Painting Pastel Landscapes

There's arguably not a lot to be said about this. The title tells you what it's about and there are no surprises, unless you count just how much variety there is. Jeremy Ford has established himself as an engaging and generous teacher and the book is full of good advice that's well presented.

It's a book for the beginner, or those at least in the early stages of their artistic career and everything is explained clearly and in detail. Even the technical section at the beginning is more comprehensive than some and the clearly and extensively illustrated sections on basic mark-making, blending and underpainting are worth the cover price in themselves. Demonstrations include winter and summer scenes, skies, trees and water as well as technical aspects such as perspective and horizons.

I love this book. The landscapes are all executed using chalk pastels. Find out all you need to know about pastel painting from tools to techniques. You'll discover how to portray all the details of a landscape - colour, perspective, and all the elements such as water, sky and more. The book is full of illustrations to show the techniques and five step-by-step projects. You could use this book like a painting course to build your skills. It is both informative and practical. I think this is a book that will really help you paint pastel landscapes. Recommended.

Jeremy Ford studied graphic design at the Southport College of Art, and Illustration at the Harrow College of Art.
He has been a freelance illustrator, artist, demonstrator and teacher since 1978 and has illustrated a wide variety of books and greetings cards.
He lives in Yorkshire and runs popular painting workshops and holidays.