Understanding and using the right tools and materials to create a work of art can make a monumental difference in appearance, texture, permanence, and more. No matter what medium an artist may use, there are many choices to make and things to consider when beginning a new work of art: what kind of surface or support to paint on, what type of brush to use, and how a medium will ultimately look on a chosen surface are just a few of the questions one might consider. The Fine Artist's Guide to Tools & Materials covers everything from pencils and brushes to surfaces and supports to mediums and varnishes, providing fine artists with a quick reference for not only understanding how to use an array of fine art tools, but also how the tools work best. Divided into four sections, this comprehensive resource is color-coded so information can be located quickly and easily. In this first section, artists will find basic information on available tools and materials, including a brief description of each item, what each item is used for, and safety tips for working with specific materials. The following sections specifically cover how to work with tools and materials specific to each medium: pencil drawing, acrylic, oil, pastel, and watercolor. Plenty of visual examples, comparisons, and color photos are included to help readers determine which paints, surfaces, implements, and other materials best fit their style and vision for their art. With its breadth of content and accessible information, The Fine Artist's Guide to Tools & Materials is a must-have for any aspiring or serious fine artist's home library.

Artist Toolbox: Drawing Tools & Materials covers all drawing media, from graphite and colored pencils to crayons and pastels, as well as their uses and interactions with traditional drawing surfaces. Learn how to work with specific drawing tools, and then use them to create your own artwork. Artist Toolbox: Drawing Tools & Materials first discusses how to create a drawing workspace—in particular, ensuring proper lighting and storage. This guide then details all of the most popular drawing media: the differences between and advantages of each, their purposes, and the effects that each tool can create. The book covers every drawing tool, including all pencil grades, flat sketching pencils, charcoal and vine charcoal, white charcoal, conte crayons, conte pencils, colored pencils, and pastel. Surfaces and supports are discussed as well to provide a thorough introduction to everything you need to learn to draw. Step-by-step drawing projects round out the book. Artist Toolbox: Drawing Tools & Materials provides tips, techniques, clear instructions, beautiful artwork, and detailed demonstrations for a comprehensive look at drawing. This book will make an expert out of anyone who wants to learn this classic technique. The Artist Toolbox series includes useful, practical reference guides designed for beginning artists and art hobbyists interested in fully understanding the focus and function of essential art tools of the trade.

Take your creativity to the next level with the ultimate artist’s bible! Covering everything from how to draw and paint to ceramics, sculptures and printmaking, you’ll get the most out of your passion for art with this beautifully illustrated artist’s handbook. It also includes newer areas like digital art and animation — perfect for modern artists! Discover everything you need to help you release the artist within: • All areas of visual and digital art, including drawing, painting, 3D art, printmaking, textiles and photography. • Each section is written by an acknowledged expert in that field — both practicing professionals and university-level teachers. • Comprehensive coverage of equipment and tools, including step-by-step sequences, where appropriate on how to use. • Techniques are illustrated in step-by-step sequences by professional artists, with basic skills leading on to more advanced techniques. • Gets to the heart of the matter and delivers the information quickly and authoritatively. Whether you’re dipping in to find a specific painting technique or browsing for artistic inspiration, this artist’s reference book covers all the elements of art. Brush up on the art basics like choosing the right tool, mixing watercolors and preparing a canvas. Take your skills further and learn how to glaze a pot, try out 3D printing and mosaic, or create a digital collage. The Artist's Manual will help you become a more confident, creative artist. Equipment, materials and methods are fully explained and beautifully illustrated. Perfect for artists of every skill level, you’ll be creating your own masterpieces in no time with this sourcebook of art. It’s a must-have for every artist’s studio!

The essential reference for amateur and professional alike, The Handbook of Painted Decoration is the first book to cover the whole spectrum of trompe l'oeil decorative painting, from classic marbling and wood graining to ancient techniques of decorative painting that have been nearly forgotten.

Artist Toolbox: Surfaces & Supports explores a wide range of drawing and painting surfaces and the unique effects they have on a variety of media. The surface you draw or paint on impacts everything in your artwork, from its texture and brightness to color and durability. Artist Toolbox: Surfaces & Supports covers the drawing and painting surfaces and supports that all artists should know. With this art book, you'll learn the basics and finer points of working on: Canvas Paper Panels Textiles Metal Glass Stone You'll also learn useful tips and techniques for preparing supports to receive media, see how to work with different media on each support, and discover the most effective way to protect your finished artwork. Artist Toolbox: Surfaces & Supports is packed with visual examples, step-by-step tutorials, and demonstrations on the practical aspects of working with graphite and colored pencils;charcoal and pastel;and watercolor, acrylic, and oilpaints. With this reference guide that no artist's library should be without, you can also learn how each support will take a medium. The Artist Toolbox series presents practical reference guides designed for beginning artists interested in fully understanding the focus and function of essential art tools of the trade.

Donated by the Merrickville Artist's Guild.

Throughout the history of art, figure drawing has been regarded as the very foundation of an artist’s education and the center of the art-making process. Bill Buchman’s Expressive Figure Drawing presents the classic fundamentals of this genre, but with a distinctly contemporary twist—celebrating freedom, expressiveness, and creativity. This unique method incorporates more than 30 essential exercises, empowering you to draw the figure dramatically and with confidence, no matter your current level of skill. Filled with step-by-step demonstrations, inspiring images, and insightful text revealing a wide range of techniques and concepts, this book presents new ways to think about the figure and use your materials to free the artist within.