4 comments about Girls, Guns and Ropes.

1. I was a little disapointed, the quality of the photos are great, but small pages and a little hard to see detail.



2. The photographs in this book are very sexually-charged, yet still artistic and relatively classy. The subjects -- nude, young, attractive-looking women -- are presented with a slightly dangerous edge. Some are holding guns and other weapons while others are tied up in rope bondage. I would say that even if you're turned off by guns, there are still plenty of bondage photographs here that are worth checking out. I've had this book for a while and I still enjoy picking it up for a look.
   
   Very cool and original piece of work.



3. I was eagerly awaiting this arrival from the Super Shipping Saving ordeal (8 days), and the book did not disappoint! I like the sleaziness of the girls, and I believe art can also be designed to cause the onlooker to get aroused. I did go from 0-to-Hardwood in about 3 seconds, but as I leafed through, I realized the same guns were in rotation. I understand it was the author's collection and bound to be limited--but I expect if there is a sequel to up the notch this book has attained that the author will have more funds available to rent some firearms. Perfect-size for throwing in a backpack, and the pictures taken merit a third or fourth glance over. The mood set by the bondage totally augments the sex appeal idea being pitched to the readers/glancers. If there is a follow-up book, I'm definitely going through the Super Shipping Saver ordeal again!



4. I really didn't know what to expect when I picked up a copy of "Girls, Guns and Ropes". Would it actually be tasteful and erotic, or would it be mindless crotch shots like so many other "artists" work?
   
   I was pleasantly surprised to find that this book totally measures up to this girl's standards.
   
   Even though nakedness abounds, Botello keeps it classy with well placed weapons and intense shadows, while still highlighting his models' curves. His dramatic style of lighting adds an ominous yet provocative mood to these black and white pictures.
   
   As the title implies, this book is chock-full of intricate rope bondage; pistols and rifles as well as machetes and meat cleavers. The girls are attractive, with enough variety to please most people; however, brunettes clearly dominate this book.
   
   And the models actually have interesting expressions on their faces instead of the "I'm completely bored" looks that are in some of the other books out there.
   
   I thoroughly enjoyed this seductive book and highly recommend it.

5 comments about Wheel-Thrown Ceramics: Altering, Trimming, Adding, Finishing (A Lark Ceramics Book).

1. I bought this book by chance but it is my current go to book when looking for inspiration and reviewing technique. Don Davis is a master. He uses subtle changes in his pieces that give them a uniqueness I enjoy. My only complaint would be that I wish he had more pictures of his work inside the book.



2. When I first started throwing, I found this book an extremely useful source for reminders, clarifications, and pointers on techniques I'd learned in class. It's a great practical guide for beginners. Now that I've been throwing for a while, I find I continue to turn to it for ideas and pointers. I've purchased several other clay books that were touted as "must haves" for potters, but I've been disappointed with them. They often focused only a few pages on wheel throwing, or were not as clear when describing techniques. Davis' book, with its straightforward instructions, good illustrative technique photos, and interesting photos of varied designs and forms, is the reference I keep turning to for myself and sharing with my classmates.



3. This is a good book for beginners. The book has great pictures and the instructions are easy to follow. I also like the progression in the projects. It builds your throwing skills step by step.



4. A wonderful book for beginners and experienced potters alike. Lots of new ideas with detailed explanation and pictures. An absolute must, and a great price too!



5. I loved the step-by-step approach this book takes with the many different examples of pottery. Also, it is great to show the techniques of the different potters. The book also includes photos of other pieces made with similar techniques. I borrowed this book, but now have to have my own copy.

3 comments about Velvet Love Vol 2.

1. For tastefully arousing illustrations -- of girl/girl loving -- this two volume series from Stefano Mazzotti and Vincenzo Silverstroni is a visual delight.
   
   Volume 2 (like the previous issue) provides about two-dozen nicely depicted girl/girl vignettes. The right page illustration is full-color - while the left page provides earlier (version) pencil sketches.
   
   This sequel, though, is somewhat "toned down" from the original. There's less bondage, less manual touching, and less copulation with toys (at least in color). There is, however, a lot more use of tongues (for licking and oral sex) - and a bit more kissing (although both appear in black & white).
   
   
   Here are some of the visual highlights:
   
   Two Dallas Cowboy-style cheerleaders (in hot pants and white boots) - embrace each other's faces to kiss - after they've managed to lose half of their costumes.
   
   Two babes in schoolgirl garb (white blouses and plaid skirts) - lick earlobes - while using hands to defend their dignity.
   
   A buxom redheaded nurse -- hikes her skirt to allow her kneeling co-worker - a chance to nuzzle her face up against her see-through undies. (Their pencil sketches - without costuming -- are much less reserved.)
   
   A blonde, bottom-less, and clean-shaven teacher - is worshipped by her kneeling and redheaded student. Both girls are smiling towards the viewer (in color) - but are much more orally engaged (in black & white).
   
   A cheerleader in blue sits with legs crossed (and facing us) - and reaches with her tongue - to lick her partner's center (who stands while giving us a nice rear view). Both girls are - without panties.
   
   Two young women -- with dress shirts and ties undone - frolic on a leather massage chair. Their penciled versions kiss - and finger one another passionately - in a chair with much larger arms.
   
   Two totally naked girls (except for one who wears sun glasses and a large hat) sun themselves elegantly - while sucking on frozen popsicles. Their ruder penciled versions substitute a strap-on, instead.
   
   In one of the more dramatically depicted scenes (for enthusiasm), a smartly attired golfer - tees off bottomless - while her caddie kneels and nuzzles up into her from behind (as far as her face will go). Their naked selves kiss gently on the preceding page.
   
   Lastly, in one of the prettiest (and sexiest) illustrations, a gorgeous lass, totally nude (with fuchsia colored hair) - stands behind her partner who wears leather hosiery - the latter bending forward at the waist to show off the red-stick-of-dynamite-style toy she inserts deliciously from the rear.
   
   
   Although the color renderings (in this issue) aren't as explicit - the black & white drawings are much more romantic (with more kissing) - and more intimate (orally satisfying). For girls (or guys) just starting out in their enjoyment of images - of beautiful women (making love) together - this is the volume that I would more highly recommend. Enjoy.



2. This a straight continuation of what is in the first volume - pencil sketches and text (not related to the images) on one side of a two-page spread and a finished color artpiece on the other side. Given that there are only 48 pages in each volume the question arises - why publish them as two books rather than one book since the prices together are not expensive, but presumably the publisher thinks they will sell more this way. I think the color illustrations in some respects are a little too slick, but I like them regardless, as I'm sure will others who find the subject appealing.



3. SQP is back with a second helping of luscious lesbian love with Velvel Love Volume Two courtesy of Stefano Mazzotti and Vincezo Silvestroni. This edition features 48 more pages of both full-color and black & white paintings and sketches of gorgeous woman enjoying themselves and each other. This one is definitely for mature audiences but it will be another surefire hit to fans of glamour and pin-up art.
   
   Mazzotti and Silvestroni cover a myriad of subject types in volume two including cheerleaders, business women, schoolgirls, nurses, and all manner of athletic types. These girls are packed and ready to play with their whips, leather corsets, and strap-ons and these two talented artists let the viewer in on all of the steamy action, page after page.
   
   The basic format is that the even pages show the sample sketches and the opposing odd numbered pages shows the finished painting based off those sketches although they are not exact. These sensuous subjects truly enjoy gorging themselves on a nice, cool Popsicle...or similar objects! The paintings have an uncanny photo-realistic quality and the sparks fly on each and every page. There's lots of great stuff in here and I think the pair even manage to one up the first volume. A truly scorching new release for m SQP!
   
   REVIEWED BY TIM JANSON

4 comments about Crystalline Glazes (Ceramics Handbooks).

1. Almost all of the glaze recipes and firing schedules designed for very high-fire kilns (cone 10 and above). More information on achieving the intended effects at stoneware temperatures (cone 5-7) would have been more useful to me.



2. this is the most comprehensive book I've found. It has firing techniques, lots of glaze information and the technical information you need without it being overwhelming.



3. This is a well written book dealing with crystalline glazes. If you have tried to find material on crystalline glazes you will realize how scarce it is. I have tried four of her glaze formulas and followed her instruction on firing.

   Results: Two terrific glazes, one very nice glaze, and one which remained underdeveloped.




4. the shapes are thrown, the chemicals are here, the infinite switch is ready, the cone is in the box, then, one more time, i read the book. all systems are go and we push the button. will write more later, am know watching the pyrometer.

5 comments about The Art of Bruce Colero: Heavenly Bodies.

1. I have to agree with the reviewer from New Zealand. In that, yes Colero's women are Perfect specimens.It seems if I want to see an average woman I should move to New Zealand. That said, Colero is a digital master and i love this book. there is a huge variety of topics covered - from schoolgirls and mermaids to angels and demons, all done with Colero's definitive erotic touch. Though new to the scene, it wont be long before he takes his rightful place as king of the pinup artists.



2. I have to say I disagree completely with Richard Manks' review. While it is clear Bruce Colero's art is computer generated (and isn't suggested otherwise), that should by no means be held against it. In fact this book is a stunning feat of what can be achieved with 3D art. I have enjoyed the works of many fantasy and pin-up artists (and too numerous to mention here) and have enjoyed Bruce's work no less. Each picture within the book features beautiful women of various themes and emotions, homages to comic book characters, pirates, mythical fables, movies, science fiction, traditional fantasy or just beautiful pin-ups. The work and level of detail that has gone into each piece of art is breath taking. The lighting, the colours, the scenery, his effects like fire and water...it is so impressive seeing what Bruce has achieved using the medium of 3D art and how his talent and imagination has brought each picture to life. There are so many good paintings in this book that it is hard to pick a favourite. When I saw Richard Manks' comment about how each painting lacks energy and is repetitive, I was puzzled as to how he reached that conclusion. There is plenty of energy in each picture, you only have to look at "Corsair" or "Vigil" to appreciate what I mean (and I am picking at random here). They look like a snapshot of a fully moving and dynamic scene. The only thing that could be classed as repetitive is that all the women are beautiful, and that is hardly a complaint.
   
   Another one of Richard's comments baffled me also. His remark about the women in Bruce's imagery having "ridiculous perfect body shapes", seems both absurd and ignorant, as if it was a fault exclusive to Bruce's art. Women in fantasy and pin-up art almost always look perfect. The artist takes the basis of reality and makes them the most enchanting and beautiful they can. They will try to capture the very essence of beauty and sexuality. That is what the artist aims for, in that subject matter. It doesn't matter which artist it is or what medium has been used.
   
   Creating truly beautiful 3D art and of that which is, in my opinion, of similar calibre to other famous artists that use different mediums, isn't as easy as it appears. It is still down to the artist to have the talent and imagination to create something to that level. Bruce has shown he has the skills to consistently produce art that is of a much higher level than what can often be "freely downloaded in the millions". I also view a lot of 3D art from websites and while I always enjoy seeing what other artists have produced, no matter what their calibre, Bruce's work was of such high quality and so distinctly unique that I really wanted to order the book.
   
   I am certainly glad I did.



3. I picked this book up, flicked through, and put it back down. The art is obviously computer generated - if you can't tell from the lifeless faces the ridiculous `perfect' body shapes will be a clue. Some parts look like they were taken from real photos and added to the digital stuff.
   
   The images lack energy and are repetitive. You might like to look at it, but there are thousands of artists and millions of images like this available for free on the web.
   Instead use the search box and spend your money on hand-painted images by Royo, Sorayama, Dorian Cleavenger, Dave Nestler... the list goes on.



4. Having tried my hand at digital art with Photoshop, I have to say that I really...REALLY admire the hell out of artists who work well with it. OK..I'm no trained artist but I'm still mesmerized by the technique when someone can master it. One of those who has truly mastered digital art is Bruce Colero. SQP has just released Heavenly Bodies: The Art of Bruce Colero. It's my first time seeing his art and I was absolutely blown away. Digital truly requires a whole different approach than traditional artwork. The enhancements of light, shadow, and the use of color is so integral to digital art. Bad technique stands out like a sore thumb while masterful technique is dazzling.
   
   This 48 page collection is full color and shows off Colero's vast talent with the female form. The themes range from fantasy, to Sci-Fi, to horror and to comic books, each page featuring Colero's dynamic artwork. One painting that strikes you right off the bat is "And Lead us into..." This piece shows off a striking female demon, nude but with flames swirling about her body in all the strategic places. Now you really have to pay attention to the flames here. I don't think I've ever seen flames in a piece of art look as real as they do in this painting. The coloring, the shape...you can almost see the flames moving around her body. It's a brilliant piece of art!
   
   Another magnificent example is "Rio" showing a nude blond, with her back to the viewer, wading into knee-high water on a beach as the sun sets in the background. The coloring and shading is just unbelievable. You look at how the sun reflects off the water's gentle ripples and you wonder how Colero manages to be so precise and so accurate in his rendering of this paradise. The female form has rarely looks this good, even if it is a bit exaggerated in its perfection.
   
   Highlighting the book for me is the inclusion of several well known subjects such as Lady Death, Vampirella, Elektra, and The Black Cat. The Black Cat is perhaps my favorite piece in the entire book. She sits crouched upon a building's ledge, contemplating her next move but poised for action. This is one piece of art that would like great on your wall. "Heavenly Bodies" is a collection that any fan of pin-up or glamour art should own. SQP has delivered another outstanding art collection!
   
   REVIEWED BY TIM JANSON



5. Colero's "Heavenly Bodies" are exactly that: Beautiful fantasy art reminiscent of the golden age of Borris Vallejo and Frank Frazetta - yet with a modern and fresh perspective coupled with contemporary pin-up and sci-fi themes. The beauty of the female form and her strength are celebrated throughout the pages of this illustrated collection of works. I highly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates artwork, surreal fantasy, and particularly those with an affinity for beautiful women.

4 comments about The Complete Mosaic Handbook: Projects, Techniques, Designs.

1. After I bought this book, I read the reviews. So I ordered two other books...The Mosaic Artist's Bible and Mosaic Patterns. I by far like the Complete Mosaic book the best for the beginner. It has all the information that would be important for the beginner to know. I like the other two books I ordered, but I will use them after I get started and am into it for awhile. I read The Complete Mosaic Handbook often and get more and more insight how to go about my mosaic projects. So don't pass up this book! It's great for the beginner!



2. There are so many books 'how-to' books out there on mosaic technique. Some are accurate, clearly based on extensive practical knowledge and experience, and some have very misleading and incorrect information. I'm afraid this book falls in the former category. When an author mentions using Elmers craft glue to create a mosaic or seal a substrate, then I would hesitate to trust any of the other information in the book.
   
   For a proven 'how-to' book on creating mosaics, I would suggest 'Mosaic Techinques and Traditions' by Sonia King or any of the books by Emma Biggs, Tessa Hunkin, or Elaine Goodwin. These are all working mosaic artists and instructors and the techniques they share can be counted on to provide you with a solid foundation in this wonderful art form.



3. This is an excellent book which has a variety of projects that are sorted into difficulty, cost and time levels. THese useful categories help you to decide how you will proceed with projects. The how to parts are easy to follow and the pictures are beautiful. OVerall this is a great book for the beginner to the more advanced mosaicist.



4. The book was received quickly. It appeared that the book was taken good care of.

2 comments about Hand Painted Porcelain Plates: Nineteenth Century to the Present.

1. A rich source of inspiration for a painter on porcelain, a pleasure for an art lover!



2. As a collector of fine antique porcelains, I was eager to own this book, and delighted when it was finally delivered! The artistry of painting on porcelains has been presented before in other publications, but "Hand Painted Porcelain Plates: Nineteenth Century to the Present" provides a new benchmark in terms of both text information and illustration.
   
   With superb photographic technique, each image captures the magnificent color, form and art and the captions describing the age, area of origin and artist are very well done.
   
   The plate chapters are arranged by country. German, Austrian and Bohemian plates include a history of manufacture, and makers like Richard Klemm, Ambrosius Lamm and other notable producers of Dresden porcelain, as well as portrait specimens produced by KPM and the artists of Vienna are included in this important chapter.
   
   World class English porcelains are well-represented, with stunning and rare Worcester examples, as well as outstanding painted plates from Coalport, Davenport, Minton and Wedgwood. I enjoyed the recognition afforded to the venerable firm of John Aynsley, and the painted scenic view plates are generally missed by other publications on antique and collectible porcelains.
   
   Many French porcelain makers set the decorating standard for others, and the chapter devoted to the makers from France, including Limoges and Sevres, are alone, well worth the price of the book!
   
   With important information on marks, as well as fake and reproduction plates, Richard Rendall presents a clear and comprehensive text, and the examples from Elise Abram's collection are clearly representative of the most luxurious porcelain on the planet!
   
   Recommended to both new and advanced collectors, you will not be dissappointed! This book is truly a feast for the eyes!

2 comments about Ceramics - Ways of Creation.

1. CERAMICS, WAYS OF CREATION is a highly informative look at 36 contemporary artists who are "pouring" ceramics, working with the wheel, and molding various kinds of clay. I don't know if these artists are the best in the world, or who could possible determine that, but all the artists depicted are working in America, and most seem to have acquired a M.F.A. and some recognition among peers and critics.

   Probably the most valuable aspect of CERAMICS is the light it sheds on the contempory ceramics work scene. The artists seem to be fairly representative of their art/craft. Porcelain and raku, organic and inorganic, poured, molded, pressed and pinched, utilitarian and nonutilitarian, spritual and irreverent, functional and disfunctional are represented.

   For example, Ray Strassberg's Holocaust vision and David MacDonald's African pots and calabashes are opposite ends of the life-death spectrum. Wayne Higby's beautiful and evocative "Lake Powell Memory-Rain" is somewhere in-between. Virginia Scotchie's "Vera's Garden" of stylized ceramic plants as big as the artist regenerate her memory of life as a child on her grandparents farm. The metaphysical "Primal Courage" of Joanne Hayakawa shows a stiff backbone (skeleton and pelvis) and Peter Pinnell brings the reader back to teatime with his wonderful teapots.

   Each section contains a short biography of the artist and discusses themes, types of clay, modeling techniques, firing temperatures, tempura, and other aspects of the creative process. The book also contains an appendix of terms. Probably not technical enough for the ceramics artist, but a wonderful book for those who are thinking of taking up the craft and want to appear semi-literate at the local art center.




2. Ceramics Ways of Creation provides a refreshing venue for currently practicing ceramic artists to explain their processes, description of materials and methods, motivations and philosophies of purpose. Ample colorful illustrations expose the substance of each artist's work. This is an "inside peek" at what makes our contemporary ceramics scene "tick". Each artist is unique but a common love of the clay medium unites them.

1 comments about Smoke Firing: Contemporary Artists and Approaches.

1. The practice of firing clay and ceramic pots are as old as human civilization itself. A truly ancient technique which is still carried out today, the use of fire to turn raw clay into durable ceramic and decorating it with smoke designs has been adapted and adopted by present day artists to create truly memorable works of enduring art. "Smoke Firing: Contemporary Artists And Approaches" by internationally recognized ceramicist and smoke firing expert Jane Perryman provides an informative and illustrated survey of smoke firing techniques using bonfires, diverse containers, earth pits, saggars, and kilns. Of special note is the unique chapter on how smoke firing can be employed as an educational tool in group settings such as workshops. Illustratively featuring works by twenty-nine artists drawn from seventeen countries, "Smoke Firing" is a seminal, articulate, scholarly, deftly organized and superbly presented descriptive history and commentary which is especially recommended for personal, professional, academic, art school, and community library reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

1 comments about The Principles of Harmony and Contrast of Colors and Their Applications to the Arts.

1. I'm not sure about all editions of this book but the one that I own (paperback...) has NO color inside at all! Who ever heard of a book on the subject of color that didn't include any? What were they thinking? I'm sure it's a fascinating read but if someone is interested enough in color to read this hefty tome, you've got to think they might also enjoy looking at it too. This is an oversized thick book which is at least 95% text. There are very few black & white diagrams either.