I am attempting to learn Painter and need advice on which book to buy.

Jeremy Sutton's Painter X Creativity: Digital Artist's Handbook
or
Martin Addison's Painter X for Photographers

I know a lot about Photoshop and zero about Painter. I have no art background. Addison's book seems like the practical choice since it is specifically for turning photographs into paintings. But Sutton's work is so amazing. And the extras on his CD sound so enticing.
I am having a hard time choosing between the 2. And unfortunately can't afford both at this time. Which would you recommend?

thanks for the help!

Hey Jordan. Like you I'm just starting to learn Painter and I have read Martin Addisons Painter X For Photographers. Don't bother buying his book. I thought I could pick up some quick pointers on turning photo's into paintings. To me his paintings all look like out of focus photo's. You can find more useful information from Corel's Painter X free news letter on the Corel site. I wouldn't recommend buying his book. Just my opinion.


Joe

Painter takes time...a lot of time...even with the books...I agree with Joe...I wasn't impressed with Martin's book but do like Jeremys. His DVD's are also good, but expensive.

Of the two you mentioned, Jeremy's would be my recommendation for most useful content. I agree with Skydog that his DVD tutorials are terrific, albeit spendy.

I'd also suggest looking into the intro Painter courses offered by

www.ElecticAcademy.com (http://www.ElecticAcademy.com)
www.LVSOnline.com (http://www.LVSOnline.com)

I've taken courses through each. Liked both; plan to take more in the future.

Benefits:
* Hands on
* Start with basics, work up from there
* Ordered, logical training vs. "willy-nilly" learn as you go when self-taught
* Good handouts
* 6-weeks
* Real cheap compared to DVDs
* Interact with instructor and classmates via forum-like interface

Another good inexpensive school is the Digital Art Academy which Karen Bonaker just opened this year. I've taken her courses for a couple of years and she is great. She has some very good instructors lined up to teach.

http://digitalartacademy.com/

Thanks for all the info everyone!!
I ordered the Jeremy Sutton book. And I will definitely look into all the online classes.
I convinced my husband I was saving him a bundle by buying Painter on ebay.
He has no idea what I'll probably end up spending on books, DVDs, online classes... :lol:
Anyway, thanks for all your input!

Wow! My first day on RetouchPro and already I have valuable info! My question was going to be exactly like Jordan's -- and what great responses! Thanks to this thread, I just purchased Jeremy Sutton's book and intro CD! (BTW -- Amazon.com has the book for $32.97 in paperback)

Hi Kat... welcome to RetouchPRO.

Nice to have a fellow Washiton-ian join us (I live near Seattle off I-90).

I'm glad you're finding what you're looking for.