Quick answer: A fair Michael Harding book review starts with who wrote it: Harding is a British oil paint maker best known for explaining pigments, their history and how they behave in oil. Readers interested in that side of painting, such as intermediate and advanced oil painters, color enthusiasts and anyone curious about why paints differ, are the natural audience. It is unlikely to suit complete beginners who want step-by-step projects, and it is not a children’s book. Check the current edition’s table of contents and sample pages before buying.
People searching for a Michael Harding book review usually already know the name from paint tubes or from his long-running videos about color. What they want to know is whether the book adds anything beyond that, and whether it fits their stage as a painter. This page approaches the question as a buyer’s assessment rather than a page-by-page critique: it does not claim a personal reading, and it does not quote from the book. Instead it sets out what the author is known for, the kind of reader who tends to value that material, how it compares with other well-known books on pigments and painting materials, and how to check whether it suits you.
If you landed here while shopping for a young artist, a technical paint-maker’s book is probably not the right starting point. Our list of the best painting books for kids covers friendlier, project-based options for children.
Who Is Michael Harding?
Michael Harding founded the London-based oil color company that carries his name, and he has become one of the more recognizable voices in the artist-materials world. His reputation rests on a few themes he returns to often:
- Pigment-first thinking: explaining paint by the pigment it contains rather than by marketing color names.
- High pigment concentration: the company is widely associated with heavily pigmented oil colors.
- History of color: stories behind pigments such as ultramarine, lead white, vermilion and the earth colors.
- Handling properties: why some colors are stiff or buttery, transparent or opaque, fast or slow drying.
Because the book comes from a paint maker, it makes sense to read it as one informed perspective. Like any manufacturer, Harding has a point of view on how paint should be made. A thoughtful reader will enjoy the expertise while comparing it with independent references.
What Readers Typically Look for in This Book
Based on the author’s known areas of expertise, readers who seek out the book usually want some combination of the following. Confirm the specific chapter list for the edition you are considering, since contents and formats can differ.
| Reader goal | Why Harding’s perspective is relevant | What to check before buying |
|---|---|---|
| Understand pigments | Pigment behavior is his central subject | Whether pigment codes and properties are discussed in detail |
| Learn color history | He frequently discusses historical pigments | Depth of historical sections versus practical content |
| Improve color mixing | Knowing single pigments helps predict mixtures | Presence of mixing charts or swatches |
| Choose oil paints wisely | A maker’s view on pigment load and quality | How balanced the advice is across brands |
| Step-by-step painting lessons | Not his primary focus | Whether demonstrations or projects are included |
Who the Michael Harding Book Is Likely to Suit
A strong fit
- Oil painters past the basics who want to understand why their colors behave differently.
- Color-curious artists in any medium, since pigment knowledge transfers to watercolor, acrylic and gouache.
- Collectors of art history and material culture who enjoy the stories behind famous colors.
- Teachers who want background to explain pigments to students.
A weaker fit
- Absolute beginners who need a guided course in brushwork, composition and drawing first.
- Readers wanting quick projects, such as a painting a week.
- Children and younger teens, who usually respond better to visual, activity-led books.
How It Compares With Other Books on Color and Materials
A book from a paint maker sits in a crowded but rewarding category. These well-known titles give useful context for what kind of read you are choosing:
| Book | Approach | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Harding’s book | A paint maker’s perspective on pigment and oil color | Painters who want the maker’s view of materials |
| The Artist’s Handbook of Materials and Techniques by Ralph Mayer | Long-standing technical reference covering many media | Looking up specific technical questions |
| Bright Earth by Philip Ball | History of color through chemistry and art history | Readers who love narrative history |
| Color: A Natural History of the Palette by Victoria Finlay | Travel and storytelling around the origins of pigments | Leisure reading about where colors come from |
| Color-mixing workbooks | Exercises and swatch charts | Hands-on learners who want practice |
These books are complementary rather than competing. A practical way to build a reference shelf is one technical handbook, one history of color and one maker’s or practitioner’s perspective.
Strengths You Can Reasonably Expect
Given the author’s background, these are reasonable expectations to verify against the sample pages:
- First-hand materials knowledge. Paint makers deal daily with grinding, binders, drying behavior and pigment sourcing.
- Clear distinction between pigments and color names. This is one of the most valuable lessons for any painter, because two paints both called “sap green” can contain different pigments.
- Historical context. Knowing why a color was once rare or toxic makes modern substitutes easier to understand.
- Enthusiasm. Harding’s videos are known for genuine passion about color, and that tone often carries into a book.
Possible Limitations to Keep in Mind
- Brand perspective. A maker naturally emphasizes the qualities their own paints are designed around.
- Oil focus. Acrylic or watercolor painters may need to translate some advice.
- Depth versus speed. Readers wanting a quick, visual crash course might find a materials-focused book slower going.
- Availability and price. Specialist art books can vary in price and print run; check edition, format and condition.
How to Evaluate It Yourself Before Buying
- Read the table of contents on the publisher’s page or a bookstore listing. Count how much is pigment profiles versus technique.
- Look at sample pages for color reproduction quality, since swatches are only useful if they are printed accurately.
- Check the edition and date. Pigment availability and safety guidance change over time.
- Compare with his free videos. If you enjoy the videos, a book that organizes similar knowledge in one place may be worthwhile. If you find them too detailed, a lighter book may suit you better.
- Read several reader reviews from people at your skill level, paying attention to specific comments rather than star ratings.
- Consider a library copy first. Many public libraries can request art reference books through interlibrary loan.
Getting the Most From a Pigment-Focused Book
Books about pigments are most valuable when you use them actively rather than reading cover to cover once.
- Make your own swatch cards. As you read about each pigment, paint a swatch of what you own, with a thick stroke, a thin stroke and a tint with white. Note the pigment code from the tube label.
- Try a limited palette. Choose three to five pigments mentioned in the book and paint several small studies with only those.
- Test transparency. Draw a black marker line on paper and paint over it to see which colors cover it.
- Track drying times. Paint dabs of each color on a scrap panel and check them daily for a week.
- Keep a notebook. Write down surprises, such as which mixes turned muddy, and look them up again.
A Practical Reading Plan
Dense material books are easier to absorb in short, structured sessions. One approach that works for many readers:
- Week 1, skim: read introductions and chapter openings to see how the book is organized.
- Week 2, your palette: look up only the pigments already in your paint box and make a swatch for each.
- Week 3, one color family: pick blues or earths and read that section in full, then paint a small study using only those pigments plus white.
- Week 4, mixing: compare what the text says about mixtures with what happens on your palette.
- Ongoing, reference: return to the book whenever you consider buying a new color.
This keeps the reading connected to your painting, which is where pigment knowledge pays off.
What a Materials Book Will Not Replace
Even an excellent book on pigments cannot teach drawing, value control, composition or edge handling. Those skills come from practice and from technique-focused instruction. Think of a pigment book as the knowledge that makes your materials predictable, so the time you spend on technique is not undermined by surprises on the palette. Pair it with regular studies from life and, ideally, feedback from a teacher or painting group.
Physical Copy, Ebook or Library Loan?
Color-focused books depend on accurate reproduction. A printed copy usually shows swatches more faithfully than a phone screen, and it is easier to keep open beside the palette. An ebook is convenient for searching terms quickly but varies with screen calibration. A library loan is the lowest-risk way to judge whether the depth and tone suit you before committing to a purchase.
Is It a Good Gift?
For an adult oil painter who already enjoys materials talk, it can be a thoughtful gift. For a beginner, a general oil painting course book plus a small set of quality paints may be more useful. For children, a materials history is usually less engaging than a book with clear projects, bright illustrations and short steps. Our guide to painting books that work well for kids sorts options by age and interest.
Understanding Pigment Basics Before You Read
A few terms show up in almost every serious book about paint. Knowing them in advance makes the reading smoother.
- Pigment code: a Colour Index name such as PB29 (ultramarine blue) or PW6 (titanium white), printed on most artist-grade labels.
- Single-pigment paint: a color made from one pigment, usually giving cleaner mixtures.
- Convenience mix: a color blended from several pigments, such as many “hue” colors.
- Lightfastness: resistance to fading under light, often rated in ASTM categories I to V.
- Tinting strength: how strongly a color affects a mixture.
- Oil absorption: how much oil a pigment needs to become paint, which influences drying and handling.
Common Questions Readers Have Before Buying
Most hesitation comes down to two concerns: whether the content repeats freely available videos, and whether it is too technical. The honest answer is that it depends on your learning style. A book can organize ideas in a sequence that a video library cannot, and many people retain more from reading with a pencil in hand. On the other hand, if you prefer watching demonstrations, the videos may already give you what you need.
FAQs
Is the Michael Harding book good for beginners?
It is better suited to painters who already know the basics and want to understand materials more deeply. Complete beginners usually benefit from a step-by-step technique book first.
Is the book only about Michael Harding paints?
Readers should expect the author’s perspective as a paint maker, but the underlying subject, pigments and how they behave, applies to paints from any brand. Check the sample pages to judge how brand-neutral it is.
Do I need to paint in oils to benefit from it?
Pigment knowledge transfers across media, so watercolor, gouache and acrylic painters can learn a lot. Some binder-specific advice will apply mainly to oils.
Is it suitable for kids?
It is aimed at adult readers. Children usually do better with illustrated, project-based painting books.
What other books are similar to Michael Harding’s?
Ralph Mayer’s The Artist’s Handbook of Materials and Techniques, Philip Ball’s Bright Earth and Victoria Finlay’s Color: A Natural History of the Palette all explore materials and color from different angles.
Where can I preview the book?
Look for sample pages on the publisher’s or retailer’s listing, browse a copy in a bookstore, or request it through your local library.
Next Step
A Michael Harding book is most rewarding for painters who want to understand the “why” behind their colors and are ready to experiment with swatches and limited palettes. If the reader on your list is still a child, start with something hands-on and visual instead. Our roundup of the best painting books for kids is a good place to find an age-appropriate first art book.
