“Harley Brown’s Eternal Truths
For Every Artist” by Harley Brown

Review by Tom Willa

“Some books are destined to be read in the comfort of an easy chair. This book should wind up dog-eared and paint-stained. Think of it as me, Harley Brown, right next to you at the easel, urging you on.” — Harley Brown

My “Best Read” of 2006 is Harley Brown’s Eternal Truths For Every Artist. In this delightful book, Harley Brown, one of the country’s top pastel artists, shares his insights on such subjects as composition, edges and color theory. How and why some paintings are exciting to tips on organizing your studio are also covered.

A lot of fun to read, I also enjoyed the paintings found within its one hundred and forty-four pages. The author states that there are parts of this book that can be read in an easy chair or experienced out in the studio as one paints. The funny thing was that that was very true for me. After I had finished reading this book and while reviewing for this article, I recalled this quote. Then it hit me — I also had used “Eternal Truths” as a reference for my latest painting.

I was motivated by this book — written and created by an artist, a book for artists that contains more paintings than text. The author shares his fifty years of being an artist, filling it from cover to cover with insight and beauty. Direct meaningful words are used to help everyone be the best artist they can. The material is presented in a personal tone that reminds me of a quick boot in the pants delivered with dry wit and the best intentions.