Customer Reviews

Painting the Landscape in Pastel

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am a beginner to the art of pastel painting/drawing. This book is below the level of a beginner. It is long on talk about color, hues, values, and lots of things that a beginner doesn't really care about. When it comes to ACTUAL TECHNIQUE, HOW TO PUT PASTEL ON PAPER AND MAKE IT LOOK THE WAY YOU WANT IT TO, THIS BOOK IS VIRTUALLY SILENT! I have recently checked a book out of my university library that is the best book I have seen yet (the author's name escapes me now). It has about 10 demonstration paintings where the author goes through the various steps of creating a pastel painting. In contrast, Painting the Landscape had 1 or 2 such demonstrations and only about a page of nitty gritty on technique (actually applying pastel to paper).

Stay away from this book. It isn't worth your time.

I am a professional portrait artist who specializes in pastels so I am familiar with Albert Handell through several pastel magazines. He is a master at the western (ie:New Mexico, Arizona, etc.) landscapes with his remarkable color pallette of those regions! I don't think any pastelist paints rocks and trees better than this man. The writing style is a little elementary but the information is refreshingly straightforward, informative and easily understood. You won't find vague, ethereal wanderings from this guy! The many photos are clear and beautiful. His "step by step" sequences actually show the reader something useful and attainable.:-). This is a must have addition for the library of any pastel artist....

Albert Handell with Anita West has written the difinitive book on location painting in pastel. A visual masterpiece, each painting reproduced will excite anyone to get out on location and get to work. The text is informative and very straight forward. All of his books are keepers and this one is as well. He is the master of the medium and we should all be grateful he shares so much. Thank you Albert and Anita.

Mr. Handell generously shares his great knowlege & know how. He simplifies & organizes the pastel palette, its so easy to be a plein air painter. I strongly reccomend this book as a bible for all pastelists.