The Artist's Handbook of Materials and Techniques: Fifth Edition, Revised and Updated
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Book Overview
Since 1940, when it was originally published, The Artist's Handbook has been indispensable for thousands of practicing artists and art students. The book has remained continuously in print through many editions and has some more than a quarter of a million copies. It is, as American Artist Magazine calls it, the "artist's bible," an invaluable reference for the painter, sculptor, and printmaker. During the past few years, however, new art movements and new research have led to many changes in the technology of artist's materials. With the assistance of Mayer's widow, Bena, and his colleagues, Viking and Steven Sheehan, Director of the Ralph Mayer Center at Yale University, have prepared this latest revision of the book, which is now completely updated and expanded. The Handbook does retain its original, user-friendly format. Mayer intended that this encyclopedic volume be referred to frequently, and he therefore gave specific, practical advice on every aspect of his subject. In addition, he compiled valuable lists for the artist: retail sources for materials, a pigment catalog, a bibliography, and an extensive appendix. And the detailed index makes all of this information immediately accessible.
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:0670837016
ISBN13:9780670837014
Release Date:May 1991
Publisher:Viking
Length:784 Pages
Weight:2.79 lbs.
Dimensions:2.2" x 6.6" x 9.6"
Age Range:18 years and up
Grade Range:Postsecondary and higher
Related Subjects
Architecture Art Arts, Music & Photography Education & Reference Painting Visual Arts WatercolorCustomer Reviews
5 ratings
Can't read i
Published by marie , 3 months ago
The book is so moldy I can't hhold it near me long enough to even read it. I sent a complaint but haven't received a response. I can't keep the book in the house so it remains outside waiting for a resolution.
The Artist's Bible
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
This is the Artist's classic, and the Artist's Bible of not only what materials are but when they came into use, how they are formulated and why. Want to learn how to make your own gesso for silverpoint? Want to cut a quill pen? Want to make your own pastels? Can't remember how to make your own sizing or gesso? Want to try your hand at encaustic or egg tempera painting? Want to know which colors in the spectrum are likely to fade (are fugitive colors) in watercolor and which are not? It's here.
A great reference book for all artists.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
I guessed writing review using reverse-psychology is rather easily misunderstood, considering review readers are from around the world with different ways of thinking. So, let me rephrase my comments about this book.This book is a 5-STAR, due to the following reasons:1) The book provides detailed discussion of pigments (pp 65-134), including both physical and chemical properties such as lightfastness (resistance to fading on long exposure to sunlight), density, vehicle compatibility, chemical class, formula, etc.2) The book also covers other materials used in oil, watercolor painting, as well as other painting techniques such as tempera, mural, etc.3) Readers will find formulas for preparing mediums throughout the book, as well as supports, solvents, safety issues; along with information on painting tools (brushes, knife, etc.) and other techniques (silk screening, sculpture, etc.)4) Finally, for readers who prefer further reading on certain subjects, a thorough reference index serves the purpose.This book targets professional and serious artists, and will serve well as a great reference book.STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!
Painters encyclopedic reference
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
After 50 years of painting I still find this book the most used book in my library of art materials and technigues books. An artist may as well be without his brushes as to be without this book. The help on difficult to answer questions is a wonderful resource in the studio.
Very helpful for serious artists seeking permanence of work.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
Probably the best, most available and comprehensive book on the technical aspects of painting. Very useful for artists who pursue absolute soundness of technique with a mind for permanence of their work. Explains in detail the wide range of supports, grounds, primers, pigments, media and application methods, as well as their respective benefits and defects. Certainly not for the casual reader.
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