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How To Paint Like The Old Masters
by Joseph Sheppard

This book offers technical insight into the painting methods of master painters from different eras in history. The author offers demonstrations of their technique as well as a discussion of their palette, medium used, and other important details.

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The Practice of Oil Painting and Drawing
by Solomon J. Solomon

This book is an excellent resource for realist artists. Originally written in 1911, this book encapsulates a classical method of training that at the time was beginning to die out in America. There is an abundance of practical painting and drawing advice for any serious student.

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Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter
by James Gurney

This is one of the most useful books that has come out in the past 20 years. I am a big fan of James Gurney, his blog is a treasure trove of useful advice for artists, and his background in both illustration and plein air painting lends insight into methods for developing as an artist. The presentation of these ideas is top notch, and any painter would benefit from reading this book.

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Imaginative Realism: How to Paint What Doesn’t Exist
by James Gurney

This is James’ first book and it is largely concerned with the process of image making in a fantasy, science fiction or historical genre, where easy reference material may not exist. Conceptualization is truly a difficult skill to develop. Gurney offers methods for disciplining your vision, and realizing your concept in paint.

This is another photograph I found online and colorized as an exercise. The first thumbnail shows the black and white original image. The second image shows the first stage, where I have a color fill for each area of the photograph. The third thumbnail shows the stage after I began to layer colors, making a richer skin tone, the color and texture of the bugle, and deepening certain values.