3 comments about Quick & Clever Watercolor Pencils.

1. I rate this higher than the previous reviewers because it fills a niche. It isn't a 12 page basic, how to use watercolor pencils booklet that comes with a starter kit. It also isn't a book that expects you to want to spend hours on a painting and only has examples for folks that can already draw and paint like pros. So, I suggest it as a mid-step on a beginner's route to the art.
   
   I do agree that the magenta is not a good color choice for the shadows, but each artist to their own taste. Suggestion: get a decent (or almost any) watercolor instruction book that includes shadows. There are much better and easy ways to mix VERY good and realistic shadows that will make your artwork look professional. The magenta detracts from the art in this book.
   
   Again, a good step between how to get pencil on paper and wet it in 12 basic steps - and how to do experienced art.
   
   Also, keep in mind that this book is not to show how to spend hours drawing, layering, blending, and reworking to end up with a realistic picture of nature. It is a way to make a sketchbook study in the field that you can then use back in the studio.
   
   PS. I'm a watercolorist, so my interest in watercolor pencils is not to sell the medium as artwork, but to get journal sketches down quickly and on the run in order to capture ideas. So, I think the book works JUST FINE for that.



2. Nothing quite fills me with ire much more than putting down some money for an art instruction book, and then I find out that it's a dud. Such was the case with British author Charles Evans' book, Quick & Clever Watercolor Pencils.
   
   I had spotted it in a catalog offering from an art book publisher, and decided, why not? I've been experimenting with the use of watercolour pencils for more than a decade now, and it's a medium that I like and enjoy. I enjoy using it because it's a very portable means of sketching -- all I really need a pad of paper that will handle getting wet, a bundle of pencils and brushes, and something to put fresh water in. A paper cup is good for that.
   
   As with most art books, this one follows the standard format -- an introduction by the artist, chapters on tools and techniques, materials, and the various ways to use the pencils and brushes to create washes, details, mixing colours and suchlike. The majority of the book is taken up by the projects that progress from fairly easy to progressively harder. Finally, there is an index.
   
   Each project has some new technique to offer. The earliest paintings are not much more than scribbling with a wash or damp brush run over it. Sometimes a waterproof marker is added to create some definition or a seabird trundling about.
   
   Now for the complaints about this book. Rarely does Evans let you see the work as a whole while it is in process. Instead, he just makes a close up on the pencil or brush or fingertip smudging away, and it makes it very difficult to get an idea of just where you're at in the painting. Too, there's a real lack of information in the chapters -- he blithely assumes that you already know what he's doing and how he got there without telling just how he did it. Now, I'm not asking for him to take me by the hand, but a little direction would have certainly helped.
   
   My biggest complaint is that he also assumes that you know what pencils and tools you're going to be needing for each project. Instead, he just tacks it on somewhere in the caption, and the poor artist is left to scramble about in the toolbox looking for the elusive item. By the time you find it, the damp area has dried, and now either the picture is ruined or you have to rewet everything. It slows the work down, and tends to kill any enthusiasm that the artist had to start the project in the first place.
   
   The colour choices that Evans makes are strange to say the least. Magenta occurs regularly, especially in one glaring example of a bridge, or in the shadows cast by trees. So too does manganese blue, a brilliant, chemical sort of blue that doesn't occur much in nature. Most of his style involves scribbling, but then he doesn't give any indication as to how much force or lightness is to be used either -- it's another fast way to wreck a project.
   
   Finally, the author's tone in his writing and instructions is annoying. It's patronizing, with a smug I know it all, and you better be grateful, you slag smarminess to him. By the time I was halfway through the book, I was ready to smack him.
   
   Summing up, while I do recommend this medium, this is not the book to find instruction in how to use it. Evans' smart-aleck attitude, tiny examples, and lack of skill at teaching shows from beginning to end, and this is not a book that I would recommend to anyone. My suggestion is to find some student grade paper, a tin of Derwent watercolour pencils, and some time to play and experiment on your own. You'll get more satisfaction that way.
   
   One and one half stars at best, and I'm being generous with that.
   
   Not Recommended.



3. this book initially looks interesting - nice cover and it has projects throughout and tips too, sadly the projects are poorly thought out and the tips are very poor. the book has nothing to offer, poor instruction and overall it won't help anyone not ever the most clueless beginner ! it would be hard to recommend this book to anyone.

No comments about Born Under Saturn: The Character and Conduct of Artists (New York Review Books Classics).

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

3 comments about Fetish Bubblegirls: Worldwide Bubblegirls photograffitis by TILT.

1. I thought there would be more to it, but naked women and tagged bodies is all I see. More power to Tilt for it, I have new ways to pick up women. But alas I'm married now so...
   
   But the art is great but,! The photos are good too, I did like some of the pictures. I forget how much it cost me, but if you have the money to blow go ahead and get it if you want. I did. But I have money to blow so.... =p



2. This book was a waste of money looked at 5 minutes and threw it in the TRASH,,girls are WAK not Hot at all...Couldnt even sport 3 quarter wood looking at that mess of a book, save your money for a Vivid Dvd..peace out real talk no lies....



3. it showcases my two favorite things in this world - graffiti and girls. combine the two, and you get graffiti on scantly dressed girls. i say son, does it get much better that this?... i think not. Flava!

2 comments about Fashion Design Drawing And Presentation.

1. This book has a few good ideas and is okay for a general reference but overall I think there are better books out there. I do not recommend this book - it is mostly fluff.



2. The book does not demonstrate how to use colors.

1 comments about 120 Japanese Prints CD-ROM and Book (Full-Color Electronic Design Series).

1. I've been looking for motifs to use in polymer and metal clays for jewelry, and this book has a stunning collection of faces. It also has several wonderful Hiroshigi's and Hokusai's (particularly and ocean wave I'm fond of). While I'm not sure that the designs will work out as transfers, the book is still enjoyable. I found several artists about whose work I was previously ignorant. Something new to contemplate.

5 comments about The Complete Colored Pencil Book.

1. Excellent artwork in the book. Don't judge the artwork by the cover, or even the back. OPEN IT, the work gets better.
   
   Don't let the title fool you either. The author/artist even says in his introduction that he is offering you a "...'GLIMPSE' into the versatile and vibrant medium..." He is basically wanting to show the reader that colored pencil can render high value artwork just as those created in oil. Just getting the recognition it deserves. So, that is where the artist/author is coming from.
   
   It is not a step by step book or how to draw book. He explains some techniques and gives alot of verbal information about each work presented in the book. He gives you things to think about when you start to approach your own projects, as would a college art instructor. But gives you the freedom to create your own and be an individual and expressive. Instead of step-by-step how to do the exact artwork in the book, he shows you how to do your own artwork, and inspires you to do so. Much of the work in the book is his, but he does show other artists work as examples as well. There are many subjects covered which is great. The best way to like this book and learn from it, is to really READ it and study it.
   
   He is guiding you, not holding your hand. So beginners, don't buy this book.



2. I've drawn casually for years, but when I finally got around to buying professional grade colored pencils, I wanted to learn specifically how to use them as a media. This was the first book I read on the subject, and it was a sore disappointment.
   
   The author is a good artist, but the book does very little actual teaching. As someone else mentioned, it shows a lot of pictures of artwork and tells that they were made using certain techniques, but it never shows how to do it yourself.
   
   What really bugged me was that there was a huge section just on the author's personal workshop--how he built it, what materials he used, even copies of the blueprints! How many casual art students are going to build their own studios, including tables and countertops and shelves and cupboards? It's obvious that the author is proud of what he did, and he has every right to be. But, he might have done well to write a separate book just on how to build and furnish your own studio, rather than wasting space he could have used to give instructions on how to draw with colored pencils.
   
   Between that and all the examples of artwork with no instructions, it really seemed like the book was written more to show off the author's accomplishments, rather than teaching new artists. It might be better being read by someone who already has plenty of experience with colored pencils, but I wouldn't recommend it for beginners.
   
   If you're looking for good instructional books, try "Drawing and Painting with Colored Pencils" by Kristy Kutch, along with "The Colored Pencil Solution Book" by Janie Gildow & Barbara Benedetti.



3. I always read the reviews before purchases and the very first one is as far as I got for this book. It said how great the book was and the person was speaking after purchasing a decent amount of books.
   
   Well if I read a little further I would have read the negative one saying this book offers nothing.
   
   
   THIS BOOK OFFERS NOTHING
   
   It is just eye candy and not very much of it. All you see are pencil pictures and comments about them. This book teaches you nothing. It doesn't even go over how to do anything!! It just shows you pictures of what it is it is showing ex: this is a sample of texture.
   
   Ok I knew that, but how did that happen? I wasn't looking for step by step although sometimes that helps out a lot.
   
   This book was a complete waste.
   
   Don't bother



4. This is one of the excellent books on Colored Pencil fine art.I have read or used nearly a dozen of such books.The author gives a nice balance between skills/techniques and the fine art aspects to develop masterly paintings.The text is simple and easy to follow.The author being a portrait artist, the chapter on portraits is well written and valuable.The art work and the illustrations are very instructive.
   I like the author not only exhibiting his own work, but a few selected paintings of well-known CP artists like Vera Curnow and Gary Greene.Another nice aspect is that the author does not endorse any particular brand of Colored pencils or support, thus commercialise book writing,as many authors do, but give sensible and technical suggestions.The book is a good buy for any serious CP artist.



5. I have a personal library of over twenty books on colored pencil and unfortunately, this is the weakest book I own on the topic. There is very little on technique and there is a general lack of substance. If you are looking for an overview on colored pencil, there are far better books available. One that comes to mind is Exploring Colored Pencil by Sandra Angelo. And if you are looking for technique or practical information this book simply doesn't cut it.

3 comments about Gustav Klimt: Landscapes.

1. Klimt has always been a problematic artist. In contemporary terms, he was a sell-out, but that hardly addresses the situation of a man good with the brushes a hundred years ago trying to make a bit more than a decent living for himself. That was the Nouveau years. The panels and friezes and commissions, the society portraits, the weird freaky paintings with all the gold paint. The man had great talent, and there's that reason that to this day you can buy prints and posters and postcards of his most famous paintings. I happen to own a "Die Kusse" night-light.
   
   It is terribly refreshing to own a volume dedicated to the man's landscapes. For the most part, these were paintings Klimt did for himself while vacationing with his friends in the summer months. They were not meant for sale. Often they were done in an audacious--for the time--square format. A few of the canvases are pretty tedious. But a great number are inspiring and terribly original. It's great to see the lot collected, and well-worth the look, not to mention purchase.



2. Klimt seems to be best known for his figuratives - any study of his work should include his landscapes. A very nice book with good color plates.



3. It is a pleasure to have access to these beautiful works, which are more frequently overshadowed by the attention given to images of people and mythic figures for which Klimt is best known. These landscapes are revealing of both the subject matter and of Klimt the artist as he probed the composition and colors of the places that intrigued him.

No comments about Francis Alys: Fabiola: An Investigation (Dia Foundation).

1 comments about Hokusai, First Manga Master.

1. Hokusai Manga is Katsushika Hokusai's 15 volume encyclopedia of casual drawings (man-ga) or loose sketches. The last two volumes were published posthumously.
   
   Rather than write an essay of why I think this is an excellent book, I'd like to just list some of the reasons:
   
   - Inside the US this is the only text (available in retail book stores) that devotes itself to Hokusai's Manga which is a shame because it is such a masterwork. Novelist James A. Michener wrote a book entitled "The Hokusai Sketchbooks" in 1958 but it is not in print anymore.
   
   - Both authors do a good job explaining the historical details of the Manga and Hokusai's possible inspiration. It would be nice to see more of Hokusai's own views but I understand they must difficult to come by.
   
   - The book consists of two introductory chapters by the authors and four chapters of selections from the Manga.
   
   - The sketches dominate the text which is the way it should be. The art can speak for itself.
   
   - I like the heavy paper the book is printed on and you definitely have the feeling you are holding a quality book. The weight of the paper also makes the drawings seem more like real prints.
   
   - The print quality of the art is excellent and you get the feeling they are sincere facsimiles of the originals in color and in texture.
   
   - The smaller size of the book is also very nice. I travel quite a bit and to lug around huge hardback tomes takes its toll on you.
   
   - Given my admiration for the paper, I'd still trade it for bible type paper to see more the sketches. They are marvelous.
   
   - I think you need to allow yourself to settle in and relax a bit whilst reading this as the subtleties of the drawings will tell you many stories.
   
   There are modern versions of the manga still being published in Japan but as far I can tell they are not sold in the US (Midwest).