Anyone Can Paint Coastal Landscapes

The comforting reassurance of this series title depends entirely on the choice of authors and their willingness to resist the temptation to show off with the occasional flourish of virtuosity. And, if that sounds like damning with faint praise, it is not meant to be. Charles Evans is a popular and patient teacher whose ability to explain the absolute basics to the absolute beginner has deservedly won him many fans. Although there is nothing here that will challenge the more experienced artist, that is absolutely the point and I think anyone glancing inside the covers would feel that the title’s claim is true. Charles covers six basic scenes in six detailed demonstrations that gently introduce clouds, buildings, rougher weather and even a snowy landscape. Every stage is described and illustrated and it is highly unlikely that you’re going to find yourself with your hand up hoping your teacher will spot you from across the room. It’s as near to one-on-one tuition as you’ll get without having Charles actually at your side. Full size outlines are included so that you don’t have to worry about getting the basic outline, proportions and perspective right before you’ve even started. An added bonus is that Search Press have opted for sewn binding so that the book lies flat all by itself, leaving your hands free for the actual job of painting. -- Henry Malt * Artbookreview.net *