Books in Beginning Artist's Library series

In this essential guide, accomplished artist Patti Mollica walks you through the most important aspects of color theory as they relate to oil and acrylic painting. From pigment characteristics and color mixing to color psychology, you'll find all the information you need to make dynamic, harmonious, and meaningful color choices in your own works of art. Regardless of your medium, a solid understanding of color and its applications is essential. With a fresh, contemporary take on the subject of color, this essential guide features step-by-step projects and practical tips and techniques to put color knowledge to effective use. You'll find within:Discussions and illustrations of the complexities of color and how to use it as a tool for communicationTips for creating vibrant mixes, lively blacks, realistic greens, and flesh tonesAn inspiring collection of fresh and contemporary artworkColor Theory begins with an overview of color in the history of art and the science behind color, followed by a presentation of color basics: the color wheel; hue, saturation, and value; color and value; color temperature; color relativity; and color schemes. Everything you need to know about pigments and paints is detailed next. With these essentials covered, move on to integrate color with your compositions and painting style as a means of expression. Harness the power of color in your painting with Color Theory!

Explore the colorful art of painting in pastel with this compelling how-to guide. Pastel Step by Step provides all the information beginning artists will need to start working with hard pastel, soft pastel, and pastel pencil to create realistic, expressive works of art. The book begins with basic information on composition, color theory, value, and special techniques, such as scumbling, glazing, and cross-hatching. Then experienced artist Marla Baggetta guides you through 12 colorful and compelling pastel painting projects, step by step. And along the way, you will find plenty of practical tips and useful advice for creating your own impressive works of art in pastel.

Pencil Drawing includes comprehensive instructions for drawing a variety of subjects in pencil. A renowned master in the field, Gene Franks explains how to develop your drawings from start to finish, teaching specific techniques for shading, contrast, texture, detail, and more. You will learn all aspects of pencil drawing as you follow the easy-to-follow instructions for drawing everything from animals and people to household items in no time at all. All you need is this book, a pencil, and a little perseverance!

Chinese brush painting is an ancient art form associated with grace, simplicity, and precision. With this wonderful addition to the Artist’s Library Series, you too can learn the secrets to painting in this classic, fluid style. Inside, accomplished Chinese brush artist Lucy Wang covers the fundamentals of this medium, such as handling the brush and creating elegant strokes, as well as information on the history of the art form. Then she guides you step by step through a series of painting lessons, from flowers and animals to a landscape and a traditional figure.