3 comments about A History of Icon Painting.

1. Gives us a very good idiea of the history of icon painting. Very good ilustations.



2. The book presents a geographical history of the icon. Very good quality with the images and the paper. A great work that makes you understand the icon with a great deal of examples.



3. I am an iconographer and the priest who taught me everything I know gave me this book. Unlike many of the icon books I own, it gives a more detailed description of each icon. It also has many inset photos of the icons so that you may study details better. It is inexpensive and contains a wealth of knowledge. If you are looking for more information on this beautiful and sacred art, this is a good start.

3 comments about The Watercolor Flower ArtistÆs Bible.

1. Even after I read the dimensions regarding this little book, I was still surprised at how small it is. Because it's titled the Watercolor Flower Artist's Bible, I expected more information on painting watercolor flowers. It's a spiral bound book divided into color sections which shows a list of small watercolor examples of the most common flowers. There are also some nice examples of other watercolor artists work. I want to reiterate that the book is very small, which means that the pictures are small. This book could really just be used a pocket or travel guide to use for a particular flower's general shape or color but not one to study specific features of any flower.



2. This is a handy little spiral bound book. The first 45 pages go into the usual watercolor materials/techniques, but that is followed by a short section called "studying flower shapes" which shows you how to draw the flowers based on their shapes. Then the rest of the book is dedicated to painting more than 100 different flowers, arranged by color, demonstrated in 3-4 steps. Basically short and to the point with a few pages of beautiful paintings by artists thrown in for inspiration. Very nice for an on-the-go flower painter.



3. Excellent book. Good size. Beautiful samples of watercolor flower art. Good reference for watercolor students.

5 comments about Taking Risks with Watercolour.

1. An internet search of images turned up several VERY intriguing still-lifes full of bright color swatches, lacy textures, and over-lapping objects in a style like absolutely no other artist on earth. Dang! Who's work IS this? Hmmmm! Shirley Trevena. Dig deeper and a plethora of utterly brilliant images, each one as exciting as the last - and I'm thinking, "I have GOT to learn more about this woman! Bought both of her books AND her DVD, and if she ever puts out anything else, I'll get that, too. Most artists are creative, but in usually in a rather traditional, safe sense. Not Trevena. Her work reflects both her knowledge of color and how it's supposed to work, of composition, shapes, lines --- all the elements of the accomplished artist, and then she breaks all the rules and STILL makes it work! Perhaps she has some intuitive, mystical sense about color choice, about playing pale colors against daring and dark hues, and expecially about composition. I don't know. But, if I could collect only one artist's work, I would fill my house with Trevena's. Taking risks, being outside-of-the-box creative is exactly what she has done - inspiring you to do the same. I have well over 100 art books now. Hers are my absolute favorites - the ones from which I've learned the most about taking risks, and feeling giddy with excitement when I'm able to take risks with my own paintings.



2. This is a book for the daring... it goes beyond the typical information found in the average watercolor instruction book. Many, many good suggestions and ideas can be found.



3. This is a wonderful book for any artist wanting to expand their horizons in w/c. The author is generous in giving concrete examples and techniques and also gives a step by step explanation as to how she created one of her paintings. As an art teacher I find this an exceptionally good book.



4. I love this book and have read it from cover to cover. Shirley Trevena's paintings are thrilling to look at, the text is very readible and the layout keeps you turning the pages. I have been painting watercolours of flowers and still life for many years but Shirley Trevena shows me new ways to forge ahead, and fun ways to overcome some of the obstacles I have been facing in my work. Congratulations also to Albert Jackson and the other photographers for a truly excellent book. I look forward to the other book by Trevena.



5. Although the title of the book refers to watercolour painting only, artists using other mediums will get inspiration as well.
   
   Shirley Travena dives into the medium with enthusiasm (no tepid, sepia palette here!) incorporating watercolour with mixed media (including of all things, oil pastels and collage) using imagination, flair and ingenuity. The illustrations are vibrant; a feast for the eyes. While tonal values, composition, alignment and other basics are covered, they are presented in an innovative way. No boring lectures here.
   
   The author shows a delightful candour - admitting how hesitant she was when first starting - and even daring to show some of her early works, on which she has since improved. But then she provides creative ways of overcoming problems, including the initial, daunting feeling of confronting a blank piece of paper or canvas. In addition to trouble-shooting, there are numerous ideas for achieving great effects with very simple techniques. Her use of masking tape to create different planes, for example, is very creative.
   
   This is an experienced artist who nevertheless insists there is no 'right' way to create pictures, which is borne out by such headings as "Daring combinations" and "If a picture needs something, feel free to invent it." Whatever medium or style you use, doing some of the experiments and explorations in this book could well give a new lease of life to your paintings, as well as provide inspiration for new works of art.

5 comments about Drawing & Painting Fantasy Beasts: Bring to Life the Creatures and Monsters of Other Realms.

1. This is an very good book if you need reference material to draw upon. I would not recommend it for a beginner. Someone who has some drawing experience it is an excellent addition for his or her fantasy reference Libary.
   
   I found it interesting reading and gave very good tips on how to increase creativity but not the best how to draw book for the novice. The more advance artist will find it more helpful.



2. This is a good book for basic ideas. Great for the beginning artist, but not recommended for someone a bit more advanced.



3. Unlike other books I bought this one is not only showing you finish artwork, but it shows you how to do it with clear instructions. There's a lot of creatures also to get inspiration. The techniques demonstrated goes from traditional to digital.



4. I really enjoy this book for its more professional, polished, artwork. (For some reason there is a stigma among booksellers and teachers that all dragon and fairy how to books have to be for children and young adults. This is definitely not the case.) Not all the creatures are perfect and not all the creatures are favorites of mine but overall this is a nice book for the more advanced artist, or even a nice coffe table book for those just intrested in the subject.



5. Really Kool! I loved the art work. It was a little beyond my immature status for drawing pics but if I continue to practice I'll get better.
   Whoever created these drawings has a gift for fantasy.

No comments about How to Draw and Paint Fairyland: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating the World of Fairies.

5 comments about Frida Kahlo: The Paintings.

1. Great biography that explains everything you'd ever want to know about the adverse yet bittersweet life of the amazing and vibrant soul that is Frida Kahlo. Includes all, if not most of her paintings and explains each one down to the core. Also includes wonderful photos of Frida and the people in her life, throughout her entire life. I totally suggest this one =o)



2. If you are curious to know more about Frida Kahlo's life, inspiration, and paintings, this is the right book to look at. The paintings and photographs create a very complete biography of this great woman and artist. She was ahead of her time. This book is easy and interesting to see and to read.



3. I know nothing about Mexico or about paintings. And I am least interested to read biographies. Still I found myself intriguied by Frida Kahlo who is a Mexican painter and picked this biography on her life. Her life is very extraordinary as I found out when I watched this movie on her starring Salma Hayek. And I loved this book because it told the story of her through her paintings.
   Its her paintings which make you wanna ask questions, for her paintings are not about pretty flowers or landscape or fishes in the oceans. Many of her paintings are in fact shocking in the way that they are too direct and poignant, and splattered with a lot of blood but still they are not asking for any sympathy or anything at all. Frida was a very talented woman who could make striking poetry on canvas. She painted everything with an element of her in it.... her emotions, her pain, her longing and her feelings. She is all about strength, strong will, determination,and pride. She did not try to do right or wrong thing but live her life her own way, on her rules, a woman who made herself memorable and a legend through her paintings. She inspires because of her gritty life.
   This book is very engrossing read on Frida's life as seen through her paintings.



4. This is easily, and without fluff, the best Frida Kahlo bio in print. Herrera not only has a great gift with wordds, but she truly gets within Kahlo's turbulent times, affairs and issues to paint a very descriptive world of this brilliant, tortured woman.



5. My children gave this book to me for Christmas as a companion to Frida's biography. It is beautiful and comprehensive. A must-have for any fan of her work.

5 comments about Moving On: The Art of Steve Hanks.

1. I greatly enjoyed Steve Hanks' first book. This second book continues in the Steve Hanks' tradition. He has a wonderful way of expressing the beautiful things in our world, it's people, with a suffusion of clarity and light. His work continues to entrance me, and I find myself gazing at his many prints that I have in my home.
   
   This latest book always draws favorable comments from those that have viewed it. It makes a great coffee table book. I have yet to have a friend pick it up, then put it down. They all become deep in thought, with a smile on their face, as they slowly work their way through this masterpiece.



2. Everything I thought it would be. Great book. I would recomend it to a friend.



3. I am jealous. Admit I love the artist; I've purchased several dozen of his works. But,I don't want you to ever own his books or his paintings; let me explain. As our children were young, I would surprise my wife each year with one of Steve Hanks' paintings. It was the last present opened at Christmas. The children would always watch in anticipation to see my wife cry as the wrapping would unveil the lastest painting. It is probably the most profound gift I've ever given - or gotten. Each year I would mount the latest painting; our bedroom walls have nothing but Hanks' works. It is said that sharing is the most precious gift we gift to each other. I, on the other hand, don't want to share Steve Hanks. You have given my wife a lifetime of memories, as have you have given my children treasure in the world of art. Don't buy this book; I want all of the copies. Mound them on the floor; stack them to the ceiling. But don't buy the book. In fact, buy any other book "but" this one. I'm begging you! Hanks is certainly worthy as an American treasure - a Michelangelo, a Raphael, a Cezanne. So please, don't buy the book!



4. This is an absolutely fabulous collection of works produced by Steve Hanks. The artwork is beautiful and the written excerpts provide insight into the artist's life and inspirations for the pieces.



5. Book was as expected and arrived on schedule. I buy many books from Amazon and will continue to do so.

5 comments about Art Explained (Annotated Guides).

1. This is another fine entry in the "Eyewitness Companions" series. A lot of material is packed into each of the volumes. These publications cover the waterfront, such that the tradeoff is breadth of coverage at the cost of depth. But, whether the subject is beer, cheese, wine, cheese, opera--or art, the end result is a nice reference work.
   
   Here, the focus is art. The author, Robert Cumming, begins by noting the four questions that he is so often asked about are (page10): ""What should I look for. . . . What is going on? What is the story?. . .What is its value?. . .Is it any good?" He goes on to note that (page 11) "I have tried to capture that kind of involvement [that his readers enjoy with art] and to address the four basic questions. . . ." The book begins, appropriately enough, with a discussion of what art is, and other interesting facets of the subject (record prices for artists' work, best art museums, etc.). Then, media and materials of art. This is followed by an historical organization of the history of art, from early art (3,000 BCE to 1300 CE) to contemporary art (1970-present).
   
   Many have seen the art work associated with Tutankhamen's burial; this is one example from the era of early art. Within that larger category are displays of art work from ancient Egypt, the early Aegean world, classical Greece, and so on. Other eras of interest: Gothic and early Renaissance, Baroque era, romantic art, modernism, and contemporary art. Within each of these eras a selected group of artists is singled out, information about them presented, and examples of their work displayed.
   
   Some of my favorite artists are included in this encyclopedia coverage, such as van Eyck and da Vinci (I still remember the thrill I got when I entered the gallery at the Louvre and saw for the first time his Mona Lisa). One of the nice features of this book is represented by the discussion of da Vinci, where Cumming speaks in an understandable way of the artist's life, his techniques, what to look for in his works, and so on. Many other artists are represented, from Brueghel to Rubens to Rembrandt to Delacroix to Courbet to Monet to Rodin to Chagall to Pollock to Kiefer to Lichtenstein to. . . .
   
   All in all, a nice little book to curl up with when you want to just enjoy the fruits of the human artistic imagination.



2. Like all books of this nature, this work is not the beginning nor the end all of all art books. It is though an absolute delight. I paint, granted, I do not paint well, but that is not really all that important. For me the study of art and the participation in art is a way of making my life richer and it causes me to become much more aware of all that is around me; shapes, colors, shades, details and the ability to observe all these things. This work helps greatly in these areas...it simply has made me more aware of just what is in any given painting and given me more of an appreciation for what I am looking at.
   
   Robert Cumming has given us an insightful look at some of the greatest of our paintings and works of art and some of our greatest artist throughout history. Bruegel, El Greco, Caravaggio, Rubens, Rembrandt, Poussin, Steenwyck, Claude, Vermeer, Monet, Hunt, Picasso, Degas and quite a number of other. An example of each artist's work is shown and a detailed description is given along with a short history. Inset notes are abundant and point to items and parts of the painting that the normal observer might well overlook. I know I have been guilty of that time and time again. Techniques such as under painting, symbolism, composition, background details, the angle of a hand, the set of the eyes, color combinations and contrast, imagery, all are addressed and much more.
   
   Now this book is not an advanced text suitable for the advanced student of art or even art history. It is not a guide book to be lugged around to help identify different paintings. It is not all conclusive as there are hundreds of artists, both male and female, who are not addressed. Good grief, that would take several thousand books and a life time of reading and study. What the book is, is a very good overview. It is something to stimulate, to cause you to look at art a bit differently, to be more observant, to motivate you to further study. Only 45 paintings or studies are given here, but I did like the selections the author choose. All of the paintings are in color and as true to the originals as it is possible to get with mere photography.
   
   For an enjoyable and informative read, I cannot see how you can go wrong with this one. Just remember to place the book in its proper prospective, and do not expect to become an instant art expert after reading it. Do expect to learn and do expect to enjoy. I highly recommend this one.



3. Leaves out Rosa Bonheur, Judith Leyster, Helen Frankenthaler completely, only a small space for Cassatt and Morisot.
   
   As Frankenthaler is the creator of Stain painting, and Rosa Bonheur's "The Horse Fair" is in EVERY art history book, it is hard to believe this is an oversight.



4. Very basic book to reference painters. I bought it for use while traveling in Rome and Florence but when it came to packing--this little book is far too heavy. Too heavy to bring out for a day of sightseeing in another country when there is so much else to carry.
   If you're into art history, it's good for a quick reference.



5. "There is something in painting which cannot be explained, and that something is essential. You come to nature with your theories, and nature knocks them all flat." ~Pierre-Auguste Renoir
   
   If I had not been reading this book, I may have never seen the little black cat standing at the end of the bed on the pictures of Olympia by Edouard Manet. The cat is almost invisible, blending in with the background and only visible when you realize those are two little eyes peering out at you.
   
   Each chapter of this compact book on art is color-coded. The chapters include:
   
   Materials and Means
   Early Art (2000 BCE-1300 CE)
   Gothic and Early Renaissance (1300-1500)
   High Renaissance & Mannerism (1500-1600)
   The Baroque Era (1600-1700)
   From Rococo to Neoclassicism (1700-1800)
   Romantic and Academic Art (1800-1900)
   Modernism (1900-1970)
   Contemporary Art (1970-Present)
   
   Key symbols are used throughout to indicate birth and death dates, nationality, countries were the artist was active, principal media in which the artist worked, where to see main collections of an artist's work and record prices achieved at auctions.
   
   Some of the beautiful pages in this book include Claude Monet's Waterlily Pond. Short descriptions of each artist is given and then you can do more research if an artist captures your attention. Perhaps you've always been intrigued by the convex mirror at the back of the Arnolfini Portrait by Jan van Eyck. Here we find Latin text on the wall, a bride in green and a stunningly detailed chandelier, shimmering with metallic luster. Isabella and the Pot of Basil by William Holman Hunt is equally magnificent and the painting is filled with symbols that are fun to unveil.
   
   The "Forked Forest Path," a form of installation art has beautiful lighting effects glowing through a forest of natural wood. The interior of Abbey Church in Ottobeuren, Bavaria is stunning!
   
   While looking at The Birth of Venus by William-Adophe Bouguereau, I noticed the same pose had been used in a painting for a book cover of romantic poetry I'd just reviewed. This book will not only inspire you to visit art museums more frequently, it teaches you about how to look at paintings in a deeper way. You may also feel inspired to go find a museum-quality reproduction, like The Kiss by Auguste Rodin.
   
   The marble statues really caught my attention and if you have any interest in mythology, you may find yourself reading this book and then looking online for more information. I would have loved to have found more information on Cupid and Psyche, or even the mention of butterflies and the soul. Five pages could just have been dedicated to Antonio Canova alone, but we must then go buy another book to do more research and truly, I'm not complaining. ;)
   
   "Art is the path to knowledge." ~Leonardo da Vinci
   
   ~The Rebecca Review

5 comments about Paint People in Acrylic with Lee Hammond.

1. I found this book easy to understand with lots of good information. I would recommend this for anyone learning to paint portraits.



2. good book showing basic portraits
   good starting point
   only fault I can find is a big gap in awkward stage to finished product



3. Lee Hammond really does a good job with her books. I have perused many and this is the best I've found so far. I like the individual facial feature tips and the examples she uses. As a sidenote, perhaps if someone wanted to sell a lot of books and make a lot of money they could develop a book like this but with a particular slant regarding caricature/comic illustration using Photoshop.



4. I love Lee's instructional art books...she is so down to earth and her easy to follow suggestions make learning fun. I have been drawing portraits for a few years and people can't believe that I never went to art school, this new book has helped me go on to painting portraits in acrylics. I did a baby's portrait in acrylic for the first time and when I presented it to my client she cried. She said it was so beautiful and lifelike. This was due to Lee Hammond's wonderful insight into the world of acyrlic.



5. Having learned to draw from Lee Hammond's books and enjoying her first acrylic book I was on tenterhooks waiting for the publication of this one! I wasn't disappointed. Ms.Hammond's style is straightforward and enables you to tackle the exercises with confidence in order to build skills. This is an important part of Ms. Hammond's technique - the progression and she makes the process enjoyable. I truly believe anyone can learn to draw and paint via Ms. Hammond's techniques and be encouraged by their steady progress. Buy this book you won't be disappointed!

5 comments about J.W. Waterhouse.

1. beautifull book a number of people at my life drawing session have seen it and want a copy



2. Was absolutely delighted when we received this book. This is an artist who is so ripe for a reappraisal! Waterhouse managed to pull off a genuine and moving romantic vision. The writing is thoughtful and spirited. The reproductions are first rate. Can't imagine anyone would fail to love this one.
   
   Philip Koch
   Professor of Fine Art
   Maryland Institute College of Art



3. 
   This is the best book I have found on J.W. Waterhouse. Not only does this book talk about the painter's life, but more importantly, each of J.W .Waterhouse's paintings are described in very full detail (eg: OPHELIA).
   
   I was so intrigued by reading about Waterhouses' pictures, because the author of this wonderful book (ie: PETER TRIPPI) elaborated in great detail about each work of Art, by contrasting and comparing Waterhouses' paintings to other famous paintings and sculptures (eg: Bourne Jones from the 1800's, and also many famous Italian 1400-th Century Artists) .
   
   The author has attempted, (& with great success, I may add), to show how Waterhouse was influenced by past Rapheaelite Artists and also by some of the other famous first-phase Pre-Raheaelite English Artists.
   
   Each synopsis, of each Waterhouse painting is quite amazing and like no other interpretation that I have read on this famous late-Pre-Raphaelite Artist.
   
   The repro-photos of Waterhouse's works are amazing, -----showing such wonderful details and colors.



4. If you are an art lover of paintings that can take your breath away, and pulling you int it than John Waterhouse is a must for your collection. He is such a great artist and this book is so incredible you want to devour it. He is one of the greatest artists of his time that I would recommend this book because it is affordable and wonderful.
   
   I received this book quickly and with no delays.



5. Would love to have ordered the hardcover for a coffee table book but this one does just fine for the cost and over-seas shipping it would have taken for the hardcover. Lots of information on J W Waterhouse and great pictures. It even has some of his less known works and pictures that you can't find prints for. A true keep sake and treasure for those who are interested in this artist and his time. Oh, and a few of the house guests, students, have even asked to borrow the book. First table book to have created some interesting conversations.