The Poetic Landscape: A Contemporary Visual and Psychological Exploration by Elizabeth Mowry (2001, Paperback)

The book is in very excellent condition, I was lucky to find it. I have two of this author's other books. This is one of her earlier books, and other artists didn't know she'd even written this. While most of it is referencing pastel, the subject still works for oil as in composition, mood, atmosphere, etc. I found it under the subject of 'tonalism' . . . and I'm glad I did. This author/artist paints in pastels as well as oils, and she manages to get the same tonal qualities and style in her work in both mediums. Its a great reference tool. She writes about mood, what as artists we want to say. What entices an artist to paint what they do. Its helping me to understand why I gravitate to certain subjects, types of scenes. Highly recommended for pastellists and oil painters who are into mood and atmosphere. This book and her others have been perfect for me, there's technique in it, but they are more about feeling and painting how we interpret what we see. This differs from other artists books in print. Other artists in my world regard her work and writing highly in how to address a problem area, tonal ideas, etc. Its a very good book for me. Lots of pictures of her work, easy to understand. If you can find it, get it!

This book was recommended to me by another pastel artist and it is spectacular. The copy I acquired was very reasonably priced and in pristine condition. It has a great many color plates and the quality of printing is superior, which really allows to artist's skill and technique to show. I highly recommend this book in terms of writing and artwork to any landscape painter or even just someone who appreciates beautiful artwork.

Love it--it's a great resource for people interested in pastel painting, and simply lovely to look at as well!