2 comments about Chinese Landscapes Made Easy.

1. Regardless of your level of expertise, you will find this book useful.Its explanation of papers and brushes is very good. It simplifies brush techniques, use of inks, use of colors.etc. Though everything is concise and brief, all the needed information is there for landscape painting. If you want to do Chinese landscape painting, this is THE book. You will not find the classical approach of working through the "Four Gentlemen", but you will get everything you need to do Chinese-style landscapes without the frills.



2. Hands down
   this is the BEST source of informationa and technique for chinese landscape painting. A must have for the serious painter Joel Smith MD

5 comments about Helen Van Wyks Favorite Color Recipes.

1. I find this book very helpfull in learning how to mix colors. She talks about the color tones, hues, complimentery colors. Why she uses what color where. It gets you thinking about color and how to use it in your painting.



2. My wife and I lived in Rockport when Miss Van Wyk was still painting. We have the first version of her color recipes book in its original three ring binder form. Her book offers the beginning painter great suggestions and solutions on many typical color mixing problems. Thanks Helen.



3. I love this book. It's been very helpful for times when I just can't seem to mix the color I'm looking for. I look in this book and it always has good information.
   
   Even though I have a BFA many things that would have been helpful in the real world, just weren't taught. This book fills in a lot of blanks.



4. Helen is a great teacher. I have taken art classes and learned 1/10th of what I learned by reading her book. I am colorblind and people argue with me about it because of my ability to use the right colors. I only wish she was still here so she could produce even more information etc.



5. An excellent book that covered many subjects of painting, and how to use particular colours successfully for that area, I found this very helpful and informative.

5 comments about Best of the Joy of Painting.

1. I was so looking forward to this book. I wanted to follow the step by step instructions and to hopefully improve my technique.
   
   These Joy of Painting books are ridiculous. The idea is fantastic, follow step-by-step instructions.
   
   All the instructions are in black and white!!! You can't even figure out what they're trying to show because the photos are tiny and a bit blurry.
   
   Whomever decided to print these in black and white wasn't too bright.
   
   It's a waste of money. Instead invest in "Oils: Step by Step Art School" by Patricia Seligman.
   It gives really good, important, clear and concise information and instruction for beginners.



2. The idea behind Ross' concept of wet painting may be intriguing, but, as this book shows, the results cannot match any seriously crafted oil painting. The paintings all look the same and have the same faded 80ies style. I would not even recommend this book (or style of painting) to novices as it would spoil your technique and hinder you in developing your own style. This is not instant art. It`s instant trash. Sorry. And yes I have bought this book and am allowed to review it.



3. Even if you never picked up a brush. Or didn't know how to read. Anyone could get an idea from this book. Maybe it's boring to others. Maybe because he does everthing step by step. So that you can make your own creations. I have never used oils in my life. But I wanted to learn. My Grandmother was a great artist. But when she could teach me, I was to young. When I was old enough, she passed away. I hope she can look down and see. I really did enjoy what she made. Now, I can make something beautiful too. I bought this and the red cover book. Super



4. Good old Bob Ross! I used to watch his series in high school and his shows were great. This book conveys their tone and has the added bonus of giving us his finished landscapes to look at as long as we want. I got this book so I could see the paintings, but under his step by step instruction I've also tried my hand at creating my own---and making art this nice isn't as easy as Bob makes it look! Whether you want to use this as a how-to guide for your own time in front of a canvas, or you simply like Bob Ross' artwork, this is a friendly visit with everyone's favorite PBS guru of oil painting.



5. I actually purchased this book as a gift. The comments I received were: Good book but, not much variety in details of paintings.

5 comments about Paint Along with Jerry Yarnell Volume One - Painting Basics (Paint Along With Jerry Yarnell, 1).

1. Jerry Yarnell is a versatile and talented painter who has written a number of excellent "how to" books and this one is as good as the rest. Just looking at his beautiful work is enough to provide motivation and inspiration.
   
   The book is divided into several interesting projects / paintings, each of which is supplemented with step-by-step instructions that show how to develop the painting.
   
   A beginning painter will find the insight offered by the the instructions to be invaluable in deciding how to choose a brush, mix paints, apply paint to the brush, execute a brush stroke for a specific purpose, and countless other fundamentals.
   
   It is not expected that the student's painting will be a replica of the master's. But the vast knowledge imparted here by Mr. Yarnell will help any interested and properly motivated person peer into the mind of a great painter and benefit from the wisdom of his life of devoted and passionate artistry.



2. I was terribly disappointed in this book. I can't believe he sells this stuff. Every sky is lurid orange and purple, every landscape is palpably phoney and is created by using every color in the paint box. I never saw him on TV. I wish I had. I would not have wasted my money. Cassie



3. I have already worked through half of the projects in this book and am amazed at the detail and finished quality I have achieved.
   One thing I would highly recommend is to get hold of at least one of Jerry's instructional DVDs as well. I found that once I had watched him using the techniques he describes in the book, a light clicked on in my head and the books became an even more valuable resource.
   If you want to learn acrylic painting or improve your skills by discovering some of the tricks or secrets experienced artists use, then this book is an essential addition to your library.



4. This book like so many so-called beginner's acrylics books follows the usual pattern: a chapter on materials and then an immediate huge jump into technique. It is interesting to note that the author's suggested palette contains eleven colors, three of which are not particularly light fast. After this chapter he dives into the first of ten demonstration paintings. These painting are all extremely complex and large undertakings on 16x20" canvases. I predict that most beginners are going to get lost early on in the first painting a flick it in. Maybe after I find some way to get the basics down, I'll come back to some of the Yarnell books, though I find his style rather garish.
   
   As my growing collection of unsatisfactory "beginner's" acrylics shows (the nearest big bookstore is almost three hours away) there is a huge difference between a gifted artist and a gifted art teacher, though in fairness what is probably lacking are gifted art instruction authors. When writing these books they apparently don't have any reader feedback (why not?) who could slow them down by asking questions like how do I thin the paint, how thing should it be, what's the best way to mix colors, how do I clean the brushes, how do I keep the paint from drying out on my palette or my painting, etc., etc., etc.
   
   The only painting book I've found so far which can truly claim to be a beginner's book is Jack Reid's "Watercolor Basics: Let's Get Started". That book is full of exercise paintings that let the reader learn a technique on a simple painting; the paintings are simple enough so that the beginner doesn't get lost in the detail yet have some artistic character. There are also beginner's drawing books that really do start from zero and build up the reader's technique.



5. This book is great for the beginning acrylic painter. I have been acrylic painting for 10 years now and this book helped me out with a lot of things I didn't know.

5 comments about A Celebration of Light: Painting the Textures of Light in Watercolor.

1. I purchased this book hoping for a clearer description on how to capture light in watercolor paintings. This book met all my expectations. I keep it in the classroom and studio for my students to use as a reference. Jane Freeman has easily understandable step-by-step demonstrations, goes through the process of how to paint reflections, glass, lace and beautiful light patterns. She has included a wealth of information for all levels of painters. An added bonus is the addition of paintings and comments from numerous watercolorists whose paintings are seen in many competitions. I recommend this book to anyone who teaches the art of watercolor and encourage them to expose their students to it. It is a wonderful addition to an artist's library.



2. A Celebration of Light is a wonderful book.. From detailed paintings to color applications the information found in this book is valuable to any artist wishing to develop a better technique. It is a bible of information to keep next to you as you are painting. Jane has demonstrated how to use light to create a better painting. From application to lifting this book is a must to every artist using watercolor



3. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn the techniques that this artist has perfected over the years. Jane Freeman leads the reader step by step from the beginning of a painting until it is finished. She tells you how to paint such things as reflections and lace plus she she even gives you tips on mixing colors and finding time to do the art. This is at the top of the list as one of my favorite art books.
   Elinor Sethman



4. A Celebration of Light is a wonderful book - there are so many many infos in this book which you should not miss. Jane Freeman shares her technique, shows her colours and how to use and mix them, how to work the best with your reference photos, gives tips about composition and she also shows many paintings in step-by-step-demonstrations. She has a great knowledge about watercolor and this book is a very valuable addition to each library.



5. A Celebration of Light is an exceptional informational book. The paintings are really great. It inspires you to go beyond your abilities and capture that evasive quality that turns an ordinary painting into one that captures your attention.

5 comments about Mehndi : The Timeless Art of Henna Painting.

1. This is a great book to have for intruction on mixing and applying henna. It also has great historical information on henna and the henna plant. As far as design ideas go it is lacking, I suggest "Traditional Henna Designs" for that purpose.



2. When I was completely new to henna, I found this book fun. Now, while I am no expert, I think there are better on-line how-to's such as at mehandi.com (and no, I don't work for them). I'm still only an occasional henna slinger, so this book has some inspiring patterns. If this is your first book on henna though, I would suggest doing some more research. The above mentioned website has a great deal of free information and patterns.



3. IF you are interested in Mehndi styles and traditions, as well as the meaning behind the designs, this is the book for you! It very clearly explains and illustrates how to create the designs you want, and what materials to use in order to do so. They have included much fascinating history behind the tradition, and I was enchanted with this book from start to finish.
   I will certainly refer back to it many times for design ideas, and in creating artwork both beautiful and ornate.



4. I have been teaching the art of Mehndi for years and this is the best book for if you are getting started. It has background information on what designs mean, the basic history, beautiful designs - some that are dazzling colored designs in the middle of the book, and it is well put together. Great for anyone who will be teaching, just getting started, or simply interested in the subject. If you're looking for a book about henna/mehndi. THIS is the book.



5. This is a GREAT book!!! Beautiful!!! I got chicken skin when i read the writer had painted her right hand (shown in the cover of the book) even when she is a right hand writer. That's amazing... This is not a fashion book; it is a cultural book where you will about the ancient roots of the mehndi art among other stuff. I love it!!

5 comments about Painting More Animals on Rocks.

1. I purchased this book along with the first one, "Painting Animals on Rocks" as a gift for my father who loves to paint. He really has enjoyed them. The details and the "how to" descriptions are great for learners and those who enjoy a challenge.



2. I stumbled upon this hobby by accident. I was an art minor in college and have done a lot of oil paintings. When a friend told me about painting animals on rocks, I had no idea what she was talking about. I have painted my first animal (a leopard) and it turned out great. I gave it to my cousin and she raved about it. The author is wonderful in her ability to inspire and direct "the student." My only disagreement is with having to draw the outline on the rock starting out. I think that may add a certain difficulty. I just go ahead and paint, making slight adjustments when needed. I find doing it that way to be much easier. I am really loving my new found hobby and hope to possibly sell some animals on rocks in a craft fair held annually here where I live. I am 67 and retired.



3. This book has so many ideas for a craft person. The instructions are very easy and the rocks are fun to make. My 5 year old grandson found it easy too. He made a Lady Bug. This book is worth having if you are loooking for a project that doesn't cost much money, and is really fun to do. You can take the whole family out on a hike looking for rocks, this was a nice outing too. Have fun and enjoy.



4. This book has so many ideas for a craft person. The instructions are very easy and the rocks are fun to make. My 5 year old grandson found it easy too. He made a Lady Bug. This book is worth having if you are loooking for a project that doen't cost much money.



5. I had been interested in Lin Wellford's books for a long time, but never really painted an animal rock. I bought this book, ready to try it. First I did a frog, which was very simple.
   The furry animals use a script liner, and that is not my favorite paint brush, so I was a little nervous that I couldn't achieve the fur strokes.
   I went ahead and tried a squirrel, and I was so surprised at how easy the fur turned out to be. I've painted a few more animals since then, and they are very easy to do. Very watery paint and a #1 script liner (the shorter one) makes it very easy.
   If you are looking to start painting rocks, don't hesitate...this is the perfect book! I would recommend it to everyone who is interest in painting!

5 comments about Stencil Graffiti (Street Graphics / Street Art).

1. it's a cheap book, and it's got cheap information. nothing much to it. i would probably spend a bit more and buy a book that's more in depth with the culture and such of graffiti art. but if you must, like me buy this book to be a part of your growing art book collection, then by all means, no one is stopping you.



2. I like this book. It's a thin book. It's not too much stuff in the book but I think it's a nice book to have in your collection just to have something different. Since I'm not too much into stencil graffiti, this book is just right to have it in my collection. I like it. It has great work of art in it.



3. Its a great book, but Stencil Pirates is better.



4. This book is being reviewed quite heavily these days and after reviewing it myself, I can only conclude that this is because of the Publishers' credentials in publishing books on street art. I found that this book fell short on my expectations, even though much of the material was interesting. While it was enlightening to read the brief articles on the history of stencil graffiti, and how stenciling started back to 22,000 in cave paintings, the book quickly lost steam. Many of the artists featured here are well known, however there are many photos featuring industrial uses of stencils which neither are graffiti art, stencil graffiti or art in any type of form. This really detracted form what I assumed the book was featuring. Most of the interesting features were on European artists such as the "bananensprayer" in Cologne, Germany, or Bansky who mixed political satire with his various works. Although many stencil artists are features from all over Europe, and the United States as well as a whole page spread of works from Morocco, I really missed the interviews which should have accompanied these images. While I would not purchase the book for my personal collection, many of the photos showcased the dizzying array of effects which were possible to achieve with something as simple as a stencil.



5. For someone who is simply interested in seeing full color photos of stencil graffiti then Manco's book would be a great purchase. Manco profiles key artist from around the world as well as touching lightly on stencil and graffiti history (Information which is readily available else where both online and in print.) As an aside, the book does speak briefly on the philosophy of graffiti in the urban landscape.

   Sadly the book is little more than a nice looking coffee table book. Artist looking for a guidebook or text that speaks more about the technical aspects of stencil graffiti should look elsewhere. As it is the book is an interesting (though not too informative) slide show of street art.

   Still, it's a good purchase for fans of the art form or those who are interested in street pop art.

5 comments about The Zen of Creative Painting: An Elegant Design for Revealing Your Muse (Practical Art Books).

1. Jeanne Carbonetti has produced awonderful book to unleash one's creativity--whether you understand Zen or not---It is not easy to get into Zen, but the illustrations help us to learn something at a deeper level--not just intellectual or academic.I like the play of light and color---in a sense that is what art is all about ---to convey your feelings or even passing moods...Books like these go beyond the 'right brain-left brain' theories that have filled the academic discussion on art training....May be ,one should work out his/her own Zen approach--this book can only point the way---not to imitate but to emulate Jeanne.



2. I have recently started doing watercolor paintings since I retired and was lent this book by my teacher. I had to buy it as soon as I opened it. The paintings are absolutely splendid. I think that they are what watercolors should be. And the text sets a mind frame that will enhance any budding artist down the path to great work.



3. A must to read to start your own ideas on Watercolor painting, using the Zen method.



4. I like Carbonetti's art and this book is full of it. For that reason it is worth buying. She also succeeds in showing the mental aspects of creative art. However, her seeing of Zen is not so successful. She also wrote books like "The Tao of Watercolor" and "The Yoga of Drawing". I would prefer if she simply explained her own position without packaging it into so many commercialy attractive titles.



5. The book was very logical yet had many creative aspects. I would recommend it for a mid-range painter.

5 comments about Fill Your Watercolors with Natures Light.

1. I bought this volume after I read it from my public Library. I paint and found it to be an invaluable resource. It has changed the way I look at painting and strongly influenced my painting technique. I would recommend it to anyone that paints or wants to learn how.



2. The artwork is lovely and inspiring. The teaching could have been a bit more detailed, but I got some terrific ideas about technique from it. It's another angle on the Nita Engle style of paintings "painting themselves". (I can't seem to get them to paint themselves, however...)



3. Disappointed in the book, which wass recommended by Amazon. It wasn't even close to what I was looking for. Also, the delivery of the book was poor. The seller wasn't helpful. Would not recommend this book.



4. Fill Your Watercolor With Natures Light: Features Masking, Pouring & Spatering Techniques
   
   Book offers new ways to create really dramatic, luminous landscapes especially with snow, water and even flowers. Author/painter keeps the promise of the book's title! Glad that I bought it.../pae



5. This book is set out clearly and attractively which makes you want to get going and try the methods suggested.