color

This book of Laurie Klein's re: using coloring pencils is my bible. I have nearly every other current book written on handcoloring and I find them greatly lacking. I borrowed Ms. Klein's from the library so often that I eventually had to just buy the book so someone else could have a chance to read it!

I thought she was very clear and concise in her instructions as to how and what to do when using colored pencils. Anyone who had trouble finding clarity in her book must have been short of a few colored pencils upstairs!

Thanks again, Laurie. There are so few people who give any guidance as far as using pencils go. Most books are out there just showing off photos and have very little instructional value.

Of the three books I have read on this subject, this one, by far, is the least useful. There is virtually NO technical guidance on how to hand color. Even the information on color selection is bland and uninformative. Rather than suggesting a couple of colors to use to give an item depth, the descriptions recommend single colors. This book treats the art of hand coloring like paint-by-numbering.

This is a wonderful book for anyone wanting to hand-tint photographs without buying a bunch of expensive supplies. Most projects use easy to find and relatively inexpensive colored pencils (like Berol prisamacolor) instead of fancy photo oil and specialty markers. A special effects gallery in the back shows photo that were colored with markers, watercolors, acrylics and mixed media.

The book starts out with a brief explanation of materials, film types, print surfaces, shooting pictures and presenting your finished piece. An introductory how-to hand-tint a photograph is included as well.

The people chapter follows. Here you learn to create realism and give your photo a romantic feel. Coloring both vintage and contemporary photos is covered. Next, the place section covers nature, flowers, architecture and an animal landscape. The final section focuses on advanced techniques and uses more specialty products. You learn techniques for toning, staining, dyeing, and using oil paints. Each of the projects is demonstrated step-by-step. A materials list and color swatches of the pencils used is also included.

I admit the author could have been a bit more detailed about materials and the oil mixture. However, this is a great book overall with very nice, easy-to-follow examples and I believe it is suitable for all levels.