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.

3 comments about Collagraphs: And Mixed Media Printmaking (Printmaking Handbooks (PH)).

1. There are some useful ideas in this book, but you have to dig them out. The authors have given us a hodge-podge of techniques, often without the detail one needs to use them confidently. There isn't much literature around about making collagraphs, so any information at all is welcome. Buy it if you're interested in this subject, but be prepared to live with trial-and-error printmaking till you get the hang of it.



2. If you're looking for a how-to guide, this is definitely not it. It lists possible materials, but that's about it. It shows a wide range of artists and pictures of their work, which is nice, if that's what you're looking for.



3. This is a great book showing the work of many artists and discussing the history and placement of the colloraph. I enjoyed it thoroughly and bought one for a friend of mine who does this type of work. Since I am a printmaker I think one cannot have too many good books on the subject.

4 comments about Great Book of Tattoo Designs: More than 500 Body Art Designs.

1. I have some ink on me and am planning to have my back done. This book is full of some of the best designs I have seen!
   It has a Celtic section that has some of the best designs. It also has a section of some good ole' fashioned classic designs as well.
   I recommend this book for the sheer art value alone!



2. I personally think this is a waste. I bought this from a Books-A-Million for about nine bucks. It was on sale and it was in plastic packaging,
   I thought it would be worth it by looking at the size.
   Most of the concepts, which are nothing special, look like they'd be in a child's colouring book. It was a huge let down as far as a concept book goes. The designs look the same with a few different details. It's not worth wasting your money on.



3. Lora S. Irish is a talented artist and this plain book is a nice step-stone for designers and other artists to glean ideas, and not just for tattoos. As a matter of fact, I don't really think the designs in the book are very contemporary as far as body-art designs go today. While not the most complicated set of designs, she shows very well how to increase their complexity and interest. Her line-drawings are supplemented by shaded drawings which illustrate how the design can be embellished and come to life. As a reference or guide, this book is very useful. It is rather thick to be copied or scanned and you will have to either remove the pages or break the back to successfully do either, unless you are hand-copying with transfer paper.
   
   I highly recommend it as an addition to your design-source library for pyrography (wood burning), carving, painting, and yes, even for a tattoo.



4. This book is a totally waste of paper, time and money. Is one of the most awful books I have acquired. Is not really a tattoo book. It is more like a kindergarden "color the figures" books. I want my money back!!!!!!!!!!

1 comments about Visual Communication (Advanced Level).

1. There are lots of discussions about visual communication in the book and they all effective and very well supported. This book can change your point of view about design.

2 comments about Metalsmith's Book of Boxes and Lockets.

1. This book is a good introduction to the challenges and problems of making closing containers. As always, Tim McCreight includes process, principles and tips for success. The pieces included from other artist's are inspiring. If you are interested in making hinged containers and catches, this is a must have. My students grab this book from the shelf all the time to use as reference.



2. This is one of my all time favorite metals book. Great images and ideas it is wonderful eye candy.

5 comments about Micro-Macrame Jewelry, Tips and Techniques for Knotting with Beads.

1. This is an excellent resource for micro-macrame'. Condition was as stated, shipping was speedy. A great transaction. Thanks!



2. It's such a wonderful book, I couldn't put it down as it was more than I expected and it demonstrate so clearly how easy it is to produce pretty pieces of jewelry from these knots. They are so versatile and when combined with Chinese knotting techniques, produced very unique pieces for me.



3. While googling around to find some inspiration for my new found interest micro-macramé I found Joan Babcock's site. And I was in awe! So naturally, when I found out she had written a book on the subject I had to have it.
   
   The book consists of three parts: basic info on nine basic knots, tools and materials; projects and a part with tips on how to end a macramé piece, calculate the lenght of threads needed etc. The middle section includes all in all ten project ranging from earrings to necklaces in different micro-macramé and cavandoli techniques. Some with just a few beads, others with more. Very colourful and very modern, far for the 70's and black or beige hemp.
   
   The pages in the book are in black and white. While I at first felt something was lost with the b&w photos of the finished projects, I found that all the projects were featured in full colour on the cover. So I can still get a good look at how they are supposted to turn out. I does mean I flip between the pages and the cover though. As for the illustrations, also in b&w, I find they are very well made with great detail and I find that they are at least just as good as step-by-step photos. In fact, they are better as you are not distracted by details and colours unlike in photos. I guess a person used to photo directions might feel a bit at loss in the beginning, but this type of illustrations are just positive as far as I see it.
   
   The book starts from the basic and does a very good job describing the techniques for beginners. But I think a total newbie might want to try some of the simple projects you can find online or in Bead & Buttons booklet first. Joan Babcock's projects can perhaps feel a bit daunting otherwise.But I dare say this is still a very good book for everyone interested in this type of jewellery making. I'm very satisfied with my purchase!



4. I have been a student of the white swan beading school of micromacrame for years. This book was sent from heaven. Great projects and clear instructions. This is a fabulous method of beading. It is refreshing to have some new projects to make. Keep them coming.



5. Tis book has poor images or almost no color images at all. The step by step solutions are made with black and white poor drawings wich leave so many doubts in the process because they are not very detayled. As the process goes on the above situations are represented in a very stylised way. Too expensive for the information included.

5 comments about Design for Communication: Conceptual Graphic Design Basics.

1. I am just starting out in graphic design and this book, though interesting, is very hard for me to grasp at this time. I think I will really enjoy doing the instructionals as I learn more about design though. I tried a few of the exercises and (for me) they are hard to do right now.



2. This review was sent to me by a colleague.
   
   "I am particularly impressed with the strength of the sections and introductory texts for each section. It is very cleverly planned and well written. More importantly, the strength of the book for me lies on the fact that the assignments do not illustrate but on the contrary, strengthens your observations, aims/objectives, methodology, structure and propositions for the design education.
   
   The book is also in excellent record of what goes on in design colleges in terms of methods of working (to record students statements and instructors evaluations is, on its own right, a great contribution to knowledge within the design education). The interaction between students statements and instructors evaluations are very important for me. The two different texts create a dialogue within the book.
   
   The book brings theory and practice together for the students and educators which is very rare in design publication and education and even more so at the BA/ undergraduate level.
   
   Thank you for your great work!"



3. Professor Resnick's new text, Graphic Design for Communication offers a fresh, innovative approach to teaching visual communication in general and graphic design in particular. She presents many conceptual design principles in a format that is easy-to-understand, practical, and clear in its organizational hierarchy. The book provides intelligent, pragmatic lessons about design that will be of use to both students and teachers alike.

   The book's most notable strength lies in its author's unique approach to the subject matter. In the past, most authors have tackled the task of writing an instructional text on design by focusing on a few basic principles of the craft and supplementing these with exercises designed to impart specific skills and techniques to the reader. In contrast, Resnick has employed a far more inclusive, conceptually focused approach. Like her peers, as an educator she does offer text that presents her perspective on various basic design principles. Yet unlike many others her focus is clearly on the reason we design-namely to effectively express and communicate ideas. And again unlike some other texts, ideas about BOTH form and content are give their due here. The different principles explored each section are illuminated with appropriate exercises. This is where Resnick's book shines as a unique accomplishment. For her illustrative exercises, Resnick invited a remarkable group of international educators to work with her as collaborators. All were invited to submit their best assignments along with student work for inclusion. In this respect, Graphic Design for Communication is unlike most other texts because it offers an inclusive diversity of approaches to design and will certainly be a great tool for educators. As a text for use at all levels of instruction, it offers the best, "road-tested", assignments for lecturers to draw upon as inspiration when explaining the principles of design to students. The numerous exercises impart information in a manner that is at once both practical and conceptually expressive.

   Graphic Design for Communication features a structure that is pragmatic and clear. Each section opens with a well-written, articulate introduction to a different design principle (e.g., basic elements of design; typography as both image and semiotic message; word and image relationships; the grid and visual hierarchy; and visual advocacy). This text is followed by a series of design assignments (from basic to advanced) that teach students how to effectively integrate ideas with various techniques and processes. The design exercises are amply illustrated with examples of real student work completed in response to the assignments. In addition, most of the student samples include a brief process statement from the student as well as a critical instructor evaluation. As another reviewer pointed out, students will certainly appreciate the many illustrations (some in color) and the opportunity to examine both the process and critical evaluation of peer work outside the classroom. By using student work for examples (as opposed to those created by master designers), Resnick succeeds in bringing both the assignments and the creative design process to life.

   Because of the great range of exercises included, this text will serve both students and educators as a useful handbook. For anyone who has either audited a class or wished they could have, the book is a joy. It is a little like auditing the "best of" graphic design education-all the more rewarding because the author was enlightened enough to collect some assignments and visual examples from cultures outside the U.S.

   Professor Resnick deserves special credit for her concise editing and clean layout. I suspect one of the challenges in a compilation of this sort had to be the careful editing of her collaborator's assignments. It would appear that she did not just leave them to their own devices in this regard. Rather, as an educator herself she has thoughtfully and carefully applied her writing skills to the task. The result is a well-considered, consistent survey of the principles that guide modern graphic design. In addition, I must add that her bibliography is outstanding. It should be adopted as a standard reading list for anyone interested in the field.

   As with the very best cookbooks (I am thinking of the classics here, such as Rombauer and Becker's Joy of Cooking or Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking) this book will find a place in the libraries of both novices and experienced students of design. Like those texts, it effectively explains the important principles that guide all design work. Her decision to present contemporary master "recipes" (those proven to work in the classroom) introduces students to design as a thoughtful "process" without forfeiting any artistry or pleasure along the way. It is clear that Professor Resnick is passionate about her work as BOTH a designer and educator and in this book she she shares that pleasure with us, the reader.




4. This new book, like Elizabeth Resnick's earlier one (Graphic Design: A Problem-Solving Approach to Visual Communication), that was published in the early '80s, has a generous amount of student work on its pages, providing the reader with some wonderful and useful examples of solutions to the problems presented. There's even a section with some of these shown in full color!

   When Ms. Resnick wrote her first book, no graphic design was being done on a computer. This current text, published now that we're fully into the digital age, also very wisely steers clear of a "how to" approach. It's all too easy for students starting out in graphic design now to think that it's about "how to use QuarkXPress" or some other software package, but Resnick's book stresses concepts, communication, and the art of creating fresh and thoughtful solutions to design problems. It will help students to learn the importance of research, and how to develop the analytical and conceptual skills they will need as professional designers later on.

   The idea of using quality student work as a teaching tool is a very good one. It results in a book that is much more appealing to the student. Each solution has a statement by its creator as well as the instructor's feedback. I think students will find the author's approach to the subject fresh, direct, and very accessible. The presentation of each problem consists of: the Assignment Brief, Objectives, Specifications, Process, and Critiques. This results in a very clear, useful, and well-structured text. I highly recommend this book!




5. There are so many books out there on graphic design that are merely pretty picture books, and focus only on what a piece LOOKS like. What students need is something with depth, something that addresses the conceptual aspects that can be so difficult to grasp.
   Resnick's book really targets this need, by presenting an integration of formal and conceptual issues and respecting the students' intelligence in the process. It shows them how FORM influences and strengthens CONCEPT, which I haven't seen in any other text. This is one of the most important (and elusive) issues in graphic design education.

   The book is illustrated entirely with student work, all high quality. Students will love this approach; they are used to being shown only the work of experienced professionals.

   The book is also going to be really useful for instructors
   who want to improve the rigor and depth of their assignments but aren't sure how to go about it.

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.

2 comments about Rembrandt A&I (Art and Ideas).

1. i received the book on time, it was in very good condition! i'd purchase from this company again.



2. 
   In her book Mariet Westerman guides us through the life and works of Rembrandt - from his earliest self-portraits to the introspective works of his later days. And she does so with empathy and a deep understanding of both the artist's character and the artistic, economic and social environment which he was a part of. Westerman writes in a matter-of-fact way without being superficial. Thus the book may be read by the specialist and novice alike and enhance the pleasure of both the next time they are confronted with the profound humanity of Rembrandt's art. This is no coffee-table book, but comes in a format made for reading and use in trains and galleries alike. Nevertheless, the book is beautifully illustrated with all the pictures relevant to a top biography of one of the most beloved artists in European culture. Highly recommended!

5 comments about Writing Fiction Step by Step.

1. I bought this book yesterday, along with twelve others on query letters, book proposals, literary agents guides, etc. I should be reviewing them all within the next few weeks. Some are internet purchases, so i'm itching to get my hands on them...
   
   I opened "Writing Fiction Step by Step" up last night, did a few excercises(secretly irritated to write something NOT pertaining to my novel) and was pleasantly surprised how much it already helped me. I DO feel like some of the excercises will inspire new ideas for a novel. I have only done the excercises for the characters and voice section, so I haven't read the whole book yet.
   
   It's a simple step by step guide to get the brain cells functioning, to pull out ideas that you didn't know were there a few moments before in your mind.
   
   Granted it isn't as good as an actual writing course, but for me, a stay at home mom of four, it'll work well to make sure I fully grasp the main points on character descriptions, interior design, dialogue, voice, etc.
   
   I was pleased to see I didn't have trouble with completing the excercise well, meaning my characters were descriptive and I was happy with them. I was motivated also to know the author describes certain things that if you do them, you are a natural. It was nice to hear I may be one! So for me it is an inspirational guide that will encourage me to keep with this trying, difficult passion us writers share. Writing a novel is full of many speedbumps and roadblocks in the road, it will at times be dismaying to read the truth in some of these books that we need. This one will inspire and encourage any fiction writer IF they do the excercises and grow from them.
   
   I want to start another novel about the characters I created, so it is likely this will help me a lot in the future as well, which to me is very worth the money.
   
   The author is for real when he/she(I can't tell) says if you take it seriously, you could end up with a few starting points to build a whole new story.
   
   I would recommend to anyone who wants to write a novel, or who wants to learn all of the key elements that bring together a fiction story, that's written honestly with your own voice.



2. A lot of writing books in the market only touch the surface when it comes to helping new writers figure out the method. Most do little to reach an advanced author.
   Like acting, screen-writing, or painting, writing is a degree of method, mixed in with imagination. A writer has to get across the line of basics and into the details. This author does well to deliver the details, to put together the concepts of writing, into a sound workbook. Regardless of what genre you write, or even if you write non-fiction, this book will inspire, teach, and help any writer, beginner or professional, how to not only follow the concepts of the writing craft, but also to break writing into manageable pieces, and to put the pieces together as a whole, to develop a fully functional working story.
   I fully recommend this book.



3. This book is less a book of instruction and more a series of exercises for a would-be writer to perform.
   
   I was kind of disappointed. I mean, going in, I knew that, say plot and character and dialogue were all important. I was hoping for some sort of discussion on what makes a good plot, or a compelling character, etc. Instead, Josip merely says (roughly) that "Having good characters is important. Here are some exercises for you to write characters: 1) Take a person you know, and describe him. 2) Imagine that person's total opposite, and describe him. (Etc.)"
   
   I've enjoyed other books more when they've discussed what makes a good character versus a bad one, or a good plot, or good dialogue, or what have you. This collection of writing prompts wasn't what I was looking for, but maybe it's what you'd like? If so, recommended.



4. I took a graduate creative writing course with Josip at the University of Cincinnati. I have not finished reading this book, but it immediately brought me back to my studies with him. He is a knowledgeable and excellent teacher. I highly recommend both this book and his fiction.



5. There are too many writing books out there for me to buy all the ones I like -- mostly, I just keep going back to the library again and again.

   This one, though, I borrowed from the library and renewed it a couple of times before I realized I wasn't ever going to want to give it back. The next day, I returned it to the library and stopped in at the bookstore to buy my very own copy.

   This book is very methodical, a little like taking a writing course on your own, at home. If you take Novakovich's suggestions seriously, keeping all the exercise goals in mind, you ought to have more than a few marvellous creations of your own by the time you're done.

   The only thing I didn't like about this book was a lengthy inclusion of a story of his own. It is somewhat enlightening, but takes up too much space for what is gained, in my opinion.

   You'll need motivation to get through this book, but Novakovich makes it easy, building on previous exercises to craft original, imaginative finished and semi-finished fiction pieces. And the feeling of accomplishment when you emerge at the end of the book is well worth the purchase price and the work you put into completing it.