Reviews for The Complete Book of Decorative Painting

Booklist (American Library Association) named Complete Book one of their "Top Ten Craft/Hobby Books of 2002" stating,"Don't dismiss this book as another Jocasta Innes look-alike. Instead, California artist Leigh takes in the world of folk-art painting, such as tole and rosemaling work, that goes beyond faux finishes to include brush-stroke techniques and realistic interpretations of nature, people, and animals. Indeed, this is a bona fide reference on the art, complete with all the information and instructions necessary to start a project. Of course, all the usual topics are covered: materials and supplies, color, surfaces, techniques, brush strokes, lettering and borders, finishes, even five try-your-hand projects. What's unusual is the depth and breadth of the detail; Leigh features, for example, a full chapter on specialty brushes and their usage, as well as a separate one on classes, conventions, teachers, magazines, and other resources. A bible for novices and experienced painters." Barbara Jacobs, Copyright © 2002. 

Crafts magazine says: "Tera Leigh takes the intimidation out of decorative painting. Her comprehensive guide, The Complete Book of Decorative Painting from North Light Books, helps you master painting techniques and develop your own style and designs. This book is a valuable tool for choosing the right supplies, learning the right - and wrong - ways to create different brushstrokes, and deciding which finishing techniques to use on your projects. Keep it in a convenient plce - you'll refer to it often." (Mar/03)

Tole World Magazine says: "Tera Leigh gives a thorough and delightful education . . .A comprehensive volume for any level of painter, this full color book covers everything from the basics of paints, brushes, and surfaces to advanced brush strokes, techniques and gold-leafing. . .She even includes a glossary of decorative painting terms and a detailed list of painting suppliers, teachers, and conventions." (Dec/02)

The Artistic Stenciler says, "Best of all, it's organized like a reference book, not a painting project book. Instructions for thirteen faux finishes are included as well as six specialty techniques such as antiquing and drybrushing. Also included is a chapter on specialty brushes, which can make a tremendous difference in your finishing work. Being able to create and paint lettering is an important asset and it's covered in depth. A top choice book for any stenciler wanting to expand their skills." (Fall/02)

Craft 'n Things Magazine says: "Why paint something "plain old" blue when you can crackle it, gold-leaf it, add blooming tulips, swirl scrolls across the sides or dot lettering on top? Painting like a pro is easy with this book! Not only do the photos demonstrate how to execute popular techniques like dry-brushing, highlighting, and side-loading, but they also show you what you could be doing wrong when you don't get the results you want (how a brush looks with too much paint, not enough water, over-blended colors, etc.) From picking out paint to applying the final coat of sealer, everything is covered in this almost 300-page tutorial. The author's encouraging tone, as well as her direct, simple-to-understand instructions, make you feel as if you've found your own personal painting coach. (Sept/02)

Painting Magazine says: "The Complete Book of Decorative Painting is a must have for the beginner, and a valuable reference for the intermediate and advanced painter. This 256-page book is filled with everything you ever wanted to know about painting, materials, supplies, color basics, creativity, surfaces, brush techniques, strokework, 'faux' finishes, specialty techniques, specialty brushes, lettering, borders, finishes, need I say more? Yes! There are fabulous worksheets and photos that won't leave you guessing." (June/02)

Popular Crafts (UK) says: "Wow! What a great value for money - 257 pages, all beautifully illustrated and absolutely stuffed full of tips and teachings on painting just about anything you fancy embellishing with colour. What tools are required? Where can we get inspiration? What type of materials can be painted on? What different techniques can be used? See, I told you it had the lot! And, every page in each chapter has a colour code on its edge, making it easy to navigate when you're desperately trying to remember how to double-load properly. In between general info, there are lots of projects too. What more could you want? Definitely fifteen quid well spent. Bookworm rating: 4 star." Review written by John Clark. (May/02)

Practical Crafts (UK) says: "As practical as it is breathtaking, this book is destined to become a decorative painting classic. It is packed full with solutions to a range of painting challenges, covering everything from surface preparation to floating techniques and finishing. Information is presented in an accessible question-and-answer format, so that artists can quickly find the help that they need - and full colour step-by-step instructions clearly illustrate dozen of easy painting techniques. Here, painters will find complete answers to problems such as, "How do I make my project look special" and "Where can I find ideas and inspiration?" This guide leaves nothing to chance. It even features tips and techniques for making the most of classes and seminars, and also features major conventions worldwide." (Apr/02)

Arts & Crafts Magazine says: "Everything you ever wanted to know about painting is covered in this practical question and answer guide. Providing detailed yet easy-to-understand explanations the book offers many tips and techniques from surface preparation to floating to finishing. There are plenty of full color, step-by-step instructions, making this a wonderful reference book for anyone who paints!" (Apr/02)

Decorative Artists' Workbook Magazine says: "Whether you're a beginner or an old pro, you'll find Tera Leigh's newest book, The Complete Book of Decorative Painting", a must-have reference for your library. The book guides you through materials and supplies, color, creativity and inspiration, surfaces, brush techniques, stroke work, faux finishes, specialty techniques and brushes, lettering and borders, finishes, classes and conventions and other helpful resources. Large, full-color, step-by-step photos enhance the demonstrations." (Apr/02)

The Decorative Painter Magazine (from the Society of Decorative Painters) says: "Tera Leigh's The Complete Book of Decorative Painting" fulfills every expectation the title implies. This essential guide is packed with illustrations to accompany its detailed telling of tools, techniques and curious tricks of the trade."(Jan-Feb/02)

PaintWorks Magazine says: "Tera's new book, The Complete Book of Decorative Painting, is a great encyclopedia for the decorative painter, filled with lots of information including terms, materials, supplies, mediums, paints, tools and techniques. Tera thoroughly explains everything from setting up your workstation to application of many decorative painting techniques and to properly finish your pieces. You will also learn about color, mediums, background techniques, stroke work, and more. There is a wealth of information in these 258 pages. If you are a beginning painter, this book is a must have. If you are a teacher, this is a great book to use as a guide for teaching the basics to your students." (Feb/02)

Artist's Club says, "This book is the must-have one-stop reference for decorative painters, crafters, home decorators and do-it-yourselfers—as practical as it is inspirational. Everything is presented in an easy-to-follow format allowing you to find all the help you need quickly regarding color basics, brushes, surface preparation brush techniques, finishes, strokework techniques, classes, conventions and resources, faux finishes, finding inspiration, antiquing, materials and a whole lot more. Full-color, step-by-step guidelines illustrate how to implement each solution successfully. Also included are five fun-to-paint projects designed to instruct, challenge and entertain you, no matter what your skill level. Acrylic. 256 color pgs."

Midwest Book Review says, "Tera Leigh's Complete Book Of Decorative Painting tells how to use color basics, brushes, and techniques to create professional quality results in crafts, home decoration, and projects. From lettering and faux finishes to brush techniques and antiquing options, this uses a reference and question/answer format along with color photos to encourage easy experimentation."