No comments about Color Design Workbook: A Real World Guide to Using Color in Graphic Design.

5 comments about The Paintings of Joan Mitchell (Whitney Museum of American Art).

1. If you're looking for a book on Joan Mitchell's vivacious abstracts, this is as good a place to start as any. In 2002, ten year after Mitchell's death, the Whitney staged a comprehensive exhibition of her work. This book was published to coincide with that exhibition. The colour quality of the illustrations aren't bad; although the description and bioblurb are pitched to a ubiquitous audience, they're nonetheless grounded in reality, intelligently written, and thus painless to read. All in all, you can't go wrong. If you can afford it, go for it!



2. text isnt that good.....way too many plates from when her paintings werent so good...1950 to 1964



3. I went to this amazing show at the Whitney. I stood for hours with her huge paintings. Even though a book cannot compare to the artwork in person, this book does a good job presenting Mitchell's stunning work. The only other book I have seen that might compare is Joan Mitchell by Klaus Kertess, but this book is hard to find.
   
   I recommend buying the Whitney Museum book. It is inexpensive and is comprehensive.



4. The painting of Joan Mitchell was for me a discover of an tremendous and excellent painter, almost unknow in my country Argentina. The quality of images, photographs and texts includes on this catalogue dont dissapoint me, in fact, it gave me hope in contemporary paint and help me as a painter.
   I recommended this book for any person who love the beauty of color, life and paint, and for painters who want to learn what means the freedom of action and think.
   Thank you and excuse my english.



5. This catalog of Joan Mitchell's Whitney exhibit is one of the great bargains among all artist monographs. Superb full color, almost full page plates of a wide range of Mitchell's work over a long period of time, numerous additional photos and snapshots, an in-depth biography of the artist and contributions by multiple authors make this a "must have" text, actually more valued than my collection of numerous Robert Miller Gallery monographs on the artist accumulated over many years. Her work has exploded in popularity over the past five years with good reason and many shows will be forthcoming.
   
   Like Ellen Landau's large-scale monograph on Jackson Pollock, you wonder why a book of this quality is available so inexpensively. Someone must have done too long a print run initially. Take advantage. When you look at the prices of the Kertess or Bernstock monographs on Joan Mitchell, you realize this is a screaming bargain, not to be missed.

No comments about An American History Album: The Story of the United States Told Through Stamps.

5 comments about Painting with Watercolor, Pen & Ink.

1. In combination with other books by Claudia Nice, an artist will learn new techniques for pen and ink. I have started drawing again since I retired and this has been a real help. Great book!!!



2. If you've never considered highlighting your watercolor painting with Mircron pen, this book will show you the possibilities. Good illustrations. Has some basic watercolor techniques. Painting and drawing is all about practice, practice, practice. No book will paint or draw for you. If you practice the techniques here you will learn something.
   
   I've not seen any of her other books so read the other reviews about duplication of material and consider that if you already have other titles by this author.



3. I admit that i bought this book primarily for the attractive illustrations fillings its pages...these inspired me a lot. Before reading this book i used to think watercolour as a boring medium -unable to achieve the strong effects I always for in my paintings. However now I have changed my mind and really am keen to try my hand in this medium -following Ms Nice illustrations one can get a very clear idea of what one can achieve using watercolour, pen and ink. However it does not really give you step by step instructions on how to achieve certain effects - i feel that one needs to be already a bit good in watercolour to try these exercises.However it is useful for those who would like to try innovative ways to achieve effective watercolour images. The pen and ink illustrations with watercolour washes are delightful. This book covers textures, transparency, wood grain, skies, trees, flowers, still life and more. Anyone who would like to add to their visual encyclopedia of fine illustraions should buy this book just for them alone! Highly recommeneded!!



4. The illustrations are nice. The instruction consists mostly of showing a drawing with a few general comments thrown in. I learned very little from this book.



5. I really like this book because it gives so many ideas and specific instructions on how to achieve the many effects. It introduced me to technical pens, which I was not aware of eons ago when I worked with pen & ink. I think Ms. Nice is a very gifted instructor.

4 comments about 4000 Animal, Bird and Fish Motifs: A Sourcebook.

1. My wife asked for this for her birthday. She absolutely loves it. So much so that we recently purchased 6 more as gifts for her friends in different crafting groups. She insists that 4000 Animal, Bird and Fish Motifs has inspired her with tons of quilting/craft ideas. This book is a great gift. We also purchased the other 4000 book of Flowers.
   
   Sam Hendricks, author of "Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comrehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football" and "Fantasy Football Almanac"



2. This book is amazing. It is very organized and full of various types of animals from different cultures. A lot of them are recognizable and some are new to me. This a book any artist should have.



3. There is, indeed, an encyclopedic amount of creatures in this book, all arranged ark-like by kind; that is, fish are together, birds together, and etc. The images are in black and white making them very usable for a variety of arts and crafts. The images also come from many sources, both historical and geographic. This is a useful collection for artists and a great reference for those interested in the history of image. The only improvement I can think of is in terms of usability: a spiral binding would have been welcome. Recommended.



4. This is an excellent publication for craftspeople, artists and teachers of all artforms. The beautifully presented fauna motifs of all our major art "epochs" will not fail to inspire. I have recommended this book to other artist friends who have also purchased it.

4 comments about Street Talk: Da Official Guide to Hip-Hop & Urban Slanguage (Dictionary).

1. Street talk is an excellent reference book for street slang and "urban speak" The one fault I have the way the book was put together is the lack of a glossary of everyday words with a page number to find the slang.
   The slang is arranged A-Z with example sentences. Which is useful but if you wanted a slang word for a specific term, say "Jail" you have to search the entire book to find it. I do recomend the book. It is useful, funny in places, and quite unusual.



2. On the shelf below my Microsoft's MFC Library Reference Volumes I and II, various Resource Kits, and such, right between my Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language and my Roget's International Thesaurus now resides Street Talk. Considering linguistics, we've all been victims of our own ignorance. A parent or guardian, a teacher, a trusted friend, might point out that the weather has no bearing on whether or not you should go clean your room, that while you can go out and play, this does not guarantee that you may go out and play. As we grow, we sometimes discover we've derived the wrong definition by context. So early on we learn, when in doubt, to look it up.
   
   Yet one day we find ourselves disembarking the number seven train at Grand Army Plaza and reading that "Crack is Whack", or we hear in a song on the radio that "The club is full of ballers with their pockets full grown", or our child returns from school pleased with himself because the general consensus is that his rapping skills are "crackin'" and that some of his friends did try to "bite" him and failed horribly. We ask ourselves if the author of this social commentary was in favor of or opposed to crack? Is the club full of baseball, basketball, or football players? Are they laughing at our child? In a good way or in a bad way? And has physical violence come in to play? Has our child been fighting, albeit in self-defense? We find we have some questions.
   
   Along comes Randy Kearse, filling the reference void. We read on page 607 that when something is whack it is poor in performance or not cool, thus the message sprawled over the century old mosaic tile work is in fact a heartfelt endorsement of social reform. On page 36 we learn that a baller is one who makes and spends large amounts of money; we may then conclude that one with pockets full grown has this large amount of money on hand and that our singers should have a splendid time this evening. On page 128, to our parental relief, dismissing our errant assumption that his friends are cracking up laughing at him, we understand crackin' - an event or place filled with excitement and energy, or is hip or happening. It is, after all, important to a young teen to be held in high regard by his peers. Further, on page 53 we read byte - to copy or imitate. It is a widely accepted fact that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. We conclude that our child is navigating the road to adulthood with at least some measure of social success.
   
   If you wish to better understand your local graffiti artist, or the little bit of music they squeeze in there between all the talk and the commercials, or your child who is enduring every growing pain you've ever experienced, yet, somehow differently, then I recommend Street Talk by Randy Kearse.



3. I, and dozens of teens in the community with whom I volunteer, love this book. It makes a great ice-breaker, and a great resource for folks who work in communities where slanguage is frequently used. It is almost 700 pages in length, with what appears to be perhaps a 1000 entries. The entries not only provide a definition of each word or term, but also it's history (old school vs. new school, etc.) and examples of how the words might be used. Just leave it sitting around where teens hangout, and see what happens (they may read together, laugh together, critique and analyze the entries together). The book has a scholarly yet humorous appeal to it. I am a college professor myself, and my college students also seem to like this book. I think it has widespread potential for a broad range of audiences. It has turned out to be a treasure. It would make a nice gift for mature teens, parents, educators, social workers, nurses, business people, clergy, and politicians. Caution: it may not be suitable for pre-adolescent children because of some of the mature themes. I would love to see Randy "Moe Deezy" also author a Thesaurus along this line. I'm done. Now let me translate what I just said using entries from the book: Okay, here's da scoop (p. 485). Good googily moogily, this book is off the chain! (pp. 240 & 396). I'm really clickin' with this book, and da shorties in my hood love this book too (pp. 115, 499, & 275). It's worth da cheese (p. 107). It handles business on the one hand, and makes you crack up at times as well (pp. 251 & 128). I also have to school shorties in college, and they dig the book too (pp. 484, 499, & 143). It's a tightly done book, and will interest everyone from the homies to the new jacks (pp. 578, 274 & 387). It's a wrap, peace out! (pp. 311& 418).



4. STREET TALK:
   Da Official Guide To Hip-Hop & Urban Slanguage` - Randy Kearse (Author House)
   
   At the best of times good reviews can sometimes seem hard to come by. When Randy Kearse (AKA `Moe Deezy`) wrote to me personally asking that I comment on his new book, I was equally surprised and moved. While there has never been a statue erected in memory of a critic, we're obviously doing something right when the creative types contact us directly to help them out on the PR front. But what has Moe D. actually written that he could possibly need my POV? Was it a biography? Was it a gritty urban novel? Was it a book of Tupac-esque poetry? When the second email came back, I discovered that I'd been asked to review a dictionary (as I said, good reviews can sometimes seem hard to come by)
   
   But, as you can see from the title, this isn't any kind of dictionary. This book (weighing in at an impressive 700 pages) is the most definitive collection of hip-hop/urban slang terms, colloquialisms and turns of phrase that you could ever `buck up on`. Even though I can't personally envision Kid Rock getting hold of this book to keep on his desk next to his legal notepad, thesaurus and rhyming dictionary - it should be required reading for anyone who has even a passing interest in the genre. I know that many longtime fans might be disappointed that their music is going so mainstream, but if colleges in New Jersey are throwing symposiums on the music of Bruce Springsteen, then the celebration of the words and dialects of the hip-hop and urban cultures deserves to have its day.
   
   All cynicism aside, Kearse has been able to pull the book together in a systematic, even scholarly fashion. Instead of it just being a one-dimensional dictionary, the book distinguishes between East Coast and West Coast, southern and general slang. It also throws in the old and new school turns of phrases that many of the readers will likely be very familiar with. That being said, Kearse unfortunately did pass on the opportunity to start another East Coast vs. West Coast rap war (he didn't want to suggest or imply that one geographical area slang is better than another) but it's probably for the best, regardless of how funny it would have been for the press to try and stir the hip-hop regions against each other based on slang. Also I'm still amazed by just how many ways you can refer to the derriere of the fairer sex, but now is neither the time nor place to start expounding on that particular topic.
   
   At the end of the day, an idea as unique and well researched as this book suggests to me that Moe Deezy is not going to become a one-hit wonder (for those of you who get the book, there are a couple of `trailers` nearer the end regarding some of the books he has in the pipeline) Here's to the first of many... I'm planning on getting myself a plate of 'barnyard pimp' for lunch and using the time to review how one can use the `izz` sound in conversation. Thanks man.

5 comments about Big Art, Small Canvas: Paint Easier, Faster and Better with Small Oils.

1. This book was just OK for me. I was expecting more detail and refinement in the paintings which I strive for in my work. The small paintings make a nice price point when you are doing various sizes.



2. I found this book to be very inspirational. I wish I had thought of it!



3. This book is not only instructional, but a complete course in painting miniatures -- and fills a vast void in that area. The author not only provides excellent reasons for painting on a small canvas, but gives practical advice on setting up space and equipment, preparing the panel (canvas), and staging & lighting the props for a still life. She goes on to review elements of color theory, and presents her favorite complementary palettes. She discusses methods of 'seeing' in order to get the underlying drawing right, and outlines the most important elements of design: composition, perspective, balance, focal point, and texture. Additionally, several methods of creating depth in a painting are covered. Thereafter, Washor presents a series of step-by-step still-life and landscape demonstrations, each of which illustrates yet other enigmatic features of art. She even discusses framing! This book is packed with practical, useful, and instructive advice, and is filled with gorgeous, painterly examples of the author's work to inspire us. What a find!



4. Overall, the book was good. I liked the intro and the chapter on equipment. I would have liked more step by step pictures to show the development of the painting. Also, some better descriptions of painting techniques would have been helpful. The book does inspire me to experiment on my own but it doesn't give enough insight to avoid common mistakes.



5. Disregard the size of the paintings if you like, and just look at the gorgeous colors and brushwork!!!!! So sensuous. The author is very generous with her information. Her color palette is unusual, and the color schemes she uses are really, really lovely. This is one of the top oil painting books around. I highly recommend it.

5 comments about Life, Paint and Passion.

1. This book is a must for those interested in the creative process. It is clear, inspiring and very worthwhile for artists of all mediums even though the focus is on painting.



2. I've never been drawn to the concept of "process painting" before. It just seemed too simplistic as ordinarily presented.
   
   But Michele Cassou's ideas - based on decades of hard-won experience - about what encourages the creative flow and what constricts it are profoundly illuminating, detailed and sophisticated. And her sparkling observations are presented in the most enjoyably simple and down-to-earth way imaginable, to boot!
   
   For the most part, each chapter begins with an observation about what creates a block to creativity and what releases it. It then continues on with a vignette from an interaction Michele has had with a student during one of her workshops in which she helps the student release the sort of block just discussed.
   
   Her solutions always involve having students ask themselves a question specific to the block they're encountering. For instance, if a student feels all dried up and as if she simply has no inspiration for a painting, and then bursts out, "It's so childish!," Michele will ask her to question herself: "What would I paint if it didn't matter how childish it was?"
   
   Quite simple and direct. And Michele's questions work with the precision of a scalpel in releasing constricted creative energy.
   
   Through these vignettes, Michele reveals numerous presuppositions, both conscious and unconscious, that we hold about what we're allowed to feel and to do, and how they strangle our creative flow. Even more important, she reveals the way out of each of these strangleholds.
   
   This is not just for painters; it's for anyone who feels they've encountered significant creative blocking or who would like to encounter their own creative core.
   
   This book is simple but far from simplistic, and altogether delightful!



3. Painting, although the medium meant to be the subject for this book, is only a catalyst for inspiring creative thought in any venue. As a writer, I found it easy to replace writing for painting in many portions of the book. One part in particular, many creative people of all genres can relate to where it states: "If you find yourself overwhelmed by your emotions, make your brush move faster then you thoughts. It will help you disengage from the drama." "Brush" can easily be replaced by "pen" and work as effectively.
   
   If technique and structure are what you are looking for, keep looking. This book is for those that want to create freely and be released from the guilt, judgment, and conditioning of traditionalists.



4. This is an inspiring book on letting go and letting art come from you without your internal critic or judgements on meaning or technique. It is about Learning from Art; and letting art take you where it will. It is about discovery and play -- ultimately it is about how to get into the Process of Creating.... and stop worrying about the "product"
   
   This is one of those books that I read and instantly thought of five friends I wanted to share it with. And it also helped jump start me to believe in making what I make; not to worry if it is too dark, too silly, too profane, too honest and vulnerable; and not to try to direct it to what I think it is supposed to be.
   
   The book contains short chapters about challenges and personal accounts. It can be just as beneficial to open the book to any page and read what is there as a jumping-off spot. It does not tell you "how" to create your work -- but it shares why, and it also shares methods for loosening the restrictions and the blocks. "What" you create will come from you.
   
   Sometimes living in the world is a challenge with all the other concerns and critiques of other people...but if we keep growing and learning and making/creating -- it can keep us going! Art is a respite for me; it is what gives me meaning and value in my life, it is what gives me energy. This book puts these ideas in an inspiring perspective with some humor, some philosophy, and some common sense. Don't let anyone keep you down -- and don't keep yourself down!
   
   Artists, writers, educators, and anyone who loves any of the arts would benefit from the viewpoint of this book. No experience is necessary, just the desire to create for the fun of it -- for the play and joy and experience.



5. The title says it all. I would recommend this book to those of us that call ourselves artists, aspiring artists, or anyone of any age.
   Great Book!!!!

No comments about Painting People: Figure Painting Today.

5 comments about Drawing Realistic Pets from Photographs.

1. I purchased this book for my daughter's 14th birthday. She loves to draw and is quite talented. I gave "Drawing Realistic Pets from Photographs" to her for her birthday and she loved it. She sat right down and sketched the cat. She said when she opened it "Awesome". This book shows the picture of the animal and then how to pencil/charcoal draw the picture by hand. I would highly recommend this book.Drawing Realistic Pets from Photographs



2. Lee Hammond's books (all of them !) are so great! Easy to understand and lots and lots of great tips. Really comprehensive and excellent work.



3. I am an oil painter and I wanted to experiment with pencil drawing.I have a few of Lee Hammond's books and I think this is the best by far.A very good book that explains a lot of detail and helps a beginner get motivated to learn.



4. I purchased this book for my daughter because she loves to draw animals. It has fantastic illustrations and pictures with easy to follow instructions. My daughter is eight and it was easy enough for her to understand yet challenging enough to keep her interested. She was very happy with the book & her drawings have really improved with the help of this book.
   
   This book has been great for her & she's since checked out other how-to-draw books from the library. It's helped give her more confidence in her art work.



5. I like to draw but always have trouble getting my sketches exactly looking life like. After doing the lessons in this book there's no stopping me. It is so easy to understand and the final results are amazing. Well done Lee Hammond I also bought the painting copy with excellent results as well.