Conversations in Paint: A Notebook of Fundamentals

by Charles Dunn

Book Overview

A fresh introduction to the fundamentals, conversations in paint (previously titled The Principles of Painting) is part painter's sketchbook, part philosopher's journal, part instructor's primer. If you paint, it will give new insight into your work. If you don't paint, it will inspire you.It is also a unique object in its own right, a book as work of art. Developed as a sketchbook, the pages are crammed with watercolor sketches that look as if they've...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 156305664X
• ISBN13: 9781563056642
• Release Date: January 1995
• Publisher: Workman Publishing
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 2.06 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 8.9" x 11.6"

Customer Reviews

Buy this book!

This is a beautiful book on the process of creating art. You don't even have to be an artist to enjoy this book. It can be for anyone interested in learning about the process called creativity. This book will be a treasure in anyone's collection. It will not go unread.

De-mystifies art and technique--WONDERFUL!

I wish all writers that attempt to explain complex subjects used Dunn's technique. His lesson-by-lesson guide to art is incredibly comprehensive, yet reads so enjoyably. The side-bar quotes he uses help the reader get to the philosophical heart of the subject matter; the use of diagrams and examples bring the subject to life. Even if you're not eyeing art as a career--or even hobby--this book is a great tool to understand and ultimately truly appreciate art, of all kinds. This is easily the best educational book--of any kind--that I've read.

Easy to read theory with a practical twist.

Dunn recommends opening the book at a double page and just reading that spread in one sitting. And this is how I approached my "dialog" with the book. Though sometimes I found myself reading on, particularly when the following pages enlage on the concepts presented on the first pages. I have taken many courses on composition, design, and the use of materials. But somehow Dunn encourages rethinking. Have I thought of these aspects or techniques in my last painting? Could I make that next painting different by trying to apply this approach? An inspiring book that enourages one to try harder and to turn again and again to the many thoughts and examples presented.

An inspirational book for any one who loves painting.

As a painter, designer and arthor of Decorative Panting books, my painting is instinctive. I have read every theory book I could get my hands on, but it was not until I read Conversations In Paint,by Charle Dunn, did I really understand how all the theories come together to make up a project.It has now renewed my excitement in painting and designing. It is the most comprehensive book on painting I have ever come across. The book is full of beautiful hand painted illistrations. It has the unique quality of nurturing your own natural style yet it can show you how to improve on what you already know. No matter where you are in your painting this book has something for the non painter to the most experienced painter.Lastly it conferms my notion that painters are not born but made. It can be a learned process, so if you want to learn to paint and design, or just need inspiration this book is for you.

This is it! The one we've been waiting for.

If you've ever been discouraged because you don't know the basics (and then some) this book is for you. This book contains all the little things you were supposed to be taught in Art School, but ended up learning on your own. It covers everything from composition to perspective, colour theory to materials. It is excellent. I buy it for other artist friends who are having trouble with a concept or technique. It not only teaches both of the above, but also tells the student (we are always learning) how to apply themselves to similar problems and solve them. There is some confusion in the language of the book and graphic design terminology in the area of "type". In the book, type, refers to style of work and NOT typeface or font, which can be confusing to those of us familiar with graphic design terms. Anyone using the book as a reference between fine art and commercial art could have a real communications problem, and speak at cross purposes with others in similar fields. Still, that is pretty darn good for a book that is really much, much more than a primer.