5 comments about Complete Printmaker.

1. A very intense book on print making. A must have book for serious artists, who want to expand in their field. Lots and lots of contacts in back of book maiking it easy to find anyone you need for print making! A+



2. I am taking a class at the local community college. The professor of my printmaking class recommended this book highly and said it was the best on the market, so I purchased it and am totally happy and satisfied. It explains the different processes very well and the illustrations accompanying the text help visualize the different methods of printmaking. I am totally satisfied and will use it as a reference book throughout my printmaking activities.
   Susy Moesch



3. Very lengthy but i did learn from it



4. Delivery time was as promised. The book came securely packaged and the book itself was in pristine condition. I save $25 under the cost as charged in my college bookstore.



5. This book is almost a catalog of every printmaking process around. It covers all the basics: intaglio, relief, screen prints, litho, and monoprint. It covers related technique, including embossed "dimensional" prints (aka "blind" prints), molded paper, and more. It devotes special attention to collographs, prints from textured or collage surface, and much too much more to describe.
   
   Best, the tools, materials, and how-to of every process are described in a fair bit of detail. Because so many processes are listed, each one gets just a short section, nowhere near what a printmaker would need in practice. Still, the descriptions serve at least two purposes. First, they may entice an artist into learning more about a process.
   
   Second, and more importantly for me, is that you don't have to be a printmaker to read this book and benefit from it. I'm a fan of fine prints, even though I don't make prints myself. I like to know what I'm looking at. I like to see a mark in a print and understand where it came from, how the artist's hand created it. By explaining each process, this book helps me understand the result of the process, and understand its effect on the finished product. Not everyone sees art that way, but it makes me feel somehow closer to the creator.
   
   I recommend this to anyone who loves fine prints. Perhaps it's helpful to the printmaker looking for new techniques to try. It is certainly useful for the viewer, in understanding how the artist makes a vision come alive on paper.
   
   //wiredweird

2 comments about Pastel Workbook: A Complete Course in 10 Lessons (Workbook).

1. Clear, simple teaching guide for pastel beginners. 10 progressive lessons. Examples range from simple to advanced, to encourage and inspire the reader. I think it needs a bit more information in fixatives and surfaces, which are a large factor in the whole picture-making process. Overall, it's a good book to get started.
   
   s_tomsik



2. This is one of the best written and demonstrated art books that I've purchased -- I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to learn to create art with pastels. This book will give you the basics in about 10 lessons.

5 comments about The Writer’s Complete Fantasy Reference.

1. This is a great general reference guide. It gives you a place to start so you know what direction to go in if you want to delve into a topic further. I liked the generic descriptions on witchcraft, which for being Christian, I found very benign and non-threatening concerning a topic that can get heated very quickly.
   The book had good general descriptions, but didn't get too deep in any one area. This lets me decide if I want to research something further.
   If I had to say something I didn't like; it would be that I wish the book were longer, so it could cover more, and go into greater variety of the topics it covers.



2. I wouldn't call this an in-depth reference, but it is a good place for fantasy writers to start research. When I'm stuck for ideas, I'll often browse the pages and see if something catches my imagination, then take off. The sections do remind the fantasy writer of different aspects involved in world building.



3. If your young, or new to fantasy writing this is a good reference book. It details many subjects that you cant find in normal reference material or that would be hard to find. Clothing, nobility, ancient forms of magic and their use, dark age life ect. Many people have given this book a bad rating but I found it very interesting and helpful. It is not complete, true; but finding a book with everything you need to know about fantasy and ancient times would be impossible to find. This is the basics and I think it was worth every penny. Get it at a discount here on amazon. I love this site !



4. I'm not saying "don't" buy this book. I'm saying buy it used at a considerable discount. It's got some useful information and and few 'exercises' that are helpful, but overall it's kind of flaccid. It's worth a read or two.



5. My son likes to write fantasy stories and plays D&D with his friends. He was thrilled with this book! It gives backgrounds and historical facts as well as advice and tips. The one feature I think is helpful is the vocabulary in reference to castles and costumes of the time periods often found in fantasy stories. Celebrated authors write essays on several subjects, so the information is not without merit. After all, they sold their stories. I am not the one reading this book, but I will say that my son is 16, and teenagers don't get excited over much, so if he was thrilled, you know it must be good!

5 comments about Perfect Neutrals: Color You Can Live With.

1. So it is a nice book -- well printed, good in the hand, and done on quality paper.
   
   I can't stop staring at this thing. There is something so utterly correct and compelling about the color sense that underlies the work here. Quite a remarkable achievement.



2. I am delighted with this book, which is very current since it was just published in 2007. It covers every color in the palate, but in their muted, neutral versions. It's divided into several sections that show ideal ways to blend each neutral color family, including reds, purples, blues, yellows and greens, in addition to several shades of white, beige, gray, taupe and brown. Each section has fully referenced pictures of swatches of paints, fabrics, and flooring material. The paints are readily available in the USA from Benjamin Moore among other suppliers.
   
   The quality of the photography is outstanding, with crisp, clear detail. The book focuses on the work of a handful of designers in USA, England and South Africa. It is nice to see the geographic dispersion -- the South African rooms, for example, contain feather headdresses on the walls which are just extraordinary and something I've never seen in USA.
   
   If you are doing your own design, you can easily replicate what is presented here. Not only are there schemes to copy, but the author clearly presents a practical methodology to create lovely interiors using the "neutral" fabrics, paints and materials that are widely available today.
   
   I own lots of design books. This one ranks among the very best.



3. This book shows how many muted colors can become beautiful, new neutrals for your decorating. Each section is broken down into color palettes. Easy to flip to hues you are interested in. Colors used in photos (of famous int. designers) don't always agree with paint, fabric and rug swatch examples used in each section. Paint colors are all referenced, but furniture, etc are not.



4. I don't know much of decoration and having this book makes me feel like I have the best decoration book I could wish for...full of pictures and great ideas.



5. The book is well priced and full of beautiful color photo's showing this neutral concept that is always in style. Nice work on color boards of real materials that you can research. I see this influncing many of us to use more neurtalized colors in our palettes for our homes and places of work. As big user of the Munsel, color theory is alive and well and it shows in this book neutrals will always be in style they are the canvas and background that enhances the higher chroma colors.
   
   This will become a resource book for me.
   
   MS (Industral designer and colorist)

5 comments about Roy Lang's Sea & Sky in Oils: Painting the Atmosphere & Majesty of the Sea.

1. It has really nice pictures of the oil painting.
   It has some step by step "how to paint a sea"... I just wishe it had more.



2. Purchased the book thinking it would be a good overview. The reviews seemed promising. I've read it like three times now! It is so good and the techniques are really straightforward. I'm about to paint my very first seascape having learned from this book that it IS possible. I understand that there is also a Roy Lang DVD that goes along with this book and am looking to get a copy. If you want to learn how to paint the sea - you can't go wrong with this book.



3. An excellent book of ideas for those attempting, for the first time, the complexities of the sea. I would like to have had a few more work studies under different lighting conditions. Certainly a terrific starting point for first timers such as myself.



4. this guy knows how to paint water but never give you a good tutorial at all, i bought this book 'cause of the painting in the cover... thinking that I'll learn to paint at least that painting... WRONG!!! only shows you how to paint small waves, boring scenes nothing great... last time I'm buying books of this kind in amazon... I'll better go to half price books



5. I made the mistake of not reviewing his work before buying the book. While his water is well done, his rocks look like they were painted directly from a squeezed tube. It's a distraction in many of his paintings. It is hard to learn from a book when you aren't impressed with the artist's work.

5 comments about Graffiti L.A.: Street Styles and Art (with cd-rom).

1. Ample photos and interesting text...a fine book to own if one is interested in graffiti art in the LA area



2. By no exaggeration, this book is the best of its kind. It starts out with the history of gang writing then follows up with the evolution of the art including techniques, paint and cap types, run-ins with the law, etc. The pictures are as clear as can be, and the forever present artist commentary is the perfect compliment to the fantastic collection of pics. This is a must own for any fan of graffiti.



3. Fifty years ago, graffiti was something written in restrooms and was relatively private. Now graffiti is an art form. You can think of it as vandalism; if it is your wall, or a public wall, and it is supposed to stay clean and undecorated, any unwanted spray-painting, no matter how fancy, is vandalism. But even if it is vandalism (and sometimes the owner of the wall invites the decoration, or the painting is done on canvas for a gallery), there is no arguing that graffiti now is some sort of art. This is especially obvious if you examine the hundreds of pictures in _Graffiti L.A.: Street Styles and Art_ (Abrams) by Steve Grody. Grody loves the graffiti of Los Angeles, and booms, "Along with the myriad styles these artists have created, they have also evolved world-class graphic skills now comparable to the best aerosol work anywhere." It seems funny that anyone would be comparing "aerosol work" from any locales, but you don't have to know about the styles elsewhere to enjoy the astonishing colors and designs found here. Grody examines the ethical issues of this sort of work, but it is clear that such evaluation is secondary to the art itself. He includes interviews with many of the artists (they call themselves "writers"), examines techniques and styles, and shows an appreciation of how this peculiar form of art has redeemed many of its practitioners, and redeemed some blighted public spaces as well.
   
   The spray can is the choice of the writers because it is easily concealed and is portable. On the wall's surface, its effects can be controlled, but it can also cover an area quickly. The furtiveness of making graffiti necessitates the use of the spray can, but writers use it even in gallery work. It is also used, when no concealment is needed, on a "permission wall", a surface donated by its owner for esthetic reasons to be the site of an elaborate piece. The writers quoted here have much to say about the work of others; it is clear that they have examined styles carefully and can give intelligent critiques of what they have seen, and that they admire the works of competent competitors. They know "bad can control" or excessive imitation when they see it. The writers are in danger of criminal prosecution if they are not working on permission walls, and are in physical danger if they are working on some surface that is elevated. There is little tangible reward to this type of artistry, which is mainly a means of self expression with little other benefit. Grody writes, "It is this creative passion in light of all the obstacles that gives the best work its pop pulp energy." There are numerous stories here about members who were at risk of descending into drug use or crimes worse than artistic vandalism, but were saved by joining a group of like-minded artists.
   
   The descriptions here of classifications of the work, the social forces at play, and the lives of the writers are all good for putting the pictures here in context, but the pictures are the show in this big and glossy book. Not all the pictures could even get in here, as with the book there is a disk included of hundreds more, along with audio interviews. It is fun to try to make out the letters, which are clear in some of the examples shown here, but are often so stretched and stylized that even if you know the crew that has put its name up, it is hard to pick the letters out. The depiction of figures or portraits is sometimes hyper-realistic, but usually in a comic book style, and is (to my eyes) far less appealing than the letters shaped into abstractions of extraordinary complexity and color. Grody has a couple of pages to illustrate some basic techniques, like cuts, 3-D, or letter blends, but there is no need to acquire a technical eye to enjoy the shows of kinetic mural energy displayed here. There is still some moral ambiguity about some pieces and their execution, but one picture after another shows that this is a vibrant and valid form of folk art.



4. All I can say is get this book!!!!If you love that LA raw stuff.It's pretty well rounded,and gives you a whole look at what's going on past and present.If you have never been to LA.Here is your chance.Oh and it's focus is not on just one crew.Get this book first, on LA graff if you have to choose one.Plus an cd rom with photo's.You can't beat that.Good job Mr.Grody GOOD JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



5. I bought this book for my bf, because he loves graffiti art, and used to have his own crew many years ago. He loves to look at the pictures, and see the deeper meanings that a lot of artists present in their graffiti along with murals. Finding the artist's tags in the art is also fun. We both enjoy looking through this book, and plan to buy similar items in the future.

5 comments about Hellblazer: Original Sins.

1. Story is strong, although sometimes difficult to follow. Art is less than inspiring, but works well with the genre.



2. "The devil you know" collects the issues 10-13 and the first annuals of this series. Constantine is arrogant, tortured, and alone, and Jamie's writing deepens those feelings as we walk with Constantine in a Margret Thatcher England. Reminicient of V for Vendetta in how the future England may be, this tpb is truly a horror comic. Antartica is one of the most desturbing stories I have ever read. I personally liked how the different stories had different artists, its like the Sandman, each artist brings something new to the charcter. The opening imagery for "sex and death" is phenomenal. There are a some weak stories, (venus of the hardsell) but overall, some of the best writing and art this series has ever had.



3. Original Sins is some early Hellblazer work by Jamie Delano. This is back from the 1980s era, and is definitely more overtly political than some of what comes later. This is also the time that Swamp Thing was a character or perhaps a similar style, so the two crossed paths a little bit, so that may be of interest to some.



4. Though he was created by the great Alan Moore in the pages of Swamp Thing, John Constantine was really given his voice by Jamie Delano when Hellblazer was first launched. Providing Constantine with enough backstory, tragedy, and supporting characters to make him more than compelling than he already was in the first place, Delano got the character like few writers ever would in the years to come. The Devil You Know collects some of Delano's stories after Original Sins, which include Constantine meeting a woman unlike that he's never come across before, as well as going toe to toe with Nergal once again, and this time walking away with the upper hand. Though I myself was never really fond of Delano's work on the title the first time I read it, it grew on me, and the same thing happened here. Having artwork from V For Vendetta artist David Lloyd as well as Richard Piers Rayner and Mark Buckingham doesn't hurt either, rounding out a very solid book. All in all, what's contained here may not be as prolific as what we get in Dangerous Habits or Stations of the Cross, but The Devil You Know is definitely worth picking up for Hellblazer fans regardless.



5. The story really ends in the middle of this book and the art changes. No where near as good as "Dangerous Habits". Still OK though.

5 comments about First Steps Drawing in Pen & Ink (First Step Series).

1. As a non-artist who's trying to learn to be an artist, this book really helped me find a medium that worked for me, and no other book has inspired me to get to work learning to draw.
   
   You'll need some experience sketching with pencil to make most of the drawings work, but the great pen-and-ink art in this book has inspired me to get better drawing with pencil.
   
   Note that online auction sites usually have great deals on sets of Rapidograph pens. Don't pay full price!



2. I wish I had had this book years ago. It would have saved me lots of mistakes and given me the courage to pursue my passion sooner.



3. This is an awesome book, especially for those just learning to draw with ink. It has hand control exercises and shows all the basic strokes. A great feature of the book is the progessive projects. And the tips about using your fine technical pen are very helpful. Claudia Nice's work is beautiful. This book makes it simple and rewarding to pick up a pen.



4. I borrowed this book from the library and used it so extensively for three weeks that I decided to buy my own copy. The book contains information on tools and techniques with instructions and lessons for both beginners and more accomplished artists. I feel it is a good reference that I will go back to again and again.



5. Having picked up a drawing pen after many long years (actually my last drawing instrument was a made by Crayola!) I found this book to be very helpful in learning the basics, fiding materials, and simply getting started. I have found it worth every cent I paid for it.

5 comments about Creating Nature in Watercolor: An Artist's Guide.

1. I found this newest Cathy Johnson book to be every bit as informative and entertaining as her many previous books. The artist's love of nature shines gloriously within these pages. Not only does she give clear and easily understood instructions to 'capture nature', she also inspires you! This book is both working text and entertainment.



2. Having used 2 of Ms. Johnson's books before ("Creating
   Textures in Watercolor" and "Watercolor Pencil Magic-sadly
   out of print") I had great hopes for this new volume, and it
   does not disappoint. More than a collection of pretty
   watercolor studies to be admired -though it is full of
   them! - this book breaks down the process and tells you
   how to get the result you're looking for. Ms. Johnson even
   gives tips on the practicalities of capturing the
   uncooperative moving creatures of nature on paper! I have found something valuable on every page.



3. Cathy Johnson's newest book, Creating Nature in Watercolor, is a most delightful read and it's filled with tips and techniques on appreciating nature and capturing your interpretation of that observation in watercolor. Whether you want to learn how to document botanical samples in a journal or compose an extensive landscape on a full sheet of watercolor paper, this book is a must have! Cathy has a teaching style that encourages everyone to jump right in and have fun learning. This book contains short exercises as well as step-by-step lessons for painting landscapes. A beginner will find this book to be a tremendous start off point and a professional will find many useful tips and notes to help them progress in their treatment of nature and landscapes.



4. Cathy Johnson's newest book is a work of art in itself. The inside page design is simply beautiful. The illustrations by Ms. Johnson are very inspiring. And her tone is one of gentle encouragement ("yes, you can do this too"). I just received my copy recently and have already spent hours savoring it. Many of Ms. Johnson's books seem deceptively simple. One could quickly glance over her notes and paintings and then set the book on the shelf. The real value comes from taking her books, page by page, and actually DOING the exercises she provides. Pay attention to her teaching, follow her examples, and wonderful things will happen with your artwork. Creating Nature in Watercolor is a wonderful book and I am thankful that the artist took the time to create it.



5. I have just recieved Cathy Johnson's new book, "Creating Nature in Watercolor, an Artists Guide." I sat down and read it through, and found it felt like an beautifully illustrated letter from a good friend, who is encouraging me to join her in her love of nature and creating. The art work is superb of course, as I expected, since I already own several of her books, and recently took one of her wonderful Online Classes...and she has been drawing and painting for her whole life...but I also found much more in it than artwork. She not only shares many, many, many valuable techniques and tips...but they seem unique to her charming way of helping us out with some of the little things that become big things when you dont know how to deal with them. And she adds so many details and makes them all so interesting!
   Her 'personal relationship' with nature pulls the reader and artist into a close connection with creation and creating.
   It is a book for everyone...beginning and professional artists as well as all who appreciate nature.
   For me this is her best book....so far...:)

5 comments about Learn Calligraphy: The Complete Book of Lettering and Design.

1. I enjoyed reading this book and peruse it on occasion, but I cannot follow it. It is beautiful, yet not practical enough. I believe it is not well organized, that it visually all sort of runs together, and that it should have been spiral bound. It's worth it to pay a few dollars more for spiral bound, yet the majority of how-to books are NOT offered as such. With a book you are doing copywork from, it's a pain trying to weigh it down to stay open without damaging the spine. I will hold on to this, but am here now to shop for a more useful book.



2. Margaret Shepherd has written many books about this subject (Calligarphy), this is special because include a sort of recomendations for students.
   I really enjoyed this book.



3. This book is excellent. When I received my book, I started to practice for 1 week and now my handwritting is pretty.



4. I was really having a hard time picking out calligraphy how to books so i went to the book store. unfortunately they do not have a lot to choose from, at the second store i found a better selection and found Margaret Sheperd's books. Wow, great books and great way to learn, she has a funny side to her and this book is incredible, not only do you learn you have fun doing it. i also saw a few more books in her name. Unfortunately i didn't have very much time to look at them all and i cant wait to go back to see the rest. I am thinking of picking up all her books.
   
   I think this is the best of the starter books. Very easy and a fun read too!
   
   Cheryl



5. I am the author of this book and just want to respond that I agree with the very critical reviewer who felt strongly that Copperplate should have been included. I wish so too. But it would need a whole other set of supplies and hand positions. Copperplate comes along much later, and is really outside the main core of the broad-pen historic hands. Maybe some day!
   To respond to Gary Bisaqa's review, I agree and I have covered the business end of calligraphy as a free-lance job, in a whole other book, Calligraphy Projects for Pleasure and Profit.
   I wrote this, like all my other books, because I wish I'd had such a book when I started out. Thank you to others who wrote in to say that it helped them start out too.