Working South: Paintings and Sketches by Mary Whyte

I am a huge fan of Mary Whyte's work. This is a beautiful book which I share with my students in my classes and workshops all the time. I remind them that while she is basically creating portraits in watercolor, what she is really doing is telling a story about the people of the South. This is powerful, moving and emotional work. Ordinary, working class subjects are painted in a loving and magical way. Her portraits of children and the elderly in particular are incredible. Mary's ability to tell a story along side her vast technical skills - color, composition, light, and details - this magical mix of almost photo realism right up next to abstract elements will show you the depth and breath of the medium and inspire you time and time again.

A lovely book and much praised in local newspaper reviews across the USA. Mary was wise to compose her work around a central theme and this is an idea that watercolor artists might like take on board to achieve the successful marketing of their work.There are certainly not many living artists that can command $60,000 + for a watercolor painting, but Mary Whyte can and does - and this book illustrates her work as to why that is possible.

This book was delivered with Amazon's usual promptness. It was wrapped in plastic and in pristine condition. The quality of the book itself is outstanding--the paper and color are high quality. The content is AMAZING. It's full of generously sized pictures of the most outstanding watercolors you may ever see! Mary Whyte not only has incredible technical skill as an artist, she also has the unique gift of being able to capture a person's spirit and put it on paper for all to appreciate. This book is a visual treasure, and the artist's narrative is beautifully written as well. This book won't languish in my bookcase for sure--I'll keep it within easy reach and viewing range. Absolutely worth the money!! JW

J'aime beaucoup regarder les productions de cet artiste, ces oeuvres sont si belles que l'on dirait que ceux sont des photos, elles magnifient les hommes et les femmes de son pays dans leur quotidien, il faut donc regarder et observer son travail, c'est beau mais inaccessible tellement sa technique est parfaite.A recommander aux âmes sensibles à la beauté et au travail bien fait, ce livre s'adresse aux aquarellistes chevronnés qui veulent égaler ou approcher la haute technicité. C'est époustouflant cette technique ....

There is nothing about any of her paintings or books that should be ignored. When you look at her paintings, it is as if you are reuniting with an old friend who is now her subject. Their likeness is the least of what she gives you in any painting. In showing her subjects in their work clothes or environment, she also seems to give you a glimpse into their personality and thoughts. Her discussions of painting are helpful and to the point, as well as inspiring. There is some overlap in paintings included in other books, but I wouldn't part with any of them!