5 comments about Glitter and Doom: German Portraits from the 1920s (Metropolitan Museum of Art Publications).

1. This is a nice book an the subject. Nice large plates, a must for any good art book. That's it--if you like paintings from this genre buy it.



2. I saw the collection that the Met had last year of this artwork and it was just amazing. It was provocative and raw, and just incredible. I can't wait for the paperback to come out of this so that I can afford it.



3. Finally an excellent review of what the first World War did to German culture and psyche. This book lays it all out. Hitler was a logical consequence. Unfortunately the Western world did not pay enough attention to these portentious signs. The book has beautiful color reproductions, great detailed commentary on each artist featured and enaough historical commentary to make it all plausible.



4. This is the catalogue for a beautiful exhibition held at the Met last year. The paintings reproduced here are among the best examples of the New Objectivity, a movement that was able to depict the atmosphere, the soul, the world of the Weimar Republic, that brief time span when pre-war Germany enjoyed freedom in the arts and in the minds. These gripping paintings show how ultimately doomed that world was and how the artists were the first to sense the tragic developments that were to succeed it. The front cover, a detail of one of Christian Schad's best known paintings, is a perfect illustration of a society that seems to have enjoyed life knowing that death would come too soon, with the end of that joyful and poetic decadence that was the Berlin of the 1920's.



5. Twice viewed the exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum here in New York. German art in the 20s is raw, obscene and decadent. A raucus reflection on hard times there. They had just suffered WW1, in the midst of fascism, insane inflation, etc.
   Highlight: Otto Dix is a wild artist, forever a favorite now. Also a DaDa artist.
   I am a frequent art museum visitor. Therefore, in my opinion, this catalogue did the show great justice which is not aways the case.

5 comments about Living Colors: The Definitive Guide to Color Palettes Through the Ages.

1. This book is an incredible reference for color theory and history. The inclusion of full panels of color reference make it one of the most useful books on the subject I've ever found.



2. I am in fashion design and have found the color palettes very useful in designing collections. Also, the text is informative without being boring.



3. I'm a graphic designer and this is a great book to look for color palettes. It explains what period the palette is from and gives you cultural information from that period. The palettes are different and beautiful. Margaret Walsh is a highly respected woman for her color knowledge.



4. The dual spiral constuction of this book makes any it practically impossible to read through the text while keeping the color swatches in view. I find the book to be shabbily put together - the spiral separated from the binding after one gentle use, so I was glad to have picked it up at a bargain book outlet.

   There is some useful information in there, but getting it all together is not simple.




5. This is an excellent book if you want to compare and analyze the basic color palettes used by various art movements and at different times in history. The unique double spiral bound book allows you to look at color illustrations and flip the palettes independently so you to compare and contrast palettes and artwork. I think this would be useful for artists and designers of all sorts including theatre designers.

4 comments about On Location - Plein Air Painting In Pastel.

1. If you are inspired by nature but feel overwhelmed with information when you reach your painting site, then you must read this book. Richard McDaniel shows you how to see the structure behind the landscape. He presents you with a logical sequence of steps that allow you to focus on the important features without getting bogged down with details. The author describes his approach with precision and clarity. The examples of works in progress also help solidify your understanding by allowing you to virtually see the paintings come alive. There are also countless helpful hints for keeping yourself on track, like implementing practical organizational skills and working on value studies in the studio.
   This is a great book. I'm still applying the lessons I've learned from it and I can see a definite improvement in some of my paintings. Thanks, Richard.



2. This beautifully executed book is not just for pastels. I use it for watercolor painting. The colors and layering are similar. Many, many breathtakingly beautiful artwork in this book. His work is excellent. If you aren't afraid to use deep, rich colors in your artwork, this is a very good book for ideas. I can't say enough about the use of color in this book. It is exquisite.



3. The paintings, text, color schemes in this beautiful book are exactly to my taste, as are his other books. I even bought his great american pastel set to go along and am fired up to go paint- not easy to get me motivated but I am now!



4. As beautifully written as painted, this book "On Location" makes me want to paint in pastel even though I am a die hard oil painter of 25 years. Richard McDaniel will undoubtedly be recognized as one of the leading painters working on location in this era of plein air painting. As a painter he brings to the art world well composed, drawn, and executed works of art and yet never loses his sense of artistic touch in the delicate balance between bold color, subtle nuance and overlay upon this sound structure. What is all the more remarkable is his sense of paint, his touch and "brushwork" is as fresh, creamy and alive as any oil painter using the alla prima technique.
   
   As a writer his skills match his range in drawing and painting with his ability to interpret, explain and diagram his method to others... no easy task. This text is richly illustrated and also organized with logic and layout, it shows a thorough understanding of the subject and a clear mind at work carrying the reader from one point to the next. Ideas flowing, the text is a reference book of information and far more than just a simple "how to".
   
   I have seen all the great works of plein air painters of the past through exhibits in the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, Metropolitan, Terra and the National Gallery during Carter Brown's era. Very few works by contemporary artists' stand up to my scrutiny on mental comparison to these works in touch, color, composition and technique as well as Richard's work. Any student or professional could benefit by adding "On Location" to their library and studying and reflecting upon this man's work.

5 comments about The Sierra Club Guide to Sketching in Nature, Revised Edition.

1. I was looking for a book to go through all aspects of nature sketching and journaling. This is the book! I have lended the book out to other sketch artists and they found it very useful as well. Lots of pointers on different types of sketching and FANTASTIC illustrations. It it worth purchasing just for the illustrations alone. I would recommend this book to ANYONE who is interested in sketching nature.



2. I loved this book. I am a beginner and it was an excellent resource.



3. I am a novice artist and need all the tips and help I can get. This book is a big help and I refer to it frequently.



4. This book provides a tremendous amount of information on sketching in nature but don't let the title fool you- this is a terrific general sketching and drawing book. Johnson covers topics that are rarely covered in other books. The use of pens, watercolors, pencils and colored pencils (both water soluble and not) are covered. This is an invaluable book and is an asset to both the beginner and more advanced student. I'm on Amazon right now trying to find other books by Cathy Johnson- I'm that impressed.



5. This is a very refreshing book. Cathy Johnson not only makes it look easy to draw and paint loose, yet accurate, watercolor sketches outdoors, but she tells you everything you need to know. This book will actually teach you how to draw and paint what you see, without making things overly complicated. Best of all, her supply list is well within the means of most people. I really enjoyed this book, and learned a great deal from it. This summer, I caught Lyme disease. It's nasty. For months, I could hardly walk, let alone hike and garden and do stuff I used to love. But Cathy's book has helped draw me back outside, and I'm learning to love nature all over again, one leaf, flower, and bug at a time. This book would make a great gift.

5 comments about Thomas Kinkade: Paintings of Radiant Light.

1. Real Review:
   The reviewers below (the ones who get to harsh on Kincaid's art work) are just envious because they don't know how to paint at all, and because they are not making millions of dollars in the end. Beautiful art does not have to be in the major museums of this great nation, they can just be sold anywhere and be in minor museums. The true public who decides whether the art is good or not is the People (the masses), and not the snobby elite who only go with one protocol (which for the most part is so biased). Second, this art has been mentioned on TBN in where his work is admired and respected.
   ------They even had a nice show on him not that long ago (for the holidays-i believe it was Thanksgiving) which explained to the viewers that his art has a hidden Christian message in it.
   ---I have seen his art, and it is excellent. It has detail. I don't have to be an art critic, etc., or even a painter-either pro or amateur, i know when i see good art and this is it. It is perfect, warm, beautiful, and inspiring, etc., whatever comes to mind to and for anyone, but in the end everything is simply positive, and that is the way things should be.
   ------Art should inspire happiness in one as well as warm feelings about life, and family.
   -----I have a masters degree in education, and i know when i see beautiful things in life and Thomas Kinkaid's work is a work of art, etc.
   -----Thomas Kincaid paints and knows how to do it, while his critics below (may not be blessed with a God given ability).
   Thomas Kincaid is the (Johanne Verhmeer) of America. If anyone meets this artist, get him to paint you a live portrait (pay him thousands for one), something original, it will be worth it!



2. Ah, Thomas Kinkade's "art" -- an oxymoron if one ever existed. While Thom can take comfort in his fortune, his millions will never buy him what he truly seeks -- The respect of the art community. Nope, Kinkade's kitch will never grace the walls of a major museum or art gallery (unless of course he happens to own the place). Instead, his mass-produced, brass-plated monstrosities can found at a mall near you. It's the fine art of "collecting" for the art-ignorant -- people who can't wait to dump their kid's college funds on an over-priced "limited edition" reproduction from a professional marketer. Those of you that have a Kinkade numbered art-product hanging over your Levitz sofa may like this book. Those with taste in art, run -- run fast.



3. This work is healing in the same way a butterscotch sundae is healing...feels good...but no substitute for excellence..for substantive work.For artists in this genre(representational beauty/landscape) see Gustav Baumann or the work of photographer Christopher Burkett(once you see this mans work..Kinkaides will appear as primitive in concept, execution,and emotional investment as a childs paint by number set!!)



4. This book is a bit pricey but is absolutely marvelous. Thomas Kinkade is one of the premier artists today and this book is full of his incredible work along with Kinkade's insightful comments about the idea behind each work. The book is divided into various sections: Gardens, cities, cottages etc that add a nice touch and make it easier to find a print. In addition, there are a couple of prints that fold out to larger size as they are bigger than the page allows. If you love Kinkade's work then I think you will love this despite the high price tag.



5. I recently received this book in my home and was just totally mesmerized by the beautiful artwork; I couldn't put the book down. You could not possibly pick a favorite amongst his works; I just love them all. To me personally, his works make me appreciate God's beauty all around us, gives me a calming feeling when I am hit by hard times which I am personally going through now, and I could just go on and on about this magnificant painter! Whenever I feel sad or upset about something, I just look at this works and a smile comes across my face, making me feel like things will get better and everything is all right with the world! I highly recommend anything by this man! You will never regret purchasing anything by him. It is definitely money well spent.

5 comments about Trompe L'Oeil Sky and Sea.

1. For the lover of sky and sea, this is an excellent book! It inspires the creative mind to create beautiful murals. Her explanation/instructions of cloud shapes will improve the quality of your mural work instantly. She explains the use of color with step by step photos. Also I like the perspective on beach scenes...such as, 'this is a view of a palm tree from below', thus helping you to paint murals on walls or ceilings creating a realistic effect. If you are interested in painting ceiling murals with clouds, this is definitely the book to buy. I would say it leans towards the intermediate plus student but a beginner would enjoy it also...urging him to become better!



2. This book is an excellent how to for the mural artist in training. The authors explain composition as well as technique. Illustrations are to the point. It is an excellent teaching book.



3. This is an excellent book for learning techniques for painting both sky and sea. Insightful for the beginner with tips about what qualities and subject matter make a Trompe L'Oeil painting both believable and timeless.



4. If you are a mural painter, you will gain a lot of knowledge from this book. It has many step by step instructions along with photos of completed work. I particularly liked the instructions on painting water.



5. I'm glad I bought this book. It has beautiful artwork and gives me ideas for my house. It also explains how to bring the room into the painting so that it looks like you could walk into the painting.
   
   The only thing that I didn't like about the book is how they refer to murals that are not illusionistic as 'naive art'. That bothered me because everyone has their own style of painting and not every mural is meant to look like you can walk into it. It was kind of a pompous remark in my opinion.
   
   Overall, the book has beautiful paintings, a lot of information on how they did the paintings, and is very inspiring.

3 comments about Capturing the Moment in Oils.

1. I first saw this book in the library and was so impressed with it that I just had to purchase a copy for myself. David Curtis has a truly wonderful ability to paint beach scenes with such startling clarity that I enjoy looking at them all so much. His work with oils is brilliant and this book has to be in any painter's collection.



2. Capturing the Moment in Oils....by David Curtis is a lush, lovely book depicting the painter's beautifully executed oils. Certainly he knows his stuff when it comes to painting, but this book, unlike his previous one, is woefully short on showing the painting process and long on descriptions of place and thinking. I was truly disappointed that there weren't demonstrations and sequential photos of at least a few of the paintings in progress. Buyers should know that this is more of a coffee table book than a treatise for the artist.



3. I admire Mr. Curtis mastery of outdoor painting, and it wasn't long before I decided to get this book. Strong compositional sense and an incredible ability to convey the light and mood of the subject in a realistic yet painterly manner would define his style. He paints "on the spot" but may occasionally complete a painting in the studio, while still retaining a spontaneous quality.
   
   With the title "Capturing the Moment in Oils" one would expect a book about alla prima painting and indeed, the instruction has a lot to do with different plein-air settings and the "one-hit" brushstroke approach (with no subsequent modification) that Curtis shares with other Masters like Richard Schmid. The downside is that the author doesn't go much into detail about the fundamentals (values, edges, color...well, mileage is important too) that are needed to get this "one-hit brushstroke" right. And you must be warned: this book has little information about how a beginner can get started, nor does it feature any picture of the artist materials or him while painting. Just his paintings, mostly landscapes and seascapes ones, which IMO gives the book a nice sober look. It's quite short of step-by-steps too. If you rely on the product description from the publisher, you may be in for a surprise.
   
   The text still has a lot of useful and interesting insights; it features a nice discussion about how to start a painting and it even deals with glazing, which the artist considers as an additional tool to succeed in achieving the results you're aiming for. I do enjoy benefiting from Curtis expert guidance and read about his own ways of approaching things; you just need to know that the instruction is not as focused and thorough as it could have been...no big deal; still very useful as I said before. Overall, this is a good practical guide about David Curtis equipment and how he uses it in the course of a painting. In fact, this book reminds me a lot of his watercolor book, which I also recommend nonetheless for its gorgeous gallery of moody watercolors.
   
   To sum up, I would say that the Art generously displayed in this book is masterful and highly inspirational but if you are completely new to painting, you may need a more thorough basic instruction. Anyway, the book is very pleasant to flip through and is worth buying solely for the artwork. It is a great addition to the serious landscape painter library.

5 comments about First Steps Painting Acrylics (First Step Series).

1. I like this instructional book very much. It has a lot of information about the products needed to paint with acrylics and good ideas too. I just wish I had more time to use the book! I'm soon starting a new art class, Life Drawing. Perhaps I will be able to use some of my new knowledge to create a masterpiece!



2. This book like so many so-called beginner's acrylics books follows the usual pattern: a chapter on materials (this book's section is rather sketchy) and then an immediate huge jump into technique. Right after the sketchy materials section the author devotes a chapter on composition before getting into technique. The technique chapter is not very helpful; it shows you a catalog of the results of various techniques but provides no real help in how to achieve them. On the plus side the paintings shown (and there are lots of them) are appealing to me; however, I after reading the book I wouldn't have the slightest chance of even making a faint resemblance of them.
   
   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.



3. I love this book. It is very good for the beginner-----and I mean for someone who has never picked up a brush. I have really enjoyed it.



4. I purchased three books about acrylic painting and find this book to have the best instruction and information of the three. I would reccommend this book.



5. Not a lot of information in this book (i.e. 'tiny lines must be drawn with an inky or soupy like substance'. However the book does not tells you how to get this substance. Water, a medium or what and how much?).
   
   Much book space has been spent on showing paintings.

5 comments about Photoshop Studio with Bert Monroy: Digital Painting (Voices That Matter).

1. As T. J. Riley said, some of the material in this book does look a lot like what's been presented in past issues of Photoshop User, and for a long time subscriber, this book may not be anything special. I do seem to recognize some of the techniques. Yet, it's still a useful compilation. The wonderful examples are inspiring. The example workflow is solid. And, it doesn't hurt to have a series of disconnected tutorials compiled, and coordinated along a theme. As a long time NAPP member and consequently a subscriber to Photoshop User, I wouldn't say that the book is a revelation but it is useful and it never hurts to go over a technique or two that I don't use often again. It also never hurts to feel like I'm looking over the shoulder of a master displaying his craft, and Bert Monroy is a master, not only of Photoshop but also at teaching it. If you're interested in Photoshop as a painting tool, you could do a lot worse than getting this book.



2. If one word sums this book up its "Amazing". Some other reviews say it is a rehash and I can't address that, but if this is the first of his books you have read it is very well done. His work is unbelievable. You swear you are looking at a photograph. His techniques are easily explained and the reference pictures are perfect for the material. It is a quick read. There are also downloadable pdf files that go into more detail but the book stands on its own to me. Great Work!!!



3. Once again, Burt has hit a home run. This book takes you through some of his methods of creating portions of his art in his projects. There is some repetition to his other books, but who in this world of digital art can't use a little refresher on certain things once in awhile.
   
   I highly recommend this book to anyone that wants to move up to another level of using Burts' ideas not only in Photoshop, but also Illustrator and how they work hand in hand to save you time and yet increase your knowledge in both.
   
   HollywoodBob



4. When TechTV and the Screen Savers were around I always looked forward to the segments with Bert Monroy doing a Photoshop tutorial. So, when I had the opportunity to review his new book, Photoshop Studio with Bert Monroy: Digital Painting, I jumped at it.
   
   The book may not be what you'd expect. It was not what I expected. It is not a book of traditional how-to lessons, although you will learn how to improve your Photoshop skills. Instead, it is a book by an artist describing the process he goes through in creating his digital paintings. This process not only includes how he made a table cloth with a particular pattern on it, but also going out and taking the right photographs for reference.
   
   In his Introduction Monroy explains how the book started as the traditional how-to book, but he was encouraged by several people to make it about how he paints and works. This decision was made after he started writing the book. As a result, the how-to chapters are available online as a downloadable bonus. Directions for accessing these chapters are in the book.
   
   The beginning of the book describes Bert's process for starting a painting, finding reference materials, and how he determines lighting in a painting.
   The book then moves on to its heart, the paintings. There are seven chapters describing the process of creating seven different paintings. Each chapter contains descriptions of how to achieve the same effects in your paintings.
   
   The end of the book contains a chapter full of tutorials. These tutorials might be considered your traditional how-to section of the book.
   Overall, this is a fantastic book that presents digital painting in Photoshop in a very creative way. As an artist and an art teacher, I really enjoyed reading the process and thinking that went into these paintings and other painting Monroy works on.
   
   The book is not for the Photoshop beginner. It will not teach you how to use Photoshop. In fact, it assumes that the reader is familiar with Photoshop and many of the tools.
   
   At a price of $[...] (U.S.) it does seem a bit pricey. I would be more inclined to purchase a book like this at the $[...] range. However, if you are a digital artist and a Bert Monroy fan, and you want to drop $[...] down on a book; you won't be disappointed.
   
   MyMac.com rating: 4.5 out of 5
   Originally Published at: [...]



5. I sorry Monroy fans. Although Bert's books have certainly been influential. This one, is a rehash of old tricks and just a few new ideas to pepper the pages with incongruent images. The tips and tricks are enough for the uninitiated but can be found in backdated pages of Photoshop magazine and other adobe branded periodicals. Save you time, save your money. That is unless you would like to buy my copy...
   
   T.

5 comments about How To Paint Flames (How-To).

1. I bought this book for my brother since he paints flames on cars as a hobby. He was THRILLED to receive this book. He said it will really help him fine-tune his skills.



2. This really does show you how to paint flames and in lots of styles. Well worth picking up if this area interests you.



3. This is a very inspirational book! great tutorials and very nice information about some general fields in custom painting. If you feel you like some flame works, you'll find this book leads you to flame almost anything around you... BEWARE! maybe you never stop!
   
   I suggest to read this book together with "How to paint your car" also from Motorbooks, this one first because maybe you'd like to start with some nice graphics before putting yourself on a whole car painting job.



4. If you want a great overveiw of how to apply flames, this is the book. If you want to learn how to apply flames, this is the place to start. It gives detailed instructions, materials, and brand names, so you get started right, and getting started right gives you a great base for gaining expearance.



5. The best instructional book I have ever read regarding Flame design, inspiration and how-to. It covers every aspect there is in the world of flamework; from traditional flames,wall-of-flames,realistic and ghost flames. Not only does it give you an in-sight into the world of creativity but gives a step-by-step guide to all products used and why they are used. In a nutshell, if you are considering the thought of customising Mom's shopping wagon, this book is for you!!!