Helen Van Wyk Internet Site

Books by Helen Van Wyk

Six classic instructional titles

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 a 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