Artist's Complete Problem solver

This is a complete and innovative practical guide that offers artists simple solutions to common drawing and painting problems. Solutions presented through clearly annotated pictures and easy-to-follow technique demonstrations ensure that problems can be quickly corrected. Solutions provided for a wide range of the most popular subject areas: landscape, flower and animal paintings.

The techniques are shown throughout in all the key media: watercolour, graphite and coloured pencil, charcoal, acrylic and gouache.

Ultimate Drawing & Painting Technique Bible

Here is the ultimate guide to core drawing and painting techniques, brought to you by renowned artist, author and teacher, Trudy Friend. Explore the essential techniques that Trudy has developed over the years, from the key line and brush strokes that form the basis of her art to essential advice on observation, composition, lighting and adding colour to your work.

Each technique is clearly explained with annotated exercises and step demonstrations, and additional problem and solution spreads allow you to see how to correct your mistakes at a glance. Follow the indispensable advice for beginners and improvers to develop your own style and produce great representational art with confidence.

Reviews

"Calling an art book a bible has always seemed a grand claim but Trudy Friend's latest is certainly a text that could set you on the path to artistic enlightenment." --Artists & Illustrators (Magazine)

"...an incredibly useful book that could help readers make major improvements in their work." --Leisure Painter Magazine

Flowers - Problems & Solutions

Trudy Friend's innovative approach highlights common problems and simple solutions to create more effective drawings and paintings. Clearly annotated pictures and easy-to-follow technique demonstrations ensure that problems can be quickly corrected.

The book covers a wide range of popular flowers including chrysanthemums, foxgloves, dahlias and honeysuckle. The techniques demonstrated throughout are applicable to graphite pencil, charcoal, coloured and watercolour pencil, watercolour, and pen and wash.

Animals - Problems & Solutions

Trudy Friend's innovative approach highlights common problems and simple solutions to create more effective drawings and paintings. Clearly annotated pictures and easy-to-follow technique demonstrations ensure that problems can be quickly corrected.

The book covers a wide range of popular animals including farm animals, wild animals, birds, reptiles and insects. The techniques demonstrated throughout are applicable to watercolour, graphite pencil, charcoal, Conte, pastels, acrylic and gouache.

Drawing - Problems & Solutions

The book is divided into 12 themed sections to help learners in their specific areas of interest. Within each section, typical mistakes are shown on the left-hand page with annotations by the author highlighting what the problem areas are. On the facing page the author shows how a vivid depiction can be achieved, looking at each component and annotating it for guidance.

After the problem-and-solution pages, the author shows how the drawing techniques covered can be combined to produce a complete picture which integrates all the lessons learnt. At the start of the book, readers are introduced to the different types of drawing media, as well and the techniques behind basic mark-making. The information throughout is presented clearly with plenty of useful annotations in a handy portable size so readers can take it wherever their sketching leads them.

Reviews

"Spotlights every conceivable drawing bloomer" --The Artist, November 2001

"It is like the arrival of the cavalry for those watercolourists needing rescue.." --Leisure Painter, December 2002

"Contains a large number of Trudy's paintings which will inspire readers to preserve gradually gain confidence with the medium." --Leisure Painter, December 2002

Watercolour - Problems & Solutions

This invaluable handbook for all watercolourists takes a practical problem-and-solution approach to painting a range of popular subjects, showing common mistakes and how to rectify them. Mastering fundamental drawing and watercolour techniques forms the basis of successful watercolour painting - the author starts by leading readers through a series of examples and exercises that will introduce them to tonal drawing, colour mixing, applying washes, and much more.

Readers will then be ready to move on to the eight themed sections designed to help them in their specific areas of interest. Each theme starts by demonstrating the basic brushstrokes required for that subject. Trudy then sets out a series of problem-and-solution pages that are packed with useful tips on how to paint those subjects and avoid common pitfalls. The information throughout is presented clearly with plenty of useful annotations in a handy portable size so readers can take it wherever their painting takes them.

Landscape - Problems & Solutions

A no-nonsense trouble-shooting guide to improving watercolour and drawing techniques by artist, Trudy Friend. This book includes an introduction to essential techniques and materials that help to sharpen the skills of the aspiring artist. The unique problem-and-solution format is easy to follow and designed to help tackle any landscape subject with confidence.

Ultimate Drawing & Painting Technique Bible DVD

This double DVD set from best-selling author and teacher, Trudy Friend will help you master the basic skills, develop your style and expand your creativity it really is the ultimate guide to core drawing and painting techniques.

In part one, Trudy demonstrates the basic 8 stroke applications in both watercolour and pencil on disc one. In part two she continues to help you develop your technique as you complete two wonderful demonstrations. Learn to capture the fur effects and delicate whiskers of a squirrel in pencil and discover how to paint a pretty waterside landscape in watercolour. There.s also a .special feature. showing you how to create a charming building using Inktense Pencils.

It's full of indispensable advice for beginners and improvers to develop your skills and produce great representational artwork with confidence!

Improve Your Negative Space & Counter Change DVD

Learn how to improve your negative space and counterchange with this excellent DVD from popular artist and teacher Trudy Friend.

Using elements from her eight basic brush strokes, Trudy shows you how to paint a pretty pot plant set in front of a rustic stone wall using watercolour.

Trudy begins by looking at the counterchange of the plant against its background and paints the leaves which form the dark against the light of the composition. She shows you how to give the painting a three dimensional feel by adding a variety of tone by building up dark areas and casts shadows on the pot plant to anchor it. Once finished, Trudy evaluates the painting and adds those final minute brush strokes to increase contrast and bring it completely to life.

This DVD is ideal for those who want to learn about tonal relationships between a form and its background and how negative space can form the basis of your positive composition.

Drawing - Problems & Solutions DVD

Part 1: Working from your imagination

A good drawing is the basis of all good paintings. Follow Trudy.s invaluable instruction as you learn how to compose simple subjects such as grass and branches through to more complicated subjects such as trees, a dog, the beauty of a horse and a house full of character.

Part 2: Working from life & photographs

Learn the difference between a still life and working from a photograph. Draw peculiar shaped vegetables found in nature and the beauty of a tumble down shed - reproducing the different tones and textures with pencil pressures.

Watercolour - Problems & Solutions DVD

Part 1

This inspiring DVD is packed full of helpful advice for the beginner or improver. Through various demonstrations Trudy is able to highlight common mistakes and how to rectify them. Trudy also shows how to tackle tonal value and shadowing techniques and explores control and blending from basic brush strokes. Subjects covered include flowers, buildings, trees and fencing

Part 2

Trudy explores the colours to use in your composition in more detail and shows how to improve your techniques in simple steps. Subjects featured include buildings, skies, stone walls, a statue and a fluffy toy dog.

By the end of the DVD you will have learnt all the techniques required to create the perfect picture.