Portraits from Life in 29 Steps Paperback – February 15, 2004

The book brings step by step exercises easy to follow. The book arrived in perfect conditions.

So this is a great fundamentals book. It shows how to block out the portrait, what colors to use to get basic foundation as well as goes through example products.

The first time I paged through this book, I was struck immediately by Sandin's obvious abilities as a portrait painter, but even more, I was enchanted with the bold crispness of his alla prima paintings and demonstrations. I so envy the confidence, technical skill, and freedom that such paintings radiate. I was also struck at once by the seeming contradictions through out the book. Could someone who looks like a doctor, paints in a tie and lab coat in a pristine, lavishly furnished studio really produce such dramatically rendered work? And then there are the 29 steps mentioned in the title. Twenty nine? Not thirty? Not twenty? And finally, the author's "Pro Mix" paint system seemed a little like a paint-by-number approach. But now, having read this beautiful book dozens of times and painted several portraits under its guidance, I can recommend it without hesitation.Mr. Sandin has made me understand the importance of discipline in what I do as an artist. His insistance in following a routine (the 29 steps) and using predicable, tested color combinations (his pro mix system) are part of this lesson. Through out the book, he hammers on the concept, "...marshall all your concentration, alertness, and energy so that every stroke of the brush becomes part of the finished statement....concentrate all you effort upon getting it right the first time..." It took awhile and a number of readings before I begin to truely understand, but now my portraits are dramatically improved because of this approach.As you have read in other reviews here, Mr. Sandin references his color mix system throughout the book. At first I found this inconvenient, since it was necessary to constantly turn back to the part of the book where the mixes are explained. However, this was easily solved by painting a color chart using the mixes, labelling them with his color mix names, and putting it next to my easel. He recommends this as an essential exercise, and I agree. Not only did I create a conversion chart of his mixes, but I learned a lot about cooling, warming and nuetralizing colors. I haven't bought the Pro Mix system, yet I have had great success with his color approach. Don't let this issue keep you from having this invaluable resource book.I am painting more, and having greater success because of Mr. Sandin's emphasis on discipline in the painting process. It is a constant struggle -the urge to dabble and fuss is powerful - but I constantly remind myself of his direct and controlled process and my paintings are better and better.

Within the narrow scope of portraiture for the well-to-do, Sanden is the best, and he knows how to teach; the book is as methodical as he is. And his paintings look great- the epitome of a sort of smooth and buttery '50s illustrational style, like Haddon Sundblom, but tighter- very disciplined and technically acccomplished, yet lyrical. Any objections to Sanden's seeming promotion of his "Pro-Mix" brand of paints are unfounded (that's where you order a box of pre-mixed colors made by a company which has a deal with the author). He tells you exactly how to mix the colors yourself out of the usual tubes of paint you can buy in any art store, so you can either order them pre-mixed, or do it yourself, so where's the problem? The delight of this book is looking at the step by step demonstrations of all those juicy, painterly pictures of people with lots of personality. His two hour sketches are beauties (more "artistic" than his finished commissions). I got a lot out of the book, most of which is the wisdom of the ages anyway, but stated in a no-nonsense fashion (maybe a little dogmatic in a few instances, but the guy does a certain style and he has his game down pat, so just pick what you need). Sanden's work is aimed at the tastes of those who have become CEOs, Church leaders, and heads of State, and is frankly corny (unless, like me, you are so modern you get off on that) but his revealing demos really explain the dazzling virtuosity. If you're serious about painting heads, this belongs on your shelf. In and of itself, it won't teach you to paint, but what will?

Very helpful, I wanted to meet John Howard Sanden back in the 80s when I was pursuing portrait painting. This book was so helpful.

Thank you, Mr Sanden, for sharing all your secrets. The very detailed steps and close up views are worth the price of the book. It would have been remiss not to share your paints, created to make portrait painting quicker and easier. To those who wish to mix your own paints, the instruction by a gifted portrait artist is still priceless. If I could only own one art book this would be the one.

This is a very good book, with basic principles presented in a rationale manner. Especially the view of the head as a sculpture showing the values by illuminating the carved statue of the head. The full effects of this book cannot be appreciated without using the promix system, and the DVD that corresponds to the book. You need to have both of these to obtain maximum information. Overall I would rate this book and the DVD that corresponds to it as very good and informative. I am still practicing the techniques, so a complete analysis cannot be made for about one year. At this point it is worth the price of admission. This is a good book for an intermidiate level artist. This is not for a beginner. You need to know how to draw portraits first, especially with a long handled brush.

A book demonstrating sound principals of portrate painting explained in a logical simple language. John Sanden illustrates a palate of suggested colours and a demonstration of brush strokes as they should be applied. Sanden also demonstrates his method of treating the softening of the edges and backgrounds shadings.A great portrait painter sharing his invaluable knowledge. Thank you John Howard Sanden.

Este producto está fantástico muy bueno y ayuda mucho .. el envío fue muy rápido y todo bien .. y que no me gusto ??? Bueno en realidad no tengo nada de que quejarme ..

Con los artículos de segunda mano y las descripciones de productos nos enfrentamos siempre con la posibilidad de una exageración sobre el buen estado del producto o con una visión muy particular de lo que se califica de "buen estado" o "como nuevo". En este caso la descripción de las condiciones en las que se encuentra el libro enviado se corresponde con lo que me ha llegado. Solo puedo añadir que estoy igualmente satisfecho con el cumplimiento de entrega dentro del plazo estimado.

Excellent livre à tous point de vue. A conseiller aux amateurs d’art et de peinture à l’huile et à tous ceux Ui cherchent harmoniser les couleurs en symphonie

Questo manuale è sicuramente uno dei più completi sul ritratto ad olio,tratta infatti gli strumenti, il disegno, le ombre, la preparazioni e le miscele dei colori e infine illustra passo per passo la realizzazione di alcuni ritratti . Consigliato sia ai principianti che a più esperti. Peccato sia solo in inglese.

If you do not know which color to apply to a portrait, de step by step of this book is going to erase all your doubt. Once you learn the lesson your are going to fly with your brushes to achieve what you desired.