60 Minutes to Better Painting

By Craig Nelson

Concentrating on quick studies allows painters to get to the essence of painting. This proven method focuses on the gist of the subject and the ability to make fast decisions, rather than the minute details that seem to mire some artists and prevent them from improving.

Based on more than 10 years of quick studies classes the author has taught to students of all mediums and abilities, this guide features lots of examples, step-by-step demonstrations and engaging exercises that will have readers diving right in.

After a brief explanation of how and why this painting approach works, readers will explore nine distinctive areas where quick studies will improve their painting, including:

-Editing and Brush Confidence

-Color and Composition Exploration

-Lighting effects

-Capturing new subjects

-Basic practice and recreation

Craig Nelson is a dynamic artist whose work is featured in the collections of Toyota, U.S. Air Force, Walt Disney Studios, Sony Music and Warner Bros., among several others. A skilled painter in both oils and acrylics, Nelson has also been teaching fine art since 1974, most recently at the Academy of Art College in San Francisco where he is chairman of the department. He lives in Santa Rosa, California.