Colour and Light in Oils

I love this book and have read it a couple of times. Actually, I am re-reading right now. It inspires me, it sings to me, it makes me happy to look at his works, and it gives me permission to let my own expressive responses show in my paintings. Occasionally I check to see if Verrall has a new book or, my heart be still, perhaps a DVD! No such luck so far. There are many books that give painting instruction, step by boring step. This book is about making art, not copying art. I do understand wanting somehow to just be able to paint as he does, but the reality is that this type of painting just isn't done by formulas.Verrall shares his ideas, his thoughts about techniques, light, shadow, etc., and that makes it so much more than just another oil painting book. He is encouraging us to follow our own paths. He presents some academic information regarding paints, procedures, and techniques that he uses by giving examples for each. This book allows us to "hear" the artistic person he is, something few artists are willing to do, and if one admires his style, we can work on our own conceptualization of it.I have to say, because he seems to paint mostly in sessions with the previous layer dry, it's difficult to show that in a book, any book that I have read. In fact, it always irritates me when I read an art book and the artist neglects to mention that little detail. So, even though alla prima is addressed, it is not the thrust of the book.Of course, I would have loved to see him complete a painting via DVD. Obviously, I just really enjoy his paintings. There just aren't many impressionistic artists with "how to" books out there. I give this an A-Plus! (P.S. Robin Capon seems to author some really excellent art books like the ones about David Curtis.)

This is no ordinary Oil Painting Book! We all need inspiration and new ideas for any area of creativity in our lives.This is the Book of the Decade at my house. Nicholas Verrall is so talented and filled with Light his paintings will grab you from the first peek! If you are in a creative rut, claim this book as your passport to new energy, new understanding of mood and emotion of painting, and to inspiration to See life in front of you in a new and more pure and artistically developed way. I can't say enough about this amazing Artist and his BOOK! This is by far my favorite Oil Painting Book! This artist teaches, solves, soothes, reminds, rejuvenates, inspires and brings creative energy to a new level. Every time I open this book I gain new interest in expanding vision, joy, light and emotion in my paintings.This book is a MUST HAVE at any price; what a bargain it is on Amazon! I am hooked! This would be THE PERFECT GIFT for any painter. I will never part with this one!

This book is a well planned holiday to the land of colour and light.As a painter myself I enjoyed Verall's book a lot and I am still savouring.I would recommend for indermediate painters who seek inspiration and who want to explore and express atmosphere in paintings and the top of it for the one who want to learn how to see better their subjects.This book is as you sit with the author and he explains why such and such things were done and how he approaches his subjects.I find his direct and sincere view refreshing with plenty of ideas to try.I am really happy for this book even though my painting style and subjects are far from those wonderful Tuscan scenes or hot summer afternoons that Verall's speciality here.I highly recommend it, a nice book and well done.

Love this book. I was replacing the one I couldn't find!

This book, Colour and Light in Oils, is lovely and inspiring for the beginning and intermediate artist. It's a great resource for learning to paint light and shadows. I particularly love the artist's impressionistic painting style.

looking forward to really getting in to this book!

I picked up this at the library. The title was interesting and the pictures were gorgeous. I was hoping that the book would explain how HE does these paintings.He does not. The words are basic begining oil painting, like the definition of alla prima and glazing. Or he basically talks about he paints by intution, like he likes the play of light and shadow. Who doesn't?But the paintings are beautiful and inspirational. He has a few photos of his works in progress, so that you can see his underpainting, the middle step, and the final painting. But not ONE WORD about how his personal approach.

Verrall states he has "never taught painting" which is obvious throughout his book. Filled with thoughts in the first person, very little practical advice is given unless you have never painted in your life for much is written about painting basics, not what I would expect in a book supposedly about the advanced topic of light. Perhaps too many paintings in this tome left little room for any mention of useful methods when painting light and there are none I could find. This book reads as a lecture to be given in front of a body of non-artists where every specialized word such as "glazing" must be explained in detail.As a professional artist, I find this book a waste of time and money and would not recommend it to even to a beginner.

Lovely paintings. Not a 'how to do it' kind of book. But inspiring .

Lovely book - so many 'How to paint' books are by so-so artists but Nicholas Verall's handling of light and colour is wonderful to see. Plenty of tips on paints, mediums, brushes and subjects and many insights into the artists' working methods. My only gripe is that the book could have done with a more detailed 'step-by-step' demonstration to illustrate the use of underpainting and complimentary colours that Verral does so well. Still a good read/insight into oil painting techniques.

I have seen the hardback version and apart from the cover this is identical. An excellent book with plenty of technical advice and some great copies of his work. Perfect condition considering it is second hand.

A good and informed book. I still read and try to act on some points. Nice book to have around.

I don't paint at present but this is a beautiful book with lots of invaluable techniques and tips. A worthy resource.