Ready to Paint Postcards: Mountains

Reviews / Votes

In what has all the hallmarks of a new incarnation of Search Press's hugely successful Ready to Paint series, Geoff Kersey introduces the humble treescape.



The painted postcard has many attractions, not least its portability - no need for an easel or large, unwieldy blocks or sheets of paper and probably only a pocket watercolour box. Back when I was selling art materials, we ordered postcard pads in 50s, such was their reliable popularity. A further advantage comes with the traceable outlines - actual size and no need to assemble or fold out a larger format.



Geoff illustrates 15 compositions, from a path through autumn parkland to bluebells in spring as well as a snow-filled winter lane and a tree-backed farm. The ideas are simple but not simplistic and will give you a nice exercise with a variety of shapes, colours and techniques. Each subject is fully demonstrated, with plenty of steps and a full-page illustration of the result you're aiming for. It's just a shame that the reproduction seems more than a little muted - Geoff is not noted for his bright colours, but I think this is more than that and some of the detail is quite hard to see.



For all that, this is an excellent idea and it's to be hoped that further subjects are added in the not-too-distant future. -- Henry Malt * artbookreview.net *