Encyclopedia of Oil Painting Techniques, The: A Unique Step-by-Step Visual Directory of all the Key Oil-Painting Techniques

I believe that this book will be most useful for late beginner or early intermediate level painters. It is not "Learning Oil Painting Step-by-Step." Basics are certainly covered in Part 1, but not in complete detail. Beginners might find Steve Allrich's "Oil Painting for the Serious Beginner" more helpful for starting out. For example, Allrich's description of stretching canvas is more detailed than Galton's.There are two sections. Part 1: Techniques (about 40% of the book) is like an encyclopedia. It contains short articles on a wide range of methods arranged in alphabetical order. Each article is from 1 to 3 pages long, and each is well illustrated, sometimes with illustrated step-by-step examples. Part 2: Themes (about 60% of the book) contains chapters on Architecture, Figures, Still Life, Landscapes, Skies, and Water. All are well illustrated with examples from different artists (including the author), and each chapter contains at least one step-by-step demonstration. Illustrations are well chosen, and the color rendition of the printing is excellent. By the way, it helps if you actually like the paintings by the author. I very much like Galton's paintings.Those who have painted at least 5-10 paintings may find new ideas and approaches in Part 1 that can be used for fresh experimentation with unfamiliar techniques. Part 2 provides examples of how other artists approach their subjects, and it includes technical information and demonstrations on how to achieve the desired results. For me, this is not a book best read through sequentially (although it can be profitably read that way), but a book to be continually dipping into for fresh ideas. I expect it to be as useful as "Problem Solving for Oil Painters" by Gregg Kreutz in assisting growth as an artist.I'll be referring back to Galton's book repeatedly to help develop painting skills.

This book was everything I'd hoped it would be, and more.I did do the whole art school thing (twice) but the thing that is so good about this book is that it would be suitable for beginners as well as more experienced artists. The examples given are very clear, but there is no 'here is how you should draw a tree in three easy steps' stuff (shudder!).I'd highly recommend this book. My only real criticism is that it could be longer, I can easily think of 10 or 20 extra sections that could be added. I will keep referring back to this book again and again I'm sure.

Good source of information. Would like more info on some subjects, but I think the book would be huge if it covered everything in detail. This is a good general guide.

First, I am not an artist. I can't paint at all, but I'm writing a book with a main character who is an accomplished artist, so I had to learn what goes into oil painting to avoid sounding stupid! This book was great for research, very detailed, lots of pictures, and text that is actually very well written. If I ever do decide to try my hand at oil painting, this book will be my guide!

I really love it because it resulted to be very useful, it gives not only a very whole explanation in all the techniques it describes but also a very clear information, considering the small space it grants to each one.I consider it was one of my best purchases I made on this subject.Thanks very much fr yr great cooperation and the possibility you gave me to obtain this book.Sincerely,Juana Teresa Beca

Though it does explain various techniques of oil painting, it really doesn't go into depth of each one. I thought the examples for each technique were barely touched upon and the style of paintings used for the explanations were the wrong examples to use. All in all, this is a poor book or reference to use if you are a beginner or going to the next step. Glazing for example is barely given attention; this is sad because glazing is a big part of oil painting. I could get a lot more information on glazing just looking for it on the net. This book isn't necessary to really have. So, sorry to say it will go on the shelf and stay there. I was disappointed.

When I started out painting I wanted to try out different styles to see which best fit me and this book allowed me to do just that. I like the fact it's all in one book - so I just flip through and try one I like that day. Very easy to understand and one of my favorites.

An easy read, giving good techniques and displaying many artist concepts that may improve your artstic outlook on the way you imagine the way to portray a painting