Which Painter book?

[mikajomc]

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!

[Joeven]

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

[skydog]

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.

[DannyRaphael]

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.

[DannyRaphael]

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

www.ElecticAcademy.com
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

[photobobbie]

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/

[mikajomc]

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...
Anyway, thanks for all your input!

[katpiper]

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)

[DannyRaphael]

Hi Kat... welcome to RP.

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.

[bpurvis]

It's been awhile since anyone has added a book to this thread. I purchased Painter 11 and haven't even installed it yet. Is Painter 11 Creativity: Digital Artist's Handbook by Jeremy Sutton still the favorite?

[DannyRaphael]

Jeremy Sutton's books in my opinion are excellent. Can't wrong with this one. I've got the 8, IX and X editions. Accompanying CD has lots of goodies (custom brushes, textures, etc.).

If you are close to one of the big bookstores, give Marilyn sSholin's The Art Of Digital Photo Painting: Using Popular Software To Create Masterpieces a look too. No CD, unfortunately, but still a lot of very good content.

[bpurvis]

Thanks, Danny. Amazon has the Marilyn Sholin book for $13.50. Are any of Jeremy Sutton's books geared toward the total beginner? I'm a little afraid that learning Painter is going to be as difficult as learning Photoshop, so I've procrastinated in getting started.

[startup_eng1]

I have all the books (I'm into books!! & DVD's).

What is to be recommended depends a lot on what style you intend to create with your photos. Jeremy Sutton is very good but heavy on Impressionism. Martin Addison is also very good but tends to be more Realism. The other sources recommended in the other posts are great.

I would suggest that you pay attention to the opening screen in Painter which will show you 50 Corel Painter masters. Check their work and their websites. Pick the ones you like. Many have DVD's or other forms of instruction. That's how I found Fay Sirkis, Bruce Dorn and Maura Dutra. all excellent painters with their own individual styles.

One other to check out is Karen Sperling's, www.artistrymag.com. She offers newsletters with a lot of instruction, plus she has a new book out, Painting for Photographers. Her newsletter topics are posted so you can review and decide which ones might work for you. I spent 4 hours with Karen on getting started and learned a lot. BTW, she's one of the 50 masters.

I hope this helps.
______________
Regards,
Jon

[bpurvis]

Thanks Jon. I spent an hour on Karen Sperling's website and may need to buy the book. Love her style! I'll do as you suggest and check out the Painter masters - that way I can see which styles I prefer.

Any other favorites out there?