Book Description

For decades designers and advertisers have had to interpret design briefs, produce new solutions to familiar problems and continually work to keep their clients’ brands fresh and in the public consciousness. This book explores the theme of ‘problem solving’ in design and communication, from reviving the identity of tired brands to dealing creatively and sensitively with propaganda. Each chapter deals with a specific problem and concludes with a case study to illustrate a particular solution in greater detail. With hundreds of examples from a huge range of international agencies and designers, both contemporary and classic, this book presents an informative, comprehensive and lively discussion of communications and advertising in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Problem Solved? Yes and no.
In his first book, Michael Johnson has compiled and commented on a vast array of innovative and effective adverising and design, as well as some no so effective work - this is a strong point in the book - as we often learn more from mistakes than we do from achievements.

The book itself is very well designed, with a very coherent layout, lovely paper, and excellent printing and colour reproduction.

Johnson's writting style is easy going and at times witty, he is an informed designer and pens some great commentary throughout the book on what works and what doesn't.
My only problem was this: the commentary by Johnson only goes so far. It's more than enough information for the casual reader, but for graphic design or advertising students and proffessionals, it may seem like the nitty-gritty of the creative process is not revealed enough. Admittedly, with so many examples given in Problem Solved, this would be impossible.

Hopefully Johnson will do another book with fewer design pieces and more talk with the designers.

An excellent, eclectic survey
By avoiding the temptation to plug his own firm's work, the author has the freedom to compile a surprising and thought-provoking gallery of design being used to solve real-world problems. The section on design, nation and politics is particularly strong, but throughout there are examples of creative and inspiring design that also does the job. As a bonus, it's engagingly written, entertaining, and well laid out. ... Read more

Book Description

In this unusual book readers are given the opportunity to examine works of the Pre-Raphaelites as closely as a conservator would, and to uncover the artistic methods practiced by these painters. Combining modern scientific research-including X-ray and infrared technology, high-level magnification, and material analysis-with commentary from the letters and diaries of the artists themselves, this book explores the innovative techniques behind 20 of their extraordinary works in a way that no previously published study has attempted.

In addition to extensive full-color illustrations, many of them large-scale details, this fascinating volume features texts by leading conservators that provide a historical perspective on the works and techniques in question. AUTHOR BIO: Joyce H. Townsend is a senior conservation scientist at Tate. Jacqueline Ridge is head of paintings and conservation at Tate. Stephen Hackney is head of conservation science at Tate. ... Read more

Book Description

"Driftwood Sculpture From Finding To Fine Finishing" is a complete narrative providing detailed information on transforming raw driftwood into works of art.This book is packed with tips and techniques,including more than one hundred detailed photographs showing before and after sculptures.It contains suggested lists of tools, finishes and source materials.It is the only book available on driftwood sculpturing. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Driftwood sculpture
I found the book very interesting and informative.Patricia found the nack for holding your interest and movitating your inner self.
I wish she would have lead me to more resources dealing with the finishing and the location of show/events. Instead of where the buy tools.I need to know where the LuRon competitions are held and the how to contact them for there rules in order to finish my wood.This is totally new to my area and the web has not been much help. But the information contained in the book is exactly what I needed at the time.
I have to say she left me thirsty for more.

Awesome Informational Book!
I am a novice "Driftwooder". This book is packed with information and tons of inspiration! Patricia Bartlett, loves what she does. Her enthusiasum is infectious. She makes getting started a piece of cake.I feel as if I have a personnal instuctor.I take my book with me while shopping for tools and supplies...she makes setting up shop simple.I would personally like to thank Ms Bartlett for guiding me. Her spirit lives inside the book, it was truly written from her heart. A must buy for any "Driftwooder". ... Read more

Book Description

From the first page to the last, from Thomas Kinkaid (really!) to Matthew Barney, this book serves as a launching pad. Conclusions are perpetually delayed. Resolutions are continually postponed. The text is written for takeoff, not arrival. It is a first step for readers' explorations of current modes of art making and for their own future artistic achievements.
The much-anticipated follow-up to Art on the Edge. . .and Over, Linda Weintraub's highly accessible introduction to contemporary art since the 1970s, In the Making: Creative Options for Contemporary Art explores essential but sometimes elusive facets of art making today. In her trademark writing style--straightforward and jargon-free--Weintraub sets out to itemize the conceptual and practical concerns that go into making contemporary art in all its endless permutations. In six clearly defined thematic sections--"Scoping an Audience," "Sourcing Inspiration," "Crafting an Artistic 'Self,'" "Expressing an Artistic Attitude," "Choosing a Mission," and "Measuring Success"--Weintraub moves artist by artist, in 40 individual chapters, using each to explain a different aspect of art making. Isaac Julien makes work for a highly specific audience; Michal Rovner communicates through metaphor and symbol; Charles Ray disrupts the viewer's assumptions; Pipilotti Rist is inspired by female emotions; William Kentridge is moved by apartheid and redemption; Vanessa Beecroft epitomizes the biography of a smart, attractive, Caucasian woman; and Matthew Barney achieves success through resistance. Through a compelling combination of renowned and up-and-coming artists, Weintraub creates a complex understanding of how to make and look at contemporary art--but in a simple, easily digestible format and language.
In addition to being a fine read for anyone who simply wants to understand how to look at contemporary art, In the Making is also an exceptional pedagogical tool, one that addresses what is fast becoming a huge gap in art education. Teaching artistic techniques no longer provides young artists with a sufficient education--a full range of conceptual issues needs to be considered in any well-rounded studio practice. Yet these very same conceptual issues are often those that are dealt with textually in art history and criticism classes. Weintraub persuasively offers a series of texts that fit squarely into this gap, addressing issues that concern anyone who is learning how to make art or how to understand it.
In addition, In the Making includes a series of interviews in which many of the artists discuss the practical issues of their life's work. Conducted by Weintraub's students at Oberlin College, the interviews pose questions about the artists' schooling, their studio space, and how they support themselves if their main income doesn't come from their art--the kind of questions every art student has always wanted to ask the artists whose work they see on gallery walls. Linda Weintraub sheds brilliant light on the intentions, motivations and strategies artists invent and employ in their work. I wish there had been a book like this 20 years ago when I was a young artist just out of school! The range of artistic practice she explores is far-reaching and refreshing. --Eve Andrée Laramée
Individual chapters on: Thomas Kinkaid, Isaac Julien, Skip Schuckmann, Michal Rovner, Matthew Ritchie, Eve Andrée Laramée, Will Schade, Arnaldo Morales, Gillian Wearing, Jan Harrison, Pipilotti Rist, Julian LaVerdiere, Scott Grieger, William Kentridge, Chris Ofili, Hubert Duprat, Thomas Joshua Cooper, Nan Goldin, Kim Jones, Charles Ray, Shirin Neshat, Vanessa Beecroft, Yukinori Yanagi, Reverend Ethan Acres, Marcia Lyons, Lorna Simpson, Marco Maggi, Victoria Vesna, Wenda Gu, Tony Oursler, Mariko Mori, Gregory Green, China Adams, Alix Lambert, Betsy Damon, Xu Bing, Daniel Joseph Martinez, Michelle Lopez, and Matthew Barney

By Linda Weintraub.

Paperbound, 8 x 10 in., 356 pages, 120 color illustrations ... Read more

Reviews (4)

perfect for emerging artists
I'm your typical college art student with dirt for self-esteem, and whenever I really begin to question my abilities or doubt if I want be doing art in the first place I haul out this book. I highly recommend it for anybody needing a breath of fresh air regarding the art world.

Cool thing: It has spaces for notes at the end of each section so I can jot down all the down-to-earth, pragmatic and yet encouraging pearls of wisdom that Weintraub has extracted from these artists in her interviews.

Also, all kinds of media are represented here... from traditional painting to digital film and performance art. There's even a section about Thomas Kinkade! This book also does away with typical artsy-snottisms and elitist attitudes...all of the artists are looked at from a neutral/inquisitive point of view, (including Kinkade), and written about in interesting, accesible, and ultimately inspiring essays.

Perfect for teaching contemporary art
This is an impressive introductory survey of where contemporary art is today, and gives a fair account of the myriad options open to young artists. It's easy to understand, beautifully designed, affordable, and up-to-the-minute. As a studio art teacher, I consider this book a great teaching tool. Whereas most college-level art classes are still teaching traditional art-making, this book advocates for a poly-artistic approach more in keeping with the media age. It should be used in all Foundations classes, as well as higher level classes.

In search of relevance
For all you aspiring artist out there SAVE YOUR MONEY. This book does little to further any critical thought about the contemporary art world. The book is limited in the mediums represented, and seems more to be a platform for Linda Weintraub to promote artists that appeal to her than to critically discuss the issues aspiring artists face.

Fantastic
As always, Weintraub gets to the essence of the art and the artists. The student interviews are also quite insightful! ... Read more

Book Description

With this book's no-clutter approach, artists will be tackling two of their favorite subjects--watercolor and landscapes--in minutes.

Reid's quick-start guide gives beginners a basic overview of materials, terms and exercises to get them off on the right foot. Then it's on to tackling more than 25 step-by-step demonstrations that cover all the basic landscape techniques. Readers will learn to paint essential elements, such as water, mountains, buildings and skies, one at a time. These easy-to-follow exercises arm artists with a set of tools, techniques and principles to enrich all their future landscapes.

This highly visual guide also includes detailed advice on how to overcome the challenges of painting outdoors and when traveling. It's never been easier--or quicker--to have fun painting outdoor scenes. ... Read more

Book Description

10X11 In, 112 Pp, 60 Full-Color and < 15 Black & White Photographs < Whether Pecked Or Painted, The Native < American Rock Art Sites Are Some of The < Most Impressive Sites In The World. The < Result of Leslie Kelen's Interviews With < Representatives of Major Tribes of The < Southwest, Sacred Images Inclueds < "Conversations" About Rock Art From The < Native American Point of View, Its < Historical Significance, Cultural < Impact, Ritualistic Importance, and < Sacred Nature. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Rock Art Brought to Life
No one really knows what was in the minds of the people who made the prolific, and mysterious rock art of the southwest. Therefore most reputable books on rock art simply describe in dry archeological detail the design elements and locations of the various panels. Leslie Kelen is more of an oral-historian than a scientist. He simply recorded the words and stories the modern Native Americans tell about the art in their area. He combined this with a fine, scientifically accurate introductory essay on ancient cultures, and spectacular photography. The result is a real experience of Canyon Country Rock Art. The book captures the beautiful inscrutability of the rock art and some of the best stories commonly told about it. Many of the local Native Americans are both steeped in their native heritage, and well aware of the scientific community's analysis. This is not a book for scientists. It is a book for people fascinated with the southwest and who wish to add new colors and possibilities to their ruminations on rock art. This is a book for visitors to the southwest who want to see more deeply into the landscape they are traveling through. I have been a guide in the southwest canyon country since 1996, and this is the number one rock art book I recommend to clients. ... Read more

Book Description

Beginning drawing and writing lessons for children ages five to ten. BOOK 7 focuses on forest animals of the world -- tropical and temperate. The books are simple enough for a young child to do independently, but a teacher or parent may present the lessons. Each drawing lesson includes a colorful picture and step-by-step instructions, while the writing lesson includes four simple handwritten sentences. The teacher or parent may introduce letter formation or have the children copy the sentences for handwriting practice, or use the lessons as a springboard for creative writing or report writing. Developed by an elementary school teacher and co-authored by her daughter. A brief list of the 21 lessons in the book includes chimpanzee, leopard, alligator, toucan, grizzly bear, fox, porcupine, moose, kangaroo, platypus and koala. ... Read more

Book Description

Beginning drawing and writing lessons for children ages five to ten. BOOK 8 focuses on dry land animals of the world - Savannas, grasslands, mountains, and deserts. The books are simple enough for a young child to do independently, but a teacher or parent may present the lessons. Each drawing lesson includes a colorful picture and step-by-step instructions, while the writing lesson includes four simple handwritten sentences. The teacher or parent may introduce letter formation or have the children copy the sentences for handwriting practice, or use the lessons as a springboard for creative writing or report writing. A brief list of the 21 lessons in the book includes giraffe, zebra, lion, ostrich, elephant, horse, armadillo, pronghorn, yak, llama, camel and coyote. ... Read more

Book Description

Following the success of his first book, The Best of the Joy of Painting, Bob Ross gathered sixty more of his favorite paintings to create More Joy of Painting. Now available in paperback, More Joy of Painting presents each painting in full color, followed by detailed instructions and a series of black-and-white photos to walk you, step-by-step, through the process of creating a Bob Ross original.

So, whether you want a landscape of snowcapped mountains or a serene fall day, with More Joy of Painting you can create a beautiful work of art with the same ease and grace as Bob Ross. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The best teacher I ever had.
I just wanted to say that I started watching Bob Ross on tv and got interested in the wet-on-wet technique around 1990 or 91. I sent for paints and some of his books. How anyone can ever say anything against this man , is beyond me. I even miss his little squirrel! I haven't painted for about seven years now. I'am retired and have the time now. I live in West Virginia, moved from Ohio. This is beautiful country here. I'am sure getting the urge to start back in painting. I need to get new supplies. Please send me a catalog. Paul Sensabaugh P.O. Box 6, Wva. 25123.

don't buy this
don't buy any bob ross products, he's a crook and a bandit

Memories go on!
Bob Ross lives through his paintings. You can't beat the price of this many paintings in one book! Both professional & non-professional use his techniques & patterns to continue Bob's legacy in oil! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

great book
This is a great, comprehensive painting guide for anyone who is interested in getting into oil, acrylics or watercolor painting. It shows all the basics needed including the materials available and needed and it also shows (at least to me) some advanced techniques. Great for any beginner and maybe even intermediate painter. The only complaint I have to make is that I would have liked that the book covered other kinds of painting too, such as glass painting, but I guess it makes sence that they didn't really get into that since it seems to me that it is a classic kind ot painting school.

A huge resource for anyone painting anything!
I am very pleased with the work I have created using this book. I had a lot of questions about watercolor and oil painting. Most of the other books I purchased and studied left a lot of the beginner things out....like how to actually mix colors well. The format is wonderful as well, you can go from one exercise to the next a really get some techniques under your belt. The approach to demystifying the products needed for each media was fantastic. You are shown what each product is for and when you might use it. The instuctions in the book include clear step by step pictures...so you don't start feeling lost halfway through the exercise. The best part? There is no rigid rules, the dialogue is personal and encouraging. You flip through it and start itching to paint! ... Read more

Book Description

Chances are you'll never see a lovelier book on drawing trees! Filled with Stanley Maltzman's charming art, Drawing Trees Step by Step shows you how to capture the beauty of a mighty oak, the stately elegance of a black walnut tree, untamed clusters of conifers ... any tree that inspires you with its character and grace. Step closer and learn how to draw knotholes, mushrooms, spider webs, and other delightful details. All you need to get started is a pencil, a sketchbook and a favorite tree! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Learn to draw TREES!! GET THIS BOOK!!
This is a wonderful book ! Both for the beginner and to keep for reference!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!!It has GREAT PICTURES To SEE and the directions are very straight forward.It even gives you the name of trees you are attepting to DRAW!!GREAT!!

Terrific Book
Those of artist into trees. Go for this book! It's wonderful. It's name said it. Step by Step. Very detail. And many illustrations of different types of trees. Excellent book! It's a GOOD BOOK! WORTH ALL PENNY! ... Read more

Book Description

In Painting Composition, Jerry Yarnell takes acrylic and popularpainters to the next level of artistic expertise. Inside, they'll find insightful, concise, easy- to-follow instructions for working with filler, negative space and more-all the basics theyneed to start developing compositions of their own.

Jerry makes learning these techniques easy with seven exciting step-by-step paintingprojects. They enable readers to paint with confidence as they learn new skills. It's all theguidance and advice the need to compose their own exciting works of art.

Jerry Yarnell is the author of six books on painting instruction, including Painting Alongwith Jerry Yarnell: Painting Basics, Painting Inspirations, Painting Magic, PaintingTechniques and Painting Adventures. His unique style can be viewed on his popular PBStelevision series, Jerry Yarnell School of Fine Art, airing worldwide. Throughout theyear, Jerry also holds workshops and provides private lessons at his Yarnell School ofFine Art in Skiatook, Oklahoma. ... Read more

Book Description

This book is perfect for anyone who's let fear or frustration keep them away from watercolors. Whether they're decorative painters or complete beginners, readers will find that success comes quickly with the complete step-by-step instructions and patterns in this guide.

It's fun and easy to build skills while painting 10 colorful fruit and floral projects designed especially for beginners, including: -Festive poinsettia on a gift box and coordinating tag -Realistic apples on fabric -Beautiful violets on a memory album cover -A garden scene with morning glories and a trellis

In addition to these gorgeous projects, the book includes an introduction to all the basic materials and techniques for watercolors. There are sections on everything from gathering materials to transferring patterns. Painters and non-painters alike will find everything they need to experience the true joy of watercolors! ... Read more

Book Description

The United States relied heavily on bombing to defeat the Germans and the Japanese in World War II, and air raids were touted as "precision" bombing in American propaganda. But was precision possible over cloud-covered Europe or a darkened Japanese countryside? Could the vaunted Norden optical bombsight in fact "drop bombs into pickle barrels" as advertised? Were the American aircrews well trained and well protected? How good were their airplanes? What were the results of the costly raids?

This work sets suppositions against facts surrounding the United States’ use of strategic bombing in World War II. Chapters cover the events leading up to World War II; the start of the war; the seers and the planners; the airplanes, bombs, bombsights, and aircrews; the planes Germany used to defend itself against American planes; the five cities (Hamburg, Dresden, Tokyo, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki) that experienced the most destruction; and the U.S. Strategic Bombing Survey of the damage done by aerial bombing.

The book also probes the government’s myth-building statements that supported America’s view of itself as a uniquely humanitarian nation, and analyzes the role played by interservice rivalry—"battleship admirals" against "bomber generals." ... Read more

Book Description

This companion to Introduction to Tessellations contains more than 270 full-page design patterns that students use to create and analyze a variety of tessellations.Reproducible.Grades 6-12 ... Read more

Book Description

Vibrant alternatives to conventional ways of painting fill this best-selling book, helping watercolorists of all levels experience new dimensions of growth.

Sixty-four bold experiments promote originality in composition, concept, and technique. Accompanying each experiment and exemplifying its theme is a full-page painting by a fine artist-Georgia O'Keeffe, Reuben Tam, Sam Francis, and Nathan Oliveira, among dozens of others. Practical advice tells the reader how to overcome specific painting problems and become a more spontaneous watercolorist. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Essential for those doing abstract in watercolor
This is not your average watercolor book. It was recommended to me by an artist of some repute, who uses the principles to paint non-abstract, but very expressionistic watercolors.

Somewhere in the examples of various artists' works, you might find something to stimulate your own sense of the abstract. There are exercises to free up the imagination and use different ways of looking at composition or watercolor media to express new ideas. Not for those looking to do ultra-realism.

Antidote for cliches
I find this book a superb counter to the myriad watercolor books on the market. There is nothing wrong with the realistic painting those books encourage and teach, but the medium offers much more and this book opens up those other vistas.

Good ideas for starting a watercolor painting.
If your looking for different compositions to try out in watercolor, this books fits the bill.

I liked the great descriptions of compositional techniques which is followed by large color painting examples.

Some of the painting examples scream for you to do them better. What a challenge! ... Read more

Book Description

The exquisite paintings of Jan Vermeer, with their luminous colors and gradations of reflected light, are admired by art lovers everywhere. This lovely book examines the creative process and technical means by which the great seventeenth-century Dutch painter achieved his remarkable pictorial effects. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

11 year old didn't like this book
i didnt perticuarly like this book.vermeer is a great artist and they didnt put many illustrations of his work.it was very informative yet not a very good book, it was boring.

Not recommended
As a book that claims to shed light on Vermeers painting techniques, I found 'V & the art of Painting' pretty disappointing. Arthur Wheelock appears to be well established in the role of art critic and researcher and this perspective comes across strongly throughout the book. However there were few illustrations and the actual information on painting techniques covered in this book, appeared to me to be largely stating the obvious.
I don't think you could fault the author's background research on Vemeer and his work, but I wouldn't recommend this book to any artist or student trying to discover Vermeer's actual painting methods. ... Read more