Amazingly useful book full of great ideas for painting stones. Full of good tips on technique. I've had other rock painting books but they didn't have as much variety as this one, the first part of the book gives you help with tips and techniques and the materials you will need to get started it then follows up with individual designs for each rock

Even someone’s with not much artistic bent can probably do well following some of these designs to paint. Very inspiring photographs of projects to spark ideas for making ones own designs too.

A popular craft trend that has been given a make-over from the late 1970s, rock painting is made easy and so much fun with "Art on the Rocks..." by Bac, Redondo and Vance. Granted, there are quite a few instruction sources out there available for ideas, this full color book gives advice on how to choose rocks, tools and supplies, lay-outs of how to sketch your pattern onto your surface, and then the finished and oh-so beautiful finished product. Even my grandchildren have been decorating rocks to hide around town. This book is such a great resource and will look wonderful on any coffee table or check with your local library for a copy. Full Disclosure: I was allowed to read a copy of this book for free as a member of NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not influenced to give a positive review.

It's the perfect guide for rock painting.

I would like to thank Quarto Publishing Group – Walter Foster for providing me with a free electronic ARC of this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an open and honest review.

Don’t let my mid-range score make you think this is a mediocre book as it’s not! It was, however a hard electronic ARC to read (kept freezing and glitching) and, to be honest, there are so many good books, Pinterest sites and blogs on rock art right now and unfortunately I didn’t feel ‘Art on the Rocks’ stood out enough to get more than an average score.

But, again, this isn’t me saying it wasn’t any good… it was great and some of the art designs are divine - I even went out and bought paints and brushes to try some… when I find the right rocks - but, as said, there is a LOT of media out there right now on rock painting and there needed to just be that little be extra spark in there to make it stand out… and it wasn’t there.

However, from another book on rock painting I have read, I need to say that F. Sehnaz Bac is an artist I now greatly admire and do so love her art and style. That fox on the front cover…. And the instructions within the book - I MUST try that! What a talent!

What was the book all about? Well, rock painting - duh! But it didn’t just cover how to paint on rocks, ‘Art on the Rocks’ teaches techniques too. From what materials (including rocks) you should source, through to the best paints, brushes, pens and inks to use. There is not only an introductory section that covers this, but each rock design continues the lesson explaining the best techniques and tools to use to achieve the final piece. Because of this, I felt the book excellent for all levels of painters from beginners through to people just wanting to fine tune their techniques.

‘Art on the Rocks’ also covers different styles of painting from animals, mandalas to nature and petroglyphs. Don’t forget to read up on the artists who took the time to make the book!

For the formal side of things - format, layout, etc. - the book is well constructed, easy to read and each section and design is set out in manner that makes it easy to follow while reading or, as my daughter found out, while replicating the design. Hers isn’t finished so I can share a pic, sorry!

All in all it was a fantastic book that not only teaches techniques and painting, but is full of projects to try, to inspire and to encourage the painter to branch out and try something new.

Would I recommend this book to others?

Yes I would. As, it’s good. Yes I have just said it’s not above average but I am perfectly imperfect so have the right to now recommend it as, quite frankly, I love the designs and styles within it.

And I would recommend it to anyone - of any artistic level - to read, try and buy. Though will say this isn’t a book for little kids. I’d let my 10 and 12 year olds have a go, but they are above average in their abilities and have had their work displayed in galleries… but, yeah, parent’s discretion as to whether your child is ready for this… I personally see it as being more for the late teens to adults who have better co-ordination skills with brush and pen.

Would I buy this book for myself?

I might… But to be honest I’d much rather borrow it from a library first. How cruel of me I know!

But basically, I would want to borrow it and try it out a few times before deciding whether I was good enough to try and do rock art all the time and not just as a passing hobby. If I was to take it up as a permanent way to relax and unwind then yes, this is indeed the book I would buy.

In summary: a great book that doesn’t just teach designs to paint, but techniques too.

I was blown away by the beautiful rocks pictured in this book! They are gorgeous! Step by step instructions, all with photographs, make these designs seem achievable for even the least artistic individuals! (Talking about myself here...)

Painting categories are mandala, patterns (hearts, flowers, etc), animals and nature (leaves, trees, etc). The more intricate ones seem like that would really require a lot of time and focus. The simpler designs are also very impressive.

Recently, there have been a lot of painted rocks showing up outside the library. They are so cheerful and they just make me happy.

This would be a wonderful addition to any library, and a great gift for artists (and crafters!) of all ages and skill levels.

ART ON THE ROCKS was really enjoyable. Several of my friends do rock painting. It sure has come a long way from when I was teaching my sister's Girl Scout troop to paint Pet Rocks. This is a great book for anyone who loves to paint..

A book of pure inspiration. I particularly like the animals section, with the elegant dragonfly and the cheeky fox - patterns that inspire for using in other media as well.

This is the best step-by-step book I have had the privilege of reviewing! The simple steps and ideas offered throughout this book are not only beautiful, but creative and colourful. The photos used are stunning and capture each step perfectly. My daughter and I both really enjoyed this book and are looking forward to putting into practice the helpful tips. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC for a fair and honest review.

I spent last weekend painting rocks. This 70’s trend is now back in vogue. This book looks at some rocks with great intricate illustrations and designs. It goes through the design process, and how you too can paint stunning rocks.

Art on the Rocks is enticing! The moment you see that cover, the designs just draw you in and make you want to crack the book and peek at all the cool ideas inside. From the outset, it lists (in photograph and words) the materials you need to attempt the projects. So many of the projects are presented in a "pointillist" style (little dots) that is easy to mimic and go off on your own individual creative tangent when painting a rock. I have seen other painting on rock books that are extremely detailed realistically that may be difficult for the novice to recreate. The projects in this book bring it home and make it easy to accomplish. There are explanations about brush strokes and techniques, how to choose your rocks, and prepare and finish the stones. This is a great jumping off rock to adventures in painting your own rocks. I highly recommend this book for art schools, public libraries, school libraries, and consumers who love diy and projects to do for themselves or with their kids. Perfect for homeschooling families.

Review copy received via NetGalley

Great ideas for those of us who are participating in the painted rock craze sweeping the country!

Thank you to NetGalley and Walter Foster Publishing for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

This book is a very detailed guide for rock painting. The author tells you the tools you need, where to find rocks and how to prepare them, and how to finish them with varnish. The author is also very informative with step by step directions on how to paint designs ranging in difficulty from beginner to expert. Using this book you will learn how to paint beautiful mandalas and other artwork on smooth rocks of any shape. Art on the Rocks is filled with gorgeous photography of inspiring artwork.

This book is absolutely what I needed to get started in rock painting art, answering questions about materials to use and design ideas. I found my first painted rock as a little surprise when taking my grandchildren to the park. They each found one too. The front had colorful designs and on the back it said, "To keep or pass on ... your choice." We kept them, but are now painting our own rocks to leave for other people in unexpected places. A fun little way to brighten someone's day.

After a local charity auctioned off donated decorated rocks from local people and they made a bunch of money for these really pretty decorated rocks, I had to know how it was done. And this book was the perfect book to show everything I needed to know. The book starts with showing and telling all the right supplies to paint the rocks and why you need those supplies and then the author goes into step by step instructions with beautiful pictures to paint the rocks in so many different themes. Painting rocks can be done with kids or even adults love to paint rocks. This is definitely the perfect book if you want to learn to paint rocks the easy way and make the rocks look like a masterpiece.

Usable for beginners and experienced artists alike, beautifully colored illustrations. I enjoyed using it and wish I could get a paperback version for easier access when working on a project.

This is a colorful book showing what can be done with painting on rocks. The illustrations are beautiful and the designs reasonably simple so that anyone could probably create something of beauty with the tips given.

Like most craft books, it starts out with sections on tools and materials, how to prep rocks for painting and the best paints to use. The designs are offered in sections; Mandalas, Patterns, which includes hearts, feathers, dots, flowers and stars, Animals, and Nature, which includes various shapes like a leaf, raindrops and a butterfly wing.

It finishes off with a section about the artists.

Full color pictures illustrate the book throughout and step-by-step methods for achieving the designs make it easy. Techniques for color combination effects are made simple through example.

Graphs are included for design detail. The fox was my favorite, yet they made it so easy! This is a great, simple craft book good for children and adults who want to create something pretty with minimal drawing talent. Easy 5 stars.

Art on the Rocks: More than 35 colorful & contemporary rock-painting projects, tips, and techniques to inspire your creativity! by F. Sehnaz Bac , Margaret Vance, and Marisa Redondo is fabulous! I have had other rock painting books but none that had so much variety, that were so cute/pretty, and had step by step instructions. The first part of the book gives you instructions on the methods, materials, tips you will need. Then for each rock, it covers the different methods, paint, step by step instructions with pictures, and final result. There are such a variety of rocks they have for the reader to paint, the different methods, the ways to seal the paint, it is so informative and looks like fun for the whole family. There are so many pictures in here, you won't get lost and the pictures are outstanding! I am grateful to NetGalley and the book publisher for allowing me to read this wonderful book! It truly is a beautiful and informative book!

This is such a fun book! I had just bought a huge bag of rocks from the dollar store and my daughter and I got some really cute ideas for it. She's ten and loves all crafting and I have a side craft business. We followed some ideas in the book and also enhanced some too. This book is great for all ages, all levels of crafting/painting experience. If you can color by number you can use this book.

Beautiful book bursting with colour and inspiring ideas. A real feast for the eyes and the soul. It is such a simple and easy art form to have a go at and the pictures in the book are amazing. I love art books with lots of pictures and this one exceeds expectations. The rocks in the book are wonderful and I am dying to have a go. A brilliant book, very well put together. Love it !!!