The Artist's Handbook of Materials and Techniques Fifth Edition, Revised and Up [Hardcover]

Since 1940, when it was originally published, The Artist's Handbook has been indispensable for thousands of practicing artists and art students. The book has remained continuously in print through many editions and has some more than a quarter of a million copies. It is, as American Artist Magazine calls it, the artist's bible, an invaluable reference for the painter, sculptor, and printmaker. During the past few years, however, new art movements and new research have led to many changes in the technology of artist's materials. With the assistance of Mayer's widow, Bena, and his colleagues, Viking and Steven Sheehan, Director of the Ralph Mayer Center at Yale University, have prepared this latest revision of the book, which is now completely updated and expanded.

TheHandbookdoes retain its original, user-friendly format. Mayer intended that this encyclopedic volume be referred to frequently, and he therefore gave specific, practical advice on every aspect of his subject. In addition, he compiled valuable lists for the artist: retail sources for materials, a pigment catalog, a bibliography, and an extensive appendix. And the detailed index makes all of this information immediately accessible.The Artist's Handbook of Materials and TechniquesPreface

1. Introductory Notes
Drawing. Painting. Binders: how they work; the characteristic appearances of different types. Adhesion of materials to surfaces: importance of fresh paint. Balanced formulas. Color stability. Permanence of paintings. The artist's responsibility toward permanence and the control of effects. Homemade materials. Quality in ready-made supplies. Standard specifications for artists' materials. Modern paint technology. Choice among tube colors. Historical notes: review of materials and methods of the various periods in art; origins of traditional painting processes. Records and documents. Secrets of the Old Masters. Influence of craftsmanshipl“+