5 comments about Gardner's Art Through the Ages (with ArtStudy Student CD-ROM and InfoTrac ).

1. I purchased (or rather tried to purchase) this book with CD for my daughter and have it shipped to her for her college course. The first book arrived unsealed, no CD, no student guide. I called, the first customer service rep suggested I tried to find the CD on my own on-line and purchase it seperately. I called back and the second customer service rep agreed to send a new set and emailed me the return lable for the first book. SURPRISE! second book came unsealed and without the CD or student guide. They are both going back. I ended up buying the book directly from the publisher and it was less than was listed at Amazon. Plus, the publisher told me that the CD is packed inside the book. The only way it would have been missing is that someone esle bought the book and returned it, keeping the CD and then Amazon resold the book as new. Totally disgusted with the whole thing.



2. The book came as described by the seller and the CD that comes with the book is has great resources for studying the chapters but I have never waited so long for a book to arrive from amazon, I ordered on the first week of my class and I got it the third week into my class which wasn't very helpful to me



3. I had to buy this book for school and I have to tell you, it isn't easy forking out over $100 bucks for a textbook. I have no regrets now after finishing my course and exploring this amazing Art Histoty book. It is something you will have for a lifetime and be glad that you do!



4. I purchased this book for a class; Ancient Art history. This book really is beautiful. Most of my textbooks I would resale once my class ended, but I definitely plan on keeping this one. The authors did a great job of giving high level overviews and thorough descriptions for each work; both in artistic form and historical context. I would highly recommend this book for both art enthusiasts and students.



5. The main strength of this book are the pictures - most of them in colour and all of superb quality. To each picture corresponds a section in the text which describes the displayed work in a vivid and informative way, cultivating the reader's ability to look at art, understand and appreciate it. Another excellent feature are the "boxes", containing e.g. a description of an artistic technique or an excerpt from an original written source.
   
   However, questions arise when it comes to more general parts of the text, e.g. chapter introductions aimed at conveying a broad picture of art and society of the epoque. Simplifications are expected, but they shouldn't be misleading - here are just some examples of the contrary: it's not correct to include Merovigians among the barbarian tribes (Goths, Franks, ...) that invaded the Roman empire! This is absent in the 11th edition but present in the 12th. Or, one cannot say that the Treaty of Westphalia granted religious freedom in Europe: that freedom mostly applied only to the local sovereigns, while their subjects were forced, sometimes quite brutally, to follow the religion of their boss. The Centre Pompidou in Paris is not quite a place of "popular entertainment", etc.
   
   Conceptually, the book follows a certain point of view, emphasizing e.g. the question of gendre - the reader learns, for instance, that the communities in ancien Grece were dominated by "white males" ... The authors have also decided to include some works which are not generally accepted as art - but is an introductory textbook like this a good place to redefine the notion of art?
   
   In summary, if you want in the first place to enjoy splendid pictures described in revealing yet understandable terms, go for this book. If you are looking for a more solid and reliable information, look somewhere else.

5 comments about Vitamin D: New Perspectives in Drawing (Themes).

1. As an artist myself, I have to first be aesthetically attracted to a book before I can look further, and the Vitamin series are truly stunning. In this edition, each of the numerous artists chosen get a two page spread, sometimes four. This spread included a lengthy blurb on the artist and images of their work. All I can do is highly recommend that you look at this book in person before buying it, and I think it will be nearly impossible to turn down after that. Great book to have in your collection!



2. Anyone who would call this art is either lacking an objective sensibility or has some measure of vested interest in the sales of this book. The "drawings" (lol) in this book are fine examples of why mainstream Americans no longer care about the fine arts.
   
   One reviewer actually used the word "refreshing" in describing the contents. Are you kidding me? Refreshing, perhaps, if I had only been exposed to blank pages my entire life.
   
   This is not art. This is the Emperor's New Clothes.



3. Vitamin D is an outstanding publication of drawings from contemporary artists which shows great depth in both subjectivity and theme, the one overwhelming issue seems to be the quality of the reproductions within. Context gives us the reason for this.. in that these are works by CONTEMPORARY artists and as such have not been digitized as throughly as say the often if not OVER reproduced imagery of Leonardo or Michelangelo, so yes some of the reproductions are less stunning however they are more than adequate and what is more important, they are reproduced well enough to spark interest in seeing the original. Artwork can never truly be reproduced, you must experience the original to truly appreciate the pieces. However Vitamin D does what it was designed to, as did it's predecessor Vitamin P, giving a contemporary overview of works and the artists who create them which have yet to be studied. These books are history in the making and that alone gives them more merit than most art publications. This series is more than worth owning and will prove to be volumes you will return to again and again.



4. If you are interested in a wide range of edgy drawings..this book is terrific. It is inspiring, informative and current...not a "how-to" but a survey of all the wonderful and strange drawings being done today.



5. Vitamin D, is complete inside and out. The binding is terrific, the type, the torn paper edges, the layout, everything that went into designing this book was well thought out. Its not only fabulous, but a pleasure to look through. The artists chosen are all exceptionally talented, and each with a unique edge. Nevertheless, all work presented will be a definite point of reference for many many years to come, including the work by my own mentor,and teacher.

4 comments about Drawing for Designers.

1. This book shows ways things are drawn, sculpted, and rendered. It even shows a little about how some things are made. I recommend this book if you want to do in the Industrial Design area.



2. Got this as a text book for one of my daughter's Visual Communications classes, sophomore year in college. She really enjoys it and says that it is one that she will not sell back because it has many things that she will be able to refer back to. A good one for her professional library.



3. A good book of value to budding designers as well as those more advanced. a great reference, well worth a look. tom p.



4. The reason for the 4 stars instead of the 5, is because it's a nice overview book on the process designers go through when creating new designs, but it doesn't really go in depth in terms of sketching techniques or the "how to", in the way I expected it when looking at the title: "Drawing for Designers".
   
   I think this book is great for people new to the design process, first year students for example or people looking to make a career change and want to know more about industrial design, but people with more experience will be left wanting to see more.

1 comments about Art History, Volume 2 (3rd Edition).

1. I had to order this text book since the university did not have enough on campus. I got a better deal and actually received the book in only a couple of days. Couldn't have worked out better.
   Thanks.

3 comments about Reality Through the Arts (6th Edition).

1. The seller was excellent with communicating with me. Not only did he send the product the same evening - I ordered after 3p, he gave me helpful hints and immediate communication via email. The book was in very good condition and arrived in a timely manner, although next time I'd order 2-day since it was sent from the East Coast.



2. I used this for a fine arts class. It is a very nice book and has lot's of pictures too look at while the prof drones on and on.



3. book was needed for friend's class at college.
   she is quite pleased with it.

2 comments about Advanced Painter Techniques.

1. I just finished lesson 3 and I picked up some new tips which is good. I also like the step-by-step instruction format which is a nice change of pace from the "Painter Wow Book" (which is actually a good book too but it's a bit more chaotic in its presentation).
   
   What really prevents this book from getting 5 stars is the editing. There are some moments when steps are missing and you have to figure out it out for yourself. There are other times when I could use some clarification; I find myself scanning the text over and over again at certain times. Don Seegmiller is a pretty good author though. He has a certain style to his artwork so you won't see anything wildly different chapter to chapter but thats ok.
   
   I recommend this book if your really truely are advanced in Painter and you want to study another artist's style. This is more of a 3.5 rating to be honest.



2. If you are serious about using Painter X, by all means buy this book. Don`s easy way of teaching makes this book very useful and informative. However, this book is not for beginners. You must have some knowledge of the software in order to make the most out of this book. I`d give it ten stars if I could!!

5 comments about Design Basics, Multimedia Edition (with ArtExperience CD-ROM).

1. I bought this book on the suggestion of a photo adult education teacher and have found it helpful in MANY ways.



2. This is one of the hardest book to locate. I found it here at a good price. This book outlines design basics in a relateable fashion that didn't overwhelm me.



3. I've used this book as the primary reading source for the past three years in my high school sculpture class. My course introduces students to the process of working in stone, steel and bronze.This text provides a solid foundation for understanding the fundamental elements, attributes and potentials for working in three dimensions. It integrates poignant examples of excellently reproduced visuals into an elementary discussion of the major facets of visual art. My students really enjoy the Multimedia CD-Rom,
   ArtExperience. It's a fun, informative, useful and integral component of my teaching.



4. I am retired junior high school teacher but a beginning student in digital imaging. I purchased this book as a companion book in a "Photoshop" class that I am taking. The book presents a clear introduction to art and design. The sample photographs and artwork cement the concepts in the book. I would recommend this book to any beginning art student or "Photoshop" user. One of the best I have seen.



5. This book is so informative that though I bought it for a class, I am keeping it to refresh myself. It contains the terminology that you need to understand and use to review a piece of art, and clear examples of everything that is explained in it. This will make art and design easier and will help it have more impact on the audience.

5 comments about Sketchbook: Black Large Spiral.

1. The quality of paper in this book is excellent. Its smoothe and very receptive to graphite, charcoal, marker and pen. The only small complaint I have about this book is the fact that sheets cannot be removed from it easily.



2. This was satisfactory product. The size isn't so huge that you feel like the page is drowning out your picture and the spiral style is convenient for left and right hands. The only thing that I don't like is that the spiral is white and stands out against the black cover. Guess it can't be helped. The white label on the front that says SKETCHBOOK is a sticker and can be taken OFF, which was good because that was something that I didn't want on the cover. Overall I gave this product a four out of five.



3. This sketchbook has an excellent, sturdy binding. The picture doesn't show it, but the book's white, spiral binding is exposed on the spine. This certainly isn't a flaw, I was just surprised it didn't look exactly like the photo. It is too large and heavy to carry around all the time, but it is fine for working at home. I am confident that it will protect my work from getting damaged on the shelf. So far, the pages have proven sturdy enough for collage and the few other slightly wet media I've tried. Overall, I recommend this product if you want to treat yourself to a hardbound sketchbook.



4. Well bound - no sticky wires to scratch or snag when you fold it flat. Works well as a sketch book, but offers the space for notes, journaling, illustrations, clippings, photos, and scrapbook work. Will buy again when this one is full!



5. I bought this for my daughter's birthday and she was quite pleased with it. It's a very high quality sketch book for a very nice price. Will definitely purchase another

5 comments about The Guerilla Art Kit.

1. Keri's books are always filled with wisdom, inspiration and tools to help any reader incorporate more creative sparkle into their lives. The Guerilla Art Kit is no exception!



2. This book is so wonderful and inspirational! If you ever feel like making art is just a business and has no meaning, read this book & take back your power! Art is about freedom and this book is for anyone, artist or otherwise, who wants to exercise their freedom.



3. The Guerilla Art Kit is a charming addition to author/illustrator Keri Smith's curriculum vitae. Its attraction stems from its low-key style and a wealth of ideas executed well enough to appear at odds with the simplistic cover. Thumbing randomly through the book is unavoidable; it exudes an odd sort of charisma.
   
   The concept of guerilla art is a clever one. Who doesn't find the idea of a sneak attack appealing? The notion of walking tiptoe through some moldy paradigms to pop up suddenly with a speedy installation of public art and slipping away before the masses shake the haze from their eyes feels personal and fun. As a self-defined non-artist I look for ways to articulate impressions that feel like me rather than feel like art. The descriptor "non-artist" relieves most societal and personal pressure and expectation leaving room to play with ideas that include genuine expression of my self and my experiences. When a sharp idea like guerilla art comes along it adds a measure of amusement to the process. I'm already envisioning an art rebellion complete with secret handshake and passwords and covert operations to be carried out by members of the creative underground - a sort of "Hogan's Heroes" meets Bansky plus flash mob.
   
   Jennifer New's book gave me insight into what a journal could be but the artistic skill exhibited in those pages is a bit daunting to one who scribbles on scraps and torn pages and later can't read her own writing. The Guerilla Art Kit, while not a journal oriented, fleshed out my perspective with fun, quirky ideas and created a new line of thinking for me. Its unconventional cover and construction siphon away the intimidation factor - it's a tool the average non-artist can love unconditionally. It truly is enchanting.



4. I bought this as a gift for my husband so he could use this book as a tool for inspiration when he's not feeling creative (or feeling stuck on a project). Even though we've both had extensive art training it doesn't hurt to have some refreshing fun ideas to work with to get your mind flowing again.



5. This book has some great ideas about how to spark the atmosphere. Push folks to think...to speak out. We have the freedom to speak out (so far)... use it! This books helps the artist in you demonstrate your patriotism through dissent.

5 comments about Wabi-Sabi: for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers.

1. a close friend of mine loaned me the book on saturday - i read it once on sunday, and again yesterday (monday)
   
   the book is more powerful than i can describe in a review. 5-stars, no-brainer.. read this book!
   
   the orientation is more ideological than demonstrative or critical.. the relative shortage of (delightful!) examples leaves me wanting more. and as much as like loved this book, i would like to read the large glossy version titled "wabi-sabi: for people with ipods, large televisions, and who generally disdain reading" :)
   
   in its existing form, the book is an easy and inspiring read. if you're intrigued by the beauty of a pair of worn-out shoes, the grime of a subway station, the cracks in a crumbling rock, a decaying leaf, etc.. this book may give words, insight and extension to your aesthetic perception. given the relative lack of high-fidelity examples, it may be hard for others to gain an appreciation of wabi-sabi through this book
   
   wabi-sabi is primarily contrasted with modernism, providing a much more useful and forward-focused comparison than against its more classical/baroque aesthetic ancestors - however the comparison does imply an inappropriate (imo) us-vs-them context with modernism. modernism is concerned with the clean, permanent, undistracting, impersonal, etc.. wabi-sabi is about the dirty, organic, distracting and personal. the author positions wabi-sabi as occupying a subset of aesthetics that is *not* modern.. i don't know if this "anti" element is a crucial part of wabi-sabi (?). wabi-sabi would be more powerful to me if it were described only in terms of its own fundamental traits, without counter-reference to other aesthetic ideologies. i find my ipod attractive *and* i find decaying leaves attractive - is it possible there could be more one "good" aesthetic?! the author generally defines wabi-sabi as fundamentally antithetical to modern design aesthetics. for example, on page 9 he writes:
   
   "wabi-sabi - deep, multi-dimensional, elusive - appeared the perfect antidote to the pervasively slick, saccharine, corporate style of beauty that i felt was desensitizing american society. i have since come to believe that wabi-sabi is related to many of the more emphatic anti-aesthetics that invariably spring from the young, modern, creative soul: beat, punk, grunge, or whatever it's called next"
   
   otherwise, i don't know anything about zen buddhism - and the book left me wanting to know more



2. It was not as good as I expected. I would not pay full price for it again, in fact, it did not stay in my collection but was bought by a used bookstore. If you are interested in a philosophical or spiritual aspect of art or writing, look elsewhere. While it is a lovely looking book, the information could have been found online for free. I would have been happier with a small book of Haiku.



3. This book has been very important for me in its ability to explain something that is hardly explainable - more to suggest the essence of Wabi Sabi and let the reader take it the rest of the way. Particularly in the second half of this slender book does the nature of Wabi Sabi come to life. It is a book I will continue to read on occasion, and it sits next to my Tao te Ching ready to be accessed at any time.



4. A good introduction to the history and basic concepts of Wabi-Sabi. It has good examples that are relevant to our culture and lifestyle. I wish it had better photos. But overall I recommend it.



5. This was a great intro to the ideas of wabi sabi. the use of modern art as a reference point is a very constructive way to describe "what is" and "what is not" wabi sabi. I definitely recommend this book for any artist or creative mind.