2 comments about Caspar David Friedrich.

1. This should be considered indispensable to anyone interested in this artist, Romanticism, or landscape painting in general. As well as offering a carefully considered account of the artist's life and work, the text is careful to separate the myths that have grown around some of these paintings, carefully placing the artist within the context of his own time and covering the manner in which these images have been misappropriated up to the present day.
   
   Above all, this is the most thorough and best-reproduced representation of this artist's work I have seen to date, containing not only every single painting I have seen from other studies of the artist, but also several I encountered here for the first time. I doubt this will be equalled (let alone surpassed) for many years to come.



2. Werner Hofmann's new monograph on Caspar David Friedrich benefits from superb colour reproductions as well as Hofmann's own discursive brilliance.

   Selections from Friedrich's letters are a neat fit, bowing to the idea that his transcendental painting ultimately eludes scholarly discourse.

   This book lands with authority, passion, and a keen sense of the vistas of silence that Friedrich communicates to admirers everywhere.

   A bargain. Snap it up if you come across it...

5 comments about Techniques of the Great Masters of Art (A QED Book).

1. Other reviewers have given this book five stars and rightly so but I thought they didn't quite reveal how good it is.
   
   Don't be put of by the words Great Masters in the title, it actually covers artists from the Old Masters (1300-1860) Impressionists (1860-1905) and Modern Masters (1905-1980). A hundred paintings, in color, from seventy-seven artists are considered and each work gets the same treatment, for instance Roy Lichtenstein's 'Whaam!' gets two spreads. The first page has a small photo of the artist and about three hundred words regarding his painting technique, this text relates to seven small line drawings and captions revealing how he worked. The right-hand page has a picture of Whaam! and a preparatory black and white drawing, both have long captions. The next spread has four life size details of the painting (each with a simple thumbnail of the work to show where the detail comes from) and again long captions explaining techniques and the materials used.
   
   It is the life size illustrations that, to me, make this book special. There are plenty of visual art history books, my favorites are the Phaidon series: The Art Book, The 20TH Century Art Book and The American Art Book, all bursting with whole page works of art but it is only when you can see a lifesize close-up of the work (plus a detailed caption) that things somehow start to fall into place and a greater appreciation is acquired. There is something special in looking at part of Henri Rousseau's 'The Dream' or Frank Stella's 'Hyena Stomp' and knowing that you're seeing part of the painting the same size as these artists created it.
   
   Apart from looking at art techniques (and history) in a rather unusual way another reason I love this book is because it is beautifully designed and printed. You can use it as a reference work or just browse through some stunning paintings and understand them and their creators more.
   
   BTW It originally came out in 1985 and it seems there are various reprints so I think it's worth checking the page numbers to see that you buy the complete book. This edition has 541 pages plus another eighteen unnumbered pages at the back. There are three sections to the book (Old Masters, Impressionists and Modern Masters) and I believe each section has been published as a single book.
   
   
   ***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.



2. This is one of the most exciting books on the history of art in combination with the technique of great masters that you can come across. Richly illustrated and covering a wide range of artists, this book does not merely give a biography of the artist and an example of his works. Its attraction lies in the fact that one painting of each artist is analysed in detail including sequence of painting, materials and techniques used from the start to finish with some good close-ups and analysis. This is a rare book which brings actual clarity to the reader who may be eager to learn as to how certain effects were achieved by many masters, while at no time erasing the mystique associated with the masterpieces. It has the potential to greatly accelerate the learning curve of an intermediate painter while remaining of value even to the pro. Rich, stimulating, good value for money and a treat in all respects, this book will be near the top of the chart of your favorites in its category, if not numero uno.



3. This book looks at art history from the point of view of the practicing artist instead of the art historian. As such, it is an excellent companion to books such as Gardner's "Art Through the Ages". Very good read.



4. This is a superb book, well laid-out, with many excellent reproductions and an informed text. In a perfect world, there would be many books like this, not just a few.



5. Here is a book for the serious art student as well as the accomplished artist. Had this book been available when I was in art school, I know my development would have been much easier and faster. I gain much from it every time I study this book , which is quite often.

3 comments about My Art, My Life: An Autobiography.

1. On a visit to Mexico City I saw this book at a store attached to a museum
   depicting some of the work of Diego Rivera, the Mexican mural painter. I
   promptly bought a paper - back copy of the book though at a greatly inflated price charged by the store.
   
   Gladys March, an American journalist, commenced interviewing Rivera in 1944 for this book but it was not until a final manuscript had been checked by Rivera shortly before his death in 1957, that the book was finally published in 1960. She has done a superb job in writing the book as though it were an autobiography in Rivera's own words. An absolutely
   fascinating 'extra' is the Appendix which recounts statements made by Rivera's four wives and/or live-in companions.
   
   I strongly recommend the book to anyone who admires Mexican mural painting
   and would like some knowledge of its supreme artist, Diego Rivera.



2. This book is a mixture of fact and fantasy, the real real and imagined world as conjured by the mind of Diego Rivera as told to Gladys March. The invention of facts, the fabrication of the bits of truth to create a colorful story are the result of a newspaper interview that flourished into a series of interviews over many years. Beginning in 1944 and continuing until his death in 1957 Gladys March spent several months each year collecting over 2000 pages of notes that eventually formed the basis of this book. As another customer reviewer stated this is not the place to start when you reading about the life of Rivera since the lines between fact and fiction are blurred at best. A more accurate picture can be found in "dreaming With His Eyes Open" by Patrick Marnham. If you have a foundation in the life and times of one of the great Mexican artists than this book reflects a colorful and imaginative mind. The brillance of his art aside Diego reveals himself and makes no excuses for the parts of his pesonality that are less than desireable. He talks about his experiment in cannanbilsm, witchcraft, his blaphemous treatment of religion and the church, the communist party, his relationships with world leaders, artists and women, his advetures in Europe, the United States and Mexico, his troubles and ills , including his bout with cancer of the penis and in general the things that made his life as large as his physical presence. A very entertaining book that is easy to read because each small chapter deals with an extensive period of his life. All in all this is a good book to compliment other books on Rivera to get an even more accurate but distorted view of his brilliance. Included are several pictures and paintings from throughout his life. The man , the myth and the artist are here for you to decipher the truth and paint your own picture.



3. If you have not yet read anything about the life of Diego Rivera, don't start with this book. While Rivera's re-imagining of his life is riveting, it is merely one more tall tale. Rivera is known for many talents, however, sticking to the truth is not one of them.

   If you already have a solid background in the artists life, then by all means read this book to get a sharper insight into his mental inner-workings!

5 comments about How I Paint: Secrets of a Sunday Painter.

1. The editorial review is right in stating this is more of an inspirational book than anything. There are a few sections of the book where Buechner gets into enough detail that it can be put to use by the reader, but they are in the minority.
   
   Look at the table of contents, then realize that nearly all the discussion in the book carries minimal technical depth. It is NOT an instruction book or tip book - it's a few interesting paintings accompanied by the meanderings of a talented painter.
   
   If you like Buechner or his work and want the book for that reason, it's a great book with a handful of insights as a plus. If you want the book because you're an aspiring artist and it's been recommended to you - everything here is covered elsewhere again and again, but in far more depth.



2. This is a terrific book, and I own many many instructional art books. It is worth buying for the illustrations of his pictures alone. There is much to be learned from this book, I recommend it highly.



3. This is the best art book I've bought. I love it. Inspiring and informative, it goes through many techniques such as glazing and scumbling in a helpful and achievable way. For the serious art student, I can't recommend it enough. The author presents his material in a clear and easy to understand manner and his writing is encouraging and helpful.
   I always put off portrait painting because it seemed so difficult but this book changed my whole perspective. I would recommend it to any struggling or hesitant portrait painter. It's gotten me a lot more serious about my art.
   I also have to say that I found the writing style clear and easy the follow. The author doesn't pontificate or put himself on a pedestle and for such a good artist to want to share his learning after a life time of painting, is one of the things that makes this book so good.
   Some books you read and give away and others you keep and continue going back too. This is a keeper. I'd give it 10 stars if I could.



4. Thomas Buechner has written a fine book. The Sunday Painter in the subtitle might make you think this artist is an amateur who paints only occasionally. Actually, he is very professional and now a full time painter after retiring from his career as director of several museums. He conveys to his readers the secrets of layered painting in oils as opposed to alla prima, all-in-one-session painting. He really opened my eyes to the beauty of glazes and scumbling, letting previous layers show through to mix their effects in the eye of the viewer. His insights into atmospheric perspective are unique in all the books I have read and are themselves worth several times the price of this book. This book has expanded my understanding and helped me paint much more vibrant paintings than before. Thank you Thomas Buechner.



5. I had been referred to this book by a female artist friend of mine a week before I wrote this review when she left to attend a workshop by the author in New York. I got my hand on this book a few days later and finished it (not in one sitting) in about two days.

   This is more of an inspiration than techniques book. A very enjoyable book, indeed!

   Although the author does cover the WHAT's and HOW's (along with the WHY he paints) in his book, his techniques are presented in a way that, perhaps, is more appreciated by professional artists than starters. Specifically, the author briefly presents his techniques in just one page/painting in average. Several technique demos are presented, and they are very good. If one needs to be spoonfed on every technique in oil painting, this is NOT the book to look for them. A lot of techniques he mentioned in the book can be found elsewhere. The author does provide a (long) reference citation for further reading.

   What is so good about this book, instead, is the inspiration and humbleness that I feel when reading his book. Born in 1926, only began painting full time in 1987 (at 61 years of age) even though having done most "art-related" jobs since 1945, and still painting, his book is simply a natural outcome of this lifelong artist.

1 comments about Dialogues With Marcel Duchamp (Da Capo Paperback).

1. This interview with Marcel Duchamp by Pierre Cabanne provides clarity to the myth that surrounds Duchamp and his non art. Duchamp gave the interview about 2 years before his death. He answers directly and in context the meaning of his work and non work. Others books attempt to tell us not only what his production means but try to tell us what his words mean as well. This books makes clear that Duchamp did not like the art world (although he used it to his advantage), he did not like art that appealed to the eye, he did not make art, he amused himself making objects and he played games. Its an honest interview and needs no interpreters. You can understand the valve of this mans ideas and what they mean to current conceptual art. Or is it conceptual non art.

2 comments about Anne Vallayer Coster: Painter to the Court of Marie Antoinette.

1. One of the best books on an under-appreciated 18th century still life artist. The article by Eik Kahn is useful to fine artists and describes various approaches and outlooks from the period. The rest of the book is also well written and researched. It should be in every painter's library.



2. Exelent book with great ilustrations, simply a must for the people that loves still life paintings.

2 comments about Story Painter: The Life of Jacob Lawrence.

1. I used this book to do a a repot and a " Master Copy." which basically means i copied some of his work. It was an easy read that really explained his life to me with simple words. The pictures were big and colerful and really gave me the deatails.



2. This book not only offers a well-written, informative overview of Jacob Lawrence's life but also offers snapshots of historical events that were part of his times and of his people's past, which he recounted in his powerful paintings. The book uses Lawrence's art beautifully, showcasing its brilliance while also using it to help tell the often-compelling story of the artist's life; excellent opening quotes in each chapter (from various cultural figures throughout Lawrence's lifetime) also subtly enhance the meaning of the text. Worth it for the art reproductions alone, and a story that shows how an artist and a person can be an interesting product of culture, society, and innate genius.

5 comments about Airbrush Painting Techniques (Modelling Manuals).

1. I bought this book for the "building a silent compressor" portion alone. I had no idea where to start, and it was worth the price in itself just for that. I really didn't read the rest of the book. I don't paint models unless they are human ones, and that isn't in the book.



2. This book is able to teach new techniques that can help in your hobby's. It is easy to understand but ther are other book's that give more information to help you with your projects.



3. I am very happy to own this book which explains how to professionally paint human figures and aircraft with airbrush. Very important issue while modelling is using acrylic paint with and without airbrush. In this book you can find satisfactory explanations. If you want to be a professional model painter you must have this book.



4. The book has some good basic knowledge about airbrushing. I highly recommend it to any beginners like me that don't know how to use an airbrush.



5. The book is the regular Osprey size paperback with Beautiful full color Pictures Each chapter is mostly step-by-step pictures with some text.

   One chapter shows an airbrush being disassembled. Another is step-by-step on how to build your own silent compressor. One chapter has to do with mixing your own colors.

   The book seems to be more aim at general airbrush user instead of the scale model builder. I would have preferred more on thinning paints and setting pressures.

   I do not recommend it.

   The Testor's manual on plastic model building is more useful. It has a great chapter on troubleshooting and how to tell if the paint is too thick or thin, or if the pressure is too high or too low.

   I think the Kalmbach Books' Painting and Finishing Scale Models is the best value on how to paint.

   I'm still looking for a book that will help me become a better airbrusher.

2 comments about American Wilderness: The Story of the Hudson River School of Painting.

1. This book is a joke. These are the reasons: The author talks about how handsome an artist was instead of how he painted; he talked about what day an artist ate a boiled egg with whom (who cares; may be he ate a scrambled egg the next day) instead of more relevant events. May be this is why he subtitled the book: "The Story of the Hudson River School of Painting." The worst of all about this book is the pictures. They are small; 90+% are about or smaller than a post card. The pictures were badly reproduced, very dark, totally off-colors (when compare with other books), blur or messed as if they were printed 60-75 years ago when printing technology was still considered primitive. My husband, a very reputable artist in our area, said looking at the pictures were like looking at them under a half-moon night--can't see any details although you know they are landscape paintings--and that is all you can see. This book is also very small and has few pictures although this is not a problem if the materials (writing & pictures) are good. The only picture that is about average is the one on the cover. In short, this is the worst book about Hudson River School paintings I have ever bought.



2. A classic of the literature beautifully updated with absolutely superb illustrations. A "must" for anyone interested in the Hudson River School

2 comments about The Civil War Art of Mort Künstler.

1. This book by Mort Künstler is a very good and detailed books about the main characters and battles of the American Civil War. The illustrations of uniforms, arms and equipment are a valuable source and very helpful especially for Civil War enthusiasts and re-enactors.



2. I bought this as a gift for my husband and he is thrilled with the quality and artwork of the author. If you are a Civil war buff and into the artwork of the time you will be thrilled with this book. It is well worth the price. The artwork of the author is excellent as is quality of the reproduction in this book form. Just an awsome book in every way.