Readings on Painting

Gurney reads from Harold Speed's classic book from 1924

In this audio deep dive, I’d like to offer two readings from a book that inspired me when I was just starting out on my journey of learning about painting.

Painting by Harold Speed

The readings are from Harold Speed’s book Oil Painting Techniques and Materials (originally titled The Science and Practice of Painting (1924)).

The first reading introduces some of Speed’s views on color.

The second reading (15 minutes) delves into Speed’s observations about how the old masters approached edge control and color, with special focus on Velázquez. Velázquez was a favorite of Sargent and many of the British and French academics.