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Here are the books that I always have on hand for my students to look through when wanting information on the how-to’s of landscape painting. Some are geared to the oil painter, some to the pastelist. All are packed with information to enrich and augment our creative journeys.

 

 

 

 

Landscape Painting Inside & Out

Kevin Macpherson

Kevin includes every aspect of landscape painting in the studio or outdoors, presented in a light and easy-to-follow manner. Geared to the oil painter, though filled with information that will assist artists in any painting medium. All examples are Kevin’s wonderfully loose, gestural works.

 

 

Carlson’s Guide to Landscape Painting

John F. Carlson

This chestnut was printed in 1929. Though I’m glad he was not my teacher (sounds pretty grumpy!), I’ve learned a wealth of general information about landscape painting. I return to this book regularly.

 

 

Composition of Outdoor Painting

Edgar Payne

Another old chestnut, first printed in 1941. This is the most thorough book on composition that I’ve come across. Re-released every so many years with different color reproductions in the back each time.

 

 

Alla Prima II

Richard Schmid with Katie Swatland

I cannot imagine a more thorough book on all aspects of painting, geared to the oil painter. I recommend this edition with much more information than previous editions. All examples are Richard’s stunning landscapes and portraits.

 

 

Landscape Painting:  Essential Concepts and Techniques for Plein Air and Studio Practice

Mitchell Albala

This is another very comprehensive work on landscape painting. The many exciting paintings included in the book, in oils, are his own as well as those of a number of other excellent artists.

 

 

Creative Painting with Pastel

Carole Katchen

This book is long out of print. However, it’s very worth seeking a used copy online. Carole’s wonderful book shows the pastel paintings of twenty very different artists, many in step-by-step format, stressing the myriad possibilities of this versatile medium.

 

 

Painting the Landscape in Pastel

Albert Handell and Anita Louise West

A wonderful book full of Albert’s exquisite pastel paintings. He was my first teacher and taught me so very much about working both in the studio and outdoors.

 

 

The Art of Pastel Painting

Alan Flattmann

Alan has written a very thorough book full of information on the pastel medium. It’s illustrated completely with his own rich paintings.

 

Of course, there are so many more great art books available to us. What are some of your favorites? Tell us about them!