The Artist's Garden in Oils: 18 Step by Step Guides
The Artist's Garden in Oils: 18 Step by Step Guides

Author: Rachel Shirley

Publisher: Rachel Shirley

Published: 2011-12-05

Total Pages: 77

ISBN-13: 1492274798

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Oil paint step by step floral art, crockery and other interesting subject matter from the garden. Can a typical garden provide inspiration for oil painting? Look hard and such a haven may yield more than one may first expect. Every garden is unique in character and has something to offer: lawns, greenhouses, pots, hedges, pets, flowers, patios, trellises, sheds, children, tools, vegetables, deckchairs, furniture, trees, swings, hanging-baskets, urns, bird tables, fishponds and sunlight. Taken from my art instruction book, Oil paintings from your Garden (and which some images appear in my other Oil Painting Medic books), 18 oil painting demonstrations featuring such aforementioned subject matter can be found within. This book is divided into clear sections according to theme: shadows, nonorganic, harvest and flora. A preparatory section near the back of this book offers advice on oil painting materials and how to prepare the art surface for painting. All demonstrations have been completed with a mere 10 oil colours, 6 brush types, artboards and a few additional household materials. This section can be previewed within my other art book, Landscape Painting in Oils – 20 Step by Step Guides, as it is located at the front. Each demonstration is keyed according to 4 levels of difficulty. If the painting does not go to plan, a troubleshooting section at the back of this book can be referred to along with a glossary. Each project within the demonstration section of this book is clearly set out. You will find: An image of the finished painting, (which can be used as a visual resource during the demo). An accompanying challenge. Between 7 and 9 step by step images of how the painting was completed. A list of the oil painting materials used for the project. Corresponding instructions to each image-in-progress on how the painting was done. Tips along the way. Various oil painting techniques are explored, including scumbling, glazing, impasto and palette knife application. The aim of this book is to encourage a new way of viewing the garden. With mobile objects, the shifting light and seasons, compositions in one’s back yard are waiting to be discovered. My other oil painting demonstration book, Landscape Paintings in Oil – 20 Step by Step Guides similarly provides step by step guides. Dimensions of large edition: 10x8in and 78 pages. Available in large, small edition and Kindle.

Portrait Painting in Oil: 10 Step by Step Guides from Old Masters
Portrait Painting in Oil: 10 Step by Step Guides from Old Masters

Author: Rachel Shirley

Publisher: Rachel Shirley

Published: 2012-07-01

Total Pages: 95

ISBN-13: 1492193399

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Learn oil painting techniques for portraiture including skin colours, hair and eyes from this step by step art book. Portraiture would seem an art form reserved for the most intrepid and experienced of artists. Now with large images for tablets, this oil painting step-by-step guidebook for beginners to intermediate aims to break down this seemingly exacting subject matter into manageable pieces. Within you will find step-by-step instructions on completing 10 portraits from old masters in oil. Leaving no stone unturned, portrait painting would seem more possible. Each demonstration comprises an overview of a particular oil painting technique to be explored, in-depth step-by-step instructions and (on average) 16 images in progress. The artists featured include Botticelli, Delacroix, Gauguin, Velazquez, Wright of Derby, Jacques-Louis David, Rossetti and Vermeer. An additional demonstration features a modern-day portrait. Subjects of various ages, sexes and ethnicity help the developing portraitist get to grips with portraying most skin types in painting. As well as these demonstrations, preliminary sections offer guidance on the art materials required, preparing for oil painting and a personal view of portrait painting. At the back of this book can be found remedial techniques for portraiture, a troubleshooting guide and a glossary. These features make this book an invaluable guide for the beginner wishing to build confidence as well as the developing portraitist. My other book, 'Skin Tones in Oil: 10 Step by Step Guides from Old Masters' similarly explores portraiture but also the figure. Additional oil painting techniques are explained via the source material of artists including Da Vinci, Michelangelo and Rubens. A troubleshooting guide for the portraitist is also available. 'Why do my Skin Tones Look Lifeless Plus 25 Solutions to Other Portrait Painting Peeves' helps with common problems such as mixing skin tones, hair, eyes and shadows plus much more. Dimensions of large edition: 10x8in and 96 pages. The author has a Bachelor’s degree from Kingston University and a PCET teaching qualification from Warwick.

Skin Tones in Oil: 10 Step by Step Guides from Old Masters
Skin Tones in Oil: 10 Step by Step Guides from Old Masters

Author: Rachel Shirley

Publisher: Rachel Shirley

Published: 2013-07-01

Total Pages: 116

ISBN-13: 1492244570

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Find step by step demonstrations on oil painting portraits and figures. The colour of skin has a reputation of being a difficult colour to paint. This oil painting guidebook aims to break down this seemingly difficult subject matter into manageable pieces. Within you will find 10 step-by-step instructions on completing figure paintings in oil from old masters. Leaving no stone unturned, painting skin tones effectively would seem more achievable. Each demonstration comprises an overview of a particular oil painting technique to be explored, in depth step-by-step instructions and (on average) 28 images in progress. The old masters featured are Da Vinci, Titian, Caravaggio, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Gauguin, Ingres, Courbet, Rubens and Cezanne. Techniques explored include sfumato, sgraffito, cangiante, scumbling, impasto, glazing, grisaille effects and more. As well as these demonstrations a concluding section offers guidance on the art materials required. Preparing for oil painting, a personal view of rendering skin tones, a troubleshooting guide and a glossary are also included. It must be noted, that this book does not explain the old masters’ method in painting processes such as grinding pigments or the traditional way of underpainting. Contemporary art materials and modified art techniques have been used to make these projects inclusive. These features make this book an invaluable guide for the beginner as well as the developing artist wishing to explore oil painting. Dimensions of large edition: 10x8in and 118 pages. A further 10 projects on painting skin tones from old masters can be found in ‘Portrait Painting in Oil: 10 Step by Step Guides from Old Masters.’ Artists featured include: Botticelli, Delacroix, Gauguin, Velazquez, Wright of Derby, Jacques-Louis David, Rossetti and Vermeer. A mini ebook, ‘Oil Painting the Mona Lisa in Sfumato: a Portrait Painting Challenge in 48 Steps’ outlines one of the demonstrations within this book, due this project’s lengthy process. With extra features.

Draw What You See Not What You Think You See
Draw What You See Not What You Think You See

Author: Rachel Shirley

Publisher: Rachel Shirley

Published: 2012-04-01

Total Pages: 110

ISBN-13: 147521961X

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Drawing lessons for the beginner and the frustrated artist. This drawing guide book could prove helpful if you have low confidence in drawing or if your efforts are less than satisfactory despite repeated attempts at capturing what are seen in front. You might be an absolute beginner or one who has spent a lifetime away from creative activities due to work or family commitments. You might cringe at the idea of picking up a pencil due to a severe inner critic or an affliction that can only be described as picture dyslexia. The first part of this book attempts to decode the underlying causes of this difficulty via a test and questionnaire, to be followed with special drawing exercises from the most basic. The main part of this book does not take the orthodox approach of informing on vanishing points, perspectives and plotting, but merely to help you see what is in front of you. Instead, this book starts at the beginning, to learn the language of line from A, B and C. Within you will find a series of drawing exercises geared towards combating distorted perceptions in drawing by exercising all fields of vision. This includes exercises on visual judgment, symmetrical drawing, abstract drawing, pictures within frames, negative shapes, the weight of marks, upside-down drawing and more. Further chapters explore the realms of tonality, again via the language of shading from A, B and C. Opportunities for progression can be found within the latter chapters exploring specialised shading techniques. A guide on the prescriptive areas of drawing can be found in the final chapter for guidance. This includes a section on plotting your drawing, the artist’s viewfinder, vanishing points and how to draw ellipses. Print book’s dimensions: 8.5x5.5in and 110 pages. With 15,500 words and around 90 images. The author has a PCET qualification in teaching as well as a Degree in Fine Art.

Landscape Painting in Oils: 20 Step by Step Guides
Landscape Painting in Oils: 20 Step by Step Guides

Author: Rachel Shirley

Publisher: Rachel Shirley

Published: 2010-12-26

Total Pages: 84

ISBN-13: 1492175218

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How do I complete my first oil painting step by step? This book outlines 20 oil painting demonstrations featuring landscape art from the simple to the challenging (taken from my hardback Oil Paintings from the Landscape published by GMC Publications 2003). Subject matter include a stone circle, a church, a cornfield, a lake, a castle, a coast, plus more exotic subject matter as a desert, Toronto, lightning and more. Techniques such as wet-into-wet, impasto and glazing are explored. All demonstrations have been completed with a mere 10 oil colours, 6 brush types, artboards and a few household materials. Guidance on what to buy and how to prepare can be found in the first section of this book. Projects may be tackled in any order but for guidance, are divided into four levels, beginning with level 1 progressing to level 4. Each project within the demonstration section of this book is clearly set out. You will find: An image of the finished painting presenting a challenge. Between 6 and 10 step by step images of how the painting was completed. A list of the oil painting materials used for the project. Corresponding instructions to each image-in-progress on how the painting was done. Tips along the way. The preliminary section covers the art materials required for the projects within, as well as guidance on preparing the art materials for the demonstrations. Troubleshooting advice is given at the end of this book if a painting does not work out as planned. Dimensions of large edition: 10x8in and 84 pages. 'The Artist's Garden in Oil: 18 Step by Step Guides' similarly outlines art demonstrations sourced from inspiration from the garden. Also available in hard copy in pocket sized and large edition.

Oil Painting the Mona Lisa in Sfumato: A Portrait Painting Challenge in 48 Steps
Oil Painting the Mona Lisa in Sfumato: A Portrait Painting Challenge in 48 Steps

Author: Rachel Shirley

Publisher: Rachel Shirley

Published: 2013-09-01

Total Pages: 45

ISBN-13: 1492753467

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An oil painting demonstration on portrait painting with sfumato like the old masters. This in depth painting demonstration explores a tailored approach in achieving sfumato effects when painting Leonardo da Vinci’s the Mona Lisa in oils. Taken from my other book, Skin Tones in Oil: 10 Step by Step Guides from Old Masters, this painting project has proved to be sufficiently lengthy to warrant a book in its own right. The chief section of this book comprises step by step images with accompanying text that gives full instructions on how the Mona Lisa was completed via 5 stages. Find also extra features, such as managing tonal balances, attaining soft shadowy effects, working in glazes, dry brushing, troubleshooting and making the most of simple art materials. Learn how such a momentous project can be broken down into manageable pieces. Painting the Mona Lisa with sfumato could prove an invaluable experience for any portraitist. Note: this book does not explain the painting processes of the Renaissance period such as grinding pigments or the old masters’ method of underpainting. Such practices may exclude artists who do not have the room or the resources to prepare in such a way. This book’s aim is to make painting the Mona Lisa more inclusive. This means getting on with the painting with minimal fuss. Contemporary art materials and modified art techniques have therefore been used. However, this book offers a way of achieving great sfumato effects in the style of Leonardo. Preparatory sections, a troubleshooting guide and glossary are included. Book’s dimensions: 10x8in and 48 pages.

10 Bite Sized Oil Painting Projects: Book 1
10 Bite Sized Oil Painting Projects: Book 1

Author: Rachel Shirley

Publisher: Rachel Shirley

Published: 2016-09-15

Total Pages: 82

ISBN-13: 1537664808

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What does the artist paint after receiving oil painting materials? Find 10 simple oil painting demonstrations with step by step images and instructions to get the paint brush moving..The projects include landscapes, still life, animals and a colour mixing exercise. Achievable within 2 hours. Includes a guide to the art materials and glossary. With 360 images.

No Need for an Easel or a Mahl Stick: Oil Painting for the Absolute Beginner Made Simple
No Need for an Easel or a Mahl Stick: Oil Painting for the Absolute Beginner Made Simple

Author: Rachel Shirley

Publisher: Rachel Shirley

Published: 2014-11-11

Total Pages: 102

ISBN-13: 1310391939

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Learn oil painting from the beginning with this art guide book. You have just purchased your first set of oil colours. Now what? A blank art surface may reflect an uncertainty of what to paint. Where does the beginner begin? Is an easel needed? What about a mahl stick, stretched canvases and a kidney-shaped palette? The aim of this book is to show that such paraphernalia are not essential. Oil paints can be odourless, clean and the starter kit may comprise just a few items that can be stored in a tool box. Infinite colours can be mixed with several pigments via a few brushes. This makes oil colours the ideal choice for the beginner who wishes to try a truly versatile art medium. Find basic oil painting exercises aimed at getting that brush moving, even if it means laying each pigment into rectangles to get to know each pigment. Exercises progress steadily onto shading, mark making and applying glazes. These rudimentary exercises provide the springboard from which to paint a first landscape and more. The myths of colour theory is dispelled, making dirty colour mixes a thing of the past. Find chapters that explore complementary colours, alla prima, glazing, using a limited palette, working with linseed oil and expressing a jigsaw of marks. Each chapter concludes with a summarizing bullet point list of what has been covered so far, helping to reinforce what has been learned. As will be seen, oil paints have many surprises in store and can be fun to try out – without the fuss, mess or cost. Includes a shopping list for the beginner, glossary and hundreds of colour images.

Why do My Skin Tones Look Lifeless? Plus 25 Solutions to Other Portrait Painting Peeves
Why do My Skin Tones Look Lifeless? Plus 25 Solutions to Other Portrait Painting Peeves

Author: Rachel Shirley

Publisher: Rachel Shirley

Published: 2013-08-05

Total Pages: 83

ISBN-13: 1492727830

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Learn how to mix skin colours, paint hair and techniques for painting eyes in this oil painting book. Portrait painting is often seen as the last frontier of representational art as every detail has huge consequences upon whether a portrait looks like the person depicted. The beginner need not venture far before encountering a possible minefield of problems. Common issues might be why a portrait painting looks childish, eyes look like marbles, hair looks like a wig or noses appear skewed. Such frustrations and many others might be encountered by professional and amateur portraitists alike, whether it is to capture the highlights in eyes or to make skin tones appear three-dimensional. It is all part of learning to paint. If the issue persists, however, the problem is likely to become a creative block in portraiture. This is where this book comes in. Each issue is tackled candidly and in-depth, consisting of a description of the issue concerned, suggested solutions via the art materials required and painting exercises. In total, 26 “peeves” associated with portraiture are tackled within this book. A myriad of other matters relating to portraiture are explained, including suggested pigments to use for ethnic subjects, painting from life, portrait photography and more – in total, with countless colour images. Sections I and II within the after matter of this book provides step-by-step demonstrations for first-time explorers of skin tones. Some of the images within this book can be found in my other Oil Painting Medic Book, Portrait Painting in Oil: Ten Step by Step Guides from Old Masters. Other images have been sourced from my fine art paintings and commissions. My other book on portraiture, Portrait Painting in Oil 10 Step by Step Guides offers in-progress demos on painting old master subjects, such as that from Botticelli, Rossetti, Vermeer, Gauguin and more. Dimensions of large edition: 10x8in and 84 pages. The author has a BA Hons Degree in Fine Art from London as well as a PCET teaching qualification from Warwick.

Why Do My Clouds Look Like Cotton Wool? Plus 25 Solutions to Other Landscape Painting Peeves
Why Do My Clouds Look Like Cotton Wool? Plus 25 Solutions to Other Landscape Painting Peeves

Author: Rachel Shirley

Publisher: Rachel Shirley

Published: 2011-01-28

Total Pages: 83

ISBN-13: 1456422553

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Indeed why do clouds sometimes look like cotton wool in landscape paintings? And why do mountains sometimes end up resembling pointed cones topped with cream? This handy-sized artbook aims to offer guidance.Such frustrations and many others are occasionally encountered by professional landscape artists and novices alike, whether it is to capture a bright sunset or the greens of foliage. It is all part of learning to paint.If the issue persists, however, the problem is likely to become a creative block. This is where this book comes in.With no-nonsense and at times direct advice, each issue is tackled in-depth: a diagnostic of the problem, suggested solutions in the form of recommended art materials and remedial painting exercises, as well as an oil painting demonstration.In total, twenty-six common "peeves" associated with landscape painting are tackled within this book, including why shadows look like black splodges, trees like lollypops and why flowers look garish. In five clear sections, a myriad of other matters relating to landscape painting are explained, such as the colour theory, the rules of perspectives and introductory chapters on the essentials of oil painting, in total, with around 120 colour illustrations and several diagrams.The chapters offering solutions to common problems are:1. I haven't the room or funds to pursue oil painting.2. Oil painting techniques for landscape art seems complicated.3. I don't have the confidence to begin landscape painting.4. My landscape painting looks childish.5. How do I loosen my style for expressive. landscapes?6. How do I get smooth effects for water and skies?7. What do I do about background to my landscape paintings?8. How do I erase a mistake from my painting?9. Painting impasto uses too much pigment10. Why do my landscape paintings look dull?11. Why are my colour mixes dirty?12. Why do my greens look artificial?13. My landscape paintings look insipid.14. My skies are bland and empty.15. My clouds look like cotton wool.16. My moonlit landscapes look dingy.17. My sunset paintings look tarnished.18. My landscape scenes lack depth and drama.19. My trees look like lollypops.20. How do I make water look like water?21. The ripples in my lake painting look harsh.22. My flower studies are garish23. My shadows look like black splodges.24. How do I darken the colour of snow?25. The perspectives of my buildings look crooked.26. My mountains resemble pointed cones.An oil painting demonstration.If the problem sought after is not in this book, it might be in my other Oil Painting Medic book, Why do my Ellipses look Like Doughnuts?Book's dimensions: 5.75inx8.75in (140mmx220mm), 167 pages, 25,000 words, 120 colour illustrations and 10 black and white diagrams.