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a sketchers library

a short list of inspiring reads for plein air artists and urban sketchers.




Big Brush Watercolor

by Ron Ranson

Buy on Pangobooks

My all time favorite book on watercolor painting. This book fill all the gaps that a single demo in painting class many years ago. It forces simplicity by removing the need to control, letting water be water, leaving paintings fresh and uncomplicated. Using the Japanese hake brush, obtainable from most art and craft shops, Ron Ranson demonstrates how to simplify the subject matter and thus filter out the essence of a scene. He also discusses the dissecting and dramatizing of the subject.


The Urban Sketching Handbook: Color First, Ink Later: A Dynamic Approach to Drawing and Painting on Location (Vol. 15) January 4, 2022

Buy on Amazon

Follow Yoshiaki's demos for brighter more vibrant sketches. Includes a range of subjects plus an extensive gallery of color examples.



SKETCH & COLOR: Art Techniques from Pencil to Paint

by Paul Taggart

Enthusiastic text, coupled with a no-nonsense approach presented in unique and detailed strips guide artists through the various techniques and media. This is just what everyone needs to progress and build confidence in drawing and painting.



THE URBAN SKETCHING HANDBOOK : 101 Sketching Tips, Tricks, Techniques and Handy Hacks for Sketching on the Go.

A collection of insider know-how and expert tips and techniques. Many basic drawing techniques into one handy volume: How to draw a great line. Using ellipses to draw arches. How towers are like wedding cakes. The importance of your eye level line in sketching, and 97 things more! The book also features beautiful example illustrations from urban sketchers around the globe! Compact, easy-to-carry format--toss it in your backpack or paintbox


The Urban Sketching Handbook Panoramas and Vertical Vistas: Techniques for Drawing on Location from Unexpected Perspectives

Heaps of inspiration here if you're looking to add scale, story, visual appeal, impact and drama to your sketches.


The Complete Etchings of Rembrandt

Buy on Pango Books

I was first introduced to Rembrandt when I was very young. My parents were great admirers of Rembrandt and among the many antiques they collected were canvas reproductions of Rembrandts paintings and several Rijks Museum books, His drawings and etchings hugely inspired me, especially for his play of light & dark and contrast to create drama, as well as intricate detail . Highly recommend studying his drawings and etchings, an invaluable resource. From the publisher: Rembrandt is revered not only as a painter, but as a supreme master of drawing and etching as well. His work in etching spanned most of his career and embraced the wide range of subjects he pursued in his painting: portraits, landscapes, biblical scenes, pictures with allegorical and mythological themes, and more. This comprehensive collection contains Rembrandt's complete etchings -- over 300 works -- most of them shown in their original size. They have been reproduced directly from a rare collection famed for its pristine condition, fresh, clean impressions, rich contrasts, and brilliant printing. Among the etchings included are: Self portrait drawing at a window (1648); Abraham's sacrifice (1655); Christ preaching ["The hundred-guilder print"] (ca. 1643-49); Christ crucified between the two thieves ["The three crosses"] (1653); The return of the prodigal son (1636); The three trees (1643); Faust (ca. 1652); Jan Six (1647); The great Jewish bride (1635); The strolling musicians (ca. 1635). The etchings are reproduced from the originals themselves rather than from reduced photographs, which can depart significantly in quality from the originals. This handsome volume is filled with information critical to fully appreciating the extraordinary images it contains. Detailed captions point out features of special interest and provide vital information such as title, signature, date, collection, Bartsch number, state of impression reproduced, and total number of states. Also included are a chronology of Rembrandt's life and etchings, a discussion of the technique of etching in his time, and an excellent bibliography. Art lovers, scholars, students of etching, and anyone with an interest in Rembrandt and his work will find in this beautiful book a rare and exciting visual experience.


Distilling the Scene: Paint Watercolour

A practical guide for simplifying composition, and bring the joy back into painting. From the publisher: "Tips to prevent over-working and spoiling what might otherwise be a successful picture. Using photographic examples of scenes he has painted, the author describes what he would eliminate, what needs to be changed, and what techniques should be employed to ensure a successful result. Numerous finished paintings and colour-sketches are presented to illustrate the points made, and separate chapters on buildings, trees and skies outline specific problems and how they can be overcome. The author is an artist whose work has been exhibited in Europe, Australia and South Africa. He also runs residential watercolour courses, and has written several other books on watercolour techniques, as well as biographies of Edward Seago and Edward Wesson."


En Plein Air: Watercolor: Expert Techniques and Simple Step-By-Step Projects for Creating Dynamic Landscapes in the Open Air with Watercolor

ISBN: 1633226166

ISBN13: 9781633226166

A guide to artistic travels as you explore en plein air - a daring and expressive method of painting, wherever you may be.


The New Colored Pencil: Create Luminous Works with Innovative Material and Techniques (May 2014)

Buy on PangoBooks

Another great title on color rendering, full of exploration, experimentation and new techniques. ISBN: 9780770436933 From the publisher: Start coloring, relieve stress, and learn to create radiant, original works of art using colored pencils, wax pastels, and watercolor pencils. Add vibrancy to your coloring creations with instruction from best-selling author and teacher Kristy Kutch as she guides you through recommendations for the newest colored pencil brands, best drawing surfaces, and groundbreaking techniques. Including easy step-by-step demonstrations and inspiring art from today's best colored pencil artists, The New Colored Pencil shows you how to use color theory to your advantage, combine color media, create and enhance textures, and experiment with surfaces to create phenomenal effects. Whether you use traditional wax-based, or watercolor colored pencils, The New Colored Pencil will take your creative art pieces to a whole new level.


The Watercolor Painter's Pocket Palette

by Moria Clinch (Author)

Another great title on color rendering, full of exploration, experimentation and new techniques. ISBN: 9780770436933 From the publisher: Start coloring, relieve stress, and learn to create radiant, original works of art using colored pencils, wax pastels, and watercolor pencils. Add vibrancy to your coloring creations with instruction from best-selling author and teacher Kristy Kutch as she guides you through recommendations for the newest colored pencil


Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World (2015) By Julia Rothman

Renowned illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this fully illustrated field guide deep diving into the structure, function, and personality of the natural world. Explore the anatomy of animals, insects, and natural elements. Rothman’s colorful illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the world all around you.




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