforwardly how various masters have worked, their techniques, colours, methods.
This is the kind of book that speaks confidently and with a certain authority about the craft of painting, mainly prior to impressionism (but not wholly). Some might regard the style as pedantic and moribund. However I think that, for the time, the style of writing is warm and even humorous. You are free to take what you need from this useful volume without needing to feel compelled to agree with every statement Harold Speed makes. Many of his observations on the studio methods of artists such as Rubens, Gainsborough, Turner (and many more) are cogent and enlightening. Particularly useful is his understanding of Transparent and Opaque pigments, Warm and Cool colours and the descriptions of artists' palettes.
I find that I 'dip in' to this book often, sometimes just idly opening it at a random page and reading; and I'm always rewarded. And I often find that I can use some of his painting tips straight away.
This is the kind of book that speaks confidently and with a certain authority about the craft of painting, mainly prior to impressionism (but not wholly). Some might regard the style as pedantic and moribund. However I think that, for the time, the style of writing is warm and even humorous. You are free to take what you need from this useful volume without needing to feel compelled to agree with every statement Harold Speed makes. Many of his observations on the studio methods of artists such as Rubens, Gainsborough, Turner (and many more) are cogent and enlightening. Particularly useful is his understanding of Transparent and Opaque pigments, Warm and Cool colours and the descriptions of artists' palettes.
I find that I 'dip in' to this book often, sometimes just idly opening it at a random page and reading; and I'm always rewarded. And I often find that I can use some of his painting tips straight away.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant.
There is great information within this book. As ever, fans of Speed's writing will find it educational and inspiring. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Shaun Day
Boring book.
Im a big fan of Harold Speeds "Practise and science of drawing". But with this book I must admid I was little dissapointed. Read more
Published 19 months ago by Pauli
up there with alla prima
this is one of the best books ive read in a long time. the first section on modern art is long winded and boring, i could not get through it even though i was determined to try. Read more
Published on 2 May 2010 by Anne Tsang
The best read on Oil Painting, I've had
I would highly recommend this book to any with some experience with oil painting. It's not a step by step, but more a philosophy and tips on painting. Read more
Published on 31 Jan 2006 by Mr. B. Gerrard
What a waste of paper
This antediluvian volume should be avoided by painters both new and experienced. The text is mind-numbingly dry, in places aloof and contains yawning gaps in terms of key... Read more
Published on 19 Feb 2004
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. Read more
Published on 9 July 1998
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