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Thomas W. Schaller
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Thomas W. Schaller, Architect of Light: Watercolor Paintings by a Master Hardcover – September 11, 2018

by Thomas Schaller (Author)
4.8 out of 5 stars 304 ratings
Powerful Paintings from a Watercolor Master

"The most nearly 'perfect' paintings to me are rarely the ones simply characterized by technical expertise. More often, they are the ones in which you can sense the beating heart of the artist just below the surface--flaws included."

Twenty years into a career as architect and architectural illustrator, Thomas Schaller embarked upon a bold new path as a fine artist. Today he is one of the world's most accomplished watercolor artists, celebrated for his poignant treatment of light and its dynamic interplay with the natural and manmade landscape.

The first and only collection of work from this popular contemporary artist, Thomas W. Schaller: Architect of Light features 150 of his finest paintings--buildings, bridges, boats, people and other scenes from around the world. In a series of essays, Schaller ruminates on his journey as an artist, what drives him, and the "truths" he's discovered along the way. He offers not only sage insight on composition, color and other technical aspects of painting, but also provocative perspective on more fundamental struggles for the artist, such as overcoming self-doubt and honing one's own, unique voice.

Schaller's essays, like his art, shine with passion, authenticity, and the epiphanies that comprise his artistic constellation: discovering the power of breathing...the secret to "finding the art" in any subject...and how the quest for perfection led him to worry less about the final result to take greater joy in the process itself. It's a pivoting read for collector, art-lover and practicing artist alike, full of views to savor and enlighten.
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  1. Print length
    208 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    North Light Books
  4. Publication date
    September 11, 2018
  5. Dimensions
    10.88 x 0.92 x 12.01 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1440350728
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1440350726
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Thomas W. Schaller is an award-winning artist, architect, author, and instructor. He graduated with honors from the Ohio State University School of Architecture, earned the NCARB certification, and was admitted to the American Institute of Architects. He founded Schaller Architectural Design and Illustration in New York City, and over thirty years he became a renowned international architectural artist and concept designer working with many of the world's most celebrated architectural, design, entertainment, advertising, and development firms.

Since he began his fine arts career in 2010, Mr. Schaller's paintings have gained wide international acclaim. His work has won many awards, has been featured in several solo exhibitions, and has been included in a great number of prestigious international arts exhibitions in more than twenty countries around the world. A Signature Member of many arts organizations, including the American Watercolor Society, he is also an Artist Member of the Salmagundi Art Club, NYC and the California Art Club. He is a founding member of the group North American Watercolor Artists.

Mr. Schaller is currently based in Los Angeles.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ North Light Books (September 11, 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1440350728
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1440350726
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.8 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10.88 x 0.92 x 12.01 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 out of 5 stars 304 ratings

About the author

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Thomas W. Schaller

Thomas W. Schaller

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Thomas W. Schaller is an award-winning artist, architect, and author based in Los Angeles. As a renowned architectural artist, he received a Graham Foundation Grant and was a two-time recipient of the Hugh Ferris Memorial Prize. He has authored three books; the best-selling, and AIA award winner, Architecture in Watercolor (VNR – McGraw Hill) The Art of Architectural Drawing (J.Wiley and Sons), and Thomas W. Schaller, Architect of Light : Watercolor Paintings by a Master - a retrospective of his recent artwork released by North Light Books / F+W Media and now Penguin / Random House, NYC in 2018. He is in demand worldwide as a speaker, exhibitor, author, instructor, and juror: recently; International Prize "Marche d'Acqua" Fabriano , Architecture in Perspective 33, The 2nd International Watercolor Biennial, Greece, Northwest Watercolor Society, Northeast Watercolor Society, International Watercolor Society, Istanbul, The International Competition of Architectural Graphics, Moscow, Plein-Air Artist, The Florida Watercolor Society. Artist Network Television has produced two best-selling series of instructional Videos and DVDs of his technique. Creative Catalyst/ Streamline video produced a new DVD and video of his process in 2020.

His work is collected world-wide and is part of a number of permanent collections including The Johhan Museum: Shanghai: The Watermark Museum; Fabriano: The Tchoban Foundation; Berlin: The Pacific Arts Foundation; Newport Beach, The Museum of Watercolor, Mexico City. His artwork has been featured in prestigious International Watercolor Masters exhibitions in over twenty countries including: Thre Modern Masters: Thomas Schaller, John Salminen, Dean Mitchell, 2020 - Bradenton, Florida; Universal Watercolor Maestro Biennale 2019 -Shanghai: "Cities in Motion" Exhibition, Moscow; First International World of High Watercolor Exposition : Moscow; "Geniuses of Watercolor" Exhibition , New Delhi, India; Fabriano in Aquarello ,Italy 2016 - 2020; Marche d'Acqua; Fabriano Watermark Museum; The Masters Exhibition at the Salmagundi Club NYC: Master Exhibition of Watercolor; Johhan Museum of Art; Shanghai, Lake-Blue Heaven - Qingdao, China: Silk Road International Exposition, Xi'an; Shenzhen Watercolor Biennial, National Watercolor Society/China Exchange Exhibition, Masters of Watercolor; St Petersburg. and in the USA in exhibitions of The American Watercolor Society, The National Watercolor Society, The Transparent Watercolor Society of America, Architecture in Perspective, among many others. He has been a featured presenter at the Plein-Air Conference PACE in San Diego, the Roman Watercolor Society, Rome, The National Watercolor Society, the California Art Club, and the Pushkin Museum of Art, Moscow.

He received the Abu Rawash Masters Award in 2019 and in 2017, he was a finalist for the Lynx Prize for Contemporary Art; Trieste. His paintings and writing have been featured in a great many books, magazines, and arts publications including The Artist Magazine, Watercolor Artist Magazine, Southwest Art Magazine, The Art of Watercolour, Practique des Arts, Los Angeles Magazine, International Artist Magazine, and a series of the books, Splash: the Best of Watercolor by North Light Books from 2011 - 2020.

A Signature Member of many arts organizations including the American Watercolor Society , National Watercolor Society, and the Transparent Watercolor Society of America. Tom was recently elected to the International Masters of Watercolor Alliance, and to the receive Master Signature Status by the California Watercolor Association. He was appointed to the Advisory Board of American Watercolor Weekly , named as Brand Ambassador for Daniel Smith Artists' Materials, and elected Artist Member of the California Art Club and the Salmagundi Art Club, NYC. He is president emeritus of the American Society of Architectural Illustrators and a founding member of the group; North American Watercolor Artists.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
304 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers praise the watercolor paintings in this book for their incredible quality and masterful use of light and shadow. Moreover, they find the book filled with inspiration, with one customer noting it provides insights into the artist's process and techniques. Additionally, they appreciate the emotional depth, with one review mentioning how the subject matter evokes feelings of awe.

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36 customers mention "Painting quality"36 positive0 negative

Customers praise the paintings in the book, describing them as incredible and beautiful.

"Masterful use of light and shadow. This lovely book is not only an inspiration and helpful to improve technique, but it’s also a pleasure to look..." Read more

"This book is so breathtakingly BEAUTIFUL.!! A MUST READ and such a treat for the eyes...." Read more

"...this Thomas Schaller's work and are interested in his story, this book is excellent...." Read more

"...Brilliant!" Read more

17 customers mention "Inspiration"17 positive0 negative

Customers find the book inspirational and helpful as a reference, with one customer noting it provides insights into the artist's process and techniques.

"...This lovely book is not only an inspiration and helpful to improve technique, but it’s also a pleasure to look at the beautiful paintings of..." Read more

"...Thomas W. Schaller interprets the world around him in the most spectacular way. No wonder he has won so many International Awards!..." Read more

"As a seven-year art student, I found this artist’s book to be filled with inspiration, breathtaking aspects on painting with light, and narratives..." Read more

"...isn't a how-to book, but it definitely includes many insights into his process and techniques." Read more

6 customers mention "Lightness"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the masterful use of light and shadow in these watercolor paintings.

"Masterful use of light and shadow...." Read more

"...this artist’s book to be filled with inspiration, breathtaking aspects on painting with light, and narratives that I found myself reading word for..." Read more

"...He definitely produces exquisite light, but had hoped he would share how to produce it, not just that value is important." Read more

"...He is definitely the Architect of Light, hands down." Read more

3 customers mention "Emotion"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the emotional depth of the artwork, with one noting how it evokes feelings of awe and contemplation.

"...the ages to capture not just what he sees, but the emotions represented in the subject matter." Read more

"...As one explores Thomas' collection, feelings of awe, beauty, and reverence emerge...." Read more

"...is a master painter, and each painting is lovely to look at and to contemplate...." Read more

Most Beautiful Art Book
5 out of 5 stars
Most Beautiful Art Book
This book is so breathtakingly BEAUTIFUL.!! A MUST READ and such a treat for the eyes. Thomas W. Schaller interprets the world around him in the most spectacular way. No wonder he has won so many International Awards! His paintings are exquisite. You feel that you are in the heart of Italy or strolling through Central Park. The scenes captivate the viewer in the most delightful way. This book is front and center on my coffee table so all of my guest can experience this talented artist!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Francis
    5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring
    Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Masterful use of light and shadow. This lovely book is not only an inspiration and helpful to improve technique, but it’s also a pleasure to look at the beautiful paintings of architecture from around the world.
    Helpful
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  • Brian
    5.0 out of 5 stars Most Beautiful Art Book
    Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This book is so breathtakingly BEAUTIFUL.!! A MUST READ and such a treat for the eyes. Thomas W. Schaller interprets the world around him in the most spectacular way. No wonder he has won so many International Awards! His paintings are exquisite. You feel that you are in the heart of Italy or strolling through Central Park. The scenes captivate the viewer in the most delightful way. This book is front and center on my coffee table so all of my guest can experience this talented artist!
    Customer image
    Brian
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Most Beautiful Art Book

    Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2023
    This book is so breathtakingly BEAUTIFUL.!! A MUST READ and such a treat for the eyes. Thomas W. Schaller interprets the world around him in the most spectacular way. No wonder he has won so many International Awards! His paintings are exquisite. You feel that you are in the heart of Italy or strolling through Central Park. The scenes captivate the viewer in the most delightful way. This book is front and center on my coffee table so all of my guest can experience this talented artist!
    Images in this review
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    4 people found this helpful
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  • PJC
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book
    Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    If you like this Thomas Schaller's work and are interested in his story, this book is excellent. I am a book person, so I love browsing my library even after I have read everything. I am also a watercolor artists.
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  • Nancy A.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    As a seven-year art student, I found this artist’s book to be filled with inspiration, breathtaking aspects on painting with light, and narratives that I found myself reading word for word, page by page. I am well aware how we never stop learning to grow in our craft, and this book will be one I will refer to over and over again for inspiration. Brilliant!
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Joy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Schaller is a master of transparent watercolor and this book has many beautiful examples of his work. It is a lovely book that I frequently browse through because I so admire his work. I also enjoy enjoy reading the essays throughout that share his journey as an artist, what he aspires to, struggles with, relishes. It isn't a how-to book, but it definitely includes many insights into his process and techniques.
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Dead Mule, John
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book by an excellent artist
    Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This book is worthwhile just for the prints of Schaller's work, the information makes it doubly so. I read one review here that said he doesn't explain how he does it!? Not true. He does explain, he just doesn't explain stroke for stroke. He tells you in broad strokes (no pun intended) how he looks at his subjects and how he arrives at an idea for a final painting. If you're looking for a book that contains working demos, how to mix colors, what brush to use - keep looking.
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Sandra Jones
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thomas Schaller’s book
    Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Great size very nice hard cover and sleeve. I love his work and the book was a great price.
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  • Debbie
    4.0 out of 5 stars Collection of watercolor paintings by artist + how he developed his style
    Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2018
    This book is mainly a large collection of watercolor paintings by the artist. Each chapter had some text where the artist explained how he got into watercolor painting and his journey as an artist. He did explain how he composed his paintings and how he developed his unique style. He encouraged the reader to find your own style and pursue what you enjoy painting. This book is not about watercolor techniques, but I did learn some things about composition that I hadn't thought about before. I enjoyed studying his paintings. I'd recommend this book to those interested in Schaller's paintings and style, especially if you're looking for insights into his work.

    I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley.
    16 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Artist, Amazing Book!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 6, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    If you love architecture, watercolour and interesting light, you must buy this. Thomas Schaller comes across as such a lovely person too and the book is very interesting and just a beautiful thing to have!
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  • Carol H
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book
    Reviewed in Australia on December 15, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Brilliant art by Thomas Schaller
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  • Joan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book
    Reviewed in Canada on February 5, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Many paintings to peruse and Schaller’s story and comments a delight to read. Published 5 years ago? Would love to see another more up to date book with his new paintings.
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  • Claudia
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in Italy on April 13, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Fantastic! So inspiring! Beautifully done... the quality of the printing is excellent, and Peter’s commentary is truly uplifting, insightful and inspiring for any artist who, like me, is working towards becoming a better watercolorist. Thumbs up!
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  • Piotr
    5.0 out of 5 stars Mnóstwo przykładów doskonałych akwarel...
    Reviewed in Poland on October 24, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    ... oaz raj dla oczu. Nie jest to typowy podręcznik step by step, lecz doskonały skarbiec akwarelowych kolorystycznych możliwości. Duży format albumu sprawia że mamy bliski kontakt z pracami. Album jest drogi, ale niezwykle staranny i wart swej ceny.
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