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Book Review of Foster Caddell's Keys to Successful Landscape Painting: A Problem/Solution Approach to Improving Your Landscape Paintings

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As a learning painter, I have purchased many many books. This book, above every single one I own, is the best. Although he doesn't give you step by step instructions for painting, he teaches by comparing and contrasting two different paintings of the same scene...and explains why the second is better. Thus in 135 pages, he explains 49 keys to successful painting. Sometimes I think the first is fine...but when I look at his reinterpretation, I can understand the key he is focusing on. This is a book to READ, over and over again. Eventually, the principles he teaches will allow me to look at the world differently, and interpret the world creatively.
His paintings are painterly, but not abstract. This, for me, is my own personal goal, and the style I wish to emulate. This book, full of color illustrations, will be my best instructor in reaching my goal.