Fine Art Technique Books

The Artist's Handbook of
Materials and Techniques

Ralph Mayer
The Viking Press

This is my “Bible” for proper application of paint, choice of ground upon which to  work, which pigments to use with particular mediums, preservation, cleaning, etc., and much much more. Choose the revised edition for up-to-date information.

ISBN-10: 0670837016
ISBN-13: 978-0670837014

 

 

The Practice of Tempera Painting

Daniel V. Thompson, Jr.

Yale University Press, New Haven
Available in reprint from Dover Press

For instruction in the medium of egg tempera. At the end of the book is a chapter on the more modern application that was practiced at the Yale School of Fine Arts until 1950.

ISBN-10: 0486203433
ISBN-13: 978-0486203430

 

 

The Craftsman's Handbook

Cennino D’Andrea Cennini
Translated by Daniel V Thompson, Jr.

Dover Publications, Inc. New York
Available in reprint from Dover Press.

This book is the basis for modern egg tempera. It contains the procedures and recipes for gesso, paint, brushes etc, and covers many other painting and drawing techniques that were used in Florence by the painters of the  1500s. It includes advice to young painters and appropriate prayers to offer before and after working. Also advice on correct behavior for young artists. It's an amusing read as Cennino tells his young apprentices that staying up late drinking and having sex will make their hands shake when painting delicate work.

ISBN-10: 048620054X
ISBN-13: 978-0486200545

 

Sculpture: Principles and Practice

Louis Slobodkin
Dover Publications; New Ed edition (June 1, 1973)

This book outlines the basic processes involved in sculpture production. Starting with clay and creating casts of it from a mold. Sculpture in the round, low relief with examples from historical sculptures. Wood carving sculpture and stone carving are all covered. A listing of basic tools needed and a glossary of terms.

ISBN-10: 0486229602
ISBN-13: 978-0486229607