Pastel Pointers: Top 100 Secrets for Beautiful Paintings

by Richard McKinley

Top Secrets for Beautiful Pastel Paintings Richard McKinley has been a professional artist for over 35 years. Factor in nearly as many years of teaching experience, and that adds up to a whole lot of know-how to share. In "Pastel Pointers," he lays it all information on tools, materials, color, composition, landscape elements, finishes and more. Compiles the best of McKinley's popular Pastel Pointers blog and "Pastel Journal" columns Covers frequently asked questions ("How do I achieve natural-looking greens?") and simple solutions to common problems, such as excess pigment buildup Includes a chapter on "The Business of Pastels"–tips for framing, shipping, preparing for gallery shows, and otherwise representing your work in a professional manner This book covers everything from the fundamentals to get you going (how to lay out your palette, create an underpainting, evoke luminous effects) to inspirations that will keep you growing (plein air painting, working in a series, keeping a painting journal). Whether you're a beginner or an experienced painter anxious to explore the expressive possibilities of pastel, this is your guide to making the most of the medium.

Genres: Art, Reference

130 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 12, 2010

About the author

There is more than one author with this name.
For the historian, see Richard McKinley

Richard McKinley has been a professional working artist for 38 years and has over 35 years of teaching experience. In 2010 he participated in the American Masters Exhibition at the Salmagundi Club in NYC and was inducted into The Pastel Society of America’s Hall of Fame at the National Arts Club in NYC. His work is represented in several national galleries and is in the permanent collection of the Butler Institute of American Art Museum. He is a frequent contributing editor for the Pastel Journal Magazine. American Artist magazine profiled Richard in their January 2008 issue with an article titled: “The Dance Between Artists and their Paintings”, by M. Stephen Doherty. The July/August 2010 issue of Artist magazine features an interview by Christine McHugh titled: “Shimmering Water, Quiet Light”. The Fall 2010 issue of Workshop Magazine featured an article by Linda S. Price titled: “Tackling Three Key Challenges of Plein Air Painting with Oil and Pastel”. The August 2011 issue of Southwest Art Magazine featured an interview of Richard by Mark Mussari titled: “Misty Memories”. His work has been included in several books including: “A Painters guide to Design and composition”; “Painting with Pastels”; “Pure Color, the best of Pastel”; “Art Journey America Landscapes”; “Sketchbook Confidential”; and the French book “les maitres du pastel”. A book that compiles years of his published Pastel-Pointers columns and blogs for the Pastel Journal Magazine titled: “Pastel Pointers, Top Secrets for Beautiful Pastel Paintings”, was released by North Light publications in November 2010 and was an instant bestseller. Two instructional DVDs: “A Studio Session, Pastel”; and “A Studio Session, Oil” have been produced by Artist Productions and F+W Media, parent company of The Pastel Journal and Artist Magazines, released two videos on pastel painting in early 2010. An avid plein air painter, Richard divides his time between painting the locations he is passionate about, reinterpreting those paintings back in the studio, writing about art matters, and instructing workshops.

Reviews

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent for artists at any level

Clear, succinct writing and excellent presentation of both theory and practical tips. Illustrations support the text well and are just plain gorgeous. Inspiring!

[Debbie Nicoletti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am new to painting with pastels and this book was Super helpful! Especially liked his pastel box organization discussion. I checked this book out from our local library and loved it so much I purchased a copy after reading/studying it!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative for a beginning pastel artist.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books, I refer to it often.

[Sandra Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and informative book for both beginning and advanced pastel artists.

[Agnes Preszler · Rating 5 out of 5]

very informative, useful. well illustrated