REVIEW/Colored Pencil for the Serious Beginner

Recommended Books column,
by E. Lynn Moss, AMERICAN ARTIST

"The author of the newest book in Watson-Guptill's highly successful series is one of the publisher's best-selling writers, as well as a popular workshop instructor and authority on colored pencil. In Colored Pencil for the Serious Beginner, Bet Borgeson shows readers how to make the transition from serious beginner to dedicated working artist, with all the requisite tips on proper technique and professionalism.

"The first five chapters are a thorough discussion of how to use colored pencils to their best advantage. Beginning with an overview of materials, Borgeson covers the fundamentals of drawing, color, mixing colors, and creating illusions of form, volume, and space. When she addresses specific subject matter--still lifes, florals, and landscapes--her instruction is illustrated with detailed step-by-step demonstrations.

"The last chapter broadly covers some of the concerns of making a living with art. Borgeson does not shy away from pointing out the difficulties of achieving financial security through art and recommends five different strategies. She also offers some comforting words on handling rejection, writing, 'Working in isolation, as most artists do...it is difficult not to put too much weight on the negative decision of a jurist or art director. It helps at these times to hang on to being inner rather than outer directed, and to persevere more than ever with our own artistic concerns and our own themes.' In this way, she associates her personal struggle with self-doubt with that of the reader's, aligning herself with the audience by offering sympathetic, realistic advice.

"As a final note, Borgeson outlines the process of selling artwork. She describes the pros and cons of different venues and points out the benefits of entering competitions and alternative exhibition spaces. In addition, she discusses how to document artwork in properly labeled slides, as well as attain gallery representation and price art.

"Anyone serious about starting out in colored pencils will benefit from Borgeson's experience. She provides the kind of technical and professional advice that demystifies the medium--and the possibility of making a living with it."

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