The Landscape Painter's Workbook: Essential Studies in Shape, Composition, and Color (Volume 6) (For Artists, 6)

Read this book cover to cover and obtained so much knowledge. Including this book in your library is a must.

I was raised by a skilled artist, but I was not taught painting as a kid. I've taken a couple classes at jr colleges, and I could do better than I do. I know it's lack of actually practicing that is to blame, but I want to work at it and need something that's not more of the same. Enter this book. The author is both a skilled artist and a skilled educator, a rare combo. After reading the first chapter (tonal values, massing) I saw the world differently and was practicing looking around me to see this in real life. Here's the rub: if you're looking for something to help you as an absolute beginner starting out totally from scratch, this book will challenge you because it isn't holding your hand on the most basic stuff. They're providing examples in various mediums and the very first exercise will ask you to do something much more interesting than shading a cube (a common beginner exercise). I hope others experience what I'm enjoying which is that this is a thoughtful, beautiful presentation with sophisticated examples that will challenge your brain to do things differently. Highly recommended for those with ambition and an adventurous attitude, but not a ton of experience. .... and if you've got more experience, use this for inspiration and some pretty great prompts. These exercises / examples as they build through the book could be skill refining prompts where you are reminded of stuff like notan, a bunch of color and palette strategies, movement, active negative space, and so on.

It is obvious when someone does something from the heart. I learned stuff that nobody had even mentioned before and I have done my homework. Then again, it is not just about the book. It is also what you bring to the table. "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear".

Good exercises and examples helped me understand the concepts.

I bought the Kindle version first, and I was impressed enough to order a paper copy for my friend, and I finally had to order the paper version for myself as well. Professor Albala has filled his book with some of the loveliest landscapes I've ever seen, by himself and other artists, some "realistic," most impressionistic, and a few openly abstract. Some are of natural scenery, some of urban. Each is described, and most are used to illustrate some of the principles he is trying to inculcate. His exercises aren't all step-by-step, and they're more suggestions with examples, achievable by any who try; and he also tries to help people avoid being slaves to "reality" and merely copying photographs. You are MAKING ART. Art represents, and not just the literal view; in that sense at least, all art is "abstract;" but to be good, it has to be "believable." It also has to have balance (good composition, good light/dark, good color). To this end, he emphasizes a careful beginning -- strategy -- the way a general plots a campaign -- and what follows is much more likely to fall in line. His work is really helping me develop beyond literal reality into a more fluid, intuitive, "painterly" style -- and it's very liberating!

This is a great book for any artist wanting to study landscape painting. Straightforward and great instructions and exercises. Excellent examples of other artist’s work in the book. The spiral version is well worth the extra money if you can get it. If you’re undecided about the purchase I say get it while you can!

Fabulous book on landscape painting (and I have a LOT). Loved reading it and am enjoying studying and practicing the tips. Great book

Maybe one of the very best of my 150 art books. Advanced teaching but worth reaching for what you can understand. Light years beyond most of the books out there. Plan to reread it every year. It will renew your faith that you can do this.

bastante completo, incluye varios ejercicios para practicar lo aprendido, explicaciones claras y texto conciso.

This book offers some good advice and guidance for painters. There is a helpful section on colour values and another on tonal values.

This is an exceptional workbook for any landscape artist. I've been working my way through it for a few months and am incredibly impressed with the quality and content. The book is beautifully constructed with wonderful illustrations, including both helpful instructional diagrams and stunning examples from master artists. The author has created ten useful exercises that offer practical, detailed guidance on key concepts like the harmony of neutrals, picture formats, and movement. What truly sets this book apart is the author's extensive knowledge from years of leading workshops. They share invaluable insights on how to problem-solve your paintings and, crucially, how to identify what to look for in a subject. This wisdom can take your work to the next level. Usually, I'm happy to get one or two useful things from an art book, but this one is packed with substantive lessons I'm excited to incorporate into my own practice. A huge thank you to the author for creating such a valuable resource for fellow artists.

I am so glad I bought this book. I've been an artist for over 30 years, and when I read books on art techniques and principles they often rehash much of what I already know. This book goes far behind the basics and digs into concepts of composition and colour theory that I have never learned about, even through three art-based degrees and diplomas. It also has a wonderful and rich sampling of art from artists with very different styles and approaches. I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars!

This is a must read book for any artist, especially for landscape artists. Easy to read, great examples, and good exercise.