Hugely prolific, Vincent Van Gogh produced over 2000 works (nearly 900 paintings and more than 1,100 drawings and sketches) in a ten-year period. His story and (largely) self- taught skills are an inspiration to budding artists everywhere. Fantastic Forgeries is a simple course in the artist's legendary skills, so readers can learn his innovative techniques and then adapt and apply those techniques to their own renditions and drawings. You'll begin just as Van Gogh did, first mastering black and white drawings, including figures and landscapes Then move on to colour works, including watercolour, and then finally move on to oil painting. Within each chapter, the reader will come across a specific technique employed by Van Gogh in an artwork or artworks, and then--accompanied by step-by-step lessons--he or she can learn how to use that technique in their own drawings or paintings. Featuring a dazzling collection of Van Gogh's works, step-by-step lessons for learning his techniques in 10 key pieces, as well as fascinating sidebars about Van Gogh's life, critical reception to his work, and his own thoughts about his art, this is an ideal course for any artist looking to be inspired by one of the great masters.

Author Biography

Joanne Shurvell is an award-winning travel and arts writer. She is also the owner of PayneShurvell, a contemporary art gallery in London.