5 comments about The Art of Howl's Moving Castle.

1. Is the second time I order a book from amazon and I'm satisficed with the service, I live in other country and i never had a problem.



2. The Art of Howl's Moving Castle is a large, hardback book, and is chock full of information and pictures from the amazing movie by Hayao Miyazaki.
   
   This book begins with hundreds of concept sketches by Miyazaki, containing location scenes and characters with notes. The concept sketches go in order of appearance from the movie, so the concept sketches for Sophie come at the beginning, for example, while the concept sketches for Human Turnip show up near the end. There are thousands of gorgeous location scenes as well plus short bios on some of the creators of the movie and a few articles that discuss the creaters' experiences working on the film. Also, at the very end is the complete final screenplay to read through. The screenplay has a few minor changes in it from where the English actors improvised a little (especially Billy Crystal), but otherwise, is exactly from the movie.
   
   Being a student of film and the arts, I found this book extremely helpful and interesting, because it showed the creative process of a huge movie. I would definitely recommend it to any film or arts students to browse through if they wan to get an idea of what kind of work it takes to create such a monumental film!
   
   The only qualm I have with this book is that there were hundreds of screenshots. Not that that's bad, especially if you want to buy this book to revisit the movie, but I would like to have seen a few more sketches and whatnot, or at least a few more articles on how the particular scenes with the screenshots were made.
   
   That aside, I fell in love with this book and was enchanted from front cover to back cover.



3. This book opens a world of anime art like none other. Primary characters & secondary characters are carefully drawn out and walk through a world & story created for them. As a professional artist, I found great interest in the prelimiary drawings straight through the setting concepts. This is also a great book for fans of the movie. If you loved the movie, you will love this book.



4. I totally enjoyed the layout and discussion in this book. I have been a Miyazaki fan ever since, "My Neighbor Totoro" which I saw when I lived in Japan. If you relish animation and all the details of this art form, you'll like the format and attention this book gives.
   
   Janine Bolon, Financial Coach, Radio Talk Show Host, author of "Money...It's Not Just for Rich People!" available on amazon. Money...It's Not Just for Rich People!



5. If you loved the movie, you will love this book, The Art of Howl's Moving Castle it's hard cover, with original sketches, storyboards and the final screenplay!
   
   The book explains every step of the complex story, from the original book adaptation to the final movie. Also have quotes and articles from creators of each process (designers, art directors, supervising animators, etc.) It's like seeing the movie scene by scene with artist commentaries.

1 comments about Exhibiting Cultures: The Poetics and Politics of Museum Display.

1. excellent compilation, although spencer r crew and james e sims' article 'locating authenticity: fragments of a dialogue' can be repetitive, it makes excellent points in the section 'some locations of authenticity'.

1 comments about Color Studies.

1. There are lots of books about color, but few include information directly pertinent to stitchers as well as to painters.
   
   Needlepointers will be familiar with Feisner as the author of Needlepoint and Beyond, an incredibly creative book from the late 70's. She is also the founder of the EGA Master Craftsman in Color program.
   
   The book is divided into four parts: Color Foundations, Dimensions of Color, Color in Compositions and The Influence of Color. Color Foundations cover the basics of color perception, color theorists, color mixing, and the different color wheels. Dimensions of Color covers the different aspects of color (hue, value, intensity, etc.). The section on color in composition discussed color in relation to different elements in designing a piece. Two wonderful chapters cover color interactions and the effects of illumination on color. The final section looks at the influence of color in two different ways. The first chapter covers color symbolism (religious and otherwise) and the second chapter looks at the use of color in fine and applied arts.
   
   Each chapter is lavishly illustrated with great works of art as well as color studies done by students in Feisner's classes at Montclair State University. There are also diagrams illustrating many of the principles discussed in the test. Several of the diagrams take the same composition and color them in slightly different ways, so it is immediately apparent what a particular technique (like adding a shadow) can do for a piece.
   
   There are also tables in the book which highlight particular techniques of use to artists of all kinds. One in the this section, lets you know how to make "metallic" shades without using metallic colors. Technical concepts are explained clearly and simply, but it's easy to move to other books which cover these concepts in more depth.
   
   Each chapter ends with a number of exercises covering the topics of the chapter. I really liked that the exercises don't assume that you will be mixing colors in paint, but leave the choice of media up to the student.
   
   The appendices of the book are a wealth of information. Appendix 4 is the most useful for stitchers. It matches various art media colors to Color-Aid papers, the standard color tool for most artists. Not only does she list several different types and brands of paints, she also lists the matches for seven kinds of thread (DMC and Anchor floss, Paternayan, Appleton and Medici wool, DMC Rayon floss and Au Ver a Soie silk. This listing is so useful that I ran out and bought the range of colors in Anchor floss and will be using them for all my exercises for the book.
   
   Have you ever had the problem where you really wanted something to show up against a background, but it doesn't? A final appendix, lists color legibility rankings, listing background and lettering colors. By looking for your background color, say blue, you can find that the most legible (distinct) color for lettering (or in our case the foreground) is white, the least legible of the choices is orange with yellow in the middle.
   
   In the past I have often been frustrated with commercially available books on color. They have often been written poorly, emphasized mixing paints, and gotten too technical too quickly. If you combined this book with Mary Shipp's Color for Needlework, you would have enough information to make you a color expert.

3 comments about Plants and Their Application to Ornament: A Nineteenth-Century Design Primer.

1. This is absolutely beautiful. The illustrations are on a creamy base paper, and it's just like looking through a volume of original art nouveaux designs painted in gouache.
   
   It's a fabulous resource for designers and design students of all kinds, as it explores how to stretch out a theme (in this case each variety of plant) into a range of different pattern and motif ideas and applications. There are lots of motifs and inspirations for new work to be found within!
   
   Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful book....love it.



2. The use of natural elements in art and design probably reached it's zenith during the Arts and Crafts movement. This reproduction of an original 1897 guide to the use of plants in ornamental design is a wonderful example of that time! Although not nearly as extensive as Owen Jones' famous ornamental tome. This release focuses on just the natural aspects of design in reference to plants. However, like Jones' book, this focuses lightly on text and is heavy on letting the graphics speak for themselves. (as they should!)
   Beautifully reproduced images in a fine binding make this a wonderful addition to any collection.



3. Although this book is beautiful (the cover is better than what is inside) it is not of the print quality I'd hoped. It looks as though it was slapped together rather hastily with little regard for creating a quality book. However, it looks good on the table in the living room of my 1929 bungalow.

5 comments about Inside the Business of Illustration.

1. If after reading this book you still want to be an illustrator, then you may have enough drive to make it. This book doesn't paint a rosy picture, nor should it. Talent, business savvy and realistic goals are all part of the equation. Understanding the difficulties and learning how to deal with them and staying creative is a challenge. Find your niche. Strive to be the best at it and understand this career will consume you. And if you want a life outside of illustration make sure you have an understanding partner and friends who support your career!
   
   Having worked as a freelance illustrator for over 20 years, I can say from experience that there is a lot of truth contained within this book. I definitely would recommend it to anyone starting out or wanting to learn more about illustration and the history regarding this profession. I wish something like this was available when I was starting out, because it would have saved me a lot of time.
   
   4 stars because it doesn't cover other pertinent business matters such as copyright registration, self-employment issues like healthcare, taxes and such. This is not a bible for illustration, it is more of an overview. I wish it had covered more categories in depth but there are other books available out there.



2. I haven't read the whole book yet, but so far, I've learned a lot. I'm only a second year illustration student, but I feel like I'm almost ready for the freelancing world just after reading some of this. Tons of insider information that I gather most illustrators don't learn until they've been working 5 to 10 years.



3. What more can I say...I found it informative and helpful, and I have now read it more than once and refer back to it as needed. I highly recommend it to any one considering a career in illustration.



4. Steven Heller & Marshall Arisman's guidance is invaluable in today's market, this book is a must have for the struggling professional or for the newly graduate seeking to stake their claim. In fact I'd go so far as to say this book SHOULD BE REQUIRED READING at every art school in the country offering illustration courses.
   
   First let me say that for those of you reading this review who don't know who Steven Heller & Marshall Arisman are, you should, and here's why; Heller is the director of the NY Times Book Review, co-chair of the MFA design program at the School of Visual Arts (one of the best, THE BEST drawing curriculums in the county) as well as author of almost one hundred books in the graphic design field. He's been in the business a long time, seen it from the artist side, seen it from the political side and can help make or break a career at least from the perspective of a children's book illustrator. Mr. Arisman is one of the living legends of Illustration with artwork in major U.S. museums, every national magazine and is chair of the MFA program (Illustration as Visual Essay) at the School of Visual Arts.
   
   The interview-style of the introduction to this book is repeated throughout as each chapter is brought to a close with a discussion between these two legends. That doesn't mean however that the kernels of wisdom and genuine professional opinions are repetitive. First they talk about the decline, and now the re-birth of Illustration in America, the springing up of stock illustration houses, how artists need to position themselves with respect to the marketplace, developing a unique personal voice, and working with art directors. How much risk should there be in a portfolio? How much can or should an artist trust the company they are being hired to work for? "Relating to business, most illustrators are in make up class." And from there, the rest of the book takes off.
   
   There are several sections that outline the do's and don'ts - lots of them. Everything from How to interact with a director, preparing for portfolio reviews, promotional pieces and the importance of professional organizations is the foundation for much of the book to follow.
   
   Chapters include the importance of style, how you develop it and how to show it off, new media, the importance of authorship ("Therefore, it is incumbent to the savvy illustrator to build...a diversified portfolio....Your overall illustraion practice should include both works produced exclusively for clinets as well as for yourself that can be turned into original projects."), licensing & editing your works, self promotional pieces, and ethics. I found the discussions about style ("Style is driven by your view of the world, not by a technical procedure.") and Promotion invaluable. For those two chapters alone the book more than paid for itself.
   
   A third section of the book is a series of short but concise interviews with illustrators and art directors. They include: Steven Brodner, Brad Holland, Leo & Diane Dillon, Robert Parada, Nathan Fox, Ward Sutton, Robert Newman (of Real Simple), Chris Curry (the New Yorker), Richard Winkler (Curious Pictures) just to name a few.
   
   A beautiful speech by Milton Glaser serves as the icing on the cake. He talks in depth about our culture's current state of endless consumption, the effects of television on visual literacy and the relationship it has on everything around us. A totally brilliant ending!
   
   Steven Heller's other book, (which I also have and was personally a little disappointed in) "The Education of an Illustrator" seems much more philosophical and aimed at correcting art school education. If I had to choose between which one to buy, I'd recommend this one hands down, every time. Inside the Business of Illustration is NOT a follow-up, if anything it's the bare bones BIBLE for learning how to survive and thrive in the business.



5. very good inside information on dealing with clients and getting jobs...it was a required book for one of my illustration classes

No comments about Sticker Bomb.

5 comments about Painter's Handbook: Revised and Expanded.

1. Very Good Book! There's no complete informations like Ralph Mayer, but is very simple and atualized in some topics like acrylic grounds and alkyd resins.



2. I do know how I would rate the items I ordered for my son that works in New York City, He makes a wish list of several items he would and etc.
   I have been doing this for several years and I love it as I would never know what to send him, other then Gift Cards. That's ok for some people but he lives away from home and I can choose anything I want and I know he will like the gifts I buy. He greceived gifts htat are wrapped by his Mother and Dad and he never knows what I pick out and send.. I do put other gifts like cookies, home made candy and some other surprises. Over all I would rate every thing I order and makes it so easy for me. A 5.



3. The Painter's Handbook is without doubt to artists' painting materials. Gottsegen's knowledge and expertise in the field allow for an in-depth understanding of the tools of the fine artist, and his book dispels so many of the myths surrounding art materials that have been perpetuated in other resources.
   -Mark Golden, CEO, Golden Artist Colors, Inc.



4. My painting instructor reccomended this book. If you're serious about art, you might want to get this...It's a handy reference to materials (frames,grounds,paints,solvents), techniques and safety/protection...It's also easy to follow, well researched and comprehensive. The 4 stars is because there is some outdated information...e.g. Gottsegen explains how to make oil paints...But given the health risks (of working w/ dry pigments), difficulty and time required in this process, it really isn't feasible.



5. I recommend this book enthusiastically to my students as a concise, clear, easy-to-use and thorough reference on painting materials, especially oil painting (though it does cover other painting media). There hasn't been a technical question about materials that it hasn't answered for me, and the information provided has also led me to experiment with new materials. It is not a "how-to" book on painting and there are no pictures or anecdotes, but it is oriented towards serious students and professionals. For me, "The Joy of Cooking" of painting -- wouldn't be without it.

5 comments about The Writers Idea Book.

1. I bought this book in 2004 and I still use it to this day. It's witty and a fun read, not to mention inspiring. It isn't that I have a shortage of ideas, but I have a hard time putting it on papaer... and this book definately puts things in a new perspective for me!



2. A great book with a lot of writing prompts. Perfect for the fiction author, however as a writer of non-fiction I felt there was a lot of character development exercises. The trick for me was to try to turn the ideas into ones that would fit into non-fiction. The surprise was this book got me back into writing fiction which I had not done for many years.
   My recommendation is if you are looking for writing prompts for fiction, definitely buy this book. If all you do is non-fiction, this may not be the book for you, but it never hurts to look it over.
   It was quite well written and Jack Heffron certainly presented some good idea generators.



3. With over 400 prompts in this book there is one to suit every mood and these will not only encourage you to write regularly but get your creative juices flowing. What's more each of the prompts target specific areas of your writing such as story endings, developing character & plot. It also addresses nonfiction, poetry & screenplays...and I am using it to improve my blog writing.
   I own a number of books on this topic (including "What If? Writing Exercises for Fiction Writers") but find the format and content of Jack Heffron's Writers Idea Book to be the most practical, inspiring and effective. Thanks Jack!



4. to add to the other reviews, I like this book because I'm the type of writer that needs an "assignment" to make sure I don't keep writing about the same things. With this book, it's easy to follow along and take out what you need and go back later to the other prompts the second or third time around. I'm a firm believer that a person should go through a book like this two or more times to get the full benefits.



5. Jack Heffron's "The Writer's Idea Book" is a very good specimen of a book of writers' exercises. It mixes "prompts" of various sorts (more than 400 of them according to the cover, and I believe it!) with short riffs of practical advice on a wide range of writing matters. While Heffron is a professional editor and does give advice regarding methods that he believes work best, he concentrates on writing for yourself in this book rather than trying to get published. This is just the idea phase after all--check out his later book, "The Writer's Idea Workshop," for practical advice regarding taking your idea from raw ore to refined metal.

   There are many prompts meant to help you mine your own experiences for ideas and plots. (As well as your likes and dislikes, your family, your home town, places you've visited, "public moments," secrets, dreams, and more.) There are prompts to help you explore different forms of writing, structure your story, and more. There are even good solid hints on dealing with openings and endings. The huge number of prompts in this book guarantees that you should be able to find something to spark your creativity no matter what mood you're in.

   In fact, about the only thing that bothered me about this book was the lack of the unusual. I love genre. Horror, science fiction, fantasy--I love the strange, and this book had a very "literary" feel to it. That'll make it perfect for many other writers out there, but it left me a little flat. I like to have a certain otherworldliness come into play when looking through lots of writing exercises and warm-ups. This book is meant to push you into finding inspiration from the ordinary rather than the extraordinary; I would have liked a better balance.

   It's certainly a fun book, however, and definitely a kick in the inspiration department!

5 comments about The Fantasy Illustrator's Technique Book (Quarto Book).

1. This is a really cool book. Great for artist. filled with tons of great info, techniques and referrence materials.
   i would highly recommend this book to any one who likes to draw. you won't be disappointed.



2. This is one of the better art books I have found up to date. It does give some instruction on painting and drawing but I feel is meant more for an advance student of fantasy art than a beginner. Some one with some art experience will find it very helpful in many areas. It is definitely one of my favorite additions to my own reference library.



3. This book was helpful for determining things like color choices for skin tones, and was inspirational for trees, and different creatures. Their choices of finished artist's works were neat. However, this book did not give much information for techniques in acrylics, which is what I work in. For people who need help drawing fantasy characters, and fleshing them out, this book is great, but I do this naturally, so it wasn't a really big help for me.



4. This is a light-hearted, profusely illustrated book on the making of fantasy art, with a nice gallery of other artist's works in the back.
   It is, though, not necessarily a book for present illustrators looking to get into the fantasy market; it is really more for a young person just starting out. Artists who are further along with fundamental skills in drawing and painting would benefit more from John Howe Fantasy Art Workshop, a more in-depth and less elementary approach. But for lovers of fantasy art, either book is a pleasure to see.



5. I found this book, and a few others like it to be absolutely indespensable when it comes to building a library for the functional artist within this genre. Well written, informative, and lavishly illustrated with how to's as well as finished peices meant to inspire the aspiring and the pros alike. Recommended.
   John F Willis

5 comments about Creating Textures in Watercolor.

1. Most books are like a three-course meal, a beginning, a middle and an end, to make sense you have to read them that way, this one is like a box of chocolates, you take the lid off and just look for the ones you like.
   Best of all, you don't have to take in everything at once, I found I was using bits from it within an hour of receiving it.
   Designed to aid the more experienced watercolorists (my opinion, the author may not agree with me) it is not a book for the raw novice since it assumes a certain level of skill, but if you are looking to add an edge to your work, to lift it from the ordinary, this may well be the best dollars you will ever spend.
   Buy and Enjoy



2. Texture is a needed element in a painting and there are many in this book that you may not have tried. Directions are easy to follow and results add such interest to your paintings.



3. Cathy Johnson's book was recommended in a college level class. With full-color representations and concise directions one receives guides to painting virtually every texture ever needed. Choose the bound version that one can open flatt, for easy referencing, if available. It is small enough to carry along but large enough to see clearly.
   I have been trying to represent glass for years and Ms. Johnson's directions were so easy to follow my first attempt was successful!



4. I just started watercolors recently and this book is a great resource as I am self taught except for a few tips picked up from acquaintances who have been painting for years. This book was recommended to me by another new to watercolors and I love it!



5. This book is a wonderful "teacher"....the author takes you through step by step on every detail of creating textures....it is my "watercolor bible." It has helped me immensely with golf course paintings.
   
   Carole D.
   Arlington VA