Classical Painting Atelier: A Contemporary Guide to Traditional Studio Practice by Juliette Aristides - One of A Kind

Students of art hailed Classical Drawing Atelier, Juliette Aristides's first book, as a dynamic return to the atelier educational model. Ateliers, popular in the nineteenth century, teach emerging artists by pairing them with a master artist over a period of years. The educational process begins as students copy masterworks, then gradually progress to painting as their skills develop. The many artists at every level who learned from Classical Drawing Atelier have been clamoring for more of this sophisticated approach to teaching and learning. In Classical Painting Atelier, Aristides, a leader in the atelier movement, takes students step-by-step through the finest works of Old Masters and today's most respected realist artists to reveal the principles of creating full-color realist still lifes, portraits, and figure paintings. Rich in tradition, yet practical for today's artists, Classical Painting Atelier is ideal for serious art students seeking a timeless visual education.

One of A Kind
**I dont know the author and was previously unfamiliar with her books or art. More about why I rate it 5+ stars and why someone with MY interests will want this book at bottom of review.

I just received the book (April 2009,) and I immediately recognized it as a Unique art "instruction" book for several reasons. After reading through a good portion and perusing the entire book several times, I have decided that I would classify it as 3 book-types in one, equally weighted as: Part -(XCLT)-ART-PICTURE/- HISTORY on the Atelier tradition and Realism in painting. Part - broad METHOD BOOK on classical, realist styles of painting, informative but not an instruction book for the casual painter. It speaks of techniques that take years and a lifetime to work consistently at, in my opinion. And It is Part - CRIME NOVEL in that, while learning valuable info on evolution of methods and materials of the trade (the forensic science, per se) you also see the corresponding "CRIME" -the big events/steps in (realist) painting of the last ~500 years, and learn the how, what, who, etc...and you want to read the book like a novel, not a reference...im not an art historian and was fed way too much art history in the past, but this book is as fun as it is informative...It would remain on any shelf of most practicing artists, historians, teachers, art restore-conservationists, and art-lovers who r into the best of realism genre.

This book is a gem for these reasons:

1)Overall Presentation; beautifully bound hardcover, reproductions are: of Xceptional Quality, PLENTIFUL, and Applicable to the array of topics discussed, -presenting a balanced mix of Realist painters and works from 16th century through (a lot of) realists practicing today -which is eye-opening, vital, modern work. Artists and artworks are NOT presented chronologically, but rather cleverly used as mixed examples of various topics covered. (Sargent, Titian, Nerdrum, Chardin, Courbet, David, Wyeth, Ingres, vermeer, Caravaggio, and a host of contemporary and other past masters dispersed side by side.) 239 packed pages + interesting biblio,

2)Topics covered (the extent of which is not apparent in Contents page,) encompass the most essential and often least understood foundations to powerful visuals: geometry, proportion, value, and color. I know, thats everything (except the How and the Why) but the author discusses these elements sufficiently without getting too complex, or wasting paper and the readers time with filler nonsense. Repeatedly, I enjoy the well-written, intelligent discussion on certain topics, (very humble!) and no-nonsense delivery of this book, (while still acknowledging the mystique and aura of great art.) Every page has vital info, or else a damn fine painting to look at.

3) Its an interesting, vital topic, and she knows her stuff - Aristides is a fine painter herself. She's not selling a line of paint or art material, there's no catch, and her dedication to documenting, teaching, discorsing, and art making are as obvious in the pages of this book as is the sincerity of your favorite work of art.

Oh well, it was not what I was specifically looking for (a reference,) but I am very pleased with this purchase, will buy her 1st book now - Classical Drg Atelier for the hellll of it, and recommend it to anyone who has more than a casual interest in any of the topics discussed.

**I'm a conceptual artist and painter and purchased this book b/c it kept popping up in search results for PaintinG reference, technique, and instruction. I was searching for better understanding (and control) with materials and techniques, specifically to improve realism in color, form, etc. in some of my work. I have NO connection with the author/artist, or her 1st book. This is the 1st review I've ever taken the time to write after purchasing A LOT of books, art related and otherwise.

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