"Starter" Books and Videos?

I am just starting to dive into portrait painting. After a little research on the net, (mainly this site and particularly these forums), I bought Sanden's "Portraits from Life in 29 Steps" book and have started working through it. Any thoughts on this one and any other recs on favorites? Also, in favorites from video demonstrations? I have been oil painting off and on for 4 years, but drawing is my strength. I also just wanted to say thanks to the folks who post here, I think it is incredibly generous.

Thanks,
Matt Terhune

[Steven Sweeney]

Sometimes recommendations get scattered about amongst various topics and threads, but you're already in the right place for the most part. I'm one of those obsessive types who gets a whole shelf full of how-to books and videos, and still can't do the work because, well, I haven't done the work -- I've read about others doing it. So don't skip that part -- doing the work.

That having been said, I find the best of videos very useful. I've said elsewhere that you can't go wrong with Daniel Greene's productions. SOG's own Peggy Baumgaertner has a 12-video series depicting every stage of a portrait. (Peggy -- we agreed that was a 15% commission, right?) You said you're studying Sanden, and though he takes a lot of heat for his "formula" palette, believe me when I tell you that I have his videos and a LOT of notes from them, and indeed I'm in the midst of one right now, to refresh my portrait memory -- after a series of still-lifes and landscapes -- and I'd be quite happy to paint anything like Sanden can at his best. I'm hoping to use his information to help with a portrait of my teenage son, which I'll begin this week.

As with any vocational literature, there's better and worse. Even a book or video that gives you one good tip is useful. Nothing's wasted, if you're paying attention.

Good luck,
Steven

I agree completely with not forgetting to actually paint!

All of the theories are a little intimidating to be honest. There are so many people who do beautiful work, and they each have different ideas on how to do it. I'm trying to sift through and get a foundation to build on and find my own "voice". If I understand it correctly, the "premiere coup/alla prima" technique seems to fit my temperment and abilities best. I am also trying to be careful of the "formula" side of Sanden. I certainly don't want to require a crutch to paint, but he does give some clear starting points. This is crucial for me as I have limited time and resources and want to maximize my actual painting time. I will say that Sanden's comment about portraiture being "Mt. Everest" feels accurate right now. Thanks for your input, I will certainly try some of the videos, and I am thinking about going to NYC for the Conference.

[Minh Thong]

I just ordered Mr. Sanden's book, as well as Mr. Brown's "Eternal Truths for Every Artist" from Amazon and was curious if anyone had feedback about either text.

I am finally working with a drawing teacher to try to really get a handle on the basics as I wait for a student slot with Mr. Edgerton in Greensboro. I want to be as prepared as possible when he has an opening, so I thought I'd work thru a couple books dedicated exclusively to portraiture. I am doing oil skectches along with Helen Van Wyk's book on portraiture once or twice per week. But I wanted to try a different approach (even though I don't know what Mr. Sanden's approach is, no stores locally had a copy).

Any input on either of these books?

Thanks all!

Minh

[Steven Sweeney]

Harley Brown's Eternal Truths for Every Artist (though not "devoted exclusively to portraiture") will provide you with hundreds of tips to enhance your skills and will often remind you why you

[Minh Thong]

If you were paying attention to the sound of one hand clapping

Ah ... I sat with that one for a year and never answered it. Baaaad Monk!

Thanks for the insight on the books Steven, I really appreciate it.

(Former) Rev. Thich Minh Thong