Alla Prima II Companion: Richard Schmid's Materials, Tools and Techniques

I had read some reviews claiming that this book was lacking on helpful information –Exactly the opposite is true. Not only does Katie Swatland cover the more technical aspects of materials and techniques and preparation, but also recaps entire theories from Alla Prima in her own, informative translation. I felt as though Alla Prima II Companion served as a gap-filler for all the sections of Alla Prima II that didn't have time to go in depth and explain. Some of these things are technical like preparing your canvas while others are great recaps of a theory Richard mentions, explained here by Katie through one of Richard's demonstrations. It's a great companion to Alla Prima II and much more than I had been expecting – Thank you, Katie Swatland for this informative piece of work!!!

Richard and his staff share their experience in detail. The do’s and the don’ts that can make a big difference when you are creating art. I really appreciate the time and effort they put into this book.

This is a beautiful book with the glossy pages and many photos of Swatland's paintings and of Schmid's . This book is good for a person new to oil painting or someone wanting a thorough review , as it covers the basics from selecting materials to how to create your own canvas to how to glaze to how to photograph your paintings and more. If you are an intermediate to advanced artist and familiar with the basics of oil painting , then you might purchase this book for the photos of the paintings.

What is not to love? Good explanations with lots of pictures. Very handy. I don't think I will go to all that trouble for something to paint on, however. The pictures are great inspiration. Really like the idea of the traveling taboret.

Packed with practical information, details, and personal reasons why Schmid and Swatland do things the way they do.Great reference. Beautiful illustrations.

This was as valuable as the Alla Prima II. So much of painting is just technical stuff. Great resource!

I wanted Schmid's original book.

If I were going to recommend one painting book, it would be Richard Schmid's Alla Prima II, and this is second. Yes, it's expensive, but you will have it for the rest of your painting career.