Welcome to My Studio
What she’s done for years on television, Helen Van Wyk does in her book, “Welcome to My Studio.” She invites
artists into her studio to acquaint them with the principles of painting. Helen’s instruction is as clear as her
art is beautiful. Truly a colorful, practical, fruitful “visit” for an oil painter. This is a comprehensive text
for painters of all skill levels. Many photos in full color of Helen’s own works, from initial sketches to
completed paintings. In the introduction to this book, Helen Van Wyk says, “Anyone can paint.” It’s true. You
don’t need talent or permission, just a desire to try. From this book’s table of contents one can see the value
of the instruction that has come from her many years as a painter and a teacher. Some of the chapters include:
Making the subject fit the canvas, Reflections in water and other shiny surfaces, How to paint
glass, The techniques of the Old Masters. These are but a few of the many chapters in this valuable
book. While it’s true that “Anyone can paint,” the instruction in “Welcome to My Studio” will help you to paint
better.
112pp
146 color illustrations
90 b&w illustrations. Helen Van Wyk’s Favorite Color Recipes
This is one of many books by the late Helen Van Wyk, all of which are very good. She has the gift of a teacher
who can convey ideas simply and clearly. The book is filled with pages of examples in color which are practical
and immediately useful. She gives examples of dozens and dozens of items and how to paint them. This is a great
resource book for the artist. Delicious color mixing “recipes” for capturing the dewy look of roses, barns in
early morning light, delicate skin tones, and 80 other favorite subjects! Each “recipe” is delivered on one or
two pages and illustrated with Helen’s vibrant paintings. You’ll also receive her brief, practical summaries of
42 colors — what subjects they’re particularly suited for, their shortcomings and, when appropriate, how to mix
them using your basic palette.
144pp Helen Van Wyk’s Favorite Color Recipes 2
This book features 50 of Helen Van Wyk’s most innovative color‑mixing recipes, complete with the clear,
step‑by‑step guidance that made her famous. The keys to mixing each color recipe are shown in detailed palettes,
tracing each step of the process in full color. Best of all, this book features 13 beautiful compositions
created by Van Wyk herself, in which artists see exactly how she applied each color. Helen Van Wyk’s
unparalleled instructional books continue to teach and inspire artists of all skill levels. She was best known
for her long‑running PBS series “Welcome to My Studio.”
128 pp
210 color illustrations Color Mixing the Van Wyk Way: A Manual for Oil Painters
In this practical guide to color from one of America’s best‑known artists, color mixing is explained clearly.
Oil and acrylic painters will learn how to put color theory into action. This book is a tremendous help to the
artist struggling with color composition.
128pp
230 color illustrations
15 b&w illustrations Painting Flowers — The Van Wyk Way
In this book Helen describes materials and principles of painting in detailed instructions and color
illustrations, as well as ten practical lessons for painting floral still lifes. Helen Van Wyk’s legacy lives on
through her paintings, and this book reveals her secrets to painting flowers of all kinds in oil with
easy‑to‑follow instructions and examples of her own work. Intricate floral anatomy is broken down into
manageable shapes and lines that artists of any skill level can master. This book is a wonderful complement to
the video, “Painting Flowers Alla Prima.”
130pp
230 color illustrations Portraits in Oil — The Van Wyk Way
This book is designed to aid beginning painters in creating beautiful and accurate portraits. It contains a
multitude of tips on posing and lighting models, recreating eyes, eyeglasses and hair, painting from photographs
and creating a self‑portrait. Helen breaks down the challenge of portrait painting into simple elements anyone
can achieve, using beautiful, full‑color illustrations of her own work, as well as her trademark techniques and
formulas, including: color mixes for the 5 basic tones of flesh; techniques for painting wet‑in‑wet and in loose
strokes; keys to painting eyes, hair, glasses and full poses; how to capture expression and likeness; tips for
painting family and self‑portraiture. This book is a perfect complement to the video, “A Portrait:
Step‑by‑Step.”
128pp
165 color illustrations Color Mixing in Action: A Manual for Oil Painters
Helen Van Wyk expands on her classic teachings about color mixing with this in‑depth manual for oil painters.
Step by step, she demonstrates how to build dynamic color compositions through logic and understanding rather
than guesswork. Topics include warm and cool relationships, value control, neutralization, and the physical
behavior of pigments in mixture. The book also features numerous color charts and full‑color reproductions
showing how her methods translate directly to finished works. A valuable reference for artists striving for
confident, accurate, and expressive color in oil painting.
128pp
230 color illustrations Your Painting Questions Answered from A to Z
This book compiles Helen Van Wyk’s clear and practical responses to hundreds of questions from artists around
the country. Organized alphabetically, it provides direct answers to common painting problems concerning
brushes, color mixing, composition, light, perspective, and portraiture. Helen’s concise explanations and
diagrams show how to resolve technical issues while strengthening artistic judgment. Both beginners and
experienced painters will appreciate the insight and encouragement that made Helen an enduring teacher and
mentor.
198pp
Illustrated throughout in color and black & white
Welcome to My Studio
