2 comments about Renegade Regionalists: The Modern Independence of Grant Wood, Thomas Hart Benton, and John Steuart Curry.

1. This book makes you rethink any ideas you might have about Regionalism. Whether you agree with James Dennis or not is up to you, but he certainly does bring up some very interesting ideas. The basic ideas of the Regionalism school are initially laid out for the reader, and from this beginning it is already possible to see the weak foundation of the very definition of "Regionalism," as it was defined NOT by the artists, but by their critics and the public. The sterotyping generalities inherent in this 'school' set the stage for Dennis' questioning of the similarities of the work of Thomas Hart Benton, Grant Wood, and John Steurat Curry, the triumvirate of Regionalism. The author proceeds to explicate the inherent differences between the 3 artists' work, as well as the eventually obvious flawed general definition of "Regionalism." Dennis breaks down his discussions into realism vs. abstraction, realistic subject matter vs. fantasies, the ideas of nationalism and fascism in the artists' work, their varying depictions of women, and finally compares the three Regionalists to three contemporary modernists, Charles Demuth, Charles Sheeler, and Marsden Hartley. Dennis concludes with the assertion that the so-called "Regionalists" are in many ways more "modern" than their modernists contemporaries. The book has plenty of pictures, sadly only in black and white, and thus the book is a surprisingly quick read. Each chapter is thorough however, and must be studied to be fully understood. The reader should have some art historical background, and some knowledge of the history of the first half of the 20th century. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Regionalism, and the history of American art. Makes you think.



2. Finally. A well thought out and well executed book about a major movement in American art that is often dismissed as being one dimensional. Dennis' introspective look into the most revered "Regionalist" artists not only offers engaging scholarship, but a very good education in American social history as well. A must read for anyone who thinks they know what "Regionalism" is.

1 comments about Grant Wood: The Artist in the Hayloft (Adventures in Art (Prestel)).

1. Got this as a reference for writing a how to article for Corel Painter and it was a great reference with beautiful art!

1 comments about Multicultural Women of Science: Three Centuries of Contributions with Hands-On Experiments and Activities for 37 Weeks.

1. A friend showed me this book after I mentioned to him the problem I was having located good information about women scientists, especially those who had made contributions in the field of geology. This book is a great place to start this research! Written for grades 5 and up, it provides biographical sketches of women who have made contributions in a variety of the sciences. It also includes fairly simple activities that allow students to get a taste of what it's like to work in the particular field of science. A glossary and a short bibliography make this a great resource for the shelf of any science teacher.

No comments about Grant Wood.

1 comments about Artist in Overalls: The Life of Grant Wood.

1. Artist in Overalls: The Life of Grant Wood is a picturebook biography of renowned painter Grant Wood, perhaps best known for his classic artwork "American Gothic" showing a farm woman and man standing with a pitchfork in front of their farmhouse. Grant Wood was born and raised by a farming family; though his contemporaries were Impressionists, he preferred to paint the people and places around him with a classical feel - a style that would come to be known as Regionalism. Illustrated with colorful reproductions of Grant Wood's timeless art, as well as a few vintage black-and-white photographs depicting his life and family. Artist in Overalls offers enough literary detail into Grant Wood's life story that it is ideal for young readers who are just about ready to graduate to chapter books, and is a highly recommended addition to children's library collections.

3 comments about The Guide to Easy Wood Floor Care and Maintenance: A Complete Owners Manual for Hardwood Floors.

1. My wife and I bought an Arts and Crafts era bungalow with hardwood floors. Neither of us grew up with hardwood floors and were at something of a loss as to what to do with them. This slender volume concisely but fully explains how to care for these floors. It includes methods for assessing the floor and determing what measures are needed for its preservation.



2. If you were like me and you didn't get any advice on how to care for your hardwood floor from your installer then this is the book to get.



3. I bought this book to get guidance on restoring the wood floors in my home. It's alright. It wasn't what I thought it'd be and I think it could be a bit more specific on the types of floors when you evaluate them. For the price it's not bad.

1 comments about Grant Wood: An American Master Revealed.

1. "Grant Wood's (1891-1942) paintings epitomized the Regionalist movement and attracted an immense popular audience. This book, published as the catalog for the traveling exhibit which premiered at the Davenport Museum of Art in Iowa (1995), is richly illustrated with some sixty of Wood's paintings and preparatory studies. The text examines Modernist influences on the artist, specifically in relation to his abstract design principles and the lasting influence of Neo-Impressionism on his painting.
   
   "By Brady Roberts, James M. Dennis, James Hornes, and Helen Mar Parkin, Davenport Museum of Art. 128 pages, 60 full-color reproductions, 27 black-and-white illustrations, size: 11 x 9". Smythe-sewn paperbound book. ISBN: 0-87654-485-5."--© Pomegranate

1 comments about Grant Wood's Studio: Birthplace Of American Gothic.

1. For an in-depth survey of Grant Wood's works, choose GRANT WOOD'S STUDIO: BIRTHPLACE OF AMERICAN GOTHIC. Numerous contributors enhance details on both his better-known and lesser-known works, enhancing some 98 color photos with a historic background pinpointing his success as a painter and designer. The object here is two-fold: to gather and contrast both well known and more obscure works for a fuller representation of his talents, and to capture his intentions and achievements: a successful catalog of his works results, recommended for any serious Grant Woods collection or college-level art library.

1 comments about Grant Wood (Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists).

1. As an elementary art teacher, I always keep my eyes open for power-packed, informative, interesting, art-related books. This book is excellent in helping children relate to the artist's individual style ("...his trees look like broccoli") and comparing Wood's style to similar styles of his inspirational fellow artists. The children especially love the fictional yet funny cartoons relating to the artist's life. This book successfully portrays Grant Wood's love of his homeland.

5 comments about Carousel Animal Carving: Patterns & Techniques.

1. If you cannot get to the Horsin' Around Carousel Carving School yourself, this is the next best thing! Bud is a retired art teacher with a gift for helping you understand what needs to be done! The book has every element and every step needed to complete a carousel animal from start to finish. Lots of pictures. A must for the aspiring carver and excellent for the experienced carver as well. There are traditional patterns included, and information to customize your own animal. Whether you want to carve a horse, goat, zebra, rabbit, or something of your own design, this book is a great resource!



2. This book guided me through one of the greatest challenges in my woodcarving experience. After a couple of readings to become familiar with the process and sequence of operations, I began a project which has brought me more pride, and sense of accomplishment than anything I've ever undertaken. From the design stage through materials and tool selection, technique of workmanship, to the final painting and displaying of the project, instructions are clear and include many tips and tricks of the trade. Professional results are assured. For the first time carver, no clearer and concise guide is now available in my opinion. My interest in Carousel Carving encouraged me to gather many books on the subject. After reading them all, I return to this book for its store of relevant information and instructions on carving an Animal. My daughter is the proud owner of an authentic hand-carved Carousel Horse thanks to Bud Ellis and Rhonda Hoeckley's efforts in creating this fine instruction manual. An excellent companion to this book is the "Atlas of Animal Anatomy" by W. Ellenberger et al.



3. This is the best book to date on the subject of carving carousel animals. I recommend the purchase of this book even if you have Bud's first great book on the subject, as I do. This new book contains additional valuable tips and detailed instructions.



4. This book is a real insiders look at a contemporary top of the line carving school. Worth the price for the photographs alone, it's a nice plus that the information inspires dreams. I can not speak to its usefulness as a carving project guide as I bought it primarily because it is about carousels and I collect carousel books. Carousel Animal Carving is an excellent new edition to a carousel book library.



5. I've wanted to know how to carve these beautiful animals since I was a teenager. This is the book. The techniques and "how tos" are very useful: from making patterns, to proper technique and tools, this is one of THE TWO books on the topic that will get you started.
   
   Also, the author runs a "school" for carving. Horsin' Around. I think it runs for two weeks and is in the 1K plus range, but if you're serious about carving one of these magical creatures, then Bud Ellis is the man to see.