Painting Landscapes in Oil

by J.M. Parramon

Published 1 September 1990

Human Anatomy

by J.M. Parramon

Published 1 February 1991
A working knowledge of human anatomy is fundamental to any artist who wishes to draw and paint the human figure accurately. This basic guide analyzes the structure of the human head, and its effect on facial expression, the skeleton and the muscular system. This factual knowledge is then applied to a discussion of figure drawing complete with practice exercises. A final section on comparative anatomy shows how various animals bodies are similar to and different from our own. Jose Parramon is the author of over 24 books including "Oil Painting", "Watercolor" and "Drawing".

The aim of this volume is to provide beginners in the medium of watercolour with information about materials, basic techniques, colour theory and the history of watercolour painting. Emphasis has been placed throughout the text on mastering wash techniques. These techniques are then applied to painting such simple objects as a book, geometric objects, and a horse's head. Throughout the book the fundamental rules of transparent watercolor, working from less to more and reserving whites and lights are stressed. Special techniques such as using masking fluid and salt are explained, as are the techniques of wet-in-wet and alla prima painting. Step-by-step still life and landscape demonstrations make it possible to understand these techniques in greater depth. There is advice on choosing a theme, making compositions work, capturing light and shadow, and establishing atmosphere and a sense of space.

Lettering and Logotypes

by J.M. Parramon

Published 1 December 1991
An overview of the history of handwriting and graphic lettering, from the earliest written language to typesetting used in creative, modern graphic design. The development of printing is outlined as well, from Gutenberg and Jenson to the present, followed by a comparative study of Gothic, Roman and Latin letter types. Logotypes are examined as a medium of communication. The author looks at the technical requirements of logos, their use as images, and how these images are associated with corporate and brand names. The survey includes discussions of phototypesetting and laser printing.

First Steps in Painting

by J.M. Parramon

Published 1 September 1991
This book introduces artists to the basic principles of painting in all the major mediums - watercolour, oil, acrylic and pastel. It introduces the tools and materials needed for working in each, along with the fundamentals of drawing and painting. The book includes discussions on light, dimension, value, volume, perspective, form and subject choice. Practice exercises include painting a still life with two colours, painting a seascape with three colours, and painting a landscaoe with a full palette.

After a brief overview of the genre, four watercolour artists give their opinions on composition, style and technique as they paint a watercolour still-life step-by-step. This book is designed to prove of interest to beginner and intermediate artists. Previous book by this author include "Oil Painting", "Watercolor" anmd "Drawing".


Painting Seascapes in Oil

by J.M. Parramon

Published 1 September 1990

This guide opens with a quick overview of the history of figure painting and provides handy tips on handling lighting, poses and proportions. The book continues by reviewing four artists, with very diferent styles, as they paint a figure step-by-step. This book is aimed at beginner and intermediate level artists in this field. Previous books by this author include "Oil Painting", "Watercolor" and "Drawing".

Colour Theory

by J.M. Parramon

Published 1 October 1989
This guide explains how colour works in nature and how it can be manipulated to make expressive paintings. After covering the more scientific aspects of colour theory, the author offers information which analyzes a subject in terms of local, tonal, reflected and shadow colour. He demonstrates how to prepare a palette and how to obtain a wide colour range from specific mixtures. He defines and discusses colour harmonies, complements, and contrasts and shows the reader how to use cool and warm hues expressively, and how to juxtapose harmonious or discordant colours to produce different psychological and visual effects.

This book begins with essential information about skull characteristics and head construction. Next, the author presents the canon of the human head, the system that delineates correct placement and proportion of all facial features, allowing for differences based on age and sex. Individual facial features - eyebrows and eyes, nose and ears, mouth and lips - are analyzed in detail. Throughout the book the emphasis is on achieving a good, natural likeness, which involves studying the model in depth. Included is practical information on setting up the work, lighting and posing the model, composition, background, and appropriate format sizes. Step-by-step demonstrations include creating a portrait using chalk, and making a self-portrait.

Copying Masterpieces

by J.M. Parramon

Published 1 January 1991
Every student of art has been encouraged to copy works by renowned masters to better understand the skill and spirit that inform a great artist's vision. This book provides the opportunity to copy two paintings in the Musee d'Orsay in Paris - "Entrance to the Small Village" by the French impressionist Camille Pissarro and "The Blue Vase" by Paul Cezanne, both reproduced here as large gatefolds. Following an overview of various painting styles including impressionism and realism, the lives and artistic styles of Pissarro and Cezanne are closely examined. General rules for copying works in museums are outlined. The book also includes advice on analyzing the composition, palette, and painting techniques used in established works and adapting one's own materials and techniques to them. The author shows how to make scaled drawings of the images to be copied and explains Pissarro's and Cezanne's palettes, then demonstrates, step-by-step, how to recreate the works.



After an introductory discussion of such topics as lighting technique, the correct proportions of the human head, and portrait composition, this book presents four detailed, step-by-step demonstrations in which acclaimed artists draw portraits in very different styles using different mediums. Each artist gives tips about materials, choice of subject, planning a composition and other techniques. Mediums include charcoal, wax crayon, black pastel, sanguine, chalk and pencil.

How to Draw

by J.M. Parramon

Published 1 April 1991

How to Draw the Human Figure

by J.M. Parramon

Published 9 November 2004
This instructional guide demonstrates the correct placement and proportion of all parts of the human body and describes how to draw the figure in a variety of poses.


Light and Shade

by J.M. Parramon

Published 1 January 1992