A True Photobuff's Delight | The Art of Handpainting Photographs (Amphoto Crafts)

Good Technical Information | The Art of Handpainting Photographs (Amphoto Crafts) | Cheryl Dorskind

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	• The Art of Handpainting Photographs (Amphoto Crafts) Cheryl Dorskind Amphoto Books, 1998 - 144 pages average customer review:based on 18 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Handcoloring with Photo Oils. Emphasis on Portraiture.

"The Art of Handpainting Photographs" provides detailed instructions for handcoloring black-and-white photographs with Marshall's Photo Oils, which generally impart somewhat muted colors. Colored pencils are often used in conjunction with the oils. Author Cheryl Machat Dorskind briefly mentions other media that can be used in handcoloring photographs, but she does not discuss them. Although there is a chapter on landscapes, Dorskind is primarily a portrait artist, so this book's emphasis is portraiture.

Chapter 1, "Selecting a Good Photographic Print" makes suggestions in how to best photograph for handpainting, including choosing appropriate film and photographic paper. This is the book's weakest chapter. The advice could be confusing to beginning or intermediate photographers. For example, it recommends bracketing exposures, but does not explain that, unless you tell the lab, they will try to print them all the same. And there is not much point in bracketing old chemistry black-and-white film by just one EV anyway. It's better to vary the exposure in printing. The author doesn't mention chromogenic black-and-white film at all, which is less expensive, easier for amateurs to obtain, and would be fine if printed on a fiber-based paper. Dorskind doesn't recommend T-grain films or high speed films, but doesn't explain why. Her suggestion of infrared film is interesting, however, as its characteristic white foliage (when used with a dark red filter) is well-suited to handpainting. A handy chart lists texture, tone and contrast for recommended fiber-based and resin-coated papers. The option of toning prints prior to handcoloring is mentioned, but no instructions are provided. Oddly, I have never seen a book on handcoloring photographs mention digital prints. Most ink jet prints are unsuitable as the ink will run, but I am curious as to how permanent inks and dye-sublimation prints fare. No answer is forthcoming. The information about papers for conventional printing is very good, though.

Chapter 2, "Materials and the Work Station", explains supplies you will need and what conditions provide the best working environment for coloring photographs. Chapter 3 is dedicated to "Basic Color Theory". There are explanations of the color wheel, complementary colors, hue, value, intensity, color temperature and advice on how best to choose the most appropriate color to convey your intentions.

Chapter 4 discusses the five steps involved in "Preparing Your Photograph for Color Application": Spotting the photograph (retouching spots and scratches), masking the border, making wood/cotton skewers, arranging your color palette, and priming your photograph with Marshall's P.M. Solution.

Chapter 5 provides a step-by-step explanation of "The Basic Painting Process". The example the author uses is a portrait. She explains how to mix colors, paint the photo, and use pencils on top of oil paints. These instructions are very good and would be invaluable if you are handcoloring a portrait, as there are specific suggestions for how to achieve the correct skin tone. Chapter 6, "More About Portraiture", provides further valuable advice to portraitists by explaining how to best paint red, blond, brown and gray hair. There is also some discussion of painting portrait backgrounds for various effects.

Chapter 7, "Focusing on the Environment" is about handpainting landscapes. The author discusses color, tone, and composition in rural and urban landscapes, but there are no detailed instructions. Chapter 8, "Presenting Your Artwork" gives advice for how to store, mat, and frame your painted photographs. Chapter 9, "Special Assignments" mentions some specialized uses of handpainting, such as vintage photographs. There is a list of Resources in the back of the book.

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A True Photobuff's Delight

This wildly popular and highly comprehensive treatise on Handpainted Photography has become the bible for its genre. (A big seller in Michigan art stores) I noticed that competing publishers (see the phony review by Photobuff) have tried everything to stop this giant, but quality always succeeds. I learned the art of handpainting from Cheryl Dorskind. Great work! Can't wait for your next book.

Good Technical Information

While the subjects of the photographs in this book may be a little too saccharin for everyone, the author makes up for this in content. There is much useful information on techniques, supplies, and use of color. Of the three books I have read on the subject, this is the one I would recommend -- regardless of whether the subject matter appeals to you or not. The information provided can readily be transferred to the subject matter of your choice. If you can only buy one book, buy this one!

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excellent work

I have researched and bought everything I can find on this subject and this book is by far the most helpful that I have found. It is easy reading. The photographs are inspiring. Even people who aren't interested in the technique love looking at the beauty of this book. I am a professional hand colorist and I use this book almost every day as a reference tool and also as inspiration. Anyone who wants to learn this technique should own their own copy of this book.

Smart, beautiful, helpful

Highly sophisticated images grace the pages of this unique guide to an otherwise complicated craft. Professor Dorskind's compassion for the beginner and respect for the expert shine in this brilliant work. In addition to step by step instruction, she generously shares her personal photopainting struggles. Her college teaching experience and fine arts background help define "The Art of Handpainting Photography" as the outstanding work (and probably the best) in the field.

A must buy for the true "photo buff."

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Transform ordinary black-and-white photos into beautifully painted display art. This step-by-step workbook guides you through the process, assists with material selection and provides different approaches to different originals and other useful handcoloring tips. These techniques can be useful not only to the photographer, but artists and creative hobbyists as well.

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