The Illustrator's Bible: The Complete Sourcebook of Tips, Tricks & Time-Saving Techniques in Oil, Alkyd, Acrylic, Gouache, Casein, Watercolor,

I read 3/4 of the book as soon as I opened it without putting it down. Even tho it is dated, it's not OUTdated. I found great tips for experienced artists here. It's not for beginners or new artists, but for the ones who have a good knowledge of your medium(s) and aren't looking for techniques. These are really tips and tricks.

As an art book, this book is very good, but I was looking for tips on how to illustrate a book. The title led me to believe that it was covered in the content, but alas... not so. There are some helpful sections of different type of art mediums and an artist or art student would find it very helpful.

I was primarly interested in the book for teaching students the finer points of using Gouache in Illustration. Although, there was nothing particularly new in the text about the material, it was all new to my students who found the material helpful.

the knowledge and in-depth shared in this book is excellent, helps you to go further in the techs, and with tips and trick for the materials and equipment.The only "but" that i find is that it's not a step by step teaching for beginners. Excellente book!!!

So many self education books for artists claim to be definitive, comprehensive, or the only book you'll ever need. I don't know if this is the only book you'll need, but it is a cheaper alternative to paying tuition at an art college. And, unlike many how-to books (and some art colleges), Rob Howard gives very specific and detailed instructions. He's light on the motivational inspiration and heavy on technique. Afterall, a working illustrator (the book's target) doesn't need to get in touch with the inner artist, but rather needs tools to get the inner art out onto the client's desk.Additionally, Rob Howard is quite talented. Often times people with Howard's gifts are so busy with paying customers that they don't have time to put together such a quality book. Every illustration is professional quality and an inspiration in itself!The book is packed with photos and illustrations. He lists by name and sometimes manufacturer exactly what materials you need. Covers topics from Prismacolor pencils on Denril to Friskets and masking to pastels, acrylics and airbrushing....etc.It's only weakness is that it's due for an update. First published in '92 before the internet explosion and before Adobe Photoshop and Synthetik Studio Artist became powerful enough computer based tools, this book focuses entirely on natural media. Just the same, an illustrator looking to set him or herself appart from the pack might want to set aside the software and use the proven techniques in this book!