2 comments about Facial Expressions Babies to Teens: A Visual Reference for Artists.

1. A ton of good photos to work from here. As always you may never find just the right photo to work from but with this many photos in one book you will come much closer to finding what your looking for.
   I could cry about the printing being to dark or wine about some of the grainy pics but hay for this price and not having to put up with a real brat and there over baring mother this is worth it (thats a joke honey).
   I have drawn a bunch of kids from life and most kind of like it but to get anyone to hold those cool odd faces is not being realistic.
   I have used the other face book more then you might think and sure hope to use this one as much.
   This book just makes my giggle every time I pick it up with the goofy faces these kids come up with.
   When I can't work from life a book like this is just what I need.



2. I own both Facial Expression books by Mr. Simon and for such a popular series you'd think they'd invest in a better photographer or a better camera. A lot of the photos, especially in this edition are very blurry and grainy. Though you don't need super well-taken photos to capture someone's facial expression it would have been nice if they would have upped the quality in this edition. I imagine it is difficult to direct children, but a lot of the expressions used were very similar too. This version has about the same amount of photos as the last, but they are a bit larger. I believe they made this change because one page after each person captured wasn't reserved for an illustration. This was a welcome change for me because a lot of the artists used in the previous book did sub-par work and some only re-drew the photograph of the person without applying the facial expression to something less obvious like an object or a fictional character. Overall, my satisfaction with this book is mixed. The first edition was far better because of the image quality, but it is nice to have references of children's expressions. Having little books to compare these 2 to, I had to give this 3 stars.

5 comments about Color Mixing Bible: All You'll Ever Need to Know about Mixing Pigments in Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor, Gouache, Soft Pastel, Pencil, and Ink.

1. I think this book covers most of what you need to know about color. I like the color charts for each medium. I still think you need to make your own charts, because colors vary. But the color charts in the book are good for reference. I think it could be stronger in the area of color theory, but as a reference book it is good.



2. This book is the best l've seen. Very easy to understand and excellently laid out making very easy for the beginner to learn the basics of color mixing.



3. Have not read this (but gave high ratings because it appears to be pretty much an all-encompassing color theory book), but to post I MUST give a rating.
   Apologies Amazon.
   
   I am trying to figure out if it would suit my need, which is a book which guides how to mix most shades and tones in the spectrum, via proportion, based on the CMY (Cyan/Magenta/Yellow) primaries.
   
   Does this book cover many different shades and the proportions needed *working from cyan, magenta & yellow*?
   If not, could anyone PLEASE suggest to me what book DOES?
   
   --if you know, of course :)
   
   Hope you reviewers see this post!
   
   TYVM!



4. Very good for all types of artists. It even has inks for us printmakers!!!



5. I enjoyed this book very much. It was simple to understand and quite interesting. I'm sure it's not the end all in color mixing books, but it is not a bad one at all.

5 comments about Art Models 2: Life Nude Photos for the Visual Arts (Book & CD-ROM).

1. This book is full of great reference. But don't do what I did...there are two versions, one that comes with the extra cd of poses, and one without. Double check and make sure you know which one you are ordering, I didn't realize that I ordered the book without the companion disk until it arrived.



2. This Book/CD combo is excellent. The interactive web site is also excellent, and greatly extends the book/CD. The poses in this package are from, "classic inspiration." This package is as close to having an actual model in your studio as you could ever hope to achieve. Using the photos on the CD has some advantages over a live model: you won't get slapped for getting too close.
   
   The quality of the book is good. It is thin, hardbound, and lays flat. The pages are gloss stock and hold the ink well. The photos in the book are large enough to use from the book, but the primary purpose of the book is to index the photo sets on the CD. Only four angles of each pose are included in the book. The printed photos are somewhat darker than the photos on the CD. All of the photos on the CD are in standard JFIF (JPG) format, 400 - 600 MB each. The CD includes a copy of the book, with lower resolution photos, in Portable Document Format (PDF). The book includes a proportional reference grid for two of the models, for use by digital artists.
   
   The photography is very good. The photos are sharp, high resolution, highly detailed, well lighted, from the standard 10 o'clock position. The lighting and detail is consistent throughout all of the camera angles. In one photo set, a strong shadow is cast to the model's right, which is somewhat distracting. The shadow doesn't diminish the detail clarity of the photos, however.
   
   The photo sets of each pose on the CD, (24 photos each), are taken at 15 degree intervals, throughout 360 degrees. Kudos to the models for being able to hold some of those difficult poses so consistently! And kudos to the authors for choosing not to airbrush or blur any of these wonderful photographs.
   
   The models are attractive, well groomed, relaxed, and comfortable. Only the elder gentleman has slightly imperfect extremities, consistent with his age.
   
   A lot of thought and effort went into the creation of this package to make it as useful to an artist as possible, and it very well implemented. I am VERY impressed with this package!



3. There are so few worthy art model books out there. Every-time a new one appears, it is destined to be purchased through shear lack of competition. Unfortunately, that will be the primary reason to buy this one.
   
   Good art modeling is not limited to being willing to remove your clothing. Good art models are students of body language and motion, no less than a great dancer or actor. Unfortunately, what we have here is a series of static naked people.
   
   On the positive side, the photography is well done which sets this above the dreadful "Pose File" books with their tiny, toneless snapshots.



4. I purchased this for my partner who is an artist. The book has a lot of clear photographs that are very helpful. Good lighting and clarity in the photos. Many different positions and types of bodies. I purchased the book with the CD ROM which shows even more angles of the different poses.



5. Since getting this book, I've done several charcoal drawings and it seems to be working out really well. The poses are varied, and easy to mask only a portion of a model (head, upper body, hands, etc). My only suggestion for future books would be to use a spiral binding.

5 comments about Artistic Anatomy (Practical Art Books).

1. Way more technical than the anatomy I took for nursing. I can't think of why I would need to know the Greek and Latin names for bones and muscles to paint or draw them. I felt like I needed a terminology class to read the book. I was disappointed. Due to the name I thought it would be a lot more visual, very dry and laborious to read. I felt like the author(s) were flaunting their knowledge of the subject more than trying to teach artists the relevance of anatomy. I like Gray's anatomy much better



2. Any artist working in illustration and any art library or general-interest holding strong in art instruction must have ARTISTIC ANATOMY on hand: it appears here in a new 35th Anniversary Edition, translated by Robert Beverly Hale, and is still considered one of the finest works on anatomy for artists since the Renaissance. Its original edition first appeared in 1889: the new English edition brings together the 19th century teacher Dr. Paul Richter and today's anatomy teacher Robert Beverly Hale. An outstanding pairing perfect for contemporary artists.



3. This is a classic anatomical text. The drawings in this book are scientifically accurate and elegantly interpreted. As opposed to Peck's Atlas of anatomy where the plates are quite clunky.
   The only qualm I have with this book is the fact that the text portion is difficult to use in conjunction with the illustrations. One needs to constantly flip back and forth from the plates to the text. One way to get around this is to photo copy the text portion and have it as a seperate pamphlet to refer to. One thing the Peck book has that would have been useful in this would have been a table of muscle origin and insertion points but since Dr.Richer is long since passed on I dont think that will happen.
   For the serious student of Anatomy this is required reading...and dont forget to draw all of the plates either.



4. I KNOW FROM EXPERIENCE, AS WELL AS WE ALL DO WHO DRAW, THAT THERE'S NO ONE STOP SHOP BOOK FOR ANYTHING REALLY. BUT IF YOU WANT TO LEARN ANATOMY; I MEAN REALLY LEARN (NOT JUST SOME SHORTCUTS AND TIPS), THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOUR. CAUTION, STUDY IS REQUIRED...SERIOUS ARTISTS ONLY.



5. Artistic Anatomy published by Watson-Guptill is a new-millennium Renaissance book. It is a combination art and reference book. It will certainly be useful for artists but might also be useful for a writer looking for the precise term for the part of the ear that looks like a shell--which, it turns out, is called the "concha." Even a romance writer might learn something from an illustration on page 101. "He moistened his finger and traced the demicircular line where, he knew, his child might one day grow." Sorry, I couldn't resist. But it illustrates how a book like this might also inspire more than the visual artist.
   
   Artistic Anatomy, might also be a teaching tool for a parent intense about showing her child the beauty of the body, how it relates to art, or the scientific-minded parent eager to have her child exposed to the science of anatomy in a softer way that most biology texts approach the subject.
   
   The credentials that went into the making of this 35th anniversary volume are impressive. The French author, Dr. Paul Richer (1849-1933), was Professor of Creative Anatomy at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris. The book is translated and edited by Robert Beverly Hale, also deceased. He was Curator Emeritus of the American Painting and Sculpture Department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He was also Adjunct Professor of Drawing at Columbia University, and this is but a brief list of their credentials.
   
   Writers, educators and others will recognize the sheer volume of careful research that went into this book by the contents pages. It is as extensive as some indexes. The index is comprehensive enough to serve the needs of anyone researching anatomy including morphology, myology, oseology and arthrology but a writer can easily find a page with the intricate parts of the torso pointed to and labeled.
   
   Only an exquisite hardcover with Leonardo and Michelangelo flyleaf designs could have made this book better. And then only for the collector. This huge paperback--256 nine by twelve pages and 150 drawings -- is perfect just as it is for practical use.
   -----
   Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the award-winning author of This Is the Place, Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remembered and books of poetry including Tracings and Cherished Pulse. Her poems and short stories appear frequently in literary journals and anthologies. More on her award-winning The Frugal Book Promoter: How to Do What Your Publisher Won't and her soon-to-be-released The Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success may be found on Amazon.

5 comments about How to Draw Manga: Bodies & Anatomy.

1. I, myself, don't know much about drawing. I purchased this book as a gift for my stepdaughter and she loves it.



2. First off, I have to say I was very impressed at the beginning of this book. The starting chapters, covering some perspective and posing, detailed skeletal and later muscular structures were very well done. The skull, hand and feet sections were in depth and very helpful and detailed.
   
   However- when they started into full body poses I was remotely annoyed. Most of the poses and references they gave for men were in action. Throwing something, or starting to run- pictures that neatly expressed the male body in motion. That's all very nice and well, but I would have enjoyed seeing more relaxed forms as well. Not all my work and other people's work with men is drawn in motion! Quite a bit is still.
   
   And when we move into the woman, there's no action at all. Mainly references draw for woman who are stretching, or reclining and a lot of these poses are from 'suggestive' views. It's also slightly annoying to find 10 different views from which to draw a female crotch and the male subjects mysteriously elude this area. While we're at it, not all female's breasts are aroused 24/7. It's not truly necessary to draw nipples on every figure.
   
   This whole extra fascination with the female body is perhaps more annoying to me then others since I originally got this book hoping for help on male anatomy- since if I truly need a reference for a female form I can simply go into the bathroom.
   
   It would have also been nice to see more variations in the male/female models. In general a nice reference book, though it could have covered a lot more in some areas and a lot less in others.



3. I've collected many anatomy books, but what makes this one unique is that it shows both the simple (shapes) and finished drawing in several camera viewpoints, and illustrates muscle changes (like when raising an arm), again both in simple (rough animation) and finished work. This is perfect for animation so we can study how the body shifts in a clean illustrative format. I particulary like how they illustrate the diffrences in gender proportionately. Made my life much simpler. Once you know how to draw the anatomy correctly yet cleanly, it's easier to adapt it to more complex or more cartoony forms. A must have!



4. the artsyle on the cover is Extremely Missleading~!
   It Will only show how to draw "realistic" style manga anatomy. The women model is also rather man-ish looking.
   So its not what i expected at all and i'm kind of Dissapointed. There is also a very Weird p2 page spread of up-crotch shots that i can only imagine are there for H-manga refrences.



5. The entire experience was amazing. Shipped earlier then expected, in pristine condition, no hassles no worry.
   
   The product itself is great. The guide truly helps with the basic structure of drawing characters anatonomically correct. It's always better to learn how to draw something right first and then learn how to break the rules later.

5 comments about Colored Pencil Portraits.

1. I have taken a workshop by Ann Kullberg she teaches colored pencil so clearly that even I learned something. I have read this book and one of her other books. Colored pencil painting done by showing the importance of layering colors in creating shapes with depth and richness in colors. I've since used what I learned from Kullberg in my other painting mediums. I've got nothing but praise for this book!



2. Colored Pencil Portraits
   I have been a non-professional artist for over 50 years, and I do primarily portraits of people and pets. This book offered very thorough help. For example, the author showed how to create your own guide for skin tones using the brand of pencils she uses. It made it very easy to create the same effects.
   
   She also gave quite a bit of space to explaining how to do a background, and showing good and bad examples of how to place the main subject within the "frame" of the background. Many full color examples of what she is trying to explain make the book enjoyable and easy to understand the points she is making.
   
   All in all, this book is well worth buying if you do portraits--or would like to.



3. For those interested in the colored pencil medium, this is a descriptive reference for portraiture creation.



4. When I recieved this book, the first thing I did was skim through it entirely. It is very informative and well written, going into excellent detail in technique and color theory for the medium of colored pencil. After settling down with enough time to properly read it ( although the chapters are detailed enough that it is not necessary to do so), I also found that the techniques explained incorperate very well into my own personal style of drawing. It will definatly remain, as a great reference, in my studio for years to come! I recommend this book to anyone who loves colored pencil or those that have no idea just what a colored pencil can do.



5. This book is equally useful for beginning colored pencil artists through more advanced portrait artists. It is a must read for beginners, as I am. Author Anita Kullberg begins with basic colored pencil techniques, composition and the all-important skills of using light, dark and mid tone values. Then, she leads the reader through the step-by-step techniques of painting skin tones, facial characteristics and realistic hair. By the time I painted my second portrait using Kullberg's techniques described in this book, my painting was believable and recognizable. Far more important to the amateur, I really liked my work! The book is indexed for an easy search for content and Kullberg's "Hints" are real gems. This is a great reference book in addition to the tutorials.

No comments about New Gourd Art with Ink Dyes.

5 comments about Mastering Color.

1. I liked Ms. McMurry's approach with how she both wrote the book and what she decided to share in regards to her knowledge with oils. I would really give this book 4 and a half stars because in order to be a five star it would have to include even more info, however the book is well-printed, the examples excellent and it includes lots of photographic information along with the written descriptions. One of the better oil painting books out there. I wasn't disappointed.



2. Vicki has written an exceptional instructional book on color. She is well informed and has a flair about her which shines throughout this book. She is a true artist and is willing to share it with all of us. You will learn about her supplies and many of her tips to be a better informed painter and artist. Thank you, Vicki
   
   Eleanor



3. I am really pleased that I have purchased this book, as it has given me an insight as to what colors to use in my paintings. I have been painting for years and I now feel more confident in choosing color range - thank you Mastering Color. The book is also very well explained.



4. I though it would be very deep into color theory, on how to get accurate
   tonal and saturation value, but in fact it's very light, and doesnt really add anything new that havent been written in others books about color theory. The presentation is impeccable which make it a nice book to own. But if I had seen this book in a librairy before buying it, I would not have bought it.



5. great book-like the explaination on all the color schemes. very easy to understand and refer to when doing color studies.

5 comments about 9 Heads: A Guide to Drawing Fashion (3rd Edition).

1. At first i didnt want to pay the price without getting a good look inside, but when i traveled to Europe the fashion school I went to had several copies and I ordered it at once. Definitely worth the money!! Has everything you need for fashion drawing. either for beginners or advanced artists.



2. I took an illustration class and we used a different book and felt that my illustrations were still horrible, even after the class. I saw this book was being used for the next illustration class and looked at my friend's book and decided to get it. Upon receiving this book, I started really sketching and I got a lot of compliments on my new sketches! This is a great instructional book!



3. i could honestly say i have a ton of books and as a fashion designer this is the best book out there.. it will teach you step by step and the best thing to do is to get colors for modern fashion. You have both of these you are set. I had Nancy R. as a teacher and shes the best! the money is worth it !! it will be your fashion bible! :)



4. I can't explain what a great help this book has been for my studies. It is very indepth and the steps to creating the croqui are excellent. I am a first year fashion design student with very limited skills in drawing and this book has helped me improve in my class by leaps and bounds in just a short span of time. A must for all Fashion Illustrators.



5. This book is a must have for anyone who is seriosly into Fashion Illustration. I do some of my teaching with it, and students go crazy over the simplicity of the explanations.

5 comments about Logo, Font & Lettering Bible.

1. I can highly recommend this book as it has proved to be an absolute delight! Filled with information, but still presented in a delightful, easy to read and easy to follow way.
   
   Being old enough to have experienced the cantankerous and oft times spiteful ways of early drawing instruments made the historical section alone worth purchasing this book. The Author's knowledge and obvious respect for the earlier designers made for great reading too.
   
   One of the very few publications that one can open on any page and go Wow! plus get good information from.



2. I've recently purchased this book based on online reviews. I've seen good and bad reviews, but I decided to give it a chance. I was amazed by the quality of the print, and the layout of the content.
   
   The looks: The content is beautifully arranged, the layout design and the cover are done by the author herself. It has nice images, full color on every single page. The paper is of great quality. The hardcover size of the book is larger than the usually type of books and it resembles an album art format.
   
   The contents: The book has some big chapters that it deals with. Has good information on how to develop a logo and font design process , about thumb-nailing, brainstorming ideas, drawing by hand and using bezier curves in illustrator. It says what a logo is and what a logo is not. It has some info about how to run a design business as well. The content is very easy to read and understand, from cover to cover as well as a reference material.
   
   The price: very good price given the quality and the presentation.



3. I read glowing reviews of this book before my purchase. They were accurate, the author's passion for type and logo design is evident. A definitive work for the serious designer. No filler in this book. I would go as far to say that this reference work should be mandatory for all graphic design students. As the Bible is indispensable for the believer so this book is indispensable for the true type freak.
   
   Joe Typefreak



4. This book made me LOVE type the way no other book did. trust me just buy it!



5. Not only is it a terrific and easy-to-understand how-to book, but a fabulous idea-starter and it doubles as a coffee table book because it's beautiful to just thumb through.