Painting with Impact Hardcover – September 7, 2010

David Curtis has written two excellent books on the technical aspects of painting: one for Oil (Capturing the Moment in Oils) and another on Watercolor (Light & Mood in Watercolor). This book is not really a "how-to" book focusing on technique, but rather his thinking process in choosing to paint plein air or in the studio, and whether to choose oil or watercolor. There are examples of both mediums in this book. In this book, the reader is able to climb into David Curtis's head and understand his thinking and problem solving process. He also commonly includes figures in the landscape, a rarity among painters. I recommend buying this book after you have one of his other two books explaining technique in either oil or watercolor. They are my favorite "how-to" books.

This is for the person who knows the basics of drawing, composition, shape, value and color. It opens new horizons - literally, as David's paintings use unusual points of view, with strong diagonals to give energy to his paintings. Commenting on one of his paintings, he described as dangerous the perch on which he was painting his picture. That made me laugh and he hooked me into the adventure of art once again. The text gives clear reasons for his choices, and demonstrates how he goes about his painting. One spread in particular describing the 4 stages of painting a watercolor is worth the price of this book. I can't wait to try his way of painting.

I feel David Curtis is and amazing painter and expresses much with very few brush strokes and lush rich colors, however I do not feel he has done a good job of translating to the reader much of how to get to these results. There are certain phrases he repeats over and over in the book but does not define or illustrate enough of his technique. I highlight or markup most of my "art books", but found very few markings by the end. I bought this and "Painting on Location" at the same time and gave a similar review but would recommend it over this book.

Very good book, you should ever have painted to understand well what he says. He explains the elements that produce paintings with impact, but it is his talent and experience what creates a humble subject matter into a beautiful painting, this is not easy to achieve. The way he paints is amazing.

a visually inspiring book .the photos of the paintings combined with some great ideas on improving my paintings make it worth the read and a treasure in my library of painting books.

This book is well written and the paintings connect with the writing. As a plein air painter I have learned from just looking at the paintings, but also from the commentary on each painting. Great views of Staithes which I painted from a photo I took years ago.

love this artist work All his books are well written and the information is easy to apply in your own works His DVDs I highly recommend they are fast paced and several full demonstrations are included on each one.

VERY GOOD, INFORMATIVE BOOK

EXCELENTE COMPRA. MUITO BOA QUALIDADE EM TUDO

I met David's work over 15 years ago, and have since tried to collect everything he publishes. This book is a gem, as usual. Not only is it full of his paintings, which would make it worth any price, his discussions of why and how he chooses a scene to paint, and why he chooses oil or watercolour, and anecdotes that liven even the more instructional parts, encourage and inform. I am waiting for the next book.

I also enjoyed this bookBut I wish there would have been more step by stepYou go through the book as if you are visiting a gallery.Some tutorials are missing for beginners

Excellent examples of David Curtis paintings

Found this very helpful in furthering my limited talent. I greatly admire David Curtis's skills and techniques and whilst I will never emulate them, this is a book full of ideas and inspiration. Book arrived promptly and was well packaged.