From Library Journal
A generation ago, books on portrait painting focused almost exclusively on Caucasians. James Horton was one of the first popular writers to explore the full range of color differences in his How To Paint Skin Tones (LJ 3/15/96). Saper here presents a similar volume that does not markedly improve on Horton's. Like Horton, Saper, whose portraits are held in private and corporate collections, sets out principles for painting a full variety of skin tones in several media, including oil, pastel, and watercolor. Both authors give advice on shooting and choosing photographs as references. Libraries that already have Horton's volume on the shelves can pass on this. For those that don't, Saper's book is an essential purchase. Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Book Description
Artists constantly tell us that they need guidance for rendering skin tones in their portraiture. This book helps them overcome this elusive challenge by providing a clear set of easy-to-follow principles for painting a variety of skin tones in three major mediums--oil, pastel and watercolor. The first chapter is rooted in the basics, showing artists how to recognize and use the five major elements of painting: drawing, value, color, composition and edges. From there, artists learn how to work with light, shadow and color to effectively capture the beautiful skin tones of various ethnic groups, including Caucasian, Asian, African-American and Hispanic. Next, artists discover how to execute the principles learned, using detailed instruction for color selection, mixing and application. Four mini-demos, three long demos and many examples illustrate the lessons. Artists will benefit from advice on shooting and choosing photographs to paint, how to edit their compositions and work past their limitations.

About the Author
Chris Saper's portraits are currently held in private and corporate collections throughout the US and Canada. Her award-winning work has been featured in several books, including The Best of Portrait Painting. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Artists constantly tell us that they need guidance for rendering skin tones in their portraiture. This book helps them overcome this elusive challenge by providing a clear set of easy-to-follow principles for painting a variety of skin tones in three major mediums—oil, pastel and watercolor. The first chapter is rooted in the basics, showing artists how to recognize and use the five major elements of painting: drawing, value, color, composition and edges. From there, artists learn how to work with light, shadow and color to effectively capture the beautiful skin tones of various ethnic groups, including Caucasian, Asian, African-American and Hispanic. Next, artists discover how to execute the principles learned, using detailed instruction for color selection, mixing and application. Four mini-demos, three long demos and many examples illustrate the lessons. Artists will benefit from advice on shooting and choosing photographs to paint, how to edit their compositions and work past their limitations.Chris Saper's portraits are currently held in private and corporate collections throughout the US and Canada. Her award-winning work has been featured in several books, including The Best of Portrait Painting. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona. * The keys to capturing glowing skin tones in watercolor, oil and pastels * Provides step-by-step instructions for one of the most difficult subjects artists face * Instruction is geared to appeal to artists of all abilities

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal