ISBN: 1 929834 06 3

Summary:

Some books are destined to be read in the comfort of an easy chair. This book should wind up dog eared and paint stained, because that's the way its author, Harley Brown, wants it.

Harley suggests you to think of this book as him, standing right next to you at the easel, telling you the eternal truths of painting. The stuff he hopes they are teaching you in art school, the things most people wish they'd been told when they first picked up a brush.

This is not one of those books that is heavy going, so don't think for a moment you will be bored. Harley will grab your full attention from the first word.

His insightful, witty, downright outrageous way of presenting the kaleidoscope of information in this book is a refreshing change from the way art instruction is usually set out.

Pick up Harley's book open it at any page and you'll find dozens of ways you can improve your own painting straightaway.

Harley Brown is a dazzling painter. His mastery is evident on every page, but instead of being intimidated by him, you will feel like you have a life time friend helping you along as he generously shares everything he has learned the hard way.

Twelve knock out chapters are packed with wonderful paintings and great advice.

It's been a long time since an art instruction book informed, inspired and entertained all at the same time.

Start making dog ears now.

Contents:

CHAPTER 1 – Before we begin. I want to see dog-ears

Some thoughts on where we are, were we’re headed an why Is it too late to learn? Let’s talk about style. A word to computer artists. Some thoughts on trusting yourself. Learn from my mistakes.

CHAPTER 2 – Contrary to what you may have heard … accuracy is not a dirty word!

The art of measurement
Why fix it later when you can get it right at the start?
The art of measurement
Ballerina – step-by-step demonstration

CHAPTER 3 – What every artist should do first, but most leave until later Harley’s own cheap and dirty way of getting started

Laying down that first , perfect stroke
Show the paper who’s box
Drawing is important

CHAPTER 4 – Forget color for a moment. First understand value! The POWER of tone. Exciting? You bet!

The concept of dominant value in action. Step-by-step demonstration.
Two dozen painting sins. Lights and darks. Form shadow and cast shadow defined. Why composition, not content, grabs your attention.

CHAPTER 5 – Composition – who needs it? See why most paintings are boring. And why a few will know your socks off

Building it from the ground up. Composition – the most misunderstood word in art today. Composition demonstration. Harley’s law. Linking shapes. Reflected light in action. Dramatic lighting. The struggling artist’s guide to unequal light. Demonstration.

CHAPTER 6 – All about edges. Exploring lost edges, soft edges, and just plain edges (63)

Exploring lost edges, soft edges, and just plain edges
The art of lost edge
Demonstration
The afternoon effect
Distance – anytime

CHAPTER 7 – Working with color. Stay miles ahead of the person who skips this chapter!

The concepts of dominant color, complements, discords, and more
Dominant color – step-by-step. Complementary color and contrast.
Making complete color with simple values. How to get away with almost anything in color.
Three demonstrations.

CHAPTER 8 – Building excitement in your paintings … without restoring to planned, outright manipulation

Of dynamic diagonals, dramatic lighting, and wild color choices
Creating movement with dynamic diagonals. Secrets of dramatic lighting.
Making wild color choices that work.
Demonstrations.

CHAPTER 9 – Breathing life into your paintings. How to paint from a photo so everyone thinks you did it from life

Seeing detail in shadows. Harley’s 10 point checklist for painting from photos. The generic male and female explained. The commissioned portrait. A cautionary tale. 30 magic solutions to common problems. 15 things to definitely leave of out your paintings. Rescuing a bad portrait.

CHAPTER 10 – Knowing when to stop. Hold it! Don’t do another thing! Don’t do another thing!

The detailed eye
Stop worrying!
You are unique
Folds and wrinkles

CHAPTER 11 – Going on from here. Your greatest obstacle isn’t skill … it’s attitude

My 3-part credo for the emerging artist. The Harley Oath.
How to be come excited about your art. New habits for old.
Get a group and hire a model. Pathways to passion.
6 questions to ask your workshop organizer.

CHAPTER 12 – Establishing your workspace. Psyching yourself to paint.

Psyching yourself to paint. Resources. 20 simple studio ideas that will make your life easier.
Create a personal moment. Approaching a gallery.
When you don’t care what anyone thinks of your picture.

Specifications:

Book Reference No.: B159S
Cover: Soft Cover
Book Specs: 8 1/2" x 11"
No of Pages: 144

About the Author

A totally dedicated devotee of pastel (and occasional oil) portraiture, Harley Brown, a native of Canada, attended the Alberta College of Art and the Camberwell School of Art in London, before embarking on a long and arduous struggle to establish himself as a professional.

Today, recognized as one of the most accomplished artists in his field, Harley, together with his wife, Carol, lives and paints in Tucson, Arizona, where he is known as one of "the Tucson Seven", a somewhat disorganized group of top western artists. He has been a member of the National Academy of Western Art since 1977, and has received from the organization five gold medals, one silver medal, and the prestigious Robert Lougheed award (given by vote of Academy members).

Eager to share his knowledge, Harley Brown has conducted hundreds of invariably sold﷓out workshops and demonstrations in the US and abroad. The essence of what he has learned from, and about, his thousands of students and the way they learn is contained in these pages.