5 comments about Acrylic Revolution: New Tricks and Techniques for Working with the World's Most Versatile Medium.

1. I bought it last week and it can totally be called a reference for you to deal with mixed-media acrylic painting techniques. The only lack of it is that the author does not deal with paintings made by more than one specific technique.
   By the way, is it a necessity? :))



2. I am experimenting with all the techniques and having fun learning. It seems easy to follow.



3. Yes, that's right, this book is so much a part of what I do that it has paint spatters on the pages. And I think that's a real recommendation. This is not a book sitting pretty on my shelf, it's a living companion working with me in my daily art practice. How cool is that? Buy this book...



4. There were some techniques in here that I am truly enjoying in my mixed media work. It is a great book, and the instructions are well written and the pictures are just glorious. A MUST HAVE for every mixed media artist!



5. This may appeal to some folks - to me, it didn't. Will be returning the item, as it is not all that appealing, and does not contain much I would be interested in (I enjoy realism , and this seemed full of gimmicky ideas. sorry.) (Like the way it was bound. though)

5 comments about Classical Painting Atelier: A Contemporary Guide to Traditional Studio Practice.

1. The Atelier method of art education is to take a master artist and have them instruct a student artist - the method has produced some of the greatest artists the world has ever seen and as such, some of the greatest works of art as well. "Classical Painting Atelier: A Contemporary Guide to Traditional Studio Practice" is an attempt to emulate this artistic practice in book from as author and artist Juliette Aristides seeks to pass on her skill and wisdom to her readers by going over distinct techniques and practices lesson by lesson. A book of essential advice for any painter, "Classical Painting Atelier: A Contemporary Guide to Traditional Studio Practice" is highly recommended to community library collections catering to art.



2. This book, along with the one on drawing is simply the truth about how to attain excellence in painting, not just a step-by-step or history based piece of literature. she has spent many years studying side by side with some of the greatest masters today including Jacob Collins and now she has attained a masterly level and runs her own atelier. the only way to understand these concepts better would be to learn it from the mouth of a master. i personally consider this book along with all the amazing visuals the prize of my library and a gigantic boost to my artistic endeavors.



3. Well it is better than possibly expected and so much better than the drawing previous volume, although that is an excellent book as well. It is well laid out and covers a big subject with elegance and great comphrension. The images from the artist Daniel Sprick are worth the books price and shows an exceptional contemporary realist artists work that is breathtakingly stunning. These plates are amazingly faithful to the originals.
   It is a worthy and well written book, tons of beautiful illustrations. Everyone should buy a copy of this book to encourage the author to produce more. I would encourage everyone to buy now as this volume will certainly sell out very very soon. Simply wonderful! Helpful more than instructive but a seminal and much needed book to read, absorb, learn and have as a good reference. There is much to keep you inspired.
   As I mentioned earlier, buy it if only for the paintings shown by the artist Daniel Sprick.
   This is one artist worth watching....closely. Lovely, lovely book. Thanks.



4. This book comes across as a quasi-religious manifesto at times, and as shameless pandering at others. There is not a whole lot of actual information or instruction here beyond a basic level. The idea, I think, is that you have to actually attend an atelier to get the full instruction. (The author runs an atelier.) There are quite a few nice reproductions in this book and that is the main value I see in it. The moderns in general dont hold up well against their old master and 19th century predecessors although there are some exceptions such as jacob collins and jeremy lipking. This book also includes one of the most horrific images I have ever seen - a skinned bloody rabbit on a plate. If that sounds appetizing to you then maybe you'll like this book more than I did. oh yeah I hate odd nerdrum too - totally overrated.



5. The author called her first book in this series 'the course I always wanted to take' in other words the highlights of all the different instructors and methods she encountered studying.
   
   Unless you study at a formal atelier like, say New York Academy or Grand Central Academy, chances are you'll run into a variety of methods and approaches when learning to paint and draw.
   
   This book gives what I think is the best comprehensive overview for people who want to become accomplished "realist" or 'classical' painters - its definitely filled in a lot of gaps for me.
   
   There is no shortage of information out there about painting...the problem is its not distilled - what this book gives you is the distilled wisdom of the author- an accomplished painter who runs a respected atelier.
   
   For example there is a great book about artists materials -but its 900+ pages long (artist materials handbook) - its great to have that information but whittled down materials overview in this book is "useable".
   
   Some other key points:
   The quality of the reproductions is outstanding
   examples are not only old masters but contemporary realists - and not just the author!
   
   Highly recommended and I might add ,an outstanding value.

5 comments about The BetterPhoto Guide to Digital Nature Photography (Better Photo Guide to).

1. This book is very nice, it has beautiful pictures and very clear techniques of how you can take amazing photos. In it, you can find how to take great landscape photos, macro photography, wildlife photography and much more. It's a book for begginers and for professionals as well. I think i made an excellent decision on buying this book



2. One of the more informative photography books i've purchased yet. Aside from giving great techniques , it actually gives settings of photos in the book (much easier). GREAT BUY!



3. Zen of Watering Your Garden
   
   This book is what Tony the tiger would call Greaaat!!!! It really teaches the basics off nature photography. I found it very useful even though my interest is in flora and not fauna and in flowers plants and gardens rather than landscapes. It helped with composition and technique. i would recommend it highly to anyone ready to jump head first into the digital portal to Mother Nature. Matt cohen



4. I like this book, learned a lot from it, it will help you take better pics! Some parts maybe a bit to much for absolute beginner but if combined with another reading or class you will appreciate it. Contains valuable info to any photographer.



5. I am in the process of reading about 20 guides and books related to Nature Photography (Landscapes, Macros, Wildlife, etc)...everything from the older Shaw books to new digital books such as this one.
   
   This book has a lot of good information. I enjoyed the mentoring style of the book and thought the LCD (Lighting, Composition and Digital(Eposure) approach to each of the sub topics was well presented. There are good ideas for assignments also.
   
   I only have one fairly minor flaw with the book and it is a rather subjective one...while the photos in the book were good examples of the topics being discussed, not a lot of them were jaw dropping and inspiring to me personally. Obviously this is a subjective point and others may disagree. After reading the Shaw and Audubon and acouple of digital nature books prior to this one, the photos in this book just didn't wow me as much as the others I have read.
   
   I don't feel the above is enough for me to knock the book down to a 4 star so I am still giving it a 5 star rating although if there was a 4.5 star option, I would probably select that.
   
   Don't get me wrong, though, I still feel this is quite a worthwhile book to buy. The approach is friendly, encouraging and refreshing and the author obviously knows his stuff and has produced a good book.
   
   One further note...I also liked the fact that this book is definitly about nature photography and doesn't spend an over-abundance of time on generic photography priniciples that one has more than likely picked up from other general photography books. Some nature books are general photography books with a splash of nature thrown in. This one is a nature photography book with just the right amount general photography thrown in. An honest approach to a nature photography book.

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

1. 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.



2. 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.



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. 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.



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

5 comments about Landscape Painting Inside and Out: Capture the Vitality of Outdoor Painting in Your Studio With Oils.

1. This guy knows his stuff and conveys his ideas superbly with great examples to support his recommendations. I respectfully disagree with his comment in the book "that while copying a picture may require great skill, it is not art. With the fabulous digital technology available today, we students of art can freeze that moment in time that we all wish to capture. Painting with passion comes from within and can be stimulated in various ways. An excellent book for any artist's library.



2. I love Kevin MacPherson's books and this one is no exception. They are clearly and concisely written and illustrated. I consider his books "Must Reads" for new artists.



3. This book will answer all your questions about painting outside and in. A real must have.



4. I own Macpherson's previous book and thought it was excellent. He has surpassed himself. His personal art work is first class and this book explains his approach to painting in a practical manner.
   
   The great landscape painters use broad brush strokes of color to convey form and distance. The clouds and sky include touches of the foreground colors to harmonize the scene. Colorful shadows and minor gradations of color within a value range provide excitement and interest. Kevin shows you why this works and how to do it. I learned more from this book than from all the rest of the texts in my library.
   
   My wife never thought much of my paintings before (and neither did I) but now brings people into my office to view them. Holy Shlamoly - I can paint! I'm not great but good enough to impress the guy down the block and I'm getting better. Thanks, Kevin. Readers, buy the book. It's not complicated but will require some practice on your part. It's well worth the money and your time to get past that amateur look so common to beginning painters.



5. I enjoyed Kevin's book because his explanations were easy to understand
   and the demo pictures so helpful. I have gleaned alot from this book.

5 comments about The Painted Quilt: Paint and Print Techniques for Color on Quilts.

1. First off, all the other reviewers are right on the mark when it comes to this book, yet I wanted to add a few words that might help others choose this book for their library. For one, the page on the subject "Inspired to Design" is just the beginning of the subject covered in detail through the rest of the book, but its place at the beginning is so true - test projects on paper before using fabric and thread. A must do and often ignored when the lovely fabrics, delicate threads, and other embellishments come before us on our creating table. Yet if we do use paper, ink, paint and collage FIRST, we may be able to decrease error in judgement or come up with a more inspiring product. Artists, like me, often just want to dive in, yet this book really provides the information and inspiration to do it right. Excellent words. Plus the subtle reminders of safety when using some products is also extremely important to me and the authors remind us all to keep this knowledge foremost in our minds. The images that go along with the instructions are often more beneficial than the words, often the other way around in other books, but this one does it right. THE PAINTED QUILT is a fascinating read from cover to cover and, YES, fiber/fabric artists will refer to this book over and over again, if not for guidance, for definite inspiration.



2. Informative and well illustrated ideas for using other mediums on fabric surfaces. Good reference for the fabric artist or aspiring fabric artist. Includes photographs documenting various processes. Once read, I really felt as though I could successfully accomplish the ideas presented. Inspiring.



3. This book provides technical expertise in a very well written format and the inspiration to enter into a new phase of the quilting world. I can not say enough good things about this book. The book is easy to tote around and pick up, finding something new every time. With the examples, everything I have tried has come out fantastic. I have even amazed myself. The only downside is that my other projects are not being finished.



4. I have painted on canvas for many years and have been interested in combining this interest with quilting. I have dabbled a bit but now that I have "Painted Quilt", I know and have tried many more techiniques for combining painting and quilting. I am delighted that these ladies wrote this book - it is like they wrote it just for me!



5. Have only recently rec'd this book and am fascinated by it! Inspirational! It's one of those that when I waken at 3 a.m. and can't go back to sleep I slip it off the library shelf, curl up in my favorite chair, and just enjoy. Maybe in a slower, calmer time in my life I'll actually *try* some of these ideas.

5 comments about Fill Your Oil Paintings with Light & Color.

1. Really terrific book! I highly recommend it for anyone beginning in oil paintings as well as seasoned painters. It is down to earth, great instruction and his paintings are beautiful! You can definitely see his growth in his painting in his second book - also terrific, however the second book - Painting Inside and Out - reads in places like an advertisement for a couple of companies and products - didn't appreciate that much, but otherwise - also a fantastic book - even for the photos alone -



2. I have been painting and studying art for many decades - this is a really great book! I keep re reading!



3. Great book, was told about this from an art instructor, saying this was one of the best you can buy and have in your library.



4. I purchased this book because of all the great reviews it received. I was not impressed. Everything was way too simplistic. If you're an intermediate or professional painter, you will not learn anything from this book that you don't already know.
   
   Also, where was the light and color? I must've missed those pages.



5. AWESOME book packed to the full with inspiring paintings & photos, really practical tips for the would be painter, and help over all those overwhelming and sometimes insurmountable difficulties confronting the aspirant oil painter. Replaces mystery with method. I'm really thrilled to have discovered Kevin Macpherson's approach to painting "plein air" and am already seeing the fruits of applying it.

5 comments about How to Make a Watercolor Paint Itself: Experimental Techniques for Achieving Realistic Effects.

1. The artist creates visual stories of color and light in such a delightful manner. It leads one to experiment how to try her way of painting with watercolor. Especially helpful is her use of masking gum.



2. This book contains a lot of great techniques for making your watercolors seem more natural and alive. I found the instructions clear and the illustrations helpful. The author knows how to address an audience ranging from beginners to experienced painters (I'm a beginner) and I was motivated to start trying them right away!



3. Book purchased to present to our watercolor instructor at the end of our session. It has so many different techniques, and really lovely examples. At least two members of the class have ordered the book after examing this one. She plans to incorporate some of the unusual techniques in the next session she leads.



4. Book has many different techniques.
   Really gives many of her secrets away.You won't be disappointed! A Must for your library.Well written and easy to understand.



5. My quest for an informative and stimulating book on watercolor has been a sucess! One of the best investments you will ever make if you are looking for inspiration and instruction of methods to make your paintings come to life. Good luck in all YOUR quests!

5 comments about Watercolor in Motion: How to Create Powerful Paintings, Step by Step (Book & DVD).

1. I bought this book and DVD for a friend and myself. I always say you can learn something from anything you read or watch.
   I learned a lot about using more water with my watercolors and how to layer things a little easier. The DVD was too short for me, so I guess it was good enough to leave me wanting more.



2. Although I am a beginner this book taught me a few tricks that I have not learned from any other art books that I have purchased.
   I think as I progress this is the one book on flowers that I will be refering to more than any other, and making it an extra added bonus to the excellent price is it includes a 51 minute demonstration on DVD
   An excellent buy and highly recommended.



3. Explaining and demonstrating takes precious time away from painting. In my adult class I can simply refer to a page or a technique and move to another student. I would say that it is a must for a beginner and a reference guide for the acomplished. The DVD allows further instruction and another teacher at home.



4. Be sure to buy this book/dvd. It is great. The beginning is fairly typical of this kind of book and good for a beginner. Then Birgit gets into the instruction portion and she does a great job. Lots of good info, well written, good photos to go along with the text portions. Great colors. Really like her wet into wet techniques. Really enjoy the dvd also. Be sure to buy it! Hopefully she is working on her next book and dvd.



5. Although this book mainly concentrates on florals, it addresses many common issues that newby watercolorists face. I've take a couple of classes but Ms. O'Conner makes her instruction clear and fun! I certainly have a better understanding of what effects water and wet vs. dry paper has. Thanks very a wonderful book and the DVD is a fab bonus!

3 comments about Splash 10 Passionate Brushstrokes (Splash).

1. I have most of the Splash series and I think 10 is one of the best yet. I love to see what other watercolorists can do. Their imagination abilities are truly remarkable. Splash 10 is also special to me as my teacher, Susan Stuller, has two paintings included.
   
   Marti Franks



2. Book ten already! I wonder if the folks at North Light thought Splash would last from January 1991 to May 2008 for the latest edition. Especially when you consider the number of books out there. Put 'watercolor painting' into Amazon's advance search and more than 8,000 titles pop up, try 'watercolor instruction' for more than 800!
   
   I mentioned in my review of book nine that I thought the contents rather subdued in comparison with previous editions and ten does rather continue that impression. I must admit that I have no idea about the criteria for inclusion in this series but selection is probably based on what is available and maybe there just aren't many eye-stopping paintings around. I'm thinking here of Deborah Rubin's tram painting in book eight or Hosey Hutson's beautiful painting of the side of a barn made up from 7-UP signs in book six.
   
   So what does this latest book have to offer. There is certainly no reduction in quality from the ninety-nine artists included and the range of styles is as wide as previous books. Dan Burt's included again (he's also in book seven and eight) with his amazingly flamboyant casual brushstrokes and so is Soon Warren's glass bowl with flowers done in an almost photorealist technique. Ted Nuttall (also in book eight) contributes a lovely portrait rather reminiscent of Charles Reid's style: an apparent casualness of color and brushstrokes that makes it look so easy but is in fact the epitome of creativity and professionalism. John Salminen lives in the Minnesota woods and so is intrigued by big cities. He has two paintings that nicely capture the feel of a metropolis, his starting point are his own city photos. As with previous editions all the artists write about their techniques and inspiration.
   
   Book ten is the same size as the others, printed on good paper with a 175 screen. The paintings are divided into seven sections with the usual favorites: landscapes, still life, flowers (with some really good exhibits) and people. I always thought the design of the series rather good, clean and uncluttered but this book has a rather annoying design conceit: there are three examples of display type printed on the paintings. This seems to me a totally unnecessary idea, empty areas of a painting are there for a reason and not to be considered as an optional place to add text. I've not noticed this in previous books.
   
   Despite the fact that this tenth book (like the ninth) doesn't quite come up to the creative exuberance of the previous eight it still has plenty of wonderful watercolors to inspire you and the series still continues the very high painting selection one has come to expect.
   
   ***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.



3. Rachel Rubin Wolf must be doing something right with now a tenth in the series. The Splash series is a collection of current watercolor artists and some of their most inspiring work.
   
   This one is Passionate Brushstrokes. The colors, the ideas, the perspective of the paintings are once again terrific.
   
   It is especially helpful, as an artist, to read from each artist their breakthroughs, their inspiration, their secrets along with each painting in the book.
   
   It is not a how-to book but looking through the book is motivating and inspiring if you are trying to get a new painting going.