5 comments about Basic Figure Drawing Techniques (North Light Basic Painting).

1. I needed this book for a class. It's a very good book for someone new to figure dawing. It has some parts that are a bit redundant, but some sections are very helpful, such as; specific points about drawing human hands and heads.
   I wish there had been more of this sort of instruction instead of the huge portion of the book dedicated to gesture drawing and basic forms. In my opinion, these sections could have been greatly reduced.
   Overall, this book is worth the price and very helpful for beginners.



2. I would recommend this book after you have taken a basic drawing class. First you must master the ability to see all around you as basic shapes. After you have completed that task, this book is the next logical step.
   
   From the begininng, this book offers different ways of observing the human body. Nothing much is needed to begin drawing the human body than a pencil and paper, this book will lead the way. However, for those advanced (or really motivated beginners) this book offers a list of other items to purchase.
   
   Each part of the body (except for the feet!) is nicely described in the form of observation and basic shapes. Once you've learned that the human torso is nothing more than a irregularly shaped egg, the rest becomes easy.
   
   J. C.



3. I looked over this book very carefully. At first I thought Greg Albert was the author. [I just finished SLAMMING Greg Albert for a different but poorly authored text elsewhere on Amazon!] But looking carefully, the cover states that Greg Albert is only the "editor" of this book, published by NORTH LIGHT.

   There was something disturbingly familiar about the illustrations which are excellent...and then I realized, that North Light was the same publisher for WALT REED's "THE FIGURE", published in 1976, and that what North Light Publishers have done is invite GREG ALBERT to do a revision and update of WALT REED's "The Figure" with some new illustrations added, and slapping on an entirely new title. Well...okay...

   This may give me an unpleasant feeling concerning authorship, but I did give Walt Reed's text a FIVE STAR rating on Amazon.com, and this has new illustrations added in.

   This is an excellent book on beginner drawing, full of Walt Reed's original BLOCK FIGURES and human puppets. NORTH LIGHT PUBLISHERS was wise to update and revise the current text and continue to polish it.




4. I had high expectations for this book, thought it would teach me the correct way to render my sketchings of people better... I really think the sketches in the book could have been better, I thought it looked a little amateurish. Although the author covers many things and tries his hardest to convey what needs to be done, I think the photo lacks more instructions and step-by-step advice.

   For instance: he will start with a semi outline of a body and just show you how to fill it in... it wasn't until later in the book he actually tries to show you porportions.

   And in the beginning, he has you starting off my scribbling. Maybe that worked for others, but not for me.

   I am starting a college drawing course in about 9 days and have been practicing my techniques from different books, but this is one book I'd rather leave on the shelf.




5. An excellent choice, for beginning artists. This book includes many essential tools in figure drawing; such as the underlying bases of the figures, many different distinct poses, and also a good introduction to anatomy from an artistic view, yet still easily understandable by beginners. Within, this book you will find many introductory techniques that start from scribble and transform into to beautiful life forms as well as, well-written passages thoroughly explaining everything every step of the way. Therefore, if your interested in figure drawing and have never before even picked up a pencile;this book is your best choice!

5 comments about The Craft of Lyric Writing.

1. I've gotten over "writer's block", which was a myth to begin with. I'm writing great lyrics now, and feeling confident in my lyrics.



2. If your goal is to learn all you ever need to know about lyric writing, then this is the book you must own. I have read many books on this subject, and this book is clearly, the authority on the subject. And because this book brings forth a sound foundation for meter and rhythm, it is perfect for high school and college students that are studying poetry; I should know, by reading this book, I got all A's in my English classes where poetry was taught. And being a songwriter for over 10 years, I can't say enough about what a great help this book has been to all my research in the field of popular music composition. The book is full of examples from newer pop songs, but also gives examples of Tin-Pan Alley songs that are worth noting; upon listening to the Tin-Pan-Alley songs, my taste in music has expanded.



3. This is THE book to learn the tools to write excellent lyrics for pop music. It systematically explores techniques and presents successful examples of their use. Yes, it plods like a school textbook, but it is written by a successful teacher who has mastered her craft. Yes, some examples are old, but they still illustrate excellence in action. Some other books are certainly quicker and more entertaining reads, but if your goal is to write the very best lyrics you possibly can, you are only hurting yourself if you do not work carefully through this book, however long it takes. Then do it again, and keep it handy for future reference.



4. This book proves that Lyricism is a craft that can be taught, not a gift that you either have or have not. In reading it I have already identified which of my lyric ideas are the strongest, which ones need a lot of work, and which ones need to be thrown out all together. Every page of this book gives you more tools to work with to push your lyric writing in the right direction.
   Much of the book is written about popular music (but not necessarily "pop" music) with a lot examples from older country songs and theatre songs. However, no matter what style of music you want to write, the same principles apply. If you are looking to write quality lyrics for a band, a singer, or for publication, you MUST read this book.



5. Maybe I'm just too young, but I became frustrated with the references to obscure songs from the roaring 20's. Most of the lyrical references in this book are before 1950. Surely there are some modern songs containing good lyrics, right? The book reads like a reference book, and is quite preachy. Not a joy to read. I suggest "88 Songwriting Wrongs, and How to Right Them".

5 comments about Watercolor for the Serious Beginner: Basic Lessons in Becoming a Good Painter (Serious Beginner).

1. I liked this book because it gives you lots of ideas to think about as you grow and learn to watercolor paint. However, I didn't feel it was a must-have for my collection. The pictures are beautiful and the ideas are good to remember but if you're really enthusiastic about painting, I think you'll be doing all these things she speaks about anyway. I guess it's a good book to have if you need a reminder once in a while.



2. Watercolor for the Serious Beginner: Basic Lessons in Becoming a Good Painter (Serious Beginner)
   this is a fantastic book. The information is clear and concise, and the lessons move one along at a good pace. I should mention that the title of this book is a key to understanding it. This book is for the SERIOUS watercolorist. If one wants to really become serious about their water color studies. This is an excellent place to begin.



3. This is a good book to learn a variety of techniques in watercolor painting. This was for my teenage daughter who enjoys watercolor painting, so she can expand her level of techniques. She sat for hours going through the book to learn and study what it had to teach her.



4. Was a welcomed Book in my collection and is extremely helpful in applying new techniques in a new student of watercolor.



5. This makes me want to take my supplies and park myself somewhere beautiful to sketch and paint.

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...:)

3 comments about The Artist's Guide to Human Anatomy.

1. paperback book, some useful information on anatomy. Not as concise as I thought it would be.



2. I'd have to say this book isn't another "How To" in terms of the basics of learning anatomy. This book is best described as a "Coursework Guide to Anatomy" the misleading title may make you think this is yet another basic how to draw that you see in other books. What this book does is something I really haven't see much in other books and puts it together in a really good outline that if you were a student studying the human form in a year, these are the projects you do to learn the figure through and through.
   
   The first section shows first semester students studying proportion. It is done in a combination of cut outs and paint strokes. Sketches were done to get the student familiar with the proportion rather than anatomic details.
   
   The focus turns to contrapposto, the physics of how the body shifts the pelvis and weight to regain its center of gravity while standing.
   
   The book then shifts on focusing on individual parts of the anatomy before working the body as a whole.
   
   Favorite parts of this book has to do with making various bone structures into geometric shapes and planes. It gives a better understanding on how to construct the skull and the planes of the face, and the shoulder and pelvis.
   
   This book is a MUST have with any anatomy book that is usually recommended. The various course guides really are inspirational and ingenious as to how to learn the figure.
   
   I really love the print quality of the book as well. Nice glossy paper and great demonstrations from other students in how to learn the figure.
   
   The drawback is that the author seems to have picked up the thesaurus a bit much and could have offered more clear writing for the beginner since the book says this is good for beginners too.
   
   This book will probably become one of my "Tier 3" books I'd say one has to get to learn figure drawing. 1. Constructive Anatomy 2. (A good artistic guide to Anatomy and Figure drawing) 3. This book.
   
   This was definitely worth the purchase!



3. I bought this book for the study of the different styles of human anatomy. This book is a great complement to Constructive Anatomy or Artistic Anatomy. Excellent!

3 comments about The Art of Botanical Painting.

1. It is a nice book and the explain it good the art of flowers. I recommanded on every the draw with flowers.



2. I've bought all sorts of books on botanical painting but this is the best of the best. The illustrations are fabulous, the instructions clear and comprehensive. Have you ever heard of "botanical gray"? This book is something you can't live without.



3. What a fabulous book!
   
   If you paint flowers in watercolour or are enrolled on a course of Botanical Illustration, as I am, then this is the book for you.
   
   Written by Margaret Stevens in association with the Society of Botanical Artists, the book takes the reader briefly through the beginnings of Botanical Art to a useful chapter on materials including paper, watercolours and brushes. Whilst it doesn't proscribe a palette of colours, the great majority of the illustrations detail the colours used. The chapter on plant anatomy is useful for the non-botanist as is the one on drawing technique for those new to this aspect of painting.
   
   What gives this book a considerable edge over others of this type is that its other purpose is as the text book for a two-year diploma course in Botanical Illustration run by the SBA. (The author is the course director.) There are up to a dozen examples of work covered from start to finish over several pages produced by members of the SBA, some of whom are tutors on the course. There is excellent detail of watercolour technique and superb coverage of the production of varied coloured leaves and flowers and the colours used in their painting. The chapters on composition, working in the field and painting fruit and vegetables are extremely useful. All chapters are illustrated by high quality botanical paintings, mostly by SBA members.
   
   A beautiful book to own, better as an inspiration to painting but best of all as a reference when painting flowers in watercolours.

5 comments about How to Heal with Color (How to (Llewellyn)).

1. Great book.. When I received the book I was surprised that it was so little. But, do not let that fool you. For such a little book it is jammed packed with great information. I LOVE the book. I have so many book marks in it. Can throw it in my purse and go off and do a healing.
   Thank you Ted for another great book.



2. There is a lot of wonderful information packed inside this little book. It is worth the investment to see how color actually affects our everyday lives.



3. Full of good things to teach you
   and for you to learn.
   This book is full of good information
   for those interested in color and all
   that color means.
   Highly recommended.



4. Do not let the number of pages deceive you, there is a tremendous amount of information concerning color and the metaphysical significance. This work shows the application of color in several different ways to be used in spiritual clearing. This work can lead you to more in depth study of several disciplines. Enjoy the study.



5. I ordered this cheap little book thinking it would be like a basic introduction to color and having different colors to enhance or affect different frames of mind. Boy was I pleasantly surprised! There is a mountain of information in this little thing! Not only does it cover basic color concepts, it goes into Chakra, Reiki, Pendulum, and more. What a wonderful source book! I will be reading this again, and using it for reference.

5 comments about Art Stamping Workshop: Create Hand-Carved Stamps for Unique Projects on Paper, Fabric, Polymer Clay and More.

1. This book is my new stamp carving bible! The projects are inspiring and there are no hard to find tools required. Thanks to the detailed instructions carving a stamp from an eraser is easier than carving a pumpkin. A great book.



2. It's a neat book.But I need to work at doing more stamps more often.



3. If you need some inspiration, I strongly advise reading this book. Before reading the book, I didn't understand and was very intimdated about carving. After reading Art Stamping Workshop, I am now carving and printmaking!! I also teach this form of art in various schools and art stores.
   
   One of the reasons I advise my students and online members to read this book, is because it is both teachable and progressive. It is an excellent book to study for classes, workshops, and personal study. With each technique, Gloria Page teaches in a way that you are bound to understand, and you are not left in the dark or in confusion in any way.
   
   In an online group that I host -Artists of the Round Table- we read this book from cover to cover, and tried each of the projects. "ALL" of the member LOVED it.....adults, as well as the children!!! Gloria Page was kind enough to make herself available during the workshop to answer any questions, and to give advise and commendation. What an "encouragement" this was to the members studying her book!
   
   Loving author.....AWESOME book. A perfect combination!
   
   Sincerely,
   ~Jacqueline F. Graham
   President, Artists of the Round Table
   http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ArtistsOfTheRoundTable/



4. If you are interested in learning how to carve your own art rubber stamps then you need this book as well as The Weekend Crafter:Rubber stamp carving.
   
   Both books provide clear cut instructions on how to carve your own stamps to make artistic and fun stamps that are one of a kind. But this book is much better of the two and I'd suggest this one if you can only buy one book on the subject of stamp carving.
   The projects in this book are lovely, artistic and not cutesy or cookie cutter similar to everything out there. You will easily be able to begin carving right away with this book alone. Well worth the 15 bucks here on Amazon! I recommend it.
   5 stars!



5. I have always wanted to make my own art stamps but never knew how or where to begin. Thanks to Art Stamping Workshop, all of my questions have been answered! After reading this fabulous book, I was able to create a stamp from items I had around the house. Gloria's instructions are easy to follow and the photos clearly show how each step is supposed to look as you go along. Gloria Page makes stamp carving easy and FUN! The variety of projects in this book are different from anything I have seen in other stamping books and are easily adaptable to any style.

3 comments about Jerry Yarnell's Landscape Painting Secrets.

1. This book is a welcome addition to my collection of Yarnell books. I have every book Jerry Yarnell has published and have used them all when I paint. Mr. Yarnell has an easy approach to complex problems and the fact that he also provides instructional DVD's for the paintings is great. I would highly recommend his books for every painter from beginner to advanced.



2. This is an excellent reference book for beginners or advanced painters. The soft cover book is well written with illustrated steps that are easy to follow. This is a helpful addition to a painting reference library.



3. This book gives detailed instructions for painting basic landscape elements in an easy-to-use format. Yarnell's use of a limited palette along with a short supply list make his techniques not only attainable but affordable.

2 comments about Lessons on Shading.

1. this book on shading is what it says, a lesson on shading, it would be a good book for someone jsut beginning to learn



2. In the 19th century artists at all skill levels learned how to shade a form correctly. Many even well known artists of today have less technical skill than a so-called amateur artist of the late 1800's. This reprint from Dover Books was published in 1900, way before the attack on "Academic" art in favor of the propoganda espoused by 20th century artists, museum curators, critics and teachers that proclaimed that classical drawing was passe and that artist's didn't need to learn technique before "expressing" themselves. Well, if you want to learn to expressive yourself masterfully when you shade a form, I would heartily recommend this book. Although concentrating on charcoal shading primarily, and pencil hatching in a secondary sense, the information presented here is clear and will translate well into any media. It's a very reasonable price, easy and quick to read, and has information that is rare to find in the rash of "how to" books of today written by artists with barely passable skills in drawing and shading.