The Oil Painter's Bible. An Essential Reference For The Practising Artist

by Marylin Scott

Learn how to use and enjoy one of the most satisfying painting mediums with this handy compact guide. Contains essential information on the materials, equipment, and techniques for creating accomplished works in oils. Step-by-step sequences show how to paint a range of themes, from still life to portraits and landscapes, with advice on more difficult subjects. Includes suggestions for presenting your finished paintings and how to go about getting your work seen and exhibited. Over 150,000 copies sold worldwide.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Reference

Hardcover

First published April 1, 2005

About the author

Marylin Scott is a professional artist who works across a wide range of media. She studied painting at the Guildford School of Art and the Royal Academy of Painting in London. She is a respected practical art author.

Reviews

[Pete daPixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marylin Scott's 'Oil Painter's Bible' is described as the 'essential reference for the practising artist'. I certainly don't refer to myself as a practising artist, more of a dabbler every cerulean blue moon. However, I'm sure that whatever the artist, this is a splendid reference. The book covers everything from materials, the colour palette, many techniques, basic and advanced, useful hints and tips and subject studies.
Although I already have artist books on watercolours, gouache, oils etc., this bible has introduced me to quite a few new techniques, such as tonking, which in my distant youth meant something completely different.
Reprinted in 2017. I think this is a guide that I should own, it's a shame to return it to the library.

[Maryana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Este libro es perfecto para principiantes, pero no para aquellos artistas que ya se han adentrado en el mundo del óleo.

Marylin describe de manera general los materiales, las técnicas, la mezcla de colores, la composición y los pasos a seguir para formar nuestra distinta obra de arte, ya sea retrato, naturaleza muerte o paisajes.

Recomiendo este libro a todo aquel artista que quiere adentrarse en este mundo. Las explicaciones son sencillas y vienen con imágenes que ayudan a entender a la perfección todo.

Mi puntuación es de un tres, dado que esperaba algunos consejos más personales sobre la experiencia artística de la pintora. Pero en sí, para los principiantes, es el libro ideal.

[Roderick Gladwish Gladwish · Rating 3 out of 5]

A straightforward breakdown of oil painting media, techniques and a few simple tutorials. A useful reference for someone like me who paints but has never used oils.
The one outstanding part was the explanation about colour mixing giving the most thorough guide on how different colours mix. I know it sounds obvious but I hadn't realised why certain yellows mixed with certain blues or reds do no give the expected colours. It will help you avoid muddy colours if nothing else.

[Stephen M. Ehninger · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poorly done book

Examples I’m.n this book are crude and poor examples of painting techniques. Instruction on methods, color and the typical materials for oil painting are not comprehensive no well written.
This book should be avoided. Amateurish and crudely done.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not an overload of information but gives you just enough to get a grip on the idea of materials, colour palettes, techniques and how to treat different subjects.

[Oznasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would love to do a course in which this book was the text book and the teacher demonstrated each of the techniques shown within.

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good oil painting guide

There is a lot of good information in this book. I knew most of the information in this book. Definitely learned some new tips.

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful book. I appreciated the spiral binding.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for a novice in oils

[Eleonora Ronconi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these Bibles series

They are very thorough and have great illustrations and photos.
I highly recommend them for anyone who wants to learn about painting.

[Gabriëlle van der Weide · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very clear and well explained book on painting with oil, from materials, techniques to colour strategy and an overview of colour mixtures. I started painting 1,5 year ago and it helps me move on.

[Noor જ⁀➴⋆.˚ · Rating 5 out of 5]

An essential reference that explains different aspects of oil painting.

It started with the tools used going further to explaining the different types of canvas fabrics, mediums and toning. Then it discussed colours in detail, how to mix each and where to use it when painting.

In the following chapter, the author explained both basic and advanced painting techniques like impasto, scumbling and texturing. And last, paintings subjects were illustrated with a tutorial towards the end of each and it covered landscapes, buildings, people and still life.

While reading, you can find sections for Artist’s tips and paintings analysis.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to have useful info