Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #694437 in Books
• Published on: 1997-05-22
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 144 pages

Synopsis
Ideas for intermediate to advanced artists are presented in this book. Focusing on the painting of people, the book is organized around the principles of design and structure.

Customer Reviews

think before you paint
This is one of a few rare watercolour books that don't just teach brush and water techniques but instead emphasise the need to understand the structure and design of your work before you even start. Most books mention composition briefly, and perhaps skim over tonal value sketching, but this book completely emphasises these and other design elements that make the difference between a successful and a failed painting.
If I have one gripe about this book it is that Power's work is rarely true watercolour - it is almost always mixed media, with charcoal, crayon, and sometimes even collage. In particular he readily admits the use of visible charcoal lines to create the image, especially in the lower parts where he often leaves the paper white.
Nevertheless, this is invaluable advice to set you thinking about what the creative process consists of. An outstanding book.

Clear, precise and inspirational
I have read many art books in my quest to learn to paint and Alex's book is the one I rave about to whoever will listen. I am impressed by Alex's logical approach to the subject,and, having had the pleasure to meet him, I was not surprised when he told me he used to be a computer programmer! The book is complete; I think everything you need to know is included and his guidance applies equally to landscape painting as well as to people. It is straightforward to read but not for the trivially minded. Alex is honest and at pains to put over his approach - which he does admirably. Shame he cannot spell "colour" correctly - Webster's got a lot to answer for!

Alex Powers, MY HERO
I have been reading and re-reading this book since December 1997. I have always had the desire to paint but never picked up a paintbrush because realistic painting did not leave me inspired to follow. The painting style that Alex Powers has in his work is what I have been searching for all my life. In writing about his personal style he encourages his readers to find their own style. I picked this book up several different times over a two week period before I finally bought it. I would love to attend a class that he teaches.