Open Book Figure Painting Techniques by Kirill Kanaev - AK Interactive publications

[ghamilt1]

This just arrived in the mail this morning, less than a week after I ordered it directly from AK Interactive in Spain. After leafing through it, I need to add my voice to those who have already endorsed this book, and give many, many thumbs up.

1. While some may be put off at the price, let me just say that this is the finest, smartest and wisest investment anyone interested in pursuing figure painting as a hobby can make. It is worth every cent spent and I would do it again in a heart beat.
2. This has to be the most comprehensive book on the art of figure painting I have ever seen. It is more like the art instruction books I have in my Fine Art painting studio as opposed to a "hobby" book if that makes any sense. Seriously, based on the questions I have seen posted on various forums, this book answers all of them. So from here on out, the proper response to the question "How do you ___________?" should be "buy Kirill Kanaev's book, and you will find the answer along with pages of step by step pictures guiding you to a solution to your question".
3. The quality of this publication is simply outstanding. 487 gloss pages of high quality pictures leave nothing to the imagination. It is a soft cover and about the size of a small phone book (for those of you young enough to get that reference).

So in conclusion, I was absolutely gob-smacked when I finally got to see it in person and so very glad I took some of my Christmas money and ordered it. I am looking forward to applying some of the lessons in this book to my next figure project (Troop54 75mm French Hussar 1796 to be precise). This book is destined to be added to the canon of figure painting scripture along with Horan, Cartacci and Paine. And it will take pride of place directly beside my work bench for ease of reference. I really like it. I hope that much is clear, and thank you all for putting up with my enthusiastic ranting. Cheers and happy painting in 2021!

 

[housecarl]

Enjoy mate.
All the very best to you and yours.

 

[grasshopper]

View attachment 404554
This just arrived in the mail this morning, less than a week after I ordered it directly from AK Interactive in Spain. After leafing through it, I need to add my voice to those who have already endorsed this book, and give many, many thumbs up.

1. While some may be put off at the price, let me just say that this is the finest, smartest and wisest investment anyone interested in pursuing figure painting as a hobby can make. It is worth every cent spent and I would do it again in a heart beat.
2. This has to be the most comprehensive book on the art of figure painting I have ever seen. It is more like the art instruction books I have in my Fine Art painting studio as opposed to a "hobby" book if that makes any sense. Seriously, based on the questions I have seen posted on various forums, this book answers all of them. So from here on out, the proper response to the question "How do you ___________?" should be "buy Kirill Kanaev's book, and you will find the answer along with pages of step by step pictures guiding you to a solution to your question".
3. The quality of this publication is simply outstanding. 487 gloss pages of high quality pictures leave nothing to the imagination. It is a soft cover and about the size of a small phone book (for those of you young enough to get that reference).

So in conclusion, I was absolutely gob-smacked when I finally got to see it in person and so very glad I took some of my Christmas money and ordered it. I am looking forward to applying some of the lessons in this book to my next figure project (Troop54 75mm French Hussar 1796 to be precise). This book is destined to be added to the canon of figure painting scripture along with Horan, Cartacci and Paine. And it will take pride of place directly beside my work bench for ease of reference. I really like it. I hope that much is clear, and thank you all for putting up with my enthusiastic ranting. Cheers and happy painting in 2021!

Thanks sir..I should have ordered from Spain as well..DHL a works well with AK, Ammo by Mig..but promised to buy a copy from Angelo at Sunward in Toronto...I’ve always liked Horgan, Paine and Cartacci as having sound fundamentals in art and not being stupid paint by numbers exercises..I have the Encyclopoedia done by Mig under guidance of Cabos..which was ok..but more because I know personally a few of the contributors...so it’s a nice thing to have..am generally a cynic of purported instruction thru a book because I learn by watching, then doing..except with a writer lays out concepts that I can apply..there can never be the feedback loop that comes with class work or studio work in art school..but it’s better than falllign asleep watching someone paint on YouTube or Twitch..

 

[Bob Black]

I just ordered a copy as well from AK. I hope I get it so quickly. Happy New Year all! And stay safe.

 

[grasshopper]

I just ordered a copy as well from AK. I hope I get it so quickly. Happy New Year all! And stay safe.

Indeed Bob..may 2021 be a bit boring .

 

[ghamilt1]

Enjoy mate.
All the very best to you and yours.

Thanks Carl, Happy New Year to you and your family. Maybe there will be a Euro this fall? That would be nice.

 

[Chrisr]

[
This just arrived in the mail this morning, less than a week after I ordered it directly from AK Interactive in Spain. After leafing through it, I need to add my voice to those who have already endorsed this book, and give many, many thumbs up.[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE]

1. While some may be put off at the price, let me just say that this is the finest, smartest and wisest investment anyone interested in pursuing figure painting as a hobby can make. It is worth every cent spent and I would do it again in a heart beat.
2. This has to be the most comprehensive book on the art of figure painting I have ever seen. It is more like the art instruction books I have in my Fine Art painting studio as opposed to a "hobby" book if that makes any sense. Seriously, based on the questions I have seen posted on various forums, this book answers all of them. So from here on out, the proper response to the question "How do you ___________?" should be "buy Kirill Kanaev's book, and you will find the answer along with pages of step by step pictures guiding you to a solution to your question".
3. The quality of this publication is simply outstanding. 487 gloss pages of high quality pictures leave nothing to the imagination. It is a soft cover and about the size of a small phone book (for those of you young enough to get that reference).

So in conclusion, I was absolutely gob-smacked when I finally got to see it in person and so very glad I took some of my Christmas money and ordered it. I am looking forward to applying some of the lessons in this book to my next figure project (Troop54 75mm French Hussar 1796 to be precise). This book is destined to be added to the canon of figure painting scripture along with Horan, Cartacci and Paine. And it will take pride of place directly beside my work bench for ease of reference. I really like it. I hope that much is clear, and thank you all for putting up with my enthusiastic ranting. Cheers and happy painting in 2021!

Many thanks for your review. You’ve convinced me, and boy do I need help. All the very best for a happy and healthy 2021.
Cheers
Chris

 

[grasshopper]

I have some of their new tube acrylics. ..it’s good stuff

 

[gerryj199]

I also endorse the comments above. This is the most comprehensive book I've seen by far and I've invested in quite a few. It will literally change the way that you think about painting a figure in acrylics.

My one minor frustration is that it's comprehensive, so it's big. Well, huge actually. So it's fine to read on a table, but if you want to read it in bed it's pretty hard to get comfortable with it!

Happy Hogmanay to everyone on Planet Figure!!
All the best for 2021!
Gerry

 

[Nap]

Thanks for the thoughts on this book ...certainly on my wants lists !

Enjoy yours and happy benchtime

Nap

 

[OldTaff]

Received my copy the other day, and it is certainly a weighty tome ! Not one to drop on your toes, that's a fact ( which I almost did getting it out of the excellent packaging !)
So far, a very absorbing read, and I know damn well I will discover some extremely useful tips. Let's hope I can put them into practice.

Alan

 

[custer760]

Also recieved my copy and a great read it is,with plenty of Tips and Tricks.I will be trying Kirills way of creating different clothing textures.
Regards
Pete

 

[grasshopper]

How is it for concepts vs paint by numbers..

 

[gerryj199]

How is it for concepts vs paint by numbers..

I haven't finished the book yet. But from the first 4 chapters and my review of the rest of the book, it is definitely NOT a paint-by-numbers approach. This is all about concepts and it's about studying the figure, the light (direct & reflected), the colours, the textures and so on, so that as an artist you think about how to portray what your vision is.

My 2 cents.
Best
Gerry

 

[grasshopper]

I haven't finished the book yet. But from the first 4 chapters and my review of the rest of the book, it is definitely NOT a paint-by-numbers approach. This is all about concepts and it's about studying the figure, the light (direct & reflected), the colours, the textures and so on, so that as an artist you think about how to portray what your vision is.

My 2 cents.
Best
Gerry

Very nice..thank you...at least one publisher who posts on PF has essentially nothing but 25 euro booklets which are pure paint by numbers and zero concept or theory..

 

[Scott Sheltz]

Thanks for the awesome review. My achy wallet doesn't feel the same since it will be hurting even more

 

[Babelfish]

Now on order.

Ancient Chinese proverb say: "Modeller can never spend too much money on himself."

- Steve

 

[grasshopper]

Frankly it’s no more expensive than say two or three of Stelios booklets..am not actually expecting this to change much for me, it’s just my curiosity..Valentine Bean I recall, My Way got me into the hobby, but I’ve never found anything by way of reference since that did much. These are not art schools, one on one tutorials...if someone wants to learn, sign up for some Patreon instructions Mano a Mano ..otw, these are nice inspirations..that’s all I am expecting. Every major paint brand has something similar..

 

[Airkid]

Whose book did Mr Kanaev buy when he was starting out?

Phil

 

[grasshopper]

Whose book did Mr Kanaev buy when he was starting out?

Phil

I love it!

He didn’t ..started building scale models, the painting military miniature..studied design at uni with intent to go into car industry..but became commission painter instead...and started that painting souvenirs! I rather doubt he achieved what he has with how to books! Nor did any 1/1 artist I can think of...