5 comments about First Steps Painting Watercolors (First Step Series).

1. I have never really painted with watercolours until I read this book and it made the transition into this medium with ease. I heard constantly that is medium is difficult to control etc. The techniques described in this book broke that myth for me and I have been using it to compliment my photographs.



2. Cathy Johnson is a down to earth and talented instructor. I thoroughly enjoyed working through "Painting Watercolors" and it came highly recommended to me. I used this book as my basic guideline for studying watercolor and I greatly improved by doing all of the exercises she recommends. She is a very natural teacher and I found it very easy to follow her demonstrations. I am encouraged and feel as if I am really on my way to becoming the kind of artist I always wanted to be.



3. Great book, perfect for ideas. Detailed easy to follow. Poor delivery service from the seller.



4. If you are looking for a good start-up book you can plan on this being the one. Her easy going style belies the amount of information and great try out activities that establish basic necessary techniques. True--no book can do everything and eventually one would want a supplement but think purchasers would be generally pleased with this user-friendly book. It is not a cookbook (thank goodness) but rather in a format that will establish a base and encourage and confirm to a budding artist that he/she really can paint.



5. I like all of Cathy Johnson's books, but this one is my favorite. It is very practical, understandable, and well illustrated. Although anyone would enjoy it, this book is especially beneficial to someone just beginning to paint with watercolors. It deals with the basics. I love it.

5 comments about Color Choices: Making Color Sense Out of Color Theory.

1. This is an excellent book on color, very indepth and very clear. I've learned things from this book that I didn't know. I recommend it to anyone who loves color and uses it in their work or art.



2. Stephen Quiller's books,(I have his book on using Acrylics as well) are definitly the most helpful to me as I am attempting to take up painting again after a long hiatus. His color wheel is fabulous as are his suggestions on mixing results for different pigments, suggestions on setting up one's pallette, what colors are available in various named brands, etc. on and on. All of this information is for water based media, so if that is what you need, it is all here! One may or may not like his style of painting---it is semi-abstract with elements of realism that makes it appear more commercially appealing I suspect, but his color info is dead on! One definitely does not wind up with mud when following his suggestions.



3. Great book presenting a complex theory in understandable fashion! Quiller is an expert in the theory of color.



4. Stephen Quiller is a real master of color harmony. I warmly recommend his book. He teaches not only the color theory, but also demonstrates how it works in practice with his own work. Quiller shows how to mix colors in real life and how to find out the complementaries. His color wheel adds the commercial names of hues that one finds in shops, which is quite handy.
   
   Quiller will teach you not to use the "real" surface color of the objects, but to search for feelings and the atmosphere of the ambient. The leaves may be, say, violet and the sky yellow, if that is how you see them.
   
   One thing Quiller misses to point out is additive color mixing like it was used by pointillists. When colors mix in the eye the rules of harmony are somewhat different.
   
   If you are sceptical about brave color mixtures I recommend you to first have a look at Quiller's art at his internet pages.



5. This book is worth buying for Quiller's color wheel. It is by far the best and most practical I have ever seen. It makes paint mixing very easy. Throw out your color mixing cook books and buy this one.

4 comments about Composition: Understanding Line, Notan and Color.

1. I agree that the "big green" edition is a bit more ponderous, but found it helpful to have a frame of reference from an academic that I found thoughtful in ways and not so much in other ways. The original textbook, mine was a college library copy so it's in pretty rough shape, has the essence of Dow's approach to teaching design and has some nice color images that I am sure were added during binding. If this version is a replication of the original textbook, it should be well worth purchasing. I find it an interesting comparison to the extremely long and involved textbook I use in my design classes.
   cheeres, bill b.



2. This product is not really worth the money. It is, in many places, just a copy of Dow's other book on Notan -- same info, same pictures, same exercises. Buy one or the other of his two book - not both. If you already only his NOTAN book pass this up. If you are choosing between the two -- the addition of color makes this one a better choice over the former.



3. A simple reproduction of the classic work.
   
   This is the book Georgia O'keeffe so highly recommended, not the bloated green-covered edition from the University of California press with the hideous *61* pages of useless introduction.



4. Sorry to enter an non-review of this latest edition of Dow's book (this is more applicable to the '97 edition) but I've been waiting to see if anyone has seen this new edition of what has the potential to be a very good book (however the old edition is terrible).
   
   I have a copy of the 1997 edition by California press (see its reviews here on Amazon). I have all the same complaints as the other reviewers - a very long-winded and essentially useless introduction that's almost longer than the book itself; terrible binding which started to fall apart from the first day I got the brand new book (and every time I touch the book, it falls apart even more); terrible, blurry illustrations; heavy paper and just overall 'don't read me' type of feel.
   
   Dow's book has a ton of useful information about design and composition but I just have a hard time holding onto it or reading it than for more than a few minutes (I've owned the book for over 3 years now and bought it after visiting the O'Keeffe museum in santa fe and reading about Georgia O'Keeffe raving about Dow's book and how much it helped her composition skills.) And since you really need to read this book and do the exercises in it to benefit from it, my desire to absorb the information via osmosis has proved, to date, fruitless.
   
   So, I'd really like to order a better copy which I can actually tolerate holding and reading (which this new edition may or may not be) but don't want a repeat of the same problems as the '97 edition. If you've seen this book in person or own it, please review it here. Thanks!

5 comments about Drawing People.

1. Not only is this book an invaluable guide to drawing the clothed figure, it is also one of the best books I've seen on drawing period. All of the important principles of drawing are in this book. These principles are clearly presented and well organized with a good mixture of easy to read text and beautiful illustrations. For clothed figure there is nothing else remotely comparable to it on the market. I am a college art instructor and often use this book to illustrate drawing lessons. The sections of the book on kinds of folds and how different clothing reacts to the moving figure are the best I have seen. Anyone, from novice to professional, who want to know more about basic drawing principles, how to draw the figure or the clothed figure should have this book in their library.



2. I am a figurative painter, illustrator, and part time university instructor who owns two copies of this outstanding book: one for personal use and one as a supplement to teaching.
   
   There are very few books available on drawing the clothed figure, and fewer that are useful. This book is a must have for anyone who is a serious beginner or professional figurative artist.
   
   It is filled from cover to cover with clearly written text, outstanding drawings and diagrams, and valuable information and insight. Part 1 in the book covers the oft overlooked imperative issues of stance and holding the medium, direct drawing, telling a story, drawing in a sketchbook and drawing in your studio. Parts 2, 3, 4, and 5 progress in a logical way through valuable information on the figure and clothing, including: clear information on how body forms and clothing wrap around, folds including their types and how they move with the form and action of the body, fabric types and textures, patterns, and how to construct clothing on the body, plus pages on drawing hats and footwear. Part 6 includes information on design of the figure in clothing, drawing heads, hands, and children.
   
   Barbara Bradley's mastery of subject, joyful spirit, and understanding of how we think and feel moves this far beyond being a simple "How To" book. This book is about drawing the clothed figure, but it is also about expressing an opinion and portraying a living human being.



3. Earlier this year, Barbara Bradley was selected by a jury of 75 illustrators, art directors and educators to receive the New York Society of Illustrators' 2007 Distinguished Educator of the Arts Award. "Drawing People: How to Portray the Clothed Figure" is an organized, comprehensive collection of the lessons this outstanding teacher and former illustration department director distilled from 25 years of teaching clothed figure drawing at San Francisco's Academy of Art University. The breadth of Bradley's knowledge and understanding of drawing made this an ambitious undertaking. The result is a book densely packed with key concepts and tips for producing believable, expressive, well-drawn figures.
   
   It is unfortunate that two of the recently posted reviews here are so bafflingly critical--especially since one is written by someone who admits he lacks the skill to draw clothed figures himself. As a working illustrator for over 20 years (Domitila: A Cinderella Tale from the Mexican Tradition, The Wishing Tree, Water Beds: Sleeping In The Ocean, Octavia And Her Purple Ink Cloud, The Rainforest Grew All Around), let me assure you that "Drawing People" is a valuable resource both for beginning artists as well as for more advanced, life-long students. Contrary to the title of my review, the inspiration and skills Barbara Bradley passed on to her many students is her real legacy. Her clothed figure drawing book is a bonus--a gift to those not fortunate enough to have experienced her teaching first-hand.



4. I just finished my first year of art school and picked up this book to give me some more practice over the summer. Have a background that includes nude figure drawings first before delving into this one. But if you are ready to delve into drapery, this book is a godsend. Not many books deal with clothing studies, and she offers good tips for creating drawings using both value and line.



5. 
   
   This book is not so much about depicting clothing but discussing figure drawing and depicting folds in clothing. It doesn't do what it sets out to do. For it to do that, ti would have actually had to explain more abotu how clothing wraps around the body. Understanding the figure is a must in depicting clothing, as cloth twists and moves to the contortions of the body. This was not discussed in the book. Soem real life examples would have wokred wonders toward achieving it's aim. The book can also be a bit wordy. It could have been made concise if they had used a greater amount of photos and clearer graphics.
   
   With that being said, I still enjoyed this book. Even thoguh it didn't quite delve deeply into process some of the suggestions were reasonably helpful. I liked the rough figure sketches she includes. These are great examples of how to capture form. Also, her interest in telling a story and explanations as to her choices in for depicting mood were very interesting to me. I would like to get into illustrative work. So those msall points on telling a story. It a very kind of open beginners book to pencil drawing the human figure. Other mediums are ignored. Still, i like the art, and even though I took the book out from my local library. I'
   m thinking of buying myself a copy.
   My advice, Buy it from the bookstore, if oyu don't like it, return it.
   
   
   There really should be a half a star sign, this book isn't quiet a four but it isn't a three either.

5 comments about Fashion Illustration for Designers.

1. I have purchased almost every book on fashion illustration out there, and this is still the best. It covers all media, has beautiful full color illustrations and hundreds of black and white. It also shows how to illustrate males and children of all ages.



2. I found this book the best for examples on learning to draw draped garments on the body. Although not explicitly meant for this purpose, this book divides each type of garment by chapter and gives examples for drawing them, appropriately. I find her approach realistic, and her style excellent. She definitely helped me!



3. i teach from this book and it is instrumental in creating enormous breakthroughs in students' sketching abilities. you will never tire of this book. loads of information. a must.



4. I have a lot of worthless books on fashion illustration, however, this one is not one of those. It is worth the money and then some. She is clearly a good teacher, the illustrations are great and the videos are a bonus. Buy this book, you won't be disappointed.



5. My teacher recommmended that I get this book and I absoulutely love it. Karen Hagen is a great illustrator and gives a variety of ideas of different mediums to use and how to coordinate them all together. This book is also great for those who don't quite know how to draw. There are step by step instructions and the illustrations are great!

5 comments about Drawing: A Contemporary Approach.

1. This book was recommended to me by a professional artist. I am just beginning my journey through and delighted to see the exercises which will help me to master the difficult art of drawing.



2. Well written and containing up to date developments in this field. Illustrations are of a good quality. Altogether a valuable text for the teacher as well as the practitioner.



3. As a lecturer at a California University, I have yet to come across a book more resourceful than this.
   It is the best book on drawing, from an educational standpoint, yet written.
   Every college professor in the Arts the world over should have this book in their reference collection.
   Its that good.



4. There are many great books about drawing in print. This book has some of the greatest elements of them all. It includes no-nonsense instruction for drawing exercises that really help people learn to draw well. It includes a lot of examples of student work and work by masters. It has a special focus on the work of contemporary artists, and I think this is one of the things I find most compelling about the book. The appendices are very helpful, especially the one about keeping a sketchbook. A wide range of approaches and media are discussed.

   I used this lovely book as a text for a college-level beginning drawing course when it first came out about 20 years ago. I used it through the second edition of the text, and then switched to another book. After using two different texts and then no text for a while, I am returning to the Betti/Sale text. ...




5. As an educator I use theis book all the time. It's approch towards drawing is excellent to the classroom and for the artist. I tell everyone to make sure they have a copy on the shelf.

5 comments about Helen Van Wyks Favorite Color Recipes.

1. My wife and I lived in Rockport when Miss Van Wyk was still painting. We have the first version of her color recipes book in its original three ring binder form. Her book offers the beginning painter great suggestions and solutions on many typical color mixing problems. Thanks Helen.



2. I love this book. It's been very helpful for times when I just can't seem to mix the color I'm looking for. I look in this book and it always has good information.
   
   Even though I have a BFA many things that would have been helpful in the real world, just weren't taught. This book fills in a lot of blanks.



3. Helen is a great teacher. I have taken art classes and learned 1/10th of what I learned by reading her book. I am colorblind and people argue with me about it because of my ability to use the right colors. I only wish she was still here so she could produce even more information etc.



4. An excellent book that covered many subjects of painting, and how to use particular colours successfully for that area, I found this very helpful and informative.



5. I have not had enough time to give a very detailed review on this book 'however from what I have read I am very impressed with the clarity in her descriptions on mixing colors and their use.

5 comments about Albertus Seba's Cabinet of Natural Curiosities (Jumbo).

1. I first saw this book at a resort we were staying at. I had to have it!! I have never seen a more amazing book. This book is something I believe everyone should own. It is a wonderful teaching tool for young children, an interesting study for adults, an artists dream to have each specimen right there in front of you, an interesting and colorful study of thousands of specimens of sea, land and sky. To think that these were drawings that occured way before the camera was even thought of. Once you see this, you won't believe you lived without it. Don't skimp on this one; buy the Jumbo book and enjoy. Don't forget to order a new coffee table to hold it! ( : You won't be disappointed...ever!! ( :



2. This book is an outstanding bargain. It is beautiful and breathtaking. I hadn't read the dimensions of the book before ordering and was really surprised when this 16 pound book arrived in its own cardboard case. The pictures are so gorgeous and some poster sized prints are included -- unfortunately, the images selected for the posters are not the most attractive of Seba's work. Before ordering, I had planned to cut out some of the prints for framing, but I can't bring myself to do that now --this book is just so amazing.



3. The book is more than I expected. It will be proudly display at my store Sol Interios. I know it will get lots of attention.



4. You have to see this book in person to really appreciate how beautiful it really is. Every single page is filled with excellent drawings of hundreds of animals, plants, seashells, etc. It is absolutly outstanding. Every book lover, or nature lover should add this book to their collection. The price seems expensive but when you see the book it will be the best 140 dollars you have spent in a long time.



5. This is a beautiful book, but I've had to factor in the cost of a dictionary stand or console table to display it. It's giant! and it looked silly on my average-sized coffee table.

5 comments about Watercolor Painting Outside the Lines.

1. Well-laid-out basic procedures. Two pages in the back which are truly useful checklists for planning and starting paintings. I am excited about applying this method to subjects I have painted in the past.



2. Linda's work is so bold and fresh it borders on the abstract. The approach is groundbreaking, and the resulting work is rich and fluid and inspiring.
   The book starts out with suggestions on materials and supplies. She then leads you through very simple exercises to teach the basics of understanding negative shapes. She also provides instruction on modifying shapes, composition strategies, and color. Then she leads you through more and more intricate layers. It's an entirely new way of thinking. I have used these techniques in my own work and with my college students as well. Artists at any level can benefit from her ideas.
   
   (I also took a workshop from her and highly recommend her as an instructor.)



3. This author takes watercolor to a useful and understandable technique for the person new to this media. Her directions are clear, consise and knowledgable. Her demonstrations, while challenging to duplicate, are easy to follow. I highly recommend her book to anyone seeking to widen their understanding of what watercolor can do for their art.



4. This is an original book that will expand your painting skills by providing you with techniques to approach painting through negative spaces. Everything is explained meticulously in step by step diagrams that leave nothing unclear. It is a valuable addition to painters who want to expand their repertoire of skills. However, the technique explained in this book, fascinating as it is, has its limitations, as it can only work in pictures where the negative spaces are darker than the positive ones (you will understand how and why when you read it). Should the painter want their negative spaces to be lighter in color than the shapes depicted, this technique would not work.
   
   Maybe it is a first step and the author, or somebody else, can expand the possibilities of this technique further; what we learn in this book is certainly not the last word on negative-space painting. The author explores mostly landscapes, and the results of her specific approach gives results that are highly original, but that have a specific eerie-spooky character. Since I haven't tried applying the technique yet, I cannot tell whether that eerie quality is an inevitable consequence of that technique, or is it the result of the author's/painter's specific choices, and whether a different painter could get results of a totally different quality.
   
   Despite these limitations, it is a very useful approach to get to know, especially for painters who do not just want to learn a new trick, but who also want to learn how to see in new ways. Highly recommended.



5. This is truly one of the best tutorial and creative books written on how to paint with watercolors. Linda Kemp is a visionary artist and her work resonates her masterful accomplishments. It's hard to combine the technical aspects of picture making while nurturing the creative elements of painting. Linda shows the reader how to do both. She takes the student on a fundamental learning guide with her work that is understandable and achievable. She does not ignore the importance of composition and color in picture making and the book illustrates many useful design concepts that are important in picture making. Many watercolor books are filled with pretty pictures, Linda Kemp's book is a look into an accomplished body of work as well as a useful reference book for both beginner and experineced painters. A real treasure for the artist's library.

4 comments about The Face Painting Book of Butterflies.

1. I'm a professional face painter, and this book was just what I needed to step up my butterfly techniques. I recommend this book to any face painter who is looking for fresh, new ideas and techniques, or to a beginner just starting out.
   
   ~Mikky the Clown



2. This and the other books by this author are beautiful but not terribly helpful for non professsional face painters. The pictures are very pretty but there is only brief direction on how to achieve the end look. Some of the materials used are very specialized. I would only recommend this for an expereinced face painter.



3. I LOVE this book. Yes, it is a little small, smaller than I thought it would be but it is jammed packed with ideas. The other person said that all the butterflies were the same but they really are not. Great inspiration for colors and shapes. Love the little quotes on each page. Nice touch. With your own creativeness you can make great mystical butterflies. I would have like a little more info. on how to put the paint on but if you have just a little knowledge on how to put it on you can figure it out. Practice on a kid for free. Again I love the book great addition to your painting library and I am ordering Marcela's book on Face Painting Fairies and I am sure I will be just as happy.



4. This "book" is more of a color pamphlet. It shows how to create full-face butterfly paintings, but they all looked very similar. If you have any artistic bone in your body, you probably won't need this book for anything but inspiration. I found it helpful for showing me how to face paint butterflies on little children and keeping it away from the eyes. Also, most of the butterflies use glitter, which I was scared to try with young children.