Vibrant Oils

As others have said, I too have numerous books on painting techniques. I’ve also taken a number of painting courses. I highly recommend Haidee-Jo’s book because it fills in a lot of the gaps in my knowledge, and contains advice I haven’t encountered elsewhere. For example, her advice on lost and found edges is invaluable. The writing is clear, logical, and takes the aspiring oil painter through alla prima and more layered approaches. It is also superbly illustrated and includes a number of really detailed step-by-step painting projects. However many books you may already own, this one will make a really worthwhile addition to your library. Or if you’re starting with oils, this is a great buy. I should add that I also have the DVD, and the two items complement one another really well.

This is the best art book I've ever read... it's packed with very useful tips and information. I actually think a lot of the chapters could apply to other mediums, for instance the chapters on drawing, composition, values, and colours. I found this book fascinating, and read it from cover to cover. Haidee-Jo has a very accessible style of writing, and explains things clearly and simply. I also loved seeing so many of her wonderful paintings in the book - they're so inspiring. I thoroughly recommend this book.

An inspiring book from a talented artist. Covers a broad range of subjects from materials and finding subjects to inspire you through to composition and colour palettes. I'm enjoying the small projects such as experimenting with mixing different greys. I'm new to oils but there's a lot in the book that is relevant to all painting whatever medium. Well done Haidee-Jo!

I have been painting in watercolour for a few years but really want to try oils and this is the perfect combination of inspiration and information. Haidee-Jo’s work is of course outstanding but the book is also very well written and covers all the topics I hoped to see.

I have a bookcase full of art books but Haidee-Jo’s is in pride of place and rarely stays on the shelf as it is always a source of inspiration. I love her loose style and in this book she gives the reader the tips and tricks of her fabulous technique. Inspiring how to’s from start to finish. I disagree with a previous review regarding the information on brushes etc. Surely the artists brushes are important in achieving the wonderful brushstrokes in her work and I was delighted she shared that information. Would highly recommend this book for any oil painter, at any stage of their journey as an artist.

Excellant ,helpful book choc a block with useful information. So many books are just full of pretty paintings with no real info. Really enjoyed this one. It even has a good section on portraits, choosing colours, subjects, sketching people,and step by step projects

A colourful and informative book on oil painting with good advice , tips and several demonstration pieces shown at various stages with descriptions of each stage. You won't be disappointed, very good value for money.

I admire the work of this artist, and her first book has been produced in a most attractive way with clear type and colourful illustrations. Having said that I am disappointed because it covers so much that is already in other books, and really does very little that is new. Do we really need to be told to wear warm clothes when painting en plein air? Or to be told exactly what brushes to use in a project? This might be a useful book for the beginner but not for those with experience. There really is no point in re-inventing the wheel. I do recommend it for those starting to paint.