Painting Portraits

Without doubt the best book on portrait painting (or painting in general for that matter) that I have come across. Kinstler's lively, conversational style makes it highly readable, his paintings make it a visual feast. This book will appeal to everyone: professional artists, amateurs and curious laypersons who have never wielded a paintbrush in their lives. Apart from the obvious step-by-step painting guides and notes on technique, this book is packed with invaluable practical information. Kinstler provides advice on topics most books of this sort barely touch on: studio layout, canvas stretching, transporting materials, painting on location, lighting, clothing etc. In short an indispensible handbook for the working artist and a fascinating insight into the world of art for the merely curious.

Do buy this book if you are a serious or beginning portrait painter. It is the very best available!!

Kinstler's adroit painterly style reminds me of James Montgomery Flagg [although its been forty years since I've seen a Flagg painting}. I was surprised on rereading the book that a portrait of Flagg can be found on p. 22. Most portrait painting is characterized by a deadly formality. It is, I fear, the nature of the beast. And most portraits in the book are of famous or vainglorious people and are necessarily formal. When he is given leeway with friends such as Thom Wolfe or Katherine Hepburn, his work sizzles. Luckily, he has chosen these very portraits to illustrate his technique. Even the most gifted portrait artist has something to gain from this book.