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Expressive Oil Painting by George Allen Durkee

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Most Instructive and Informative
by Linnette

This book gets across what many art instructors and writers of art books have tried to do, but have failed to do. Yes, I said "failed." I do believe that when George Durkee set about to write this book, he totally had the student, the semi-pro and the pro in mind and not what he could get from the purchase of the book. The instruction is clear and simple. He does not talk over my head. He not only explained the how, but the why. As one reviewer stated: "There is a subtle undertone to the book that goes beyond just describing how to get the right color in the right place." His demonstrations are beautifully done and makes you want to "do them." I tend to skim over stuff and sometimes I do not want to do the grunge work, but I want to follow his instructions and do the sketches in the manner he suggested. George Durkee, this is a message to you: please write more books with the same intent as you did for this, or even greater!!

Organized Like a Textbook
by Frank Richardson, New York City

I can honestly say that I have learned more in the first reading of this book than from all the workshops and classes I've taken combined! I've waited a long time to find a book like this one. It is organized like a textbook, and is simple and easy to understand. It is a beautifully structured book with no wasted motion. Every word and every picture and diagram is on point. Durkee has taken the complexity out of the complex subject of oil painting. Thank you George!  

Expressive Oil Painting
Painting Sam, Southern California

I was very fortunate to have taken a workshop in Pasadena with George. I am remiss in writing this review sooner; however, life is so very busy. Well, to anyone wanting an absolutely beautiful book, this is it. The step by step instructions will assist not only the newest artist, but will also challenge a seasoned artist as well. I would without hesitation recommend this book to anyone. I can only pray that George will write another one soon so that I can be the first to purchase it! As another reviewer noted, the pictures in the book are worth the price alone, but the instruction accompanying them are also worth their weight in gold...and then some. I believe that all artists should have this book in their personal libraries. It is a true artistic inspiration. Happy Painting! and Thanks Again George for your kind and giving nature during the Pasadena workshop. Take care, Sam in California.

Better than Most
by S. Armstrong, Northern California

I like this book a lot. The pictures alone are worth the purchase price. Durkee is a very skilled landscape painter and also a sensitive teacher. When I read his words, I feel as though he's speaking to me alone. He doesn't talk over my head, but explains complex concepts of painting in a way that I can get what he's talking about. Has anyone else ever explained how to actually apply color theory as clearly as this? There is a subtle undertone to the book that goes beyond just describing how to get the right color in the right place; George imparts a deep spiritual message, cleverly and often subliminally teaching how to capture the emotion of the landscape. What more could any painter want? He not only shows what to do and how, he also explains why. This is a worthwhile book. I recommend it for beginning and intermediate painters, and also for more experienced painters who are hungry to learn advanced painting techniques

Useful Information For All Artists Of Every Level
Ernie Kleven, Auburn, California

This is well written by a very talented Artist. It is loaded with bits of useful information but without the usual fluff i.e, he gets right to the point. This not a boring rambling treatise by some elite academic but rather down to earth information by an artist who learned while actually doing. He provides step by step illustrations of landscapes you will be proud to emulate. He has put some real thought into the effort and it shows.

A great resource
by Paula Veschore, Denver, Colorado

I am thrilled to find a book on landscape painting by George Allen Durkee. I have admired his work for years but have never been able to figure out how he creates such stunning landscapes. Reading his book is like having a conversation with the artist.

Not only does he explain the basics but he talks to you about how he sees the subject and what elements create a good painting. Owning his book is every bit as valuable to me as being able to take a private lesson with George.

Great Book!
Juan Williams, San Francisco

This book details everything you need to know to become an effective and successful oil painter. The author guides the reader with a logical sequence of painting techniques to create a painting that has all the essential elements like color, value, composition, and drawing. After having read many books on oil painting I found this particular book written by George Allen Durkee to be a thorough and effective guide to advance my own artistic goals. It will be a solid reference guide on oil painting for me for many years to come.

Bravo, George!
Barbara Cannon
A lovely book, with cogent format and brio, it's enriched with quotes from a broad range of artists and with the author's own musings on creating art--themselves amply quotable. A wonderfully readable as well as instructive book.

Great book - covers the basics
by Helen Scofield

This book covers everything I wanted to know about oil painting when I started out - and George's advice is right on !! George's book is very thoughtfully done - it gives you an insight into how an artist thinks and feels when presented with beautiful things to paint and interpret for the viewer.  You can tell George is an artist who loves his calling.

I liked it a lot.
by Megan Augiar

Expressive Oil Painting is for the novice and experienced artist.
You name it he covers it. I have never seen such an original book about painting. George Durkee comes across as being very personable, spiritual and a philosopher. You can tell he is very compassionate about his work. It is a must read and must see book. I highly recommend it!

Better Than Taking Private Lessons
Kenneth G. Nielsen, Portland, Oregon

The learning starts the moment you open the book. Everything is explained for a person like me: the complete beginner. I am slow, and that is okay, because the book lets you pace yourself. There is no hurrying. You get what you need to know and also have the time to acquire the exact equipment you need in order to begin the process. I have had wonderful success in performing the first example. This one is the most important to me because it is the stage where I am getting to learn the basics. Painting is compared to sketching and sketching is emphasized as important to the painting process. All of this was done at great thought and care by the author.

Thank You Mr. Durkee for a fine book which explains the entire process for the beginner. This book alone, plus some basic tools and materials will have you well on your way to painting and expressing not just what nature says it is, but how you feel about what you see in nature. Be ready to learn creative freedom as well as how to use the canvas and oil paints to bring your paintings alive.

I HAVE ENJOYED DURKEE'S PAINTINGS FOR YEARS. I WAS VERY HAPPY TO FIND THIS BOOK. DURKEE TEACHES PRINCIPLES THAT I HAVE NOT FOUND IN OTHER BOOKS. HOW TO APPLY VALUES AND COLOR IS CHALLENGING ME TO GREATER ENDEAVORS. THANKS GEORGE DURKEE! I AM HAVING MORE FUN.