3 comments about How to Draw Plants: The Techniques of Botanical Illustration.

1. I purchasd this book on the recommendation of someone who is a very experienced botanical illustrator. It has been very informative and goes into all aspects of this wonderful art. I will continue to use this book for reference while practising my plant illustration. I have not been disappointed in this book but rather amazed how much help it has been to me!



2. This book really has all you ever needed to know about botanical illustration - history, mediums, styles, scientific considerations, and more. A must for anyone going into this field.



3. This book focuses on technical drawing as the basis of botanical illustration. It brings together an understanding of plant structure with drawing technique as the keys to success.

   Selecting, preserving and examining plants is discussed. A variety of plant structures are shown in detail with the process of building up the drawing.

   Pencil, ink and scratchboard are the main media covered. The addition of color is presented in watercolors and acrylics. There are several beautiful color plates, some historical and some by the author.

   This is a book best suited to an artist with some experience. The wealth of technical information will provide the artist with a greater understanding of and proficiency in botanical work.

5 comments about Barlowe's Inferno.

1. When I saw this book and seen the reviews, I figured that it was just going to be "cool". Then when I finally got this in the mail I was completely overwhelmed by the imaginative visions that Barlowe puts into each of the paintings. Each picture is filled with detail and rich color. The captions get really in depth with what the picture stands for and which Demon is shown and when you think about it, it can be fairly creepy if this is what Hell was really like. Barlowe talks about making his way into the lowest reaches of Hell and bringing back the images to share with the world. The artwork in this book will completely blow you away.



2. This collection is basically Barlowe's visual interpretation of Dante's Inferno from The Divine Comedy. Each painting has a page of description pointing out the purpose and reason for every detail in the image. From a tortorous picture of Lillith, to the haunting painting of a minor demon riding on the backs of several tortoured souls held together with muck, they are each fascinating to examine. Like Dali and other fantastical artists, one can look at these paintings and see something new every time. The color work is fantastic, and in some paintings actually appears to be digital photography until one looks closer. A ver well-thought-out project, it is pleasing to see another side of Barlowe's intelligent work.



3. The book was not as good as I thought it was going to be. When I read certain passages of it at the bookstore I thought it was going to be a fictional narrative of a doomed person's experience in Hell. Instead it was more of an artists explanation about his paintings. The book still drew me in and made me think and feel about what Hell might be like. For this reason, the books ability to make me seriously think about Hell in a literal sense, I will give it four stars.



4. Wayne Barlowe has long been one of my favorite artists, up there with Bekinski and Giger. He has a real talent for pulling the viewer into his world, so that we can almost smell the sulfur. This and its companion piece Brushfire are my (current) favorite art volumes, as I seem to be in a very hellish phase right now. But even when I'm not feeling hellish, I'm in awe of Mr. Barlowe's talent. I love the texture of the worlds and characters, the deep, roaring, ash-filled atmosphere of the environs of hell he portrays. I am always inspired by his work.



5. Normally I am reserved in my reviews but this one stands out as an entity that deserves high praise. I had been researching visions of Hell for some years when this book came out. It was an exquisite find as the author's vision was finely detailed and provided a wealth of information. His Hell is different yet similar to Dore's vision which appealed to me. It is as if he took Dore's vision and placed his own ideas and concepts on top of Gustave's.

   This is highly recommended. The pictures are stunning and the text adds some nice thought as well. One reviewer wrote that he thought the souls looked to much like statuary and while I do agree with that criticism it is a minor quibble and is not always the case.

5 comments about My First Five Years - Fairy Edition (Baby Record Book).

1. the baby books is very cute! She will love to looks at it when she grows up to see what she did when she was little!!!



2. This is wonderful and everything I was looking for in a record book as a gift for a friend. I looked everywhere to find one that wasn't a scrapbook or only one year. Thanks



3. Best baby book ever, i have the same one for all 4 of my kids. love it!



4. i have purchased a different edition of anne geddes baby books, one for each of my four children, they are all beautiful and entertaining, this one is no exception, the envelope at the back for keep-sakes is different, but i like it because its large and holds more stuff



5. I bought this book for my daughther in law and while it is cute it is not really what I had hoped for. My main concern is that the "ring binder" doesn't close properly and it is flimsy. Was expecting a better quality product. Over all my daughter in law liked it (so she said) but I wouldnt recommend buying it for a gift.

4 comments about Texas Quilts and Quilters: A Lone Star Legacy (Grover E. Murray Studies in the American Southwest) (Grover E. Murrray Studies in the American Southwest).

1. I cannot exactly call my copy a coffee table book. I keep mine on the top shelf; because after reading it and looking at all of the beautifully photographed quilts, I think I would kill anyone who put a coffee ring on it. Excellent stories and descriptions from a well educated woman on the subject of quilts (and not only Texas ones!).



2. What a beautiful book about quilts and Texas! Kaylackie has done a wonderful job of weaving the stories of quilts into the history of Texas. The photos are gorgeous and the narrative is always interesting. This book should appeal to anyone who loves quilts and/or Texas. I'm buying several for Christmas gifts. Great job, ya'll!



3. What a wonderful legacy, Marcia Kaylakie has created a beautiful book capturing the Texas history and colour from all it's regions. The stories behind each carefully chosen quilt are well written and complimented with beautiful photography. Previous reviews of this work speak volumes, so it is was an easy decision to buy this book and I am not disappointed.This is a beautiful volume and to the author and her assistants, well done.
   I enjoy the fascinating stories mixed with the historical content,history can often be a 'dry' subject, but definitely not, in this case. I would recommend this book to all the quilters who love diverse stories and rich pasts. Enjoy......



4. A very readable from cover to cover photo book of quilts of yesteryear to quilts of today and all in the Lone Star State. Marcia Kaylakie defintely did her homework and reserached each quilt front, back and between the designs. Each quilt tells an amazing chronicle of the quilter and the who took the time to make a piece of history. This book makes a wonderful gift for yourself and your quilting friends for Christmas. I plan to put one my quilt table in my studio and buy 2 more for my quilter friends. Happy Holidays!

5 comments about The Sumi-e Dream Book: An Impressionist Approach to the Art of Japanese Brush Painting.

1. Its ok but I thought it was going to be more step by step and its not. Good book thow.



2. Very nice pictures and some good description on Sumi-e dreamjourney painting. However, as an artist looking for more detailed explanations on techniques, I was quite disappointed. If I was just interested in general ideas on this type of painting the book would be great, but as an artist I was disappointed in the way the material was presented. For example, loading the brush was glossed over.



3. This book might be interesting as some artistic approach to make paintings. the paintings are not bad. But they are not sumi-e. They are rather aquarelle, that mimics eastern paintings.
   IMHO the key thing, that makes Yolanda paintings look different is her technique of brushstokes, which are very typical to the western aquarelle school. The original sumi-e brushstrokes are based on brushstokes of chinese (well, and japanese as well) calligraphy, and this is one of the characteristics that variate paintings of differnt masters.
   
   Still, the book text is a good transcription of sumi-e/brush painting concept. Just for the painting examples I'd suggest to look at the works of the "original" artists.



4. 
   Being an afficionado of Chinese Brush painting, I was intrigued when I first saw this book. I'm not easily impressed by art books, and I've reviewed hundreds over the years, but this is one of those books that actually surprised me. It really is a dream for artists intersted in the brush painting of China and Japan. Here's why...

   Mayhall's style is both beautiful and spontaneous, and the imagery in this book is breathtaking. What is really refreshing about this book, however, is that it isn't just another *how to* brush technique book. While she does go into great detail on history, materials, technique, and subject matter, the artist puts you into the mindset of a Sumi-e artist. Rather than simply show her readers "how" to paint, Mayhall encourages them to begin their own journey into Sumi-e "dream" painting, and equips them with the knowledge necessary to find their own artistic voice. She states, "it is not only the subject that gives life to art, it is the spirit that is within the artist's genius." Well said!

   Material covered in this text includes:
   * Chapter 1 - A Brief History of Sumi-e
   * Chapter 2 - Studying the Dream Journey Painters of China and Japan
   * Chapter 3 - Starting on Your Own Dream Journey (tools, brush strokes)
   * Chapter 4 - Practicing the Four Gentlemen (bamboo, wild orchid, chrysanthemum, plum branch)
   * Chapter 5 - Beginning the Creative Process (incorporating the four gentlemen)
   * Chapter 6 - Learning Advanced Brush Strokes for Birds & Flowers (Yo birds, iris, hummingbirds & its flowers)
   * Chapter 7 - Internalizing the Three Essential Elements of Sumi-e (creativity, composition, color)
   * Chapter 8 - Planning the Journey (sketching, structure, Exploring new techniques, beginning your dream journey)
   * Chapter 9 - Dreaming (more ideas & demonstrations)
   * Chapter 10 - Enhancing Your Dream Paintings (calligraphy)

   If you're interested in the brush painting style of China and Japan, or would like to incorporate these techniques into your watercolor and/or ink painting, I recommend this book along with "Chinese Painting Techniques for Exquisite Watercolors" by Lian Quan Zhen... two excellent books to inspire you and bring your own artistic dreams to life.




5. As a long time friend and collector of Yolanda's beautiful paintings, I was overjoyed to see her latest book. I have found it to be not only well organized and illustrated but written in a style that is easily understood and followed. The inclusion of historical and contemporary works accompanied by poetic translations elevates the instructional format to a book to be cherished for its contribution to understanding the mysterious and ancient culture of Japan.

2 comments about Arts of Africa: 7000 Years of African Art.

1. 409 Pages, 11.25" x 8.75", Hardback, very nicely bound and published without a dustjacket. From the Grimaldi Forum Exhibition, Monaco, July 16th - September 4th 2005, Translated from Italian into English. Curator : Ezio Bassani. Published by Skira. Featuring the following chapters in the Ancient Art Section : Nubia, Nigeria, Nok, Igbo Ukwu, Ife, Tsode, Owo, Benin, Esie, Calabar, Bura, Sapi. Hundreds of superior items in full color covering ancient Nigerian sculpture, Dogon sculpture, African ivories and traditional African art, Figures, masks, bronzes and terracotta pieces. Well photographed, good quality paper and production. Highly Recommended.



2. The book is essentially an exhibition catalogue, but beautifully bound and presented. The book is broken up into a number of sections. Roughly 200 pages are devoted to ancient African art - things you may find only in museums or at high-end auctions, 50 pages are devoted to African ivories, and 100 pages are devoted to traditional African art - the types of art such as statues & masks most commonly associated with African art and collected in the last 150 years or so. There are also about 20 pages that describe the re-discovery of African art in Europe at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century.
   
   The quality of the pictures in this book is excellent. They are mostly full-page photographic quality pictures that give a fine appreciation of the works discussed.
   
   I'd recommend this book to serious African art enthusiasts looking to extend their reference book collection. This is a great catalogue of really high-grade African art with an expert commentary to accompany it. It could also be a nice coffee table book. Although it does serve as a survey of African art over 7000 years the book isn't set up as a narrative of African art. I think it would be less appropriate for those just starting out in African art - or looking for an overview.

No comments about Babeth Djian: Babeth.

5 comments about Three Millenium.

1. I haven't found a Royo art book I didn't like, but this is one of the best ones. He depicts harsh future worlds: some with machines, some with fallen angels, others with a "Planet of the Apes" theme. One of my favorite types is the kind with a mostly abandoned world, complete with the skeletons of buildings and torn yet sexy clothing of the women who still inhabit that world.
   
   His women certainly are sexy, but much more than that. The women suffer, but endure these future worlds, and often come out the stronger for it, making the illustrations more touching and powerful.
   
   There are also a few cover arts for futuristic space novels by Julie E. Czerneda, which also have strong women as depicted in Royo art.



2. This book will lead you into the future, as Royo sees it. It's dark, ice-cold, scary. Barren landscape, ruined cities, machine making love to astonishingly beautiful women; monkeys control humans. Fallen angels turned to stone, yet capable to make love to each other. The colors are grey, brown, green, which make the light even more vivid. The details are painstakingly taken care of - just like everything Royo makes. You will find women in this book (too) which you wish you'd meet in real life - if you're a guy, like me :)



3. Once again Luis Royo has created a world of wonder for his fans. Anyone who is a serious collector of his work should own this book. His imagination has created a world of the future that only pure talent could capture on canvas, and make us believe that Three Millenium may look just as he presents it. Incredible!



4. Wow! When I heard about Royo, I decided to look around for some of his work. When I bought this book I was delighted to see that my favourite picture, "The Announcement" was in it. The subtle blue in the eyes of the child are beautifully hypnotic. I personally enjoy drawing and I have to say Royo inspires me deeply. His blend of the female flesh with cold automatons is beautiful. What might seem like weird to individuals who look at this book, aesthetically, Royo has won my admiration because he is bold and different and that's what makes a unique artist.



5. Being a long time fan of Luis Royo's art work, I expected some of the same poses, same features and same colors in III Millenium. To my wonderful suprise, he has taken a dip in the deep end of his talents and emerged with fantastic, horrific and touching artwork. He is, without a doubt, a master at his craft and transmits feelings to the viewer that are like a raw slap in face. For those of us who appreciate fine art, there is no comparison.

3 comments about Modern Masters Volume 15: Mark Schultz (Modern Masters (TwoMorrows Publishing)).

1. I've been a fan of Mark Shultz for many years now. I was first taken with his work when at an art demonstration, I watched him magically wisp his brush of ink across paper and turn a few flicks of the wrist into a beautifully rendered background. Since then, I have collected all of his Xenozoic Tales comics and have bought his "Various Drawings" collections. If you don't have any of his work, this is a great place to start. It covers a huge amount of his work and reproduces not only his black and white work for Conan, Aliens Vs. Predator, Cadillacs and Dinosaurs, and many others, as well as several color reproductions reproduced on a thicker glossy paper than the rest of the book. The interviews with Shultz are interesting and some of the work, even after collecting much of his published work, I've never seen.



2. Mainly the art is Cadillacs and Dinosaurs,(of course)but there's plenty of other goodies here as well. Check it out.



3. After picking this up yesterday I was very surprised by the books' choices of art to be displayed. We have early efforts all the way up to recent studies, designs and finished drawings. The interview is enaging and the artist is quite candid. His struggles with the medium, meeting deadlines and the heartbreak of having to set your heart's desire aside to earn a living are all very well presented from the artist's perspective. The heartbreak is not a sob story but an underlying thing, a private thing that is not worn on his sleeve. Economics and art are often at odds with one another and Mark Schultz makes a valiant effort to keep driving himself to projects that are rewarding to his artist's and storyteller's soul, like his current scripting of Hal Foster's Prince Valiant drawn with expert passion by his friend and series creative heir, Gary Gianni (another artist worth seeing to believe). To note the incredible changes in his style over the years as well as his passion for old school illustration and adventure themes is obvious. But there's also a very contemporary man there. He focused on the results of human arrogance long before Global Warming became a headline with his very evocative comic series Xenozoic Tales. He portrayed a world wounded and on a glorious but also dangerous, and very primal, rebound, where human's survived the global cataclysm only to find itself living on a precarious edge and very much smaller in number. This series is my all time favorite and I hope the day comes when he can return to it. How ironic is it that such a timely story has no one willing to publish it regularly?
   Another treat is to see some of his full page, color, reproductions of his paintings for the now defunct, Wandering Star's publication of Conan of Cimmeria Vol. 1 (of 3) collecting Robert E. Howards original Conan stories of the northern barbarian who adventures in the jaded south and eventually becomes the king of ithat world's most powerful kingdom, Aquilonia. There are also vignettes as well as full page brush and ink drawings represented from that same volume, in this collection.
   This volume of Modern Masters is the diamond of the lot, and that's not taking away from previous volumes. The entire series is a must for all artists, comic fans and readers as well as the casually curious who never, or, no longer read comics.
   Of course, my opinion is that you start with Volume 15.
   Also, check out the high production books from publisher John Flesk featuring Mark's work in three volumes titled "Various Drawings".

No comments about Georgia O'Keeffe and the Camera: The Art of Identity (Portland Museum of Art).