Plein Air Painting in Watercolor & Oil by Frank Lalumia (2000, Hardcover, Illustrated)

Art instruction books at their best include large, clear photos of works in progress, finished paintings, and inspiration. This book has it all, not only for oil but watercolor as well. My only wish would be a companion DVD to watch painting in action! It's interesting to see how the author/artist interpreted the same scenes in oil and again in watercolor. Many projects include the specific paint colors & brush types/sizes as well as step-by-step how-to's. There is a wide range of subject matter, from Times Square to the Grand Canyon, mountains, seacoast, New England-style covered bridges and farmhouse on a wet day, and so much more.
Plein Air painting is supposed to be free-spirited, in the moment, not overworked and ideally finished on site. Painting on location isn't always feasible, so the author includes tips for pulling the best from photographs. Studio painting can suffer from overworking and lack the passion and immediacy of on-location "plein air" painting. Mr. Frank LaLumia gives specific ideas for avoiding this trap. Check it out! You'll be inspired.

Even if you pay full price for this book (list $27.99), it's well worth it. You'll make it up in your first commission and from now, on!