The Artist's Handbook of Materials and Techniques: Fifth Edition, Revised and Updated

by Ralph Mayer

Book Overview

Since 1940, when it was originally published, The Artist's Handbook has been indispensable for thousands of practicing artists and art students. The book has remained continuously in print through many editions and has some more than a quarter of a million copies. It is, as American Artist Magazine calls it, the "artist's bible," an invaluable reference for the painter, sculptor, and printmaker. During the past few years, however, new...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0670837016
• ISBN13: 9780670837014
• Release Date: May 1991
• Publisher: Viking
• Length: 784 Pages
• Weight: 2.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 2.2" x 6.6" x 9.6"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

The Artist's Bible

This is the Artist's classic, and the Artist's Bible of not only what materials are but when they came into use, how they are formulated and why. Want to learn how to make your own gesso for silverpoint? Want to cut a quill pen? Want to make your own pastels? Can't remember how to make your own sizing or gesso? Want to try your hand at encaustic or egg tempera painting? Want to know which colors in the spectrum are likely to fade (are fugitive colors) in watercolor and which are not? It's here.

A great reference book for all artists.

I guessed writing review using reverse-psychology is rather easily misunderstood, considering review readers are from around the world with different ways of thinking. So, let me rephrase my comments about this book.This book is a 5-STAR, due to the following reasons:1) The book provides detailed discussion of pigments (pp 65-134), including both physical and chemical properties such as lightfastness (resistance to fading on long exposure to sunlight), density, vehicle compatibility, chemical class, formula, etc.2) The book also covers other materials used in oil, watercolor painting, as well as other painting techniques such as tempera, mural, etc.3) Readers will find formulas for preparing mediums throughout the book, as well as supports, solvents, safety issues; along with information on painting tools (brushes, knife, etc.) and other techniques (silk screening, sculpture, etc.)4) Finally, for readers who prefer further reading on certain subjects, a thorough reference index serves the purpose.This book targets professional and serious artists, and will serve well as a great reference book.STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!

Painters encyclopedic reference

After 50 years of painting I still find this book the most used book in my library of art materials and technigues books. An artist may as well be without his brushes as to be without this book. The help on difficult to answer questions is a wonderful resource in the studio.

Very helpful for serious artists seeking permanence of work.

Probably the best, most available and comprehensive book on the technical aspects of painting. Very useful for artists who pursue absolute soundness of technique with a mind for permanence of their work. Explains in detail the wide range of supports, grounds, primers, pigments, media and application methods, as well as their respective benefits and defects. Certainly not for the casual reader.