Reviewer: Gaye S.

I learned more from this one DVD than a person could possibly learn in an entire lifetime without it! It is outstanding!

Reviewer: Carol H.

I was not impressed with this DVD. It moved along so slowly and provided little valuable information.

Reviewer: Eva M.

As much as I dislike criticizing someone’s work, this video was very disappointing. Although David is an accomplished artist he had a hard time sticking to the subject at hand. He continued to ramble on and digress incoherently about other subject matter. It was a long boring video. I did not rent the second one. Eva Macie

Reviewer: Jose g.

Good video, though some of the questions asked by the audience or class seemed unnecessary unless you were a beginner. Leffel is a great painter, he also addresses some important issues. He is not a 'flashy painter' instead he demonstrates solid painting techniques backed by his drawing skills.

Reviewer: Dorreen L.

Sorry I could not recommend it. It was too slow and laborious he did not explain color mixture though out the process, he did not show his still life throughout his painting. It was so dark I couldn't tell what his subjects were in the painting except the large bowl. Very few shots from the still life and then the painting. It was so draw out, that I could not completely watching the second disc before I became totally disinterested. d leonhirth

Reviewer: Daniel E.

Great! Best for advanced to professional.

Reviewer: michael m.

David is not a great teacher or presenter

Reviewer: Richard D.

Fabulous video. David Leffel's paintings are amazing. It was a wonderful experience to watch this video by a master. This video is probably not for beginners. But for experienced painters, it is strongly recommended.

Reviewer: Patricia T.

I loved this video and hung on every word. He is so insightful. I need to watch it every six months to get inspired.

Reviewer: Michael S.

Review: The Art of Painting

David is truly a master. It is annoying when unaccomplished and untrained beginning painters criticize something they are unqualified to judge. No one should be expecting a 4-yr atelier's education watching a DVD. These are only an opportunity to observe an artist painting with some interesting dialog. Complaining that you did not learn about color or composition just exposes how little people know is involved in such topics. No DVD could encompass such things. Just try doing anything you are criticizing and you will find it to be a humbling experience as experience is what the critics are lacking.

That said, David is a seasoned master. It is evident in the way the paint is applied to the canvas. He looks like he could do it blindfolded. David is human. He is not a machine devoting 100% of his words to instructive information. He is casually talking about whatever comes to mind while he is painting. He takes questions from the audience and gives a human answer not a dull dry dissertation. His warmth comes through. He is a kind and gentle man. This warmth is what he is all about as a painter. It is how he relates to the world through is art.

His words are natural and sometimes imperfect. In one answer he uses the word "painting" several times, switching from the noun to the verb while expressing one idea. What he is actually expressing is very high-minded ideas of painting. Yet, people miss the point saying this is vague or repeating himself. The truth is those drawing this conclusion are lacking the knowledge and experience to see that he is making complete sense.

I have a large collection of art DVDs (Schmid, Weistling, Greene, Liu, Klein, Gerhartz, Wilcox, Burdick, Lipking, Hein, Wu, Waichulis, McGinnis, Nelson, Curtis, Howard, Silverman, etc.). I enjoy watching skilled artists paint. As of Oct/2009 this DVD is the most insightful of my collection. Leffel's strength is painting space, edges, atmosphere and light. These are very advanced elements in painting. Save any criticism of this DVD until you have the experience to understand it. I am certain you will not have much, if anything negative to say at that point. David Leffel is one the greats and it is most fortunate that we can purchase or rent a DVD and observe him as he paints.