Review by Booklist Review
This treasure-filled trio of richly illustrated resources covers everything from the basics of composition to creating murals to and using the "light language" technique in watercolors. Albert's how-to reduces compositional guides to one "master rule": never make any two intervals--of distance, length, spacing, and dimensions of shapes, or the value intervals on a value scale and colors on the color wheel--the same. His discussion of the "golden rule" and its uses entail an exploration of design dynamics, an examination of the finer points of dynamic balance, tonal value, and contrast, and application of the theoretical knowledge to analyses of still lifes, landscapes, and portraits. In her book on "quick and easy" murals, Dewberry presents projects that can be done in as little as a single day, starting with six colorful floral borders, then helping readers cumulatively develop skills with four step-by-step wall murals. From classical columns to picket fences, trees and birdbaths, these paintings dramatically change a room, transforming it into its own landscape. With an eye to the practical, Dewberry provides a final chapter with tips on developing a muraling business. Color theory and the depictions of light and texture comprise "the language of light," according to watercolorist Moyer, who uses the three main techniques of brush line, wash, and wet-into-wet applications with two systems of space representation in five minidemos. These practice steps allow readers to develop layering skills on simple projects before progressing to the three larger demos, all complete paintings rich with radiant luminosity--no small thing in a medium many feel is the most demanding and least forgiving of the two-dimensional plastic arts. --Whitney Scott
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
Moyer and Ong offer different methods for achieving luminous light effects in watercolor. Moyer's layering technique begins with learning brush lines, wash, and wet-into-wet applications. Following are larger issues of creating convincing form and space, building texture, and layering colors to emphasize light. Ong was the first Asian to become a member of the American Watercolor Society, from which he has won six awards. His book takes a less common path, emphasizing the important role that shadows play in creating light effects. A superb draftsman, Ong composes specifically for luminosity and contrast. His demonstrations of subjects from around the world are more varied than those of Moyer, who works primarily with nature themes. Of the two, Ong's is the stronger volume. Larger collections will also want Rachel Rubin Wolf's Spash 7: A Celebration of Light for examples from 95 artists. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
