What do you think?
Rate this book
The Complete Book of Textures for Artists: Step-by-step instructions for mastering more than 275 textures in graphite, charcoal, colored pencil, acrylic, and oil
Learning to render a variety of textures is a fundamental skill for any fine artist, no matter the chosen media or subject matter. The Complete Book of Textures for Artists features more than 275 step-by-step lessons, tips, and techniques for rendering a wide range of textures in a variety of media, including graphite pencil, charcoal, colored pencil, oil, and acrylic.
Whether you're an experienced artist or just starting out, The Complete Book of Textures for Artists features a wide variety of both traditional and contemporary techniques. After an introduction to the basic tools and materials, discover a variety of drawing and painting techniques, such as hatching, crosshatching, shading, blending, layering, burnishing, and more. Organized into sections based on subject matter and media, each page features easy-to-follow steps demonstrating how to create each specific texture. Not only will you learn a variety of techniques, but you’ll also discover new ideas and inspiration for using the techniques in your own projects.
Packed with easy-to-follow instructions and plenty of helpful artist tips, The Complete Book of Textures for Artists is the perfect resource for beginning and established artists who are ready to master the intricacies of rendering realistic texture in their artwork.
Whether you're an experienced artist or just starting out, The Complete Book of Textures for Artists features a wide variety of both traditional and contemporary techniques. After an introduction to the basic tools and materials, discover a variety of drawing and painting techniques, such as hatching, crosshatching, shading, blending, layering, burnishing, and more. Organized into sections based on subject matter and media, each page features easy-to-follow steps demonstrating how to create each specific texture. Not only will you learn a variety of techniques, but you’ll also discover new ideas and inspiration for using the techniques in your own projects.
Packed with easy-to-follow instructions and plenty of helpful artist tips, The Complete Book of Textures for Artists is the perfect resource for beginning and established artists who are ready to master the intricacies of rendering realistic texture in their artwork.
- GenresArtNonfiction
144 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2020
21 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 30, 2020
I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
This is a great resource for artists and the thing I loved best about it was it showed pictures alongside the step by step instructions.
There are alot of tips within this book which I also found really helpful and useful.
Overall, a great resource for any newbie artists like myself.
This is a great resource for artists and the thing I loved best about it was it showed pictures alongside the step by step instructions.
There are alot of tips within this book which I also found really helpful and useful.
Overall, a great resource for any newbie artists like myself.
February 28, 2020
Thank you, NetGalley, for a complimentary copy of this book! The following review reflects my personal opinion!
First off, I have to include a disclaimer: When I requested this ARC, I totally misinterpreted the title. When I think of texture, I think of mixed media. This book is strictly a one-media-at-a-time instruction book!
With that being said, I was both disappointed and surprised--disappointed that I didn't get step-by-step instructions for mastering more mixed media textures, but absolutely surprised how good this book turned out!
(1) I like how this book starts out with a "How to use this book" section! That was indeed a very helpful page in this book!
image:
(2) My favorite section--even though my go-to medium is (mostly) acrylic--my favorite section of the book was the section about colored pencil textures.
(3) I love that the book includes not only step-by-step instructions, but also the step-by-step images to go with those instructions. As a primarily visual learner, I totally appreciate that!
(4) The book also includes a lot of helpful tips, e.g., in the colored pencil section, the authors recommend a swatch chart of all the colored pencils the artist has. THAT blew my mind, even though it should be kind of a common-sense thing. It wasn't common sense for me and so I appreciate that this advice was included in the book.
(5) This book shows step-by-step instructions for a very wide range of items, from glass and porcelain to fabrics such as silk and leather, to animal hair and human skin textures, to items such as rocks, sand, tree leaves, etc. Wonderful!!!!
(6) The instructions are short, but easy to understand and follow. I can't wait to try more of these techniques and practice!!
First off, I have to include a disclaimer: When I requested this ARC, I totally misinterpreted the title. When I think of texture, I think of mixed media. This book is strictly a one-media-at-a-time instruction book!
With that being said, I was both disappointed and surprised--disappointed that I didn't get step-by-step instructions for mastering more mixed media textures, but absolutely surprised how good this book turned out!
(1) I like how this book starts out with a "How to use this book" section! That was indeed a very helpful page in this book!
image:
(2) My favorite section--even though my go-to medium is (mostly) acrylic--my favorite section of the book was the section about colored pencil textures.
(3) I love that the book includes not only step-by-step instructions, but also the step-by-step images to go with those instructions. As a primarily visual learner, I totally appreciate that!
(4) The book also includes a lot of helpful tips, e.g., in the colored pencil section, the authors recommend a swatch chart of all the colored pencils the artist has. THAT blew my mind, even though it should be kind of a common-sense thing. It wasn't common sense for me and so I appreciate that this advice was included in the book.
(5) This book shows step-by-step instructions for a very wide range of items, from glass and porcelain to fabrics such as silk and leather, to animal hair and human skin textures, to items such as rocks, sand, tree leaves, etc. Wonderful!!!!
(6) The instructions are short, but easy to understand and follow. I can't wait to try more of these techniques and practice!!
August 3, 2020
You can get inspired by textures
Artists Denise J. Howard, Steven Pearce, and Mia Tavonatti present "The Complete Book of Textures for Artists. Step-by-step instructions for mastering more than 275 textures in graphite, charcoal, colored pencil, acrylic, and oil" which was published by Quarto Publishing Group - Walter Foster. The book is divided into three sections: 1) Graphite & Charcoals (by Steven Pearce), 2) Colored Pencil (by Denise J. Howard), and 3) Oil & Acrylic (by Mia Tavonatti. Every section contains specific information about tools & materials and techniques. Furthermore, Steven Pearce has also included information about value and shading when using graphite and charcoals. The main topics in each section are 1) people, 2) animals, 3) fabrics & textiles, 4) hard surfaces, 5) nature, and 6) food & beverages. Five patterns are developed in three steps, all the other patters are developed in four steps.
I am totally impressed by this book that is a great tool for artist who work with the mediums mentioned above or who want to extend their knowledge in other areas. The book can be also inspirational and helpful for mixed-media artists. The book presents itself with a wide range of examples, great photos, drawings, and design. The included tips can also be a help to beginning and advanced artists for whom it makes also a great present. There is no index at the end of the book, but this is not a problem because of the very detailed list of content. I highly recomme3nd the book because it is inspirational and gives new ideas.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#TheCompleteBookOfTexturesForArtists #NetGalley
Artists Denise J. Howard, Steven Pearce, and Mia Tavonatti present "The Complete Book of Textures for Artists. Step-by-step instructions for mastering more than 275 textures in graphite, charcoal, colored pencil, acrylic, and oil" which was published by Quarto Publishing Group - Walter Foster. The book is divided into three sections: 1) Graphite & Charcoals (by Steven Pearce), 2) Colored Pencil (by Denise J. Howard), and 3) Oil & Acrylic (by Mia Tavonatti. Every section contains specific information about tools & materials and techniques. Furthermore, Steven Pearce has also included information about value and shading when using graphite and charcoals. The main topics in each section are 1) people, 2) animals, 3) fabrics & textiles, 4) hard surfaces, 5) nature, and 6) food & beverages. Five patterns are developed in three steps, all the other patters are developed in four steps.
I am totally impressed by this book that is a great tool for artist who work with the mediums mentioned above or who want to extend their knowledge in other areas. The book can be also inspirational and helpful for mixed-media artists. The book presents itself with a wide range of examples, great photos, drawings, and design. The included tips can also be a help to beginning and advanced artists for whom it makes also a great present. There is no index at the end of the book, but this is not a problem because of the very detailed list of content. I highly recomme3nd the book because it is inspirational and gives new ideas.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#TheCompleteBookOfTexturesForArtists #NetGalley
June 2, 2020
I have discovered Quarto Publishing Group to be a thoughtful publishing house as they release art titles, and The Complete Book of Textures for Artists is no exception.
Within these pages, there are detailed instructions to guide artists in the use of colored pencils, charcoal, and paints to add depth by including texture.
I often would gasp at the transformation; perhaps they're conveying how to use charcoal to draw wavy hair, or colored pencils to mimic a rolling stream. There would be a series of four images with accompanying language to point out what should be done at each stage. The first two or three panels, you can tell it is a created image. Often, though, the last image would appear so lifelike that I would be stunned at the skill.
The book shows textures through each of these mediums. It would be a suitable reference book for any artist or aspiring artist. Whatever their medium, they could open to the appropriate page for guidance and inspiration if they are stymied at how to translate a lifelike image to the page or canvas. And for individuals like me, who appreciate art but find our skills in other outlets, it's still a treat to take in the pages, continually being delighted by the transformations. I found my fingers twitching to try my own hand at these recommendations.
(I received a digital ARC from Quarto Publishing Group - Walter Foster via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.)
Within these pages, there are detailed instructions to guide artists in the use of colored pencils, charcoal, and paints to add depth by including texture.
I often would gasp at the transformation; perhaps they're conveying how to use charcoal to draw wavy hair, or colored pencils to mimic a rolling stream. There would be a series of four images with accompanying language to point out what should be done at each stage. The first two or three panels, you can tell it is a created image. Often, though, the last image would appear so lifelike that I would be stunned at the skill.
The book shows textures through each of these mediums. It would be a suitable reference book for any artist or aspiring artist. Whatever their medium, they could open to the appropriate page for guidance and inspiration if they are stymied at how to translate a lifelike image to the page or canvas. And for individuals like me, who appreciate art but find our skills in other outlets, it's still a treat to take in the pages, continually being delighted by the transformations. I found my fingers twitching to try my own hand at these recommendations.
(I received a digital ARC from Quarto Publishing Group - Walter Foster via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.)
April 13, 2020
This was a comprehensive guide for artists of all abilities. The book started with a break down of different materials and techniques for graphite and charcoal which would help to get the beginner started.
The book is then broken down in people, animals, food, and different surface type which is to be worked in graphite or charcoal, coloured pencils and oils and acrylic.
Each texture has a four point process which is explained and illustrated.. I found some of the explanations to be easier than others and there is a certain amount of drawing talent required in order to succeed.
With more than 270 textures to try out, presented by three artists, there is enough in this book to help the artist to grow and develop.
I think this would be a valuable addition to any artists book shelf as they can keep dipping in and out as and when they needed to explore a new texture.
The book is then broken down in people, animals, food, and different surface type which is to be worked in graphite or charcoal, coloured pencils and oils and acrylic.
Each texture has a four point process which is explained and illustrated.. I found some of the explanations to be easier than others and there is a certain amount of drawing talent required in order to succeed.
With more than 270 textures to try out, presented by three artists, there is enough in this book to help the artist to grow and develop.
I think this would be a valuable addition to any artists book shelf as they can keep dipping in and out as and when they needed to explore a new texture.
April 7, 2020
This book contains really a very large amount of textures, I was disappointed though for the brevity of the explanations. There are 3 different textures on one page, each of them illustrated with 3-4 pictures accompanied by undertitles, too short and superficial in my opinion. It can be used more as a reference, while for learning the techniques for the various textures I'd rather recommend other titles published by Walter Foster. The introducing part with the techniques and materials is useful though.
February 16, 2020
A good book in the area of defining texture in three different mediums. Those being pencil and charcoal, colour pencils and lastly oil and acrylic. Having decided which medium one wants to work with the book is further separated into section dealing with people, animals, fabric/textile, hard surfaces, nature and lastly food and beverage.
The exercises are plentiful and fun to do. great for anyone who wants to grow their skills
The exercises are plentiful and fun to do. great for anyone who wants to grow their skills
February 18, 2020
I’ve recently been learning about how to draw and this seems the next step to me. Loads of amazing techniques and idea’s for drawing textures from fur on animals to aging skin on humans. There are 3 sections to the book, with sub sections, this makes searching for want you require really easy. I would definitely recommend this book, if for no other reason to have this beautiful book on your shelf or coffee table!
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
July 15, 2021
This book is a great reference tool for any artist! I also own the book that’s for colored pencils, but this one is more useful as it covers other mediums including acrylic paints. The book has 275 textures with easy to follow instructions. It includes many textures that I thought I could never achieve. I highly recommend this book for any artist’s library..
I received a digital copy from Net Galley. I have since purchased a physical copy of this wonderful book.
I received a digital copy from Net Galley. I have since purchased a physical copy of this wonderful book.
March 17, 2020
The book is broken down by medium, but there are a lot of overlapping textures so you’re not just finding how to do things like “smooth skin” in graphite, but also how to do it in oil and acrylic.
Definitely a great reference book for graphite, colored pencils and oil & acrylic.
Definitely a great reference book for graphite, colored pencils and oil & acrylic.
March 18, 2020
Almost complete Step-by-step instructions to texture drawing with different techniques.
A must have book for artists!
A must have book for artists!
February 6, 2020
This book exceeded my expectations I was very excited to read because the cover is awesomeness. But wow the insightful instructions and details are exceptional. This book is a must have learning tool. I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews