The Landscape Paintings of Richard McKinley: Selected Works in Oil and Pastel Hardcover – May 21, 2015

I LOVE this book!!!! ( both the Kindle version and the hardback)I now have my hardbound copy ( see original review below). This is even more wonderful than I expected. The book is approx 12" h x 11" w ( in case anyone cares). There are paintings on the actual book cover (underneath the dust cover), front and back, so don't miss them. The Kindle version only shows the dustcover front painting. The photos of the paintings are luscious and large!! Of course, Richard McKinley's text is wonderful- so well written, informative, and fascinating. What I wrote below goes for this version too.I ordered the paper version (originally due out in May) when I first learned about it and then couldn’t wait that long so I ordered the e-version the first day it came out and am so happy I did. Extravagant, but I’m soooooo pleased.The info contained comprises some of McKinley’s own history and very much of his philosophy of painting and his approach to painting (with the focus on pastels and oils). He has given much of the same information in his workshops and other conversations (including some anecdotes), and also a good deal of it is covered in his earlier book, his blog, and in his videos. What is lovely about this book is how this all flows together beautifully and although it is instructional, it doesn't feel that way (to me at least). It refreshes older information wonderfully and presents exciting new concepts. He is such an enthusiastic and articulate writer , it always is a pure pleasure to read what he has written.I love the dedication - it is to all of us, his students - so very Richard. ( And Richard- if you ever see this- thank you for all you have given so many of us.)The paintings are fabulous! I found myself gasping at some of them. Some I've seen in his blogs, on his website, or in his slide presentations at workshops, but it is lovely to have them right at hand and not to have them either only in my memory or have to go hunting them down elsewhere to enjoy them again. Having an e-book version (Kindlefire HD 7) is great. I can zoom in for decent quality closeups and highlight or note some of the text without actually marking up the book. I can also view this book on my computer with the free Kindle app but my zoom ability seems limited by the size of my computer screen. The photos are well sized, but I am greedy enough to want to see them even larger on the computer. I’m very pleased with the e-version , but I can hardly wait to get my paper copy to actually turn the pages and hold in my hand.If you are a Richard fan, and aren't currently waiting for the paper version to come out next month, you may want to get this- or check it if you know someone else who does have it already.Obviously, I REALLY like this book! For me, at least, it is a gem of the highest quality. Exquisite.

Wonderful book by a great artist. Always liked the art.

Exquisite paintings and the artist is as talented with words as he is with his paints and pastels. The techniques he uses are artfully described and each page gives a captivating lesson to the reader.

Art reference

Richard McKinley's talent as a landscape artist is amazing. We keep his book on the coffee table for all to see and admire. I became acquainted with his art at a gallery in Bend, OR, run by Jim Peterson. I wish I could have afforded to buy one of his landscapes.

Book as advertised. Quick delivery and great book. It has been extremely helpful.

Beautiful pictures are only a part of this amazing book. The information included about pastel art and its creation is priceless.

A simply great book....comprehensive.....factual... And just a great reference book for the professional as well as beginner!