256 by john on 12/23/01 at 6:44 PM
Re: 300 year old out of print books.

Hi Ava,

I have not purchased from this site, although I have read a few of the listed books. It is an interesting, comprehensive selection. Reading them will not easily make you a master of traditional techniques. They are an interesting read. In my opinion, the 'technique' that makes a painting isn't the technique, but the delicacy of touch of the artist putting just the correct amount of the correct paint in the right place, at the right time. At best, the books give an over view of process, nothing more illuminating than that.

May I make a suggestion? I would recommend to you, rather than buying the books... read them --FOR FREE! How? Go to your local library or University library and ask them if they have an inter-library loan service. All you do is tell the title and/or author of the book you want and they will do the rest. FOR FREE!

Happy book hunting!