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| Traditional Oil Painting: Advanced Techniques and Concepts from the Renaissance to the Present | 
 enlarge | Author: Virgil Elliott
Publisher: Watson-Guptill
Category: Book
List Price: $35.00
Buy New: $23.10
You Save: $11.90 (34%)
Buy New/Used from $20.53
Avg. Customer Rating:  (18 reviews)
Sales Rank: 15776
Media: Hardcover
Edition: 1st
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 224
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2.8
Dimensions (in): 11.2 x 9.4 x 0.9
ISBN: 0823030660
Dewey Decimal Number: 751.45
EAN: 9780823030668
ASIN: 0823030660
Publication Date: August 7, 2007
Release Date: August 7, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
As more and more artists today look to the past, there has been a tremendous resurgence of interest in painting realistically--in creating convincing illusions of three-dimensional depth on two dimensional surfaces. How did the Old Masters create their masterpieces? What kind of education allowed these great artists to create such beautiful work, and how can an artist learn these lessons today? Traditional Oil Painting answers those questions and many more. This comprehensive sourcebook explores the most advanced levels of oil painting, with full information on the latest scientific discoveries. Author and distinguished artist Virgil Elliott examines the many elements that let artists take the next step in their work: mental attitude, aesthetic considerations, the importance of drawing, principles of visual reality, materials, techniques, portraiture, photographic images versus visual reality, and color. Traditional Oil Painting helps artists master the secrets of realistic painting to create work that will rival that of the masters.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 13 more reviews...
 This Book Is Excellent August 23, 2008
I purchased this book recently and it is excellent. Although I read the one star review beforehand which complained that it doesn't cover "painting the nude from life" it didn't do anything to disuade me. In fact, it helped to convince me TO buy it because I felt hopeful that this would be one of the rare books that went beyond the basics. I was not disappointed. As this is not a beginning drawing/painting book, the idea of drawing or painting the nude from life is something that at this level artists should know. (In fact, it IS briefly mentioned in the beginning of the book that one SHOULD paint the nude from life as much as possible. How much more needs to be said to an intermediate/advanced audience?) Personally, I am tired of art books that are geared towards experienced artists yet they do nothing more than repeat the same rudimentary information ad nauseum. It is clear when a book is for beginners (this is not) and that is where that information would be appropriate. It is refershing that Virgil Elliot did not feel the need to repeat beginner information excessively and wrote to his audience with the expectation that they have some knowledge of the subject. It is a respectably thorough book on traditional methods and materials, covering an array of historical styles and techniques. It is well researched and clearly explained. There really needs to be more books of this caliber. Thank you, Mr. Elliot.
must have book June 5, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I can't say enough good things about this book. It goes into great detail about so many important things. This book should be in every artists library.
 Mediocre work May 16, 2008
0 out of 6 found this review helpful
My impression is based on looking at the pictures on the author's web site. They are wooden and uninspired. He is technically adept in some respects, but altogether is work is not better than that of many art school students. Technique does not make a picture speak. Why even bother with the book?
Excellent Reference Book March 27, 2008
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
This is not a "how-to" book; it is an excellent reference book to keep within reach when you are working. The older books are so obscure, so difficult to try to understand (I am thinking of the Doerner book in particular) and based on speculation about the techniques and materials used by the masters of the past. Mr. Elliott has kept abreast of discoveries by conservators in the major museums using the most up to date, sophisticated technology; as well as the continuous testing of other experts in various fields (Paint manufacturers) and the ASTM. That is why he can warn about using zinc white; how and when to use the umbers; how to organize your pigments and use them according to their innate characteristics; the safe support to use for your painting; why some paintings from the '70s are falling off the canvas, etc. Again, it is an invaluable reference tool. I think other reviewers have been thinking of it more in terms of a how-to book, rather than as nuts-and-bolts information to bring to your own artwork.
Traditional Oil Painting: A Wonderful Book February 19, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
The book is quite well written with several excellent tips for advanced oil painters and superb illustrations. The author is modest and knowledgeable, sharing insights about the mysteries of painting as well as several practical solutions to composition questions and palette references.
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