Painting Animals That Touch the Heart

I took this out of the library and was so impressed I have to get one. She goes through many types of animals and gives detailed pictures and explanations of how she achieved the portrait quality of her work and the emotions that they bring out. Don't hesitate, buy it.

This is a fabulous book. It is one I continue to turn to as an aspiring artist. Finding a good book dedicated to pastels isn't necessarily easy not to mention finding a book on how to draw/paint animals. This is it... two books in one. Harrison does a fine job explaining the process of creating artistic masterpieces using pastels. Her paintings are captivating and the step-by-step pictures are just what I needed to bump up my ability. I also appreciate that she shares the core color pallette with the reader. I have several sets of pastels at home and wonder "how do they get that color?"... she shows you. She covers all of the important aspects (details)... paws, eyes, whiskers, fur, ears, expressions... you name it. BRAVO! Even though it appears Lesley covers EVERYTHING in this book... I still hope she comes out with more! This is well worth the investment whether you want to look at her creations or the process behind creating them. LOVE IT!

I just got this book and I could not put it down. The stories the artist told were heart warming and inspiring. Her out look on art and the wonderful animals she loves to paint is unlike any wildlife artist I have yet to know about. The techniques and tips she gives are very helpful and easy to follow. This is a book about working in pastels, a medium I have been leery of, but after reading this book and seeing the detail you can achieve, I am looking forward to working with pastels.

My hats off to Ms Harrison for finally delivering a book devoted to wildlife in pastels. Pastels are the under utilized, often overlooked medium in the world of wildlife art. Books abound in the market for wildlife art using oils and acrylics, the chosen medium for most artists. Ms Harrison has written a great art book for capturing the delicate intricacies of wildlife using pastels exclusively. From the tools needed, to studio setup, to using reference photos, paper selection, composition; she covers all the basics. Then she dives into the details of using pastels to capture coarse fur, soft fur, wet fur, ruffled fur, feathers, eyes, expression, reflections, etc. Pastels are such a rich, creative means for creating beautiful wildlife portraits. Glad someone has finally acknowledged that!

I received this book for Christmas. I have just finished reading it. I can't wait to get started! Lesley has some nice tips on keeping fresh ideas coming, working within a space, different pastel brands, papers. I am looking forward to trying out her demonstatrions. She is excited about what she does and in turn is making me excited about trying it. She is an incredible artist. If only I could become 1/2 as good as she is. Well, off to get my materials and just in!

If I were to choose one artist pastel instruction book to learn & grow from, it would be,"Painting Animals that touch the heart", by Lesley Harrison. Whether you are a beginner or a professional pastel artist, Lesley's soft approach and easy to follow instructions will bring out the best in you & allow your free artistic talent to expand. As you read, you will clearly FEEL Lesley's true love & respect for the creatures of our mother earth, and in a sense, she will teach you how to project that feeling into your own works. Being that I am a self taught career artist, I have explored many self help art books to gain insight and develop my own style. I am very proud to say that if any artist, or any artistic art instruction book has most influence the development of my own personal style of projecting the SPIRIT of what I am painting, it would be the Art of Lesley Harrison. Thank you Lesley for your fresh and respectful approach to the cherished creatures of our earth. I shall always view your work as my mentor to the true & pure meaning of art. Your work & visions shall be honored. "May your foot prints always leave happy tracks in the sand." Brightest Blessings, __Artist White Wolf