Product Description

Portraits not only capture a likeness, but offer for generations to come a glimpse into the subject's life. Sounds like quite a challenge. But with Ann Kullberg's help, it's not as difficult as one might think to create lifelike colored pencil portraits.

Using her own beautiful portraiture for instruction and inspiration, Kullberg walks artists through the process step by step--from basic information about materials and techniques to two demonstrations that show how complete portraits come together from beginning to end.

Readers will also find Kullberg's secrets for making their portrait come alive, along with 17 mini-demos that make it easy to paint realistic features, hair and clothing.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #143043 in Books
• Published on: 2005-01-29
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 128 pages

From Library Journal
Kullberg is a born artist, self-taught and highly accomplished. In her first book, she proves to be a born teacher as well. She thoroughly and engagingly explores the details of the tools and techniques necessary for every element of creating portraits. Colored pencil is a medium that requires little money, no setup, no cleanup, and no health concernsAjust as much hard work and talent as any other medium. With her fresh enthusiasm, Kullberg makes the work a pleasure. Collections that have Lee Hammond's similar Drawing Portraits in Colored Pencil from Photographs (North Light, 1997) may want to add this as well. In choosing between the two, Kullberg's personal approach edges out Hammond.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author
Also the author of Capturing Soft Realism in Colored Pencil, Ann Kullberg's work has been published in Creating Textures in Colored Pencil and the American Society of Portrait Artists' Signature magazine. She has conducted numerous workshops in the Pacific Northwest and throughout the country. Ann lives in Federal Way, Washington.

Customer Reviews

Believe the hype
I've been associated with colored pencils (Prismacolor,back when they were still Berol) since high school so I remember the Bet Borgeson books back in the 80's...trust me,they don't hold a candle to this book.I bought Gary Greene's "Creating textures in colored pencil" in the mid 90's and was instantly besotted with the (unfortunately) small section devoted to Ann Kullberg and her technique.After years of trial and error,Kullberg's common sense approach had me slapping my head and saying, "Why didn't I think of that?" I used that section in Gary Greene's book as a reference guide ever afterwards and was pleased when Ms Kullberg gave us a full book (this one) showcasing her method and abilities.The illustrator Bill Nelson is probably the greatest practitioner in the Prismacolor field today,but Ann Kullberg is without a doubt the best teacher.An Invaluable reference guide for the prismacolor portrait artist.

An invaluable learning tool!
I've had the book for a couple of days and I'm amazed at what a difference it has made in my portraits! I've been drawing for many years, have taken portrait classes, and read many books. Nothing else has had this much of an impact on my work. It is not for the beginner. You need to have a grasp of the basic concepts of drawing, such as the proportions of the face, before you attempt the techniques presented here. It was a joy to read.

Ann Kullberg is Awesome!
Not too long ago I purchased both the books "Colored Pencil Portraits Step by Step" and "Capturing Soft Realism in Colored Pencil" by Ann Kullberg via Amazon.com, and I was amazed by the quality of the instruction contained in the books as well as the exquisite talent of Ms. Kullberg. I noticed that one Amazon.com reviewer mentioned Ms. Kullberg offers a "companion CD" at her website to the Capturing Soft Realism in Colored Pencil book so I thought I'd visit there.

I sent an e-mail asking if she offered any kind of video instruction for portraiture more specifically and received a prompt, pleasant reply referring me to the new Portrait Tool Kit CD at http://annkullberg.com/contest.htm. This Portrait Tool Kit CD is a must have! It offers a variety of invaluable videos, pictures, tips, et al for creating colored pencil portraits. I was so excited about it that I also purchased the "Little Boy" Skin Tone Portrait Kit at http://annkullberg.com/skin.htm - another must have! - which has everything you need (aside from the colored pencils) to complete a wonderful portrait step-by-step.

What impresses me so much about Ms. Kullberg is that she's not only an exceptional artist, but an exceptional teacher as well. All of her instructional books, videos, and kits are designed using a friendly and comprehensive, yet, easy-to-understand approach that leaves you feeling as if you have truly learned something valuable about the colored pencil medium as well as art itself!