Realists at Work: Studio Interviews and Working Methods of Ten Leading Contemporary Painters

I took a chance and ordered this book sight-unseen because many of my art heroes are featured. It was worth every penny, and I haven't been able to put it down since it arrived. What's outstanding and different about it is the entire book is in interview format; you get each artist describing in their own words their theories, motivations, working habits, techniques, etc. Priceless.

If you're into Realistic Paintings of Still Life's, Urban depictions of America or Figure painting by 10 of America's Realist painters then you need this book. Painters like Jack Beal, William Beckman, chuck Close, Janet Fish, Ralph Goings, Neil Welliver, and my painting mentor, Chicago's very own James Valerio. When I purchased this book I was to young to appreciate the depth of what John Arthur shared. Regardless of whether you are an advanced realistic painter who has had major shows in the Museum of Science & Industry or you're just getting started the quality of the paintings in this book will give you a depth of insight. The photography for the work in this book is rich with color and details. While the artist interviews expose you to rich and in depth insights into why the artist paints what they paint, draw what they draw and are inspired by what they are inspired by. I recommend this book to all my students as the first book to put into their library. Remember readers are leaders...look and learn.