Customer Reviews

Landscape Painting: Essential Concepts and Techniques for Plein Air and Studio Practice

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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I found this to be an excellent book on painting in general and on landscape painting in particular.
He describes all the main elements of painting from composition to edge control. There is a very good section on what to look for (and why) in selecting landscape scenes. He provides clear examples using his own and other artists' paintings and also gives some painting demos. Intelligently written by a very experienced teacher and painter. High quality images. Geared perhaps at the intermediate painter, it would be good book for novices to grow with or as a good reference for experienced painters.
This would be in my top 2 painting books of the many dozen I have read. Highly recommended.

I picked up this book a few years back, with an idea to try my hand at oil painting. I had worked for a long time as a freelance illustrator and had never worked in oils. I began working in water-soluble oils and found that everything in this book can be applied to that medium with some variation. For me the chapter on underpainting is what reignited my passion for painting on canvas. How refreshing to read a book that gives you clear and concise instructions on how to create an image from start to finish. This is not to say that Mr. Albala gives you exercises to follow, rather he gives you the courage to take the tools he has given you and this lets you jump right into your painting. All of these teachings are supported with incredible examples of paintings, his own and many other artists' work. I found 'Landscape Painting' by Mitchell Albala to be a concise and inspiring painting workshop in 192 pages!

OK, so I'm no baby, but this was my first ever painting book. Maybe it's because it is my first that I love it and I can't exactly describe why. Here are the high points: lots of info that is well organized and communication clearly; excellent photographs of paintings and examples; everything you need to know about landscape painting in an attractive nutshell. I think one of the best things about this book is that it has all a beginner needs, but there is room to grow -- as I mature as a painter I will continue to refer to its excellent content.

I have read lots of books on painting. A lot of them focus on the writer' own style, and at worst they touch on narcissistic self-promotion. Albala's book is the product of an intelligent, broadly experienced and talented artist and teacher. It put to words many things I have thought about, but never saw written; plus it opened a lot of new doors for me and had a positive influence on my path as a painter (and helped my teaching).

Loved this book! I love landscapes, and yet have never been able to paint them to my own satisfaction. Albala shares his knowledge on many ways to improve your technique, dealing with colour, values, simplification (this is always a major issue with landscapes!), composition, working from photographs, even how to sign a painting, etc. It has many illustrations and gorgeous reproductions from many artists besides himself. Full of helpful tips on many subjects. I would recommend it highly to anyone interested in painting landscapes.

I chose this book searching for specific information that would help me further my Plein Air expertise. It requires careful study, even note taking to gain the full benefit from a book packed full of helpful information. I discovered new insights that have proven helpful. I would recommend this book to anyone specifically interested in painting on site.