Book Description

Everyone knows that a picture tells a thousand words. But what about the elements that make up a picture? Using the tale of Little Red Riding Hood as an example, Molly Bang uses boldly graphic artwork to explain how images--and their individual components--work to tell a story that engages the emotions: Why are diagonals dramatic? Why are curves calming? Why does red feel hot and blue feel cold?

First published in 1991, Picture This fans will welcome the new edition's striking redesign and introduce its insights to many other artists and art appreciators alike. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Picture This: How Pictures Work
I love this book and using it for teaching basic design ideas...a fellow teacher uses it in Psychology! The simple story of Little Red Riding Hood serves as the basis for discussion how line, color, shape, etc. work in art. Such a great idea...wish there were others of this type. I will be using it to teach the elements of art in Art History this fall.

Photos tell more than thousand words-here is the answer why!
Using the story of Little Red Riding Hood this book is focusing on the basic principles of composing images.

Reduced to the maximum and using simple colors and arrangements of basic elements like circles or triangles, the drawings as well as the short, precise text within this book are pointing out, how simple and complex arrangements within pictures work, transfer obvious (and hidden) messages, how philosophy and psychology witin pictures works. Therefor its a book telling the story why pictures may lie, may influence, may manipulate an observer even though obviously just showing "reality".

Whether you are taking photographs, drawing or designing - this book is a absolute must! A photo/image tells more than thousand words - here you will find the answer how and why. Great to read and watch, easy and fast to understand - even though dealing with a most complex matter.

Finally a personal statement and hint for an esthetes: if you like to possess a book with an outer shape and appearance that promises, what the contents keeps, than you have to buy the nice hard cover version instead of the cheaper soft cover version - it will pay off for sure.

Reading level for 9-12???
This book is for anyone interested in the visual arts.

Using the story of Little Red Riding Hood, Molly Bang explores visual communication by playing with simple geometric shapes and discussing their effect. For example, Molly creates Red as a small triangle but experiments with Red as a square, circle, or amorphous shape.

Later, Molly creates the wolf as as a longer, sleeker triangle with sharper angles that create a sense of danger. She turns the angles into curves to see the impact of angles. She changes the color of the wolf from black to muave. She adds different shapes and colors of eyes; and teeth.

In other words, she constantly experiments - and shows you the experiments - of different composition values and the mood they create. At the end, she summarizes what she learned as rules for composition.

Whether you draw, paint, or take pictures, this book will help you with composition. ... Read more

Book Description

In this complete guide for beginners, Anne Elsworth shows you all you need to know to discover the joys of successful watercolor painting. A complete painting course in 10 easy-to-follow lessons. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

You can do better
This is a nice book and it may allow a beginner to paint a pretty picture. It briefly discusses the basics -- paper, brushes, paints, some brush and masking methods. The problem lays in that the pictures will come out looking mechanically made (much like a child's watercolor) and the book provides no real basis for artistic growth after completing it.
I am an absolute beginner: new to watercolor, new to painting, new to drawing and new to art. I need all the help I can get. This was the first watercolor book I brought. I put it aside to read another, and upon returning I was dismayed by how limited and dead-ended this book was. In fact, I now consider it a bit of a trap. I recommend choosing a more advanced beginner book -- you will go further faster, and still have room to grow.

I've learned so much from this one...
Although I'm not exactly a beginner (more of an intermediate watercolor enthusiast), I learned qute a bit from this book, which is relatively small in size but rich in instruction. I thought I knew quite a bit about mixing colors but found the lessons here to be worth reviewing. The author also lists basic palettes for those interested in drawing flowers and landscapes and guides readers through basic flower shapes with explanations of how to paint them. I spent many hours practicing the various flowers and was richly rewarded with some clear, non-muddy pictures. Although the title "A Complete Course" may be a bit misleading (I'm not sure there is ever a COMPLETE course in watercolor painting), this would certainly fill the bill for any beginning watercolor painter and I found the results even better than many beginning or intermediate watercolor courses I'd taken - and certainly less expensive.

Watercolor Workbook
I wanted to learn to paint watercolors...I knew nothing....It was great....You know its a good book when you complete all lessons cover to cover.

My favorite watercolor book so far. Buy it!
I use this a lot. I like the artist's original work, the clear format, and the description of the work of a few famous watercolorists. I refer to this book often, and enjoy just looking through it too. A very good book. ... Read more

Book Description

A hands-on book design students and designers alike will welcome.

Elements of Design is a tribute to an exceptional teacher and a study of the abstract visual relationships that were her lifelong pursuit. Rowena Reed Kiostellow taught industrial design at Pratt Institute for more than fifty years and the designers she trained-and the designers they're training today-have changed the face of American design.

This succinct, instructive, invaluable book reconstructs the series of exercises that led Kostellow's students from the manipulation of simple forms to the creation of complex solutions to difficult design problems. It includes her exercises and commentary along with selected student solutions, and concludes with examples of work from former students who became leaders in the field, including such well-known figures as Tucker Viemeisater, Ralph Applebaum, Ted Muehling, and many others. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

visual exercises - for serious designers
This is a technical book that is an attempt to teach what RRK developed over a lifetime obsession with visual compositions. She did one thing, over and over, refining it over a long and productive career at Pratt, in Brooklyn. As such, I believe that it would best be used in the classroom, rather than as a simple read for those who want to understand modern design. Being ignorent about issues in studio design - really doing it, rather than observing it like I do - I got a lot out of it. But I will need to refer to it and read through many more times to truly absorb the exercises. For what it is, the book is a masterpiece as an exercise in visual thinking and the method left its imprint on many of the greatest American designers from before WWII to the 1980s.

Recommended, but for designers rather than design critics.

A Good Guide
I agree with one of the reviewers in that the rules presented in this text should not be applied loosely and expected to produce "a beautiful design". As far as industrial design goes it still is not even so great. HOWEVER what it does teach is basic 3-dimensional design. There are lessons in here that anyone who works in a 3-d medium (interior, industrial, fashion, sculpture, etc) should be fluent in. I did the exercises and it has allowed me to get such a tighter grasp on my work and understand all the subtle effects I can produce in it. It is also invaluable to me as a reference guide. Study this book in order to help develop your sense of 3 dimensional structure and compositions but not as a base for design education (only because design incorporates much more than "beauty").

Pretentious
The book is old and pretentious. It describes Design as it was some sort of a religion (with Roweena as its prophet), that a Designer needs to stick to some basic rules, in order to generate a beautiful product.
It doesn't really take the engineering part into consideration. For example, that a functional product kept very simple is usually beautiful.
Also it hardly has any examples and some of the few are about 30 to 40 years old and not really convincing either.
Maybe this book explains why most cars from the 70ties are somewhat unsightly.
And last but not least the letters are pretty small, a pain to read.

The Design Resource for every designer
I was a student of Miss Reed's (1972-73), even have her hand written notes in my class notebook that I kept, and have always kept these notes close to me, they included everything that she wrote on the blackboard at Pratt Studio. This book will become the the most valuable guide and should be in the library of every designer. So glad to see this book happened, to share some of her teachings. The first thing that I have written in my class journal:" Structural principles parallel visual analysis can create an aesthetic disipline." the next line is "I don't like to go around saying that gray haired men were my students, but they were.."(former student, now GM executive dropping by her class to say hello) then back to her lecture, basic relationships: volume,plane,line,value,texture,color,space. This book covers these topics.

An exceptional work.
I was a student of Ms. Reed at New York's Pratt Institute. This work by Gail Hannah is an important, and accurate, description of Reed's visual design methodology that has had far reaching positive consequences for our nation. Anyone seeking to understand how the visual design of three-dimensional objects can be taught, and subsequently successfully implemented, will appreciate this book. The practice of designing three-dimenional objects for use by people is an oft misunderstood subject since it is not conventional engineering nor an art unto itself. Industrial design is a unique combination of skills that forms a bridge between the end user of objects and the manufacturer. Hannah's work on Ms. Reed, her origins, and her teaching technique, begins to fill the gap in our knowledge of American ingenuity and our ability to invent. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Book Description

With its bold strokes and mystic aura, Zen calligraphy has fascinated Westerners for decades, yet it remains an abstract, rarely practiced form of expression outside of Asia. Now, master calligrapher Tanchu Terayama explains the techniques behind this subtle art and offers step-by-step instructions for practicing it on a professional level.

After introducing the basics, Terayama presents a unique meditative warm-up to establish the proper mental attitude needed to release one's creative energies. Next, the power of the brushed line is explained and demonstrated. What makes a good line or a bad one, an expressive effort or an unfocused one? Lessons on brushing symbolic Japanese characters follow, including those for "emptiness," "nothingness," and "flower." The painting section shows readers how to draw the spare yet elegant pictorial themes of this classic art: bamboo, plum blossoms, Mount Fuji, and the inspirational Zen priest Daruma.

If the exercises are the heart of the book, the Appreciation section is the soul. This chapter introduces classic works from renowned priests and other historical figures, including Miyamoto Musashi (the celebrated swordsman and author of The Book of Five Rings), Morihei Ueshiba (the founder of aikido), Jigoro Kano (the father of judo), and Zen priest Hakuin. Each masterpiece is accompanied by penetrating commentary on the strengths and salient features of the work.

Rarely has Zen calligraphy been demonstrated and discussed with such candor and insight. Illuminating yet another side of Zen, Zen Brushwork will be an invaluable source to those interested in meditation, Zen, Buddhism, the martial arts, and Oriental traditions in general. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A thoughtfully written and an easy-to-follow guide
Ably translated into English by Thomas F. Judge and John Stevens, Zen Brushwork: Focusing The Mind With Calligraphy And Painting by Tanchu Terayama (Nishogakusha University) uses black-and-white photography to illustrate simple exercises and practices that one can follow to expand one's mind and meditation skills through the arts of calligraphy and painting -- especially as they have been practiced in Asian nations for thousands of years. Showcasing works of art as well as advice and practical instructions, Zen Brushwork is a thoughtfully written and an easy-to-follow guide that especially recommended to students of meditation, Zen Buddhism, and the contemplative aspects of the martial arts. ... Read more

Book Description

Theory in Contemporary Art since 1985 is a groundbreaking anthology that captures the essence and the edge of the contemporary art scene. Focusing on key theoretical and aesthetic issues in contemporary art in cultural, historical, and socio-political contexts –including media, architecture, postmodernism, multiculturalism, identity politics, censorship, AIDS, postcolonialism, globalization, technology, and spectatorship – this volume brings together a broad selection of important contributions that map out the role that critical theory has played in contemporary art.

This anthology mixes established and emergent art voices, including scholars, curators, critics, and artists. Interdisciplinary in approach and drawing on a wide variety of sources, Theory in Contemporary Art since 1985 brings together scholarly essays, artists’ statements, and art reproductions to capture the vibrancy and dissonance that defines today’s art scene. ... Read more

Book Description

Combine the joy of creativity, the delight of imagination, and the thrill of an art adventure. The Big Messy Art Book opens the door for children to explore art on a grander, and more expressive, scale. Paint a one-of-a-kind masterpiece from a swing, or try painting a hanging ball while it moves! With The Big Messy Art Book, you are giving children the opportunity to go beyond the ordinary and into the amazing! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

OUTRAGEOUSLY FUN FOR KIDS
THIS BOOK IS A FOR-SURE WINNER. IT ENABLES THE KIDS TO HAVE FUN AND GET DIRTY AT THE SAME TIME. I AM NO LONGER AFRAID FOR MY CHILDREN TO GET DIRTY! IT'S CLEAN UP IS EASY TOO. IT'S AN ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR FUN.

Some great new stuff to try!
I have been teaching preschool for many years and I love messy media... this book had some really neat ideas, things I had never tried before. When I got my copy, I couldn't wait to try out some of the ideas right away.

Success with all ages!
I used the stained glass project from the book with a group of 21 children, ranging in age from 4 to 12. The instructions were super-easy to explain to my group, and it was a real pleasure to see all the kids working so independently!At the end of the hour, each child had a great looking project and a sense of accomplishment! Ms. Kohl has another winner!

Marynn Kohl does it again!
Great ideas to pass the long hot days of summer with your children. Also great for summer camp/school programs.

The Big, Messy Art Book is the best!
I thoroughly enjoyed the great ideas presented in this book. I can't wait to use them during our outdoor days. The activities are age appropriate and very open-ended. I appeciated the variations at the end of each activity. The icons are a great idea to inform us of the safety precautions and age experience. This book is not only filled with great ideas but also offers choices of tools to use as we wish. Kudos to Mary Ann Kohl! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Anatomy Lessons from the Great Masters provides an anatomical counterpart to Robert Beverly Hale's classic reference book, Drawing Lessons from the Great Masters. Terence Coyle, who for several years assisted Hale at the Art Students League of New York, kept detailed notes of Hale's lectures and teaching methods. He combined these notes with 100 drawings to illustrate how the great masters portrayed specific parts of the human physique. As Hale points out, master artists such as Rembrandt, Leonardo, and Raphael "absorbed the technical details of anatomy so well that these details could be set down instinctively.... If an artist has to occupy his mind with the task of clumsily grouping the elemental facts of anatomy as he draws, there can be little room left for really important matters--such as the spirit of the drawing and the artist's expressive intent." Coyle provides several examples within the study of each anatomical area to illustrate the variety of styles and methods employed by the masters. The book treats, in order, the rib cage, the pelvis and thigh, the knee and lower leg, the foot, the shoulder girdle, the arm, the hand, and the neck and head. A complete series of anatomical reference plates by Dr. Paul Richer is included. By applying the timeless anatomical principles the great masters have handed down to us, any artist can begin to acquire the means by which to express the "really important matters." --Mary Ribesky ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Good book, but lacks in the following.
Pick up this book if you are looking for a great artistic anatomy reference book. If you are looking for more than reference, however, you might want to look elsewhere. While this book is definitely good, it doesn't give the artist direction in how to draw or depict the illustrations. The text is pretty much straight-forward, usually only noting the parts of the bodies in the images. Second, this book lacks the poetic and great writing of Robert Beverly Hale.

Anatomy Lessons from the Great Masters is more of an extra reference book or a supplement to Drawing Lessons from the Great Masters. In that book, Hale really teaches to the reader whats needed to depict anatomy, what steps the artist must take, gives tips on how to become a great or accomplished artist, why the artists of the past were so good, what mistakes beginners of figure drawing usually make, and sooooo much more. It's pretty much an incredible book to have even if you're not into figure drawing.

I think Anatomy Lessons would probably be more highly regarded in my eyes had Drawing Lessons been nonexistent. Anatomy Lessons is great for further reference, if thats what you're looking for though. I probably wouldn't recommend anyone to buy this book unless you already own or have thoroughly read and studied Drawing Lessons by the Great Masters.

Excellent content
An excellent book on artistic anatomy. Reading this one book has taught me more than some figure drawing classes. A systematic deconstruction of how the masters of artistic anatomy have integrated their knowledge into some of the greatest drawings of all time. The book goes through the drawings of famous artists, categorized by the region of the body on which the drawings are focused, and attempts to explain how extensive knowledge of anatomy has been effectively applied. It touches on how these artists could create drawings which are more powerful than merely a photographic rendering of the model through their use of anatomy.

Unfortunately, the book is very cheaply bound. Entire leaves have detached themselves from the spine, though I have treated the book very well. My copy has turned into a stack of paper and scotch tape, wrapped loosely in its former cover. Despite that fact, I still consider it worth the purchase.

I have both this book and "Drawing Lessons from the Great Masters." Both are excellent books, but if you must only buy one, get this one. It is the better of the two.

Excellent! Will advance your drawing / painting skills!
I teach human anatomy, and I draw and paint the human figure. Not until I took up studying artistic anatomy through Hale's book, especially this one, did my drawing skills and drawings and paintings zoom ahead in quality. Well worth the money, will provide hours, indeed years of reference for study.

Over-worked pseudo-intellectualized error-packed compendium
This book is best used for viewing its selection of Master Drawings many of which are superb. However, its written text is filled with multitudes of factual errors and pseudo-intellectualizations. It should be noted that this book was not written by Hale; it was written by one of his students and lacks the quality of Hale's classic, "Drawing Lessons of the Great Masters." Instead, this book loses itself in unimportant, erroneous anatomical minutia which will baffle, confuse, frustrate and ultimatly demoralize the motivated reader. It greatly misses the mark in both clarity and presentation of important anatomical theory.

The One and Only
Hale was unique. This book is as close to a top-notch artistic anatomy class as you can get without actually being in the room. Hale demonstrates how the masters portrayed human bone and muscle through a detailed examination of numerous works. By clearly pointing out how and where each artist indicated the underlying anatomical structure of his figures, Hale reveals a wide range of techniques while driving home his point that it is truly worthwhile to study this stuff until it becomes part of the artist. His mildly condescending tone is a trifle irritating at times -- but it's easy to forgive so distinguished and generous a teacher for a lack of patience with the slipshod work of the novice.

By the way: get the hardcover. This is a working book -- you'll use it again and again, and you'll want it in your studio as a ready reference. It's stood the test of time, so the investment is worth it. ... Read more

Book Description

From the team behind Chronicle Books' best-selling art reference book Artist's Manual comes the ultimate painting compendium, Art Class. The perfect complement to its predecessor, Art Class is _lled with page after page of beautiful paintings and expert teaching. It is packed with ideas and inspirations, tools and techniques, photos and illustrations, as well as detailed instructions on working with media ranging from watercolor to acrylic to oil. With an entire section devoted to step-by-step demonstrations by renowned artists-where they reveal their personal secrets, tips, and methods-Art Class is like having an instructor guiding each and every brush stroke. Learn how to paint an eye or a portrait, a tree or an entire landscape, by following the many artist-led descriptions and full-page color spreads that illustrate the most basic to the most advanced painting techniques. Whether they work in gouache or watercolor, oil or pastel, aspiring or seasoned artists will find that Art Class offers everything they need to create successful paintings. With 500 color photographs and featured works of art, a visual glossary of the language and mechanics behind painting, and an extensive resource listing, Art Class is the definitive studio companion for every painter. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

painting for all levels
This is a very complete reference for what seems like all you need to know (and then some) about painting. I am not an experienced painter so I was almost a little intimidated at first with all the information presented here. The issue with me though was not the book (which is well organized) but putting the brush to the canvas...

It's definitely worth the price, often I'll resell a book that I just wasn't "in to" but this is a great reference that covers so much I know I'll have it for a long time to come (I've only owned it for 3 weeks at this point...)

fabulous compendium for beginning and intermediate artists
This is a remarkable resource -- comprehensive, well-organized and understandable.

I am not blessed with artistic talent, though I love art and have always wanted to try painting for pleasure. This book is perfect. It is divided into three sections: Where Do I Start, What Should I Paint, and What are the Basics. It begins at the beginning, discussing the choice of medium and theme; the selection, acquisition and care of supplies; and the choice of subject. It then moves on to technique: how to render a three-dimensional object on paper; how to compose a study; how to paint color, pattern and texture; painting space, depth and distance. These instructions are augmented by lots of pictures. You will see the step-by-step way to paint a tree, a face, a still life, a landscape etc. The final section really covers the basics -- mixing colors, types of paints, brushes, accessories, palette layouts, preparing canvases, paper, correcting mistakes, pencils, inks .... Every page is interesting. I learned so much. A glossary and index complete this wonderful resource.

The writing is clear and the many photos and illustrations are fabulous. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. If you are interested in teaching art or learning to paint, you cannot go wrong.

Art Class: A COMPLETE guide for any ability
I recently bouth this book on the advice of a friend and long time painter. AS a beginner I didn't even kow what to buy, much less where to begin.

After reading this book cover to cover several times. It gave me the confidence to get started.

With easy step by step instructions it helped me as a beginner get a really good foundation down.

Now I feel free and confident enought to tackel harder and harder mediums.

I LOVED IT ... Read more

Book Description

“I have been using Hislop’s Art Sales Index since it began in 1969, and I still find it the best of the price guides.” —Christopher Wood, former director of Christie’s

For more than thirty years, Art Sales Index, or Hislop’s, as it is known in the world of fine art, has been the essential guide that anyone buying art needs to make an informed purchase. Hislop’s Official International Price Guide to Fine Art—the new portable edition and a first for Hislop’s—covers international art auction sales of more than 80,000 works of original art from more than 25,000 of the most popular artists. This is an essential reference for the novice collector and anyone who wants to know art values, a handy tool for the experienced dealer, and a must for tax consultants.

“As an art dealer for twenty-seven years, Hislop’s has been my primary source for price information. They were the first to do it right and they keep improving.” —Gene Shannon, Shannon’s Fine Art Auctioneers

“Our staff depends on Hislop’s Art Sales Index for their research. They couldn’t work without it.” —Beth Biggs, Phillips Auction House

“In effect it offers instant valuation of works of art. It is just great.” —Jill Addleson, Durban Art Gallery, South Africa

“A recommended resource for a busy library or individual researcher.” —Holly Hatheway, Christie’s ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Hislop = His Love Of Paintings
I remember Hislop this way: His Love Of Paintings!
It sure fits because his IS the best art price guide, no doubt. ... Read more

Book Description

This book contains step-step instructions and illustrations on the basics of drawing, designing, painting and carving in the Pacific Northwest Coast Native Indian art style.

Fifteen educationally based concepts are arranged from simple to complex, with each step building on the previous. Over 300 black and white detailed illustrations and 32 photos enhance and clarify the straightforward instructions. Durable soft cover, 8 1/2" by 11" black and white, 160 pages. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Excellent material for artists and art lovers.
As an admirer of native art and a novice carver, I have found new appreciation for this beautiful art form. This book (and it's companion, Learning by Designing) have provided a means for me to advance my skills as well as become more familiar with some of the features making northwest native art geographically unique. It provides ample and readily usable information. After only a short time, I am applying design concepts to my own work. The two books complement each other very well, and I eagerly await the next volume.

I would like to recommend this book to anyone working with native art themes as well as those who appreciate or collect it.

Thank You for the wonderful material!

Excellent book on Northwest Coast art
While visiting the Northwest Coast of British Columbia we wanted to learn more about the art styles and methods of drawing NW Native Indian art. This book, along with Learning by Designing (from Raven Publishing) were our favourites. Because of its step by step methods and sample drawings we were able to easily re-create and paint our own authentic designs. We highly recommend these books.

Very interesting
This book is geared more toward an educational reference tool for elementary and high school teachers. However, it works just as well as a self-teaching guide for beginners. I look forward to trying some of the exercises myself. ... Read more

Book Description

Unrivaled in scope, this encyclopedic reference on the most versatile of all painting mediums is an excellent tool to help both beginning and seasoned artists produce their best work in acrylics.

With its great flexibility, acrylic paint can mimic the appearance of oils, tempera, and watercolors in unique ways, each method pictured in a separate step-by-step demonstration. The author also examines the use of acrylics with airbrush, sculptural, and printing techniques-even three-dimensional relief painting and collagraphy printing methods are included-and how several of these different creative processes can be integrated successfully in one composition with ink, pencil, charcoal, and pastel. Inspiring examples of representational and abstract subjects are depicted throughout, and a complete survey of all the latest acrylic materials covers the best paint brands, painting mediums, supports, varnishes, brushes, knives, and palettes. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A good beginning
I recommend this for the beginner level acrylic painter. What you need to know to get started with a lot of great product information.

Everything you need to know to get started.
This book is really quite excellent. Using clear, concise and friendly language Mr. Shears starts with a short but invaluable description of what's out there as far as paints, brushes, etc., comnpares them and suggests what you need to get started. After spending an hour in the brushes aisle frozen from indecision and sensory overload, it was a huge help to have someone say 'Buy, this and this to get started.'

The chapters are well defined and the pictures are generously distributed. My only criticism (hence 4 out of 5 stars) is that it would have been nice to see a more diverse representation of artwork. I understand the book may be somewhat of a platform for Mr. Shears, but i would have benefitted and enjoyed seeing different styles represented. There are a few, but the majority is Mr. Shears own work.

That aside, after looking at MANY books on the subject, i wholeheartdly endorse this one.

Great examples, in depth backgroud info, terrific demos
This is an excellent guide to acrylic painting. It offers in depth background information as well as numerous step-by-step technique demonstrations. There are also many great example paintings throughout the book.

The book starts out with an overview of nine different paint brands including their characteristics, strengths and weaknesses. It then covers mediums, varnishes, modeling paste and gesso as well as supports, grounds, brushes, knives and other tools. Other background information such as selecting a color pallet, protecting finished works and caring for tools is here as well. There are even demonstrations on stretching and priming a canvas as well as preparing panels.

Basic concepts such as mixing paint, blending with both soft and hard edges, layering, scraping and spraying are covered next. Demonstrations include mixing paints on the pallet and creating a hard edge with masking tape. Color characteristics and relationships are also discussed.

Acrylic painting techniques follow, starting with a discussion of how to plan a painting and draw a preliminary sketch. You will find out how to use acrylics to mimic other styles of painting such as watercolor, opaque watercolor, oil painting and egg tempera. There is further instruction on how to combine techniques, paint on a wet canvas, create a collage, work with a gel medium and make a relief painting. Using acrylics with other media and in craft applications is also explored. Brief demonstrations show how they can be used with pencil and wash, colored pencil, lithography crayon, pastels and oil pastels.

There is a good list of suppliers and a detailed index. I recommend this book for acrylic painter of all levels because of its excellent coverage of both materials and a wide range of techniques.

A painter's review
This is a great book on acrylic painting whether you are a beginner or an accomplished painter, one of the best I have found, and I am quite a collector of "how to" books as I am basically a self taught painter. It includes many easy step by step lessons using the techniques used by the author to paint realistic looking pictures, or, techniques to use for any style painting you prefer. Painting in acrylics is not that easy to do because they dry so fast but the instructions in this book help you learn how to get professional looking results in a short period of time. I find this book to be user friendly and much more informative than most of the books out there on acrylic painting. And, it doesn't spend half the book talking about brushes, paper, etc. It is a technique orientated instructional book. I like this book so much I have given it to friends as a present. 5 stars! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Draw 50 Flowers, Trees and Other Plants
This is a great instructional book. It takes you step by step thru the process. I would reccommend it to anyone starting out in drawing. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Not A Mention Of Islamic-Arabic Art? Wow Sombody's Biased
The Global Art book barely mentions an Iraqi and Iranian piece of art however it chooses to limit the children's scope from Islamic art. I view this as another biased piece of work that is keen on dividing the world rather than a simple tool for educating children about the world or so called "GLOBAL ART".

Global Art
A very resourful book. The authors misspell Colombia.

Love those Kohl books.
I enjoy all of MaryAnn F. Kohl's books, and this one is a little different than her others as it has a bit more in the way of finished products, though they are all arrived at by discovering and creating. Still, this book works well for those older kids who want a little more "fact" in their art. My favorite chapter revolves around Asian projects, in particular those from Japan.

Kids Love to be Fascinated
Thanks for the help! My kids love to be fascinated, as do all kids, and this book makes it easy. I love how the chapters are organized by continents, and how the projects are not so much copying crafts from different countries, but actually incorporate history and inventions and all kinds of things from different countries into simple, easy to do art projects. The chapter on Antarctica is a kick! It's all projects about snow and ice and white paint. My kids love it! Works for all ages, too, from preschool through about age twelve I would think. ... Read more

Book Description

Covering the full range of painting mediums, this appealing instructional examines work by leading contemporary artists to show students a variety of approaches to the fascinating art of figure and portrait painting.From traditional to more abstract styles, in oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, and mixed media, the book's depictions of beautiful human forms and expressive faces are accompanied by detailed text featuring the artists' own explanations of how they work, from inspiration and composition to choice of materials, colors, and technique. Endorsed by Windsor & Newton, one of the world's most respected suppliers of art materials, the book is recommended for novice painters as well as those with experience in one medium who are interested in diversifying to others, and for landscape artists who want to expand to figures and portraiture. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Should Get An Award For Best Layout
One would think that art books would automatically have the best visual layouts of any books. I wish that were true! This book is probably the best layout for a how-to book I've yet seen. You can open the book to any page and the visuals are so good and text so well integrated that you will learn something then and there. This is wonderful because artists don't necessarily like progressing in art books from page 1 to the end. However, most publishers assume that is the way that they do take in how-to material. I work in mixed media and am currently concentrating on the human figure and face. Thus, this book perfectly suits me. The author is also open to a variety of styles and is not focused on only one style. I too like variety in style. Someone who is still trying to choose a medium should also benefit from this book as you can easily see the benefits and detriments of each as applied to this subject matter. However, if you are solely focused on one medium, rendered in one style, on one small portion of the human body or face, then this may not be a good choice for you. Although, then I think you especially could stand to have your artistic vision given a bit broader and looser scope than that description implies.

Great "how-to" book
For anyone interested in learning to paint portraits, this is an excellent "how-to" book, much better than the average. For a relatively small book, it contains a surprising amount of information, including painting in different media and styles, selected palettes of several contemporary painters, with particular attention given to composition as well. I saw this book in Ireland on a recent trip, and am so glad to find that I can get my own copy here at home. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Practical Manual, Not A Coffee Table Book
This is NOT a coffee table book meant to showcase the artist's work; this is a practical manual for *doing* art from a contemplative (i.e. meditative) perspective--that is, fresh, unpremeditated, direct from one's sense perceptions, and unmediated by concept. Written in Trungpa Rinpoche's engaging, inimitable, and often elliptical style, it offers a number of startling and surprisingly useful insights into the nature of perception and the creative process--for instance: "Before we produce anything at all, we have to have a sense of free and open space with no obstacles of any kind" (p. 111). Now, this might seem elementary, but if you look carefully, the source of every creative or artistic block is having some concept in mind beforehand--either fear, or ambition, or an idea of where one wants to go before one gets there--"starting with the wrong end of the stick," as Trungpa Rinpoche used to say. This is a manual for freeing oneself of artistic blockages and reacquainting oneself with the freshness of unbiased perception. To my knowledge, there's nothing else remotely like this out there.

Words, Words, Words...
"A picture is worth a thousand words". But if you are expecting to see the beauty of Dharma Art in pictures, be prepared for real disappointment. There are NO color pictures/photos; only a few pages of black-and-white photos and the only one that can be considered as "art" is that of a thangka painting. If you want to see beautiful Dharma art, look elsewhere. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Proud to review Viktor Perard's book / Figure Drawing
I first became acquainted with the name VIKTOR PERARD when I purchased an old drawing book on e-Bay, titled "DRAWING FACES AND EXPRESSIONS". That book (also by Viktor Perard) was published by Grosset & Dunlap in 1956. Viktor Perard demonstrates his excellent art instruction for beginners in that book. So when I read through his "ANATOMY AND DRAWING" I found more of his exellent illustrations, hundreds of them, unencumbered by superfluous textual handholding and theorizing. Perard sure knows how to give a beginner his best.

"Anatomy and Drawing" is free the of the seemingly arrogant demeanor that is present in so many of the newer art instruction. He doesn't fill his book with the kind of dull, completed figures as though to say, "See, I'm so much better than you!" Nope. Here is art instruction clothed in plain cloth, by a working artist, basic and true to the CLASSICAL TRADITION.

And the suggested retail price: (((gasp!!!))) $12.95? Are you kidding??? People who can't even teach figure drawing are publishing books priced far more. What an absolute STEAL Viktor Perard is!

So detailed you could build your own person!...
I just bought this book, i was looking at the books on sale and ran across this one, there are severl reasons why i bought this book: A)I have been looking for about a year for a book on drawing the human body thats very detailed. B) .... C) this book has every possible angle that a body can pose in.D) this book is made out to look like someones skech book it has Thousands of drawings in it. E) Its small enough that you can carry it round with you (anywhere).Here are some things thats in the book...It has pages on every kind of mouth,nose,ears,eyes,hand,feet,necks,heads,arms,legs,body movment and faces from all over the world and age and face expressions,in ever direction there is to think of, it has a page of what the body looks like when swimming under water its got sections on how the body works ,its got a section on the skeleton and muscles of the body, and all the names of each part. it also has pages of the body from babies to ages 3,5, and adult that you can look off of. all in all this is one of the most helpful guides on drawing and knowing the human body. buy it! This is so worth the money which was not alot, Enjoy! :)

best Ive come across ever!!
I inherited this book from my mother who was once a fine art student. The Best and most comprehensive study of the human figure I have ever come across. Both for artists and anatomy students. lists detailed versions or muscles,bones and various body parts in varied angles ,proportions and positions. Brilliant guide for both begginners and advanced art students interested in the study of human figure and form. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Mark Rothko, the painter famous for his luminous abstract canvases, spent several years in the late 1930s and early '40s writing a book about the meaning of art. Edited by his son Christopher, Rothko's uncompleted manuscript, The Artist's Reality: Philosophies of Art, reveals a man struggling to make a case for the highest ideals of Western culture at a time when crass popular taste and American regionalism were conspiring against the values he held dear. During these years, Rothko worked in a melancholy Expressionist style that was just beginning to be influenced by Surrealism. The hovering rectangles of color that would put him on the modern art map were still a decade away. While this book will no doubt be important to Rothko scholars, it is a period piece, relying on a form of rhetoric and a belief system that can be exasperating to modern readers. Windy chapters on such topics as "The Integrity of the Plastic Process," studded with references to Plato and Leonardo, "truth" and "unity," are Rothko's stock in trade. He never mentions his own paintings and refers to a few other living artists only in passing. And yet--as Christopher Rothko points out in his clear-eyed and useful introduction--the process of wrestling ideas onto the page may have helped the artist find a personal means of expressing the "tragic emotionality" that he believed to be the essence of all great art. Rothko longed to discover a new, post-Christian "myth" that could express a unified outlook on life by embodying "the world of ideals." Little did he realize at the time that the resolution of his dilemma would be based on a radically new approach to handling paint and using color.—Cathy Curtis ... Read more

Book Description

So many people want to explore the artist within, but don't know where to start. Make Your Mark is the answer. Packed with exciting and accessible art projects, step-by-step instruction, beautiful illustrations, and helpful diagrams, Make Your Mark is a veritable at-home art instructor. Author, artist, and teacher Margaret Peot shares her encouragement and ideas in this fully illustrated guidebook, mapping out new pathways for the personal artistic journey. Eleven chapters focus on different art techniques -- from stencils and prints to collage and rubbings -- suggesting 55 easy-to-follow, step-by-step projects that offer sophisticated and satisfying results. Peot's warm and engaging voice, helpful tips, clear explanations, and simple instructions make it easy to get started, and the sheer range of projects will keep the creative fires burning. Decorated with more than 180 illustrations, every page is brimming with encouragement. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A true inspiration, beautiful to look at and to hold
Although I've never had a particular talent for visual arts, I picked up this book because the author seemed to speak to my fear of making a mistake as soon as I set pen or pencil to paper. It doesn't matter whether I'm writing or drawing, or even taking notes on a class, I always fear that the first mark I make will be wrong, somehow. I think, if the paper stays blank, the future is still ripe with possibility! But in this book, Margaret Peot gently takes readers by the hand and disabuses us of this notion, showing how real beauty comes only when human beings breathe life into their creations. And for those of us who have left-brain tendencies, who like to keep things organized, systematic, and orderly, there's room for us, too-you can line up your toys with as much order as you want and it will still be art. Who knew that you could do so much with dried fettucine, leaves, erasers, paper cups, feathers, and grocery bags? But even if you never do a single one of her exercises, the act of simply reading through this book and looking at the stunningly innovative and creative products of Peot's fertile imagination will set your own creative juices bubbling, whether you're a painter, a writer, an actor, or a musician. The book itself is printed on heavy paper, with lusciously reproduced artwork on large-format pages-an inspiration in itself. As a veteran (an unsuccessful, disappointed veteran) of The Artist's Way, I highly recommend Making Your Mark as a smoother, more creative, more accessible alternative.

Creativity for everyone
I've really enjoyed leafing through this book. It's reminding me of all of the things I'd forgotten from my college art classes. Ms.Peot also helps remind me to look for creative inspiration in the everyday objects of life, a luxury that doesn't take time or money just observation. This book also takes the intimidation and guess work out of buying art supplies. Being in a craft or art store for the uninitiated can bring about the same anxiety as standing in a wine shop before a dinner party...what to buy?! Ms.Peot's clear instructions and buying guide make art approachable and take away any excuses for not Making your Mark.

I can't draw , but know what I like once I make and see it
This book is inviting, encouraging, and instructional. The "No Drawing Necessary" stamp on the cover drew me in. Author Ms. Peot has given me the tools to make and do things that leave a mark, a pleasing one at that. The book inspires the reader to create art works using familiar items from home and the natural environment. Its cookbook-style recipes empower the reader to walk the aisles of art supply stores with confidence and knowledge. I look forward to applying the techniques taught in the book to beautify diaries, scrapbooks, travel journals, and gardening notebooks. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Focused on detail but not enough
I think this book si god for people who already know about colored pencil. It is not for someone who is a beginner. Don'g be fooled and buy it thinking you will learn from the beginning.

Colored pencil book.
The book is good, but I've found that this site will post your book review only if you choose "5 stars" in the drop-down menu.

Try to find a derogatory review anywhere on this site.

Knowledgible/Inspiring
Even as a somewhat-experienced artist I found this book to be at just the perfect level. While basic for anyone new to colored pencil, the book is by no means simplistic. It is intelligently written, and well illustrated. After finishing it (which I found to be as difficult as putting down any good novel) I felt I'd found a new awareness about the medium. Since, I have been excitedly pursuing all Borgeson taught me through her wonderful book. Note: A special reading treat at the end is her own prespective/insight on being an artist, whether choosing to be amatuer or professional. I highly recommend this as a good A to Z study.

One of the best books of colored pencil
This is one of the best books on colored pencil I have found. The artwork is beautiful and the instructions are superb. Projects and techniques are demonstrated step-by-step with color illustrations and photos.

The book starts with an overview of materials and tools including great advice of setting up a workspace. Then, it covers the fundaments of drawing such as perspective, volume, space, form and composition. The demonstration and discussion of color mixing and creating edges is excellent. This really helped me a lot. The book then goes on to help you really get started by giving tips on finding inspiration, using photographs, tracing and deciding when your project is finished. It explains color lifting and impressed line techniques as well as helping you build your own style.

The next section focuses of still life and floral drawings. It covers selecting and setting up a still life and well as lighting it. There are two great demonstrations of this. It nice that one included the photo the artist worked from making it easy to practice what the author describes. A section on landscapes follows. This gives all kinds of advice from working on location to assembling the elements of a basic photography kit. There is a great discussion on finding the perfect setting and center of interest, as well as using color to suggest space. There are two demonstrations here as well, showing both naturalistic and fantasy landscapes.

The afterward on integrating art into your life and selling your artwork is great for the serious artist. Whether you are just starting out or having been using colored pencil as a medium for a while this is a wonderful book on the subject.

moving beyond beginner
It seems a deep chasm yawns between the amateur artist and the emerging artist. This insightful and instructional book bridges that gap. Finally, a book that addresses how to move beyond the beginner stage! The author's generous advice is clear, relevant and timely. And you don't have to be a colored pencil artist to benefit---the majority of the book is applicable to other media as well. Written in a rare, articulate style, the author delivers provocative theories and philosophies not found elsewhere in art instruction books. An added bonus: detailed reproductions, in-progress artwork by the author, and no skimping on text. A most valuable addition to your personal art library. ... Read more