Frank Covino

Thomas Feusels · #1 04-29-2009, 04:53 PM

Hi,

Tired of spending money on books that actually aren't worth it, I'd like to know something more about Frank Covino's books before purchasing. It does look interesting. Has anyone here read his books, and can you please tell me more about what's in controlled painting and The Fine Art of Portraiture?

I'm oil painting, and I'm mostly interested in learning a good technique, as in, to learn to become truly good.

Thanks,
Best.

halthepainter · #2 04-29-2009, 05:06 PM

Hi Thomas. Since I'm stateside, this might not be pertinate to you.

I'm not familiar with Frank Corvino but yesterday I was trying to find a book by another artist. I searched North Light Books and they didn't have it. Next I searched Barnes & Nobel www.bn.com and found the book and a description of the book. They often have reviews by readers. They also link to the used book market and I ordered the book at about 70 percent off retail from the used book market. The seller claims it's like new. Usually the sellers have accurately described the conditions of the books.

Just checked Barnes & Nobel, there are two copies of The Art of Portraiture on the used book market starting at $71.00. I had to search by title and it was way down the list of books.

Barnes & Noble had four copies Of Controlled Painting on the used book market starting at 39.50. Once again I had to search by title. I had to search half way down the page. Used books don't seem to pop to the top.

The only copies available were on the used book market.

Good Luck.

Just an aside. My wife's grandparents were from Belgium.

Thomas Feusels · #3 04-30-2009, 07:07 AM

Thanks, but it's exactly because I did'nt find any such reader's comments on e-stores, I stopped by and saked, so if anyone out there has read them? please tell me what it's worth.

Addy · #4 05-05-2009, 03:28 PM

Both of Covino's books are on my To-Buy list. I hear they're worth the hefty out-of-print price tag.

cjorgensen · #5 05-20-2009, 02:03 AM

I am curious about Frank Covino too. But whenever I try to find out more about him, I am mystified what exactly makes his method special. I don't doubt that it is, I am just hesitant to buy a book that I don't have a CLUE what the results are supposed to be.

I have been looking on ArtPapa.com, and I am thinking about buying his stuff too. The difference is, it is pretty clean exactly what ArtPapa is going for. So, if you don't like the 7 layer technique, then ArtPapa is not for you.

The same with John Sanden: Before you buy his book you know right away that he is basically all about the alla prima (though he prefers calling it the "first attack") method, and the results are similar to Sargent.

But I can never find anything on Frank Covino. Before I buy his book, I want to know if I even like his style.

Thanks for any insight on this.

**trafford** · #6 05-20-2009, 11:23 AM

Here's a web site. Is he the artist you are interested in?

http://www.portrait-art.com/

**trafford** · #7 05-20-2009, 11:32 AM

Here is a video of his workshop on Utube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pWD9TzgCHk Pretty interesting.

dhonegger · #8 05-21-2009, 01:11 PM

Mr. Covino lives and teaches about an hour's drive from me. I have not studied with him. A comment made in the description of his book, Controlled Painting, really turned me off: "Covino's books speak to serious artists who wish to vie with the Masters (that part doesn't bother me); they will not appeal to dilettantes who is looking for quick art of shallow dimension." (that's a direct quote, bad English and all; the tone of this part bothered me). That pretty much convinced me that what local artists say about him might very well be true: that he takes a very dim view of plein air and other more modern painting techniques such as those used by the Impressionists, claiming that anything other than his technique is worthless and not real art (quoted from rumor). Not that what he does isn't good--it is VERY good--but he dismisses all other techniques as invalid and is very vocal about it in class. However, If you want a good strong grounding in an old masters technique, he is the one to provide it, if you can withstand the attitude (rumor has it). I don't know of any other artist, independant of an art school, who is currently teaching the old masters style.

His book(s) will probably be very informative (I value ALL books), but there are others out there on the same technique (glazing over a tone/monochrome underpainting) that are less expensive: "Traditional Oil Painting, Advanced Techniques and Concepts from the Renaissance to the Present" by Virgil Elliott ($44), and "Classical Painting Atelier, A Contemporary Guide to Traditional Studio Practice" by Juliette Aristides ($40) are two that I own that I could immediately lay my hands on at the moment. You might even be able to get really good condition used at Amazon. I have another about painting like the old masters that guides you through making samples of various old masters paintings, but I can't think of the name of it at the moment (and can't find it right now--you know how that is

). I bought these, used, through Amazon, so I paid less than the cover prices I quoted above.

Hope this information helps you make a decision.

Diane

babysmama · #9 05-22-2009, 12:16 AM

Hi, Johnnie Liledahl is a fabulous Old Master teacher.
I highly recomend her.
I have traveled quite a few times abroad with her.
Can't say enough about what a real TEACHER she is.
Hope this helps.

Thomas Feusels · #10 05-24-2009, 04:26 PM

Thank you Diane.

I found that book by Juliette Aristides a very beautiful, but pretty useless book, in the sense that it doesn't actually teach much how to paint. But, it's a nice book...

I hope the Covino book works better.

Patrice Erickson · #11 05-27-2009, 06:30 PM

I have 2 of his books, about 4 videos, and more importantly took a one-week intensive workshop with him in Vermont. He really knows his stuff. Both books are very good, but he has made some small changes now with his materials (for example since he wrote the books he now sells his own Renaissance Gesso and medium, while in the book he suggests other materials). Controlled painting is basically all about values. He uses a palette, which he also sells, of 9 values, and he teaches you to make 9 values of Verdaccio or Grisaille for the underpainting, and then matching your overpainting "live" colors to those values. His teachings have vastly improved my work. I'd suggest buying the controlled painting book ($30 reproduction, see his website) and 1 or 2 of the newer videos (#11 and #12). If you can his workshop is truly intensive. I was exhausted after one week there, but very inspired.

artbob · #12 06-02-2009, 05:16 AM

I just started classes with one of Frank's students. It's an interesting approach. The finished works are impressive.

jdadson · #13 06-16-2009, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trafford

Here is a video of his workshop on Utube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pWD9TzgCHk Pretty interesting.

I'm laughing. I made a palette like that having never seen or heard of his (or him). But! My latest palette creation for portrait painting has 32 colored squares rather than a few gray stripes. It's eight values of 5YR in at four chroma levels each. The photo does not do it justice.

jdadson · #14 06-16-2009, 10:40 PM

Check this out.

swissmexmsartist · #15 12-28-2011, 10:52 PM

Thomas- saw your comment about the Frank Covino books. I HIGHLY recommend any of his books as a launchpoint for any serious painter who wishes to paint in the classical manner. Portraits or landscapes.
I have been painting for many years and have attended many workshops. I have attended plein air to abstract workshops however, Frank's workshops are truly eye-opening. Frank is serious about art. He truly practices what he preaches. He IS from a different generation and as such you must decide to overlook those aspects of his musings that may be "dated" That said, I consider him to be the last of his ilk. Those trained in the traditional manner of art, he studied directly under Rockwell and Ralph Mayer, the latter considered one of the finest art lecturers and painters of the twentieth century in the U.S. His books are detailed and somewhat advanced however, they are chalk-full of info. I also suggest his DVD collections. The set is expensive. $500, not of the greatest quality. But if you are SERIOUS about painting, meaning, learning the art that will provide you with an intellectual and top-notch understanding of classical art, look no further. If possible, attend one of his workshops. Currently charging $675 for an INTENSIVE 5 day workshop. Worth every single penny. We are fortunate to have a man like him in our midst. If you have any more questions feel free to email me here.

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