How I Paint: Secrets of a Sunday Painter

by Thomas S. Buechner

What is the process by which a painting comes into being? What goes on in the artist's mind? What different techniques are used in creating a still life, landscape, or portrait? In this look at the complex, often mysterious painting process, painter/museum director Thomas S. Buechner combines clear how-to instruction with striking insights to help us look at pictures in a wholly new way. An expert on painting techniques, Buechner offers valuable tips for both amateur and professional painters on traditional methods that many schools do not teach today. An impassioned painter himself, whose work hangs in The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American Art, Buechner includes illustrations of many of his most inspired paintings and drawings-some shown in step-by-step series with enlarged details-illuminating for us the intimate relationship between the artist and his materials. 129 illustrations, 98 in full color, 8 1/2 x 10 3/4" THOMAS S. BUECHNER, former director of the Brooklyn Museum of Art and the Corning Museum of Glass, is the author of several books, most notably Abrams' definitive biography Norman Artist and Illustrator. In addition to his long experience in interpreting works of art for museumgoers, Buechner brings to this book the perspective gained from decades of teaching painting.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Reference

127 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2000

Reviews

[Alyson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not interested in painting people, but I love learning about how artists approach painting.

"Subject plus attitude equals content."

I love this quote because it's so different from how we think of "content" now. Slop on the internet by humans and robots is one of the greatest tragedies of what the web has become. Much prefer his notion of the word content.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, take a look at this man's work and see the talent. Then dream that there was a way for him to give you some amazing tips, pointers and advice. Then buy this book.

He purposefully titled it "How I Paint," emphasis on "I" so that he could explain his process, his color choices, his compostion, and not feel compelled to tell you, "do what I do."

It was revolutionary for me to read about his, "essence of perspective," that the cool-warm relationship coming forward and backwards in a painting to create depth. Painting dark colors over light colors makes them appear and warm, and light colors over darker ones, makes them appear cool.

The book has 50 excellent color photographs of his work which were culled first from vast collection down to 250, and from there eventually down to the 50 that best help illustrate his tips, suggestions, ideas about how HE paints.

[Arnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to meet Mr. Buechner with my father in Upstate NY several years ago. He was my fathers teacher and friend. Under his wing my fathers own painting flourished. They are both gone now...but I find this book an invaluable resource from the mind of a true master!

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I re-read Tom's book this week and enjoyed it again. This time I particularly enjoyed the stories and examples of how he chose to make painting an integral part of his life. We were so lucky to have him in our community.