[audiobook] Painting Portraits and Figures in Watercolor by Mary Whyte at Arts-Photography

Review

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Painting Portraits and Figures in WatercolorBy Cruz KidThe book is filled with spectacular examples of Mary Whytes work. particularly the results of her trips through the Southern United States. These portraits are not only gorgeous watercolors but also tell intimate stories about the culture and lives of the Black residents who serve as models for Whyte. I was however. as a beginning student of watercolor. very disappointed at her reluctanceto share her process of producing her paintings. Other than a helpful description of how to mix skin colors. there are no detailed demonstrations. tips and little useful advice to other watercolorists. A wonderful example of her work though. which shows what ispossible in a masters hands.7 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Disappointed. Very little in the way of instruction for painting figures and practically nothing on painting portraits.By PatinkyI truly enjoy Ms. Whytes artistic abilities. both by subject and her skill. It is superb in every way. However. this book is mistitled in my opinion. I would have given it a 3.5 stars if that were available but I can not recommend it as teaching portraiture and not much in the way of figures. The book is thorough on Whytes personal philosophies of art; she also shares a lot about basic watercolor painting (palette and brush selection. color. atmospheric perspective. values and shapes) just as most other books do. but nothing detailed enough to specifically feel like you are being instructed in painting figures and portraits. Beginners will be sorely disappointed Im afraid.It does offer insight for the upper-intermediate painter but little that is specific. The few demonstrations in the book are limited to such things as saying wet-into-wet technique is good to use for some skin tones. I hate not to recommend this book because it is nicely done and pretty to look at but written in a way that beginners will likely have trouble applying her teachings. It is a bit more useful than a coffee-table book and may help the experienced with the wet-into-wet technique. If you are good at picking and choosing useful information for advanced technique out of a maze of "artist statements" then go for it. As another reviewer said above. I too was hoping Ms. Whyte would let go and tell exactly how she achieves her beautiful paintings. Instead. after telling us the rules of painting and not to break them. she basically says. "Here are the basics. Experiment and break the rules until you figure it out on your own."(my paraphrasing)3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Mary Whyte is an exceptional watercolorist as the illustrations in ...By Frances HarrisMary Whyte is an exceptional watercolorist as the illustrations in this book prove. I wish there were more detailed demonstrations to show how she obtained her incredible results.