As an experienced painter I had hoped to learn more about painting with a limited palette and it's best use. First there must have been a printing problem as all the images had a warm yellow tone, which I don't believe is the case as viewed in person. Second, the author is an especially talented still life and interior painter. He presents some truly beautiful work. But, his landscape paintings and instruction leaves something to be desired. All in all, this book would be helpful for an artist who hasn't had the opportunity to study in a classical setting. The book is a clear presentation of the basics. He does cover all the bases. In his next book I would hope he writes in depth regarding the still life.

This artist is not only a great painter but also a great teacher. Even beyond that, his experience and knowledge of what works and what does not is invaluable for anyone from highly experienced to basic painters. Great painting really is about problem solving. What do you do with a painting that is not working? Why isn't it working? I've seen so many experienced artists suffer issues addressed in this book. The advice is basic and yet very few people seem to understand it and are able to do it. The author seems to understand Rembrandt quite well. The only issue I had with his advice was he believes you should do no blending. I do not understand how you get good transitions without some blending. So that's a bit of a puzzle. Otherwise, definitely a book worth reading.

This little book really surprised me in its depth of knowledge. Its not for the first time painter, its more geared towards the artist who has been painting a while and understands the art concepts.
All its tips, need to be put into practice, and refered to when needed.Its one of those books thats easy to follow only if taken in bite size chunks.

This is a great book that doesn't insult the artist.
The author takes you through the thought process, the planning and the execution.
It's not for someone who never picked up a paint brush before- for those people I suggest taking a class.
It doesn't spoon feed you step-by-step of every brush stroke. Other wise it would be just a "here's how you can copy me exactly and not really learn anything" type of book.
I loved the book and I am inspired to paint "plein air".
The author's paintings are beautiful ( and yes some of the fall exterior paintings have a golden-yellow feel, but that's what the artist wanted to use).
It is worth every penny.

IF you are serious about painting, this book is worth 100 times its weight in gold. If you're just dabbling in it as a hobby, then go ahead and buy one of those generic "how to" books. I am relatively new to painting, but took to it like a duck to water at 42 (my father is a well-known landscape artist and I've always had a natural bent). I luckily happened upon Steve Allrich's book at my local Blick's store and, at first, hesitated to purchase it, questioning whether or not it would be worth the hard-earned $20.00 that COULD have gone toward a couple of tubes of cad lemon. I wonder no more!

I own a slew of painting books and make it a habit to study almost as much as to actually paint. I study A LOT. Yet, on any given day in my basement studio it is rare that you will find me without Steve's book by my side, frequently propped open to a "demo" page for constant reference. This book has dramatically affected my painting style (in a re-e-ally good way) and has simplified considerably my palette. I LOVE this book! And I love this man's honest, humorous, inspiring and intelligent take on the profession of painting with oils. He clearly writes from the heart and makes no apologies for his unique, but very effective, techniques which even the seasoned artist will find valuable (as some of my artist friends can attest).

This is not a book for hobbyists, however. It is much too inspired to be reduced to a "how to" book. But it will encourage, teach and guide you if you desire to truly embark on this often misunderstood profession of artist.