Figure Painting Techniques FAQ worth whole?

[AlbertD]

I've watched a couple of reviews on this book and they look good. Is this book worth the high cost for a beginner? It looks like it covers about everything and tell reviews say it's easy to follow. There are some great videos on line but intend to learn better from books.

I respect you guys opinion and would like to hear your thoughts.

 

[bigtodd]

It has a lot of info in it. Yes, it is expensive but the thing about books are you always refer back to them. There are many other smaller books and they are less expensive but a bunch of them would add up to this book.
Look for osprey books on figure painting as well.

I say go for it as a beginner you won't regret it.

 

[AlbertD]

It has a lot of info in it. Yes, it is expensive but the thing about books are you always refer back to them. There are many other smaller books and they are less expensive but a bunch of them would add up to this book.
Look for osprey books on figure painting as well.

I say go for it as a beginner you won't regret it.

Thanks Todd, from the reviews I've seen it looke's packed with good information. This hobby is one I really want to take seriously and get better at.

 

[Mirofsoft]

 

[Babelfish]

This hobby is one I really want to take seriously and get better at.

The best (and only) way to do that is through practice, practice, more practice, trial & error and (probably) binning the occasional figure amid much swearing after it's frustrated the living bejesus out of you. No amount of books will by themselves magically make you a better painter.

That said, books do have their place and if nothing else are great for tips, suggestions and inspiration. They'll also (if well written) help you get a better understanding of the theory behind it all. And this is a lovely book. I have it myself and say yes, order yourself one. Why not?!

- Steve

 

[Ferris]

It’s an inspirational book I can highly recommend. Beware it shows the highest achievable quality work which may be intimidating as well. You must be able to handle the ‘skills gap’ and turn it into something constructive.

My first steps with learning about acrylics I learnt from Osprey Modelling nr 31, Modelling Fallschirmjäger Figures, by a.o. Jaume Ortiz, complemented by fiddling around with paint and brushes. In fact, a ‘thinning accident’ while experimenting made me understand how to blend acrylics, so progress is not linear! ;-)

There are also loads of videos on YouTube that have perhaps even more learning power than any book. Jaume Ortiz has some good ones, but there are many. And they are free, so more money left for good brushes!

Cheers,
Adrian

 

[Babelfish]

Beware it shows the highest achievable quality work which may be intimidating as well. You must be able to handle the ‘skills gap’ and turn it into something constructive.

Sound advice! Don't be too disappointed when - after you've followed all the steps to the letter - you realise that you still have a very long way to go when you compare your own work with that of the "masters".

In fact, a ‘thinning accident’ while experimenting made me understand how to blend acrylics, so progress is not linear!

Classic trial & error!!!

There are also loads of videos on YouTube that have perhaps even more learning power than any book. Jaume Ortiz has some good ones, but there are many. And they are free, so more money left for good brushes

Yes don't skimp on your brushes. Buy the best that you can afford. Even a novice painter will generally get better results using decent brushes.

- Steve

 

[sd0324]

I've watched a couple of reviews on this book and they look good. Is this book worth the high cost for a beginner? It looks like it covers about everything and tell reviews say it's easy to follow. There are some great videos on line but intend to learn better from books.

I respect you guys opinion and would like to hear your thoughts.

Albert, are you in the US?


Steve

 

[AlbertD]

Albert, are you in the US?


Steve

Hi Steve, yes, I'm in Washington State.

 

[sd0324]

Send me a PM sometime....

 

[AlbertD]

Send me a PM sometime....

PM sent

 

[Gary D]

Just don't throw anything away if you aren't happy with your paint job. Strip it and do it again. It's easy to get frustrated, but each time you re-paint it just gets better and better.
I use the purple bottled engine de-greaser Super Clean you can buy at Walmart. it's biodegradable and works like a charm on acrylics, enamels, and oils.
Gary

 

[AlbertD]

Just don't throw anything away if you aren't happy with your paint job. Strip it and do it again. It's easy to get frustrated, but each time you re-paint it just gets better and better.
I use the purple bottled engine de-greaser Super Clean you can buy at Walmart. it's biodegradable and works like a charm on acrylics, enamels, and oils.
Gary

I will go ahead and pick up a bottle or for me maybe 2. I already have a 120mm figure set aside because I wasn't happy with it. Thanks for the tip.

 

[Gary D]

 

[AlbertD]

Perfect. Thank you.

 

[sd0324]

That's what I use. And I use it a lot unfortunately....


Steve

 

[AlbertD]

That's what I use. And I use it a lot unfortunately....


Steve

I'm sure I'll be using my fair share of the stuff. It's good to know I can practice on a piece and not worry about ruining it. I think it will help to make me a better painter.

 

[Nap]

Hi Albert

It's always good to look at books with others work in , inspiring for sure and nice to have in the collection to refer to

But as said it's all about PRACTICE ,PRACTICE

Gary raises a good point about not throwing things , clean and use again and learn more with each brush stroke

Nap

 

[AlbertD]

Hi Albert

It's always good to look at books with others work in , inspiring for sure and nice to have in the collection to refer to

But as said it's all about PRACTICE ,PRACTICE

Gary raises a good point about not throwing things , clean and use again and learn more with each brush stroke

Nap

I think that's the most important thing I learned from this thread. I will definitely follow the advice.