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Lessons in Classical Painting: Essential Techniques from Inside the Atelier

by Juliette Aristides
Watson-Guptill: Crown. Jul. 2016. 248p. illus. index. ISBN 9781607747895. $29.99; ebk. ISBN 9781607747901. ART INSTRUCTION
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Aristides's (director, Aristides Classical Atelier, Gage Acad. of Art; Lessons in Classical Drawing) book guides readers through centuries-old methods of painting realistic images. Examples of well-executed paintings by contemporary artists and old masters are accompanied by thoughtfully written, expansive discussions of creativity and painting. The first section touches on Aristides's background in art and sets the stage for the step-by-step lessons in the chapters that follow. The structure, rigor, and discipline of a traditional atelier are stressed, but readers can proceed at their own pace. Segments on value, form, and color demonstrate how to recognize and depict lights and darks, compose a painting, suggest three-dimensional space on a flat surface, and harmonize colors.
VERDICT Intermediate artists ready for a challenge are the ideal audience for this textbook-like guide.
Reviewed by Heather Halliday , Sep 15, 2016
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