Inspired by the interplay of light and use of color, David Crane employs his many years of experience as an oil painter to teach artists the skills they need to produce brilliant, engaging landscape paintings.

From capturing light and reflections in water to building up the vibrant colors of a Mediterranean landscape or the delicate mood of morning mist, the three step-by-step demonstrations in this resource show aspiring painters how to get started with oils and create landscapes filled with compelling atmosphere and interest.

Each of Crane's three detailed demonstrations (Winter Stream, Woodland Path, and El Cortijo) is broken down into easily achievable small steps, ensuring that even novices can overcome common misconceptions associated with this advanced medium and produce breathtaking landscapes for their growing portfolios.

Illuminating the interplay of light within the context of painting, each plan offers an imaginative use of color as well as an investigation into impasto — the thick application of paint directly to the canvas.

David Crane was born in Hull, United Kingdom, but now lives and works in Spain. His early childhood was spent in East Africa and it was there that his love of the countryside first inspired him to portray the landscape around him on canvas. In 1978, Crane completed an honors degree, and it was then that he began to seriously pursue his love of painting, leaving his work in industry to begin painting professionally. He has taught numerous art classes, given demonstrations throughout the United Kingdom, and is always happy to share his years of experience as an oil painter with others.

Crane works in fine detail, in the traditional classic style, and strongly believes a painting should have character and presence. He is fascinated by the interplay of light within a painting, and more recently has begun to explore a greater variety and subtler use of color in his work. Crane’s artwork is collected worldwide, the majority in the United Kingdom, USA, Japan, and Australia.

Author — David Crane.

Paperback. 64 pages with 190 color illustrations. 8½" × 11½" (22 cm × 29 cm).