I found this new art book that covers so much about painting! It's called Landscape Painting: Essential Concepts and Techniques for Plein Air and Studio Practice, by Mitchell Albala.
This is one of those books that become a reference you will read cover to cover, and go back to as a reference when you need it.
It is hard to find an artbook where the author explains painting concepts so well, that you just sit back and say, "Okay, I get that now. That makes sense!" Albala works in oils, but it all translates into acrylic painting or pastels, as well. Plein Air landscape painting is complex, because you have to learn to simplify atmosphere, shapes, value, etc.. all before the light changes. And this book validates all that I have learned so far. It will help an artist at every stage of his or her development.
It is so clearly written, and I love that!
This is one of those books that become a reference you will read cover to cover, and go back to as a reference when you need it.
It is hard to find an artbook where the author explains painting concepts so well, that you just sit back and say, "Okay, I get that now. That makes sense!" Albala works in oils, but it all translates into acrylic painting or pastels, as well. Plein Air landscape painting is complex, because you have to learn to simplify atmosphere, shapes, value, etc.. all before the light changes. And this book validates all that I have learned so far. It will help an artist at every stage of his or her development.
It is so clearly written, and I love that!