5 comments about Processing: A Programming Handbook for Visual Designers and Artists.

1. Este libro es un compendio básico de las herramientas de procesing, lo interesante de este texto es que las herramientas vienen contextualizadas con entrevistas o ejemplos de trabajos realizados por artistas.Recomiendo este libro a aquellos que se estén iniciando en la programación con fines artísticos.
   
   Marcos Chilet.
   Diseño, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile



2. Processing is a great language for anybody who wants to create graphical applications or visualizations without messing with complex graphics libraries. This is the definitive reference to the language, with much more detail than you get from the web documentation. It'll help you get up and running writing visual apps in no time.



3. As a high school physics teacher with a lot of advanced students, I've been trying to work a bit of computer programming into the course over the last few years. I always wanted to do graphics programming with the students in order to help them visualize and simulate systems, because the pictures produced are a lot prettier and more rewarding than just the formulas on their own, but the languages I tried were just too difficult to teach from scratch in the time we had. Processing seems to be just what I'm looking for: it's free so the kids can download it themselves, and it really doesn't take much to produce stunning graphics. Now I would NOT recommend the book to someone with no programming experience at all - the emphasis of the book is clearly (and rightly) on how to get up to speed making images, not on what a variable is. That said, this book is a terrific resource for me; anyone with a basic programming course under their belt ought to have no trouble making sense of Processing's syntax, and the power of the language is phenomenal. The authors have done a fine job of both explaining the use of the Processing language, and showing off what it can do with all the examples. Processing is letting me do what I always wanted to do with a computer - make stunning graphics from mathematical information - at a level high school students can understand. If you are at all interested in Processing, download the free software and go here next.



4. I have been watching the development of processing and the processing community for a few years but until now haven't explored it much.
   I create live visuals for musical performances - mostly within the chiptunes music scene (people using game console hardware to create new music). Originally I did all of my work with PureData, GEM and other libraries but then decided to move to performing with handhelds, writing code for the GP2X and Gameboy Advance (because unlike newer machines, the GBA has video out).
   
   For an upcoming project, I decided that I wanted to create a web "playable" version of the software that I have created for the gp2x (where the visuals react to the joystick, button presses, etc) - enter Processing!
   I decided that Processing would be the best tool for this job because it is easy to deliver on the web, has functions for interactivity (key presses, mouse actions, etc), and is open source which is important to me.
   
   After looking at the Processing.org website, I decided that while there is a good reference there, a book might be nice. I was pleased to find the book "Processing: A Programming Handbook for Visual Designers and Artists" written by the creators of Processing, Casey Reas and Ben Fry and thought that no matter how useful it would be, it was good to support the developers of the project.
   
   The pleasant surprise was that book is great!
   I was expecting something like an extended reference book but it is much more than that. For one, this is a book that teaches programming concepts regardless of the language used to implement them. Although I have previous programming experience, I know that I could give this book to someone with no previous experience and they would be able to follow along and not only learn Processing, but learn programming. Sure, you can learn programming by reading C (or name your favorite language here) tutorials, writing text to the screen, reading and writing to files, etc. but ... I think that for some people it's much more exciting and motivating to see cool things happen, shapes moving, colors changing, etc. when they type in commands, learn about functions, conditionals, objects and so on. This book does that.
   
   Another interesting thing about the book is that periodically there are interviews with visual artists who create with software - and not all with processing but with various types of software. I liked these and could imagine seeing more (or just new ones) in future editions of the book or online. I'll admit that I only use open source software so I am biased, but could imagine seeing more mention of Pd (Pure Data) as alternative to Max/Jitter.
   
   [...]
   
   Overall, the book is very well written and enjoyable to read even when you aren't in front of a computer (I read much while traveling) - the authors make reference to many pioneers of computing, visualization, motion graphics, film, etc. and I had fun looking up those whose works I wasn't familiar with. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in creating visuals with computers.



5. So far (hey!, its a big book, and dense material) this is an excellent book covering the basics of processing. I plan on spending some quality time with this on my vacation.
   
   I hope to post some video on it later, as well as some examples of programs I make on my blog.
   
   Tim

5 comments about Murakami.

1. I did like this book a lot w/ beautifull images & the glossy paper made the images look very vibrant & bright.very informative about the artists work .worth the price.



2. This a beautifully produced book with a great collection of Murakami images -- paintings, sculptures, etc., -- with some very interesting and accessible essays. It's an accompaniment to the @Murakami gallery show that was in Los Angeles and is now in Brooklyn through July. However, it clearly stands alone, and will last a long time on your coffee table or displayed in your home. If you like his stuff, this is the book to get. (and you might now understand "Super Flat" and "DOB"!)



3. As an artist, I originally purchased Copyright Murakami because I find his artwork technically impressive and socially valuable. His business approach has inspired me to look at art making and promotion differently. The book is essentially two books. The first half is of essays while the remainder is of high quality illustrations (in which many fold out). I found the essays, "Making Murakami" by Paul Schimmel and "Takashi Murakami: Company Man" by Scott Rothkopf to be the most informative and clearly written of the five essays. These two compositions clearly lay out Murakami's rise in the art world and his philosophy. I had to read the other three a couple of times to fully understand what the authors were trying to say. All of the essays are accompanied with additional photographs.
   
   Although the original artwork sizes are listed in the back of the book, I think the viewing experience would be better if the proportions were listed next to the images. I grew tired of constantly referring to the back of the book to get a sense of a piece's size. Incidentally, the list of artwork in the back is not in the same sequence of how the work is laid out in the book. Having gone to the Brooklyn Museum exhibit, I understand how a sense of scale is important when viewing Murakami's work.
   
   I think the book as a whole captured the on-going metamorphosis Murakami and his artwork (especially Mr. DOB) is experiencing. I have been enjoying this book ever since I ordered it on Amazon.



4. This book and the traveling retrospective show of Murakami's artwork shows the full scope and genius of his art. The pieces are entertaining and thought-provoking...here is finally an artist that is exiting to watch and see what he will come up with next. If Andy Warhol had lived into the 21st century this might have been where he'd have ended up. Murakami takes both the low to high concept, and the factory model to the next level. Most importantly: it's fun! The book is about as comprehensive as we're likely to get until an end of career survey comes many years later so this is the one to get.



5. I had to get this book after going to the Brooklyn museum exhibit. The price was incredible there and I was happily surprised to find it on Amazo nfor much cheaper! Thanks... great condition and speedy delivery

1 comments about The Complete Artist's Way: Creativity as a Spiritual Practice.

1. The Artist's Way books are inspiring, and this pretty book containing three of them is worthy of a prime space on the bookshelf (while keeping it handy for check-ins!). Nicely done.

5 comments about Wright 3.

1. Twelve-year-old Tommy Segovia has had a rough year. First, he was yanked away from his beloved home in Chicago's Hyde Park, and forced to move away with his mother and her new husband. Then, after a year away from his Harper Avenue home, his stepfather was arrested for conspiring to steal a priceless Vermeer painting, and he and his mother ended up back where they started. Unfortunately, this time things aren't the same. Instead of moving back to his old Harper Avenue home, Tommy and his mother have been forced to rent an apartment located next-door to the Robie House. A beautiful place created by world-famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, that is scheduled to be torn down in a matter of days. While his new class is getting all riled up over the murder of the historical home, all Tommy can do is sulk. During his time away from Hyde Park, his best friend, Calder Pillay, took up company with a frizzy-haired girl named Petra Andalee. Calder wants nothing more than to be friends with both Petra and Tommy, but Tommy isn't having it. In his mind, "two's company, three's a crowd," and he wants Calder all to himself. Unfortunately, Calder is reluctant to leave Petra in the dust. After all, just last year he and Petra solved a huge crime involving a Vermeer painting, and Tommy's ex-stepfather that landed them in various newspapers, clinching their friendship for life. There was no way Tommy could compete with that. So, instead of fighting for friendship, he turns to the companionship of his pet goldfish, Goldman. However, when Tommy notices strange things occurring next-door at the Robie House in the middle of the night, and hears the urgent prodding of his sixth-grade teacher, Ms. Hussey, to save the house, he begins to contemplate joining forces with both Petra and Calder in an attempt to solve yet another art mystery. While he can't stand the constant scritch-scratch sounds that emerge from Petra as she scribbles in her notebook non-stop, and he dislikes Calder's frequent out-of-body experiences as he enters a world of his own thoughts, accompanied only by his pentominoes; however, the creepy voices that float out of the windows of the Robie House, the way the roof moves at unexpected moments, and the fact that there are strange shadows that slip in and out of the light through the windows peak Tommy's interest, and give him the ability to emerge from his own anger, and team up with the two. Through a series of coded messages, dual copies and readings of H.G. Wells's "The Invisible Man," ghosts, hidden treasures, and quite a bit more, the trio begins researching the history of the Robie House, determined to please Ms. Hussey with their discoveries. But as danger begins to follow the three everywhere they turn, they begin to wonder whether saving the Robie House, and solving the mystery is truly in their future; or whether it would be safer to simply turn their back on the project.
   
   After reading Blue Balliett's outstanding CHASING VERMEER a little over a year ago, I found myself salivating over what new mystery she would be able to create for Calder and Petra to embark on. Replacing the trademark blue M&M's of CHASING VERMEER with the red Swedish Fish - aptly titled red herrings - of THE WRIGHT 3, Balliett has penned, once more, and amazing tale that is thrilling from start to finish. As with CHASING VERMEER, I found myself quickly drawn into the world of Petra and Calder once more. Petra's quick-thinking brain, and penchant for keeping notes on everything around her is reminiscent of Louise Fitzhugh's HARRIET THE SPY; while Calder's non-stop movement of his trusted pentominoes, and ability to put together various bizarre pieces to the puzzle throughout the story are irresistible. The fact that Petra is so literary, while Calder is a miniature math-whiz is a nice contrast, and provides a little something for everyone. Perhaps it was because I was so used to the Petra/Calder team from CHASING VERMEER, but I found it hard to accept Tommy into the group at first. He's quite stubborn, and his bad attitude can certainly get on your nerves over time, as he makes rude comments to not only Petra, but also to Calder. He seems like a spoiled toddler who isn't getting his way, and can really come off as an obnoxious individual. However, as the story progresses, he grows on you, and it's quite easy to see how he will make a wonderful addition to the next book in the series, as the "finder" of the group. I only hope that Balliett will keep Tommy's goldfish, Goldman, as a character for the future, as he really added a nice "fishy" side to the story; as well as helped to make Tommy more likable in the readers eyes. I absolutely adored Balliett's inclusion of various Frank Lloyd Wright and Robie House facts; and her tidbits of H.G. Wells's THE INVISIBLE MAN - which are scattered throughout the story - really lend an interesting addition to the mystery as a whole. A haunting mystery adventure that is utterly irresistible!
   
   Erika Sorocco
   Freelance Reviewer



2. Twelve-year-old Tommy Segovia has returned to Chicago after a year away, and everything is different. His old house is completely different, and he doesn't live there anymore. His best friend, Calder, seems to have a new best friend, and it's a girl! And, the city wants to tear down Robie House, the historic Frank Lloyd Wright home that has always been a fixture in their neighborhood.
   
   Calder Pillay is torn between his two close friends. He and Tommy have been best friends forever, but he and Petra solved a major mystery and crime together (Chasing Vermeer). They both have great and different talents, and Calder knows that if they could just all work together they could make an amazing team. Maybe even good enough to save Robie House. But it looks like he's going to be stuck in the middle for awhile. If only people could be more like his pentominoes. (Pentominoes are a mathematical tool, a set of twelve shapes of five connected squares. Calder keeps a set in his pocket; they help him think.)
   
   Petra Andalee is a quiet girl who likes her books and writing, and she can't figure out why Tommy dislikes her so much. She and Calder make a good team, and Tommy and Calder make a good team, so where's the problem? She's torn between wanting to prove herself and feeling like she shouldn't have to. Either way, she intends to find a way to save one of Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpieces.
   
   Between Tommy's finding skills, Calder's logic, and Petra's unique analysis, they aren't about to let the house go quietly. Provided they trust each other enough. And the house might have a few things to say about it, too.
   
   There is A LOT going on in this stand alone sequel to Chasing Vermeer.
   
   Obviously there is the relationship between the three main characters, and the attempt to save Robie House. There is some Frank Lloyd Wright history, as well as Robie House-specific history. There is also mathematical figuring, and architectural oddities. There are even hidden pictures inside the illustrations. It also brings up some interesting ideas about the science of art and the art of science. There's so much happening that I almost feel like I need to go through the book a few separate times, looking at it from different angles.
   
   There aren't many young fiction books geared toward a math/science type mind. If you're that type, I think you will really appreciate and enjoy this book. And even if you're not, it's still a good adventure!
   
   Reviewed by: Carrie Spellman



3. The Wright 3 is the sequel to Chasing Vermeer. The book takes place in modern day Chicago. Only instead of saving a painting Clader, Petra, and Tommy are saving a house. The Robbie house to be exact, The Art Institute wants to cut the house into quarters.These parts of the house will be shipped to four different museums to be put on display. But not if the team of Calder Petra and Tommy have anything to do with the seperation.
   
   This book is written to keep your mind moving in differnt directions, so that the culprit isn't obvious the first three pages into the book. The Wright 3 is an exellent Mystery. Personally I don't like mysteries but this book was intriguing. I don't only think of it as a mystery but as an adventure book also. This book is not like any other mystery you have ever read.
   
   Since the book has three main characters it naturally has three points of view. But they are all VERY differnt form one another. The one thing all the differnt veiws have in common is the problem at hand, which is saving the Robbie House. But each one has a different idea how to save the house. For example Petra thinks a certain book is connected to house somehow. Im Not going to tell you because I think that is a spoiler. But this book does have a history with Mrs. Sharp.
   
   My point of view Igove this book two thumbs up or five stars however you want to fraise it. The Wright will change the way you look at the world. I believe for the better but that's your decision. Also if you don't like mysteries just try it. You might turn out loving this genre. I did.



4. The Wright 3 is the sequel to Chasing Vermeer. The book takes place in modern day Chicago. Only instead of saving a painting Clader, Petra, and Tommy are saving a house. The Robbie house to be exact, The Art Institute wants to cut the house into quarters.These parts of the house will be shipped to four different museums to be put on display. But not if the team of Calder Petra and Tommy have anything to do with the seperation.
   
   This book is written to keep your mind moving in differnt directions, so that the culprit isn't obvious the first three pages into the book. The Wright 3 is an exellent Mystery. Personally I don't like mysteries but this book was intriguing. I don't only think of it as a mystery but as an adventure book also. This book is not like any other mystery you have ever read.
   
   Since the book has three main characters it naturally has three points of view. But they are all VERY differnt form one another. The one thing all the differnt veiws have in common is the problem at hand, which is saving the Robbie House. But each one has a different idea how to save the house. For example Petra thinks a certain book is connected to house somehow. Im Not going to tell you because I think that is a spoiler. But this book does have a history with Mrs. Sharp.
   
   My point of view Igove this book two thumbs up or five stars however you want to fraise it. The Wright will change the way you look at the world. I believe for the better but that's your decision. Also if you don't like mysteries just try it. You might turn out loving this genre. I did.



5. Book 2 in the continuing story of Petra, Calder and Tommy doesn't disappoint. Great references to art and literature to keep your child thinking.

5 comments about Girl with a Pearl Earring, Deluxe Edition.

1. One of the best books I've read in a long time. The beautifully written novel tells the tale of the real artist Vermeer and a fictional muse, sixteen-year-old Griet, who becomes a maid because of her father's misfortune. Seventeenth-century Holland comes to life with fascinating details, believable characters, and Tracy Chevalier's undeniable talent.



2. A very interesting and entertaining book. A great compliment to the movie. I had no clue as to who Vermeer was until I saw the movie and heard all about it from my fiance. I bought the book and movie for her for a Christmas gift. She let me leaf through the book and I found the images of his paintings to be breathtaking. The descriptions written about them in the book was very imformative. I would recommend this book accompany any purchase of the movie.



3. Johannes Vermeer, one of the famous Dutch painting masters from the seventeenth century, in the middle of his career created a portrait of a girl with a pearl earring, in a turban, often called "The Dutch Mona Lisa". The girl from the painting looks at us with mysterious expression, sometimes appears sad, sometimes hiding a smile... What is her story?
   
   Tracy Chevalier created one possible version in her novel "Girl with a Pearl Earring" where some historical facts mix with fiction to create the beautiful story, vivid and colorful, reminiscent of Vermeer's paintings... The atmosphere of the book is incredible, unique, as if it were an account of an eye-witness and not the figment of the author's imagination.
   
   Griet, a sixteen-year old daughter of a glass blower from Delft, disabled after a work-related accident, , from an impoverished, but hard- working family, inherited her father's artistic sensitivity. She starts a job as a servant at Vermeer's house and the painter becomes intrigued seeing her vegetable compositions. When Vermeer notices Griet, her life changes - she becomes his aide and, finally, a model for the famous portrait. She get a chance, but at the same time enters the different world, full of obstacles unfamiliar for her, and she needs to be careful. Their fascination with each other cannot last long...
   
   In Holland of the 1600s the social order is strictly defined. The Protestants are completely separate from Catholics, the poor from the rich, the masters from the servants. This is why Griet and Vermeer do not even think about a romantic relationship, despite their similar view of the world. Johannes has to paint to feed his ever-growing family and satisfy his possessive, jealous wife, Catharina, who except being the mother of his children does not have much in common with him, and his mother-in-law, the greedy and conniving Maria Thinks, who manages very well to get more and more orders for his paintings. The portrait of a servant and the growing, although mainly spiritual, intimacy of the artist with Griet cause tension in the family and after a while Griet's dismissal seems inevitable and many intrigues and repressions from Vermeer's family members and friends make her leave. Such ending is obvious for all involved parties and any regrets remain unspoken... Griet marries Pieter, the cheerful butcher's son, and moves on. Only much later, the surprising gift reminds her of the time at the painter's home.
   
   The characters are full of life: Vermeer, a full-blown artist; Griet, girl who in other reality could change her destiny; Catharina, a woman who does not see beyond her traditional role; Maria Thinks, clever and resourceful; and many other minor protagonists, sketched skillfully and with precision. It is easy to imagine the clothes, simple, ascetic surroundings, streets of Delft - the prose is very descriptive and full of details.
   
   "Girl with a Pearl Earring" is an enjoyable book, but it is also one of the rare examples, where the film based on a novel exceeds it - the 2004 screening by Peter Webber with Scarlett Johansson and Colin Firth is a great movie.



4. I was fascinated with this book. I also bought the DVD and enjoyed it as well but books add so much more detail and information.



5. Tracy Chevalier's depiction of societal abnormalities(at least in contrast to post-Marxist Soviet Union or post revolutionary France and America) richly delivers a tender story about a tender girl whose portrait has been name the Dutch Mona Lisa.
   
   Embellishing stories into modern novels has been a successful and fun twist for many writers - perhaps with Maguire leading the 21st century on such with his wonderful twists to the "Wizard of Oz" and other classics. But to embellish upon the unwritten--rather to transform painted art into written art - makes the embellishment seemingly more complex and more impressive. This author looked at a painting and made a story of what happened before, during and after it was painted.
   
   The plot has social injustice placed upon the 16-year old shoulders of Griet, the narrator and protagonist. Forced into becoming a maid because of her father's misfortune of being near a tile kiln when it exploded, from which he lost his sight and career, Griet's "involuntary servitude" offers the family its only chance of survival.
   
   From there we learn she works for Johannes Vermeer--the famous Dutch painter of today. Vermeer came from the Dutch school that veered away from painting only religious relics, and focused instead upon persons and nature. "Is not painting God's creatures equally valuable?" Vermeer asks Griet when she is questioned about her asking him if all Catholics paint only crucifixes and biblical images.
   
   But, even though the story is about a girl and an artist's family, the major theme is about social 17th century inequality in Holland. Social inequality of that time is worse than our 21st century minds can think. Children on Vermeer's house control Griet. Maria Thins, Vermeer's mother, controls the house. But, money controls them all. As Vermeer plodded slowly in his painting, the bills piled high and often unpaid. Behind the satin sheets and cloth drapes were the Vermeers who cowtowed to those who paid them, in a manner Griet did of her master in the Vermeer household.
   
   Sadness resounds in the book. Joyful interludes exist, but are rare. Details about daily accounts at the backbreaking daily labours of the maid and others make one only agree how lucky they are not living then, there and in her shoes. And when we read a few hundred pages of the detailed travails of the teenage maid, we understand why the painting does not include a smile, does not include a twinkle in the eye, and does not include but a tiny hint of her hair color or length. Instead the eyes show obedience and hidden emotion. The outfit is totally unrevealing, unlike the busty aristocratic portraits. And, by such untold statements of her eyes and mouth and clothing, the portrait - especially after reading this book - tells us so much about the pains and misfortunes experienced by someone so young and otherwise innocent.

5 comments about Gil Elvgren: All His Glamorous American Pin-Ups (Taschen 25th Anniversary Special Editions).

1. What a great Chistmas present this great book made!
   There are countless images of funny, sexy and clever pin up situations.
   This book spans several decades of incredible art.
   Gil Elvgren is indeed a master of his craft.
   
   As someone who enjoys beatiful women, art and illustrations; This is a great book to add to any collection.
   
   Ed Schenng



2. Wonderful picture book, many "suitable for framing." There is something charming about these pinups from another era, not at all sleazy.



3. He wasn't the first but he was the best. In terms of technique, taste and visual impact Gil Elvgren ranks as the modern day Rembrandt in the world of illustration of beautiful women. He was my principal inspiration as I am a nationally published illustrator and am frequently called upon to paint beautiful girls in ads. As a student at the University of Minnesota, majoring in studio art, my style and artistic goals were the pariah of most of the art faculty except the very best artist they had on the faculty staff. He understood what I wanted to achieve and I never got less than an A in any studio class. In my senior year I visited Brown & Bigelow Company in St. Paul, where I lived, and submitted samples to Clair Fry, the famous art director who commissioned Elvgren and many other top flight artists for their famous calendars. It was then that I learned that none of these men were on staff but located across the country. He loved my work and gave me great early advice as to how to get going in the commercial art business as they knew nothing about that at the U. of M. I followed his advice and started my career which has lasted over thirty years.
   
   Gil Elvgren was the best for the reasons I previously stated but in addition his work was always in good taste. His girls were downright wholesome and "the girl next door type". They often had the look of being unaware that they were being watched and were usually caught in somewhat innocent and private moments. His work could never ever be termed salacious or perverse as so many of his later day copiers are. The art of the pinup, for the most part, has degenerated somehwhat since Gil Elvgrens day. It probably started with the advent of Playboy and Penthouse magazine and their "foldouts". As long as we have these wonderful retrospective books on artists like Elvgren the public will have the chance to see what great pinup art used to be by the absolute master of the genre.
   
   For anyone interested in my contributions to this art genre my official website is www.dickbobnick.com .



4. If you love this era of art, this is a beauty. Great coffee table book to spark conversation.



5. Elvgren is a master of his art. This book truly is a gem at this price. If you love pinup art he is the master. Its a slice of days gone past and pretty girls to write home about. Elvgren will live on forever. Take a piece of history home.

5 comments about This Is Gonna Hurt: The Life of a Mixed Martial Arts Champion.

1. If your an mma fan or a big tito fan you will love this book. It goes through the ups and downs of his life and he also talks about all of his fights and the effects they had on him. definitely a great book for any fight fan. The only problem with the book is i thought it was to short and i don't read a lot of books. roughly 230 pages with large font. Other than that this book offers a revealing look into one of mixed martial arts most famous champions life.



2. At long last, Ortiz was able to outdo Chuck Liddell at something. That something was writing a better book.
   
   Ortiz's life has been full of ups and downs, and he is straightforward about his struggles with women, drugs, and fame. A lot of times when people write their story, they tend to paint themselves in a better, more agreeable light. But Ortiz doesn't try to do this. He is revealing and honest.
   
   Interesting, informative, and insightful, this book delivers a KO to all the other MMA biographies that have been coming out in this past year. Far from being perfect, and far from being a role model, Ortiz reminds us that no matter how badly things are stacked against us, we can always just step into the ring called "life" and fight.



3. Don't waste your money on this book. Written at a 3 Grade reading level, you can sit at a Borders and tear through this in 1-2 hours. Numerous references about his t-shirt company and his obsession with money. Rips into Dana White while touching on his up bring and relationship with Jenna Jameson. Clearly a book to make money since there are countless "filler" quotes by his mother, ex-wife, and Jenna. Save your money!!!



4. This is an interesting story, especially if you're a fan of Tito, like I am. It's simple and an easy read.



5. Eh, it wasn't really much other than a superficial look at him. Maybe he is just superficial, so that was all that could be expected. I felt like he should have had a ghost writer b/c it was just too elementarily written to be gripping enough. I would wait for this to come out in paperback or check it out from the library. Not worth spending much money on.

5 comments about Facial Expressions: A Visual Reference for Artists.

1. This book was just what it stated, however, I was looking for a book of instruction for the photos included. The book was returned.



2. I purchased this book to use as a reference for sculpting faces on dolls. The book shows different angles of the expressions and that was what I needed. Unfortunately what I did not need was an entire book filled with goofy expressions that you'd never even see on a human face!! There was no romantic expressions or serene, contented, laughing mildly at something mildly funny expressions. Just over the top, completely over exaggerated mutated faces! If you need some serious or normal faces, Don't buy this book.



3. It's a great idea, but as a comic artist I could have used a lot more younger models. The models transition to old age groups too rapidly. I would love to see a 'volume II' that included more children and teens, and perhaps some additional models in the age groups that were included, but in different racial choices.
   
   Even so, it is well done, very useful, and six months after I bought it, already getting a little dirty from all the use it has gotten (too much eraser dust in the air!) Thumbs up.



4. This book contains black and white headshots of people showing different emotions. It starts with younger adults and moves through the ages. Each person is shown from different points of view of the same emotion. The personality types are varied too. Not just glamour girls and boys, average Americans of different ethnicities. As an illustrator this is a big help.



5. If you are a sculptor looking for some good references to work with, try the better [albeit more expensive] Virtual Poser series. This book is not for 3D work!!
   
   This book doesn't have a lot of competition. There aren't many authors or artists which compile images like this just to use as references. I was looking for something just like this and I was happy to find it however there are some improvements which could be made to make this book even better. I would have liked color photographs instead of the B/W, maybe releasing 2 editions of this series would be a good idea [but I am probably dreaming]. I would definitely pay the extra $ for a color edition if it were a hardcover. It would have also been nice to feature better Illustrations with higher caliber real-life examples in the samples after each model's set of images. Overall, this book is what it says and works for what it says it works for. Simple expressions on varying faces with different ethnicities and ages. The further you get in the book, the better the models used get. I'd recommend this for any 2D artist who needs to get a hold of small library of facial expressions for animation, illustration or just general drawing work. This is not a good choice for 3D artists as most images only provide a frontal view of the subject.

5 comments about Living the Creative Life: Ideas and Inspiration from Working Artists.

1. I did not finish to read the book, however I already love it.
   It is a very well-documented and encouraging book for the ones who would like to live a creative life but think they are not able to. A lot of tips to help you find your creative way. The interviewed artists come from different fields and it is very interesting to know more about the way they work and organize their work/life. You learn that there is no magical recipe to become a successful artist (a part maybe of hard work)but that you have to experiment and try, and never give up...



2. By asking several artist's the same question, it shows there is no "right" way. Everyone comes to their art with their own style. Great idea's to jump start the muse. The imagery was beautiful.



3. I know a couple artists that submitted their work to this book and I was happy to see them included!
   I think any book that helps people with inspiration is great.
   
   I do think this book is a bit fluffy. At least for me. I was hoping for something different maybe. Something meatier ~ Thanks



4. Living the Creative Life is challenging me to look at creativity in many new ways. The approach taken from the viewpoint of many different artists in many different media shows the versitality of our innate creative spirit. The idea that all humans are creative if they allow that part of the whole person to flourish is not new to me, but the way this author discusses the creative spirit is fresh. The book is beautiful to look at and I love the format -- small size, lovely illustrations and great ideas for jump starting creativity.



5. It is hard to imagine anyone could read this book without stopping multiple times to experiment with some form of art explorations of their own. The author makes it seem natural and oh so inviting. The only drawback is the small print on busy pages. It is sometimes difficult to read the suggestions.

5 comments about The Dot (Irma S and James H Black Honor for Excellence in Children's Literature (Awards)).

1. How do you teach a child confidence?
   You could put their work on the refrigerator, frame it, or talk about it with others. In this story the teacher frames a small dot drawn by a child who claims she is unable to draw. The little girl is also asked to sign her work, which emphasizes value.
   
   Society values signatures. We want the signed book, the signed football pendant, the autograph, etc. because we perceive it is more valuable. Children can relate to signatures. Children understand signatures mean something (whether it is a report card that needs signing, an illness note for school, or the need to sign a "take home" folder). Thus, immediately the little girl realizes when asked to sign her work that her dot, her creation, is also valuable.
   
   This wonderful story teaches children about trying, about at least starting, at least making an effort, and then seeing where that start can take you... This lesson is taught through art in this storybook but reminded me of what we were always told in writing, "Write, just start.... "
   
   Henry Ford said, "If you think you can... or if you think you can't... you're right." This simple story illustrates a message of positive "can do" type thinking.
   
   I also especially like that the little girl passes on what she learns at the end of the story by asking a little boy to sign his work. Setting a good example and passing on your knowledge to help others is a lesson for all children!



2. This is one of the greatest kids books ever! Especially for my son, who always thinks he has to be perfect. This book shows kids that everyone has their own talents; it might not be what you thought was perfect, but it can still be beautiful and amazing, unique and yours. I hope this book gives more children the courage to do their own thing and express themselves.



3. I love how this book helps kids make their mark. I use this book in my class rooms and it goes great with my little ones who are just learning how to make art for the first time.



4. Simple, yet profound. Many lessons can be learned from this story. The Dot is encouraging and uplifting and I recommend it to everyone.



5. This is a great children's book. I have read a few of this author's books and I like this one the best.