5 comments about The Drawings of Heinrich Kley.

1. The fact that Heinrich Kley isn't better known demonstrates the flaw in the idea that "history will sort out the great work." Kley is quite simply one of the best and most imaginative draftsmen in the Western tradition, and he is never mentioned in the standard histories of art. (I discovered him in Harvey Kurtzman's HELP! magazine in the early Sixties.) This constitutes a coup (one of many) for Dover Publications, who specialize in the dissemination of classics (famous and forgotten) in well-made, affordable editions. Anyone who cares at all about drawing should pick up this book.



2. What an eye opener, what a fantastic, comical and totally genuine talent was Kley. Puts our contemporary "mark Maker" graduates of university art programs to shame. This guy did it all out of his head out of connsumate knowledge of anatomy and character. His skill with the plastic form in space is delightful to behold.



3. Heinrich Kley, an expressionist know for his work with pen and ink sketches, mostly of the black and white variety, is someone undeservedly without oceans of renown despite the fact that many of his works appear around us daily. He did have his proverbial "day in the sun," gaining notoriety for his satirical approach to world at large, but that seems to have ebbed off since his death in the 1940s and many have forgotten who this is. Well, this book is a wonderful showpiece of his works, containing two of his sketchbooks that many people have seen plenty of times but might not recognize by name, helping to revitalize the memory. Many of these works still have a lot of social merit today, taking shots at bureaucracy, militarism, and other satirical facets that we still find ourselves plagued with.

   I found myself attracted to this artist because of his strangely dark overtures showpieced in this volume, with snails consuming people and giants stomping villages full of what they deem their inferiors, plus its takes on industrialism and religion. Presented with an introduction that explains the life of the artist, this editions, actually two books brought together for one showing, has a total of 200 illustrations spanning 125 + pages and makes it an excellent deal. Still, if your easily offended perhaps theme presentation will most deservedly offend you and you might want to pass on it. If you like dark humor that has deep seeded, often missed, meanings, however, you'll love Kley.
   Highly Recommended.




4. Kley used his artistic ability to bring to life his unique form of satiric wit and whimsey. Pages magically come alive with his pen and ink social commentaries. The two sketch books published in this volume will bring a smile to your face and an admiration for his work.



5. A pesar de haberme encontrado con el libro hace unos años, aun hoy en dia sigo recordando los trazos con los que me encontre y lo que representaban. Copie algunos de los dibujos alli representados y luego hice algunos mios siguiendo el mismo tipo de trazo o similar y creo que esos dibujos tienen una gran fuerza.Es una manera diferente y atrevida de representar el cuerpo humano vivo y muerto. Son de los pocos dibujos a tinta que me han gustado, y me parecen muy buenos. ENHORABUENA.

5 comments about In Flagrante Collecto (Caught in the Act of Collecting).

1. This is the best book I have found on Collecting. The writer gets into the state of mind of a collector, then presents profusely illustrated collections of an almost unbelievable scope. Like - you mean people really collect THIS? Yes they do and it's there. COOL book that will broaden your horizon - and you'll never throw anything away again because someone out there collects it.



2. Reading this book was like day at my favorite swap meet, antique collective or a random search on eBay. I visually recognize the material but appreciate it more for being brought together in groups. The collector's mind automatically seeks groupings and hierarchies of individual examples and this book plays to that weakness easily. The little stories are at times educational and fascinating and at other times too personal and esoteric. My only problem is that after reading this book, I tend to want to own too many of the objects featured.



3. This is a beautifully produced look book. The unusual and very particular collecting subject matter is very personal. Quirky, wonderfully photographed and of superior quality.



4. I have purchased at least seven copies of this fascinating book to give as gifts to a wide variety of friends. For those interested in collecting, the book offers fresh insights into the forces that motivate people to acquire, while illustrating a remarkable diversity of eccentric collections that surprise and delight. For the novice or general reader, the breadth and types of collections are amazing. The book is superbly designed and the objects beautifully photographed and presented. The author is a farsighted collector with an awesome range of historical knowledge and an accessible, highly informative writing style. I highly recommend this book for readers of all persuasions who simply enjoy being intellectually and visually stimulated.



5. The first thing to hit me was how beautiful this book is. The photographs of the thousands of collectibles are delectable. It made me want to run out and find some of this stuff, or find new things to start collecting. The author unfolds her theories about why people collect, and describes many wonderful childhood scenes of Bronx life and early collections of marbles, baseball cards, sewing kits, you name it. Adult adventures collecting all over the world, and the collecting adventures of her friends and family, are included, and make for a wonderful warm biography of a collection of collectors. The descriptions of the original uses and methods of manufacturing of various collectibles is fascinating, and it's lovely to see simple and sometimes disposable things treated with such interest and respect. The history and character of our country shine through in the old graphics and designs of postcards, matchbooks, lawn sprinklers, and countless other items, and after spending time with them in this book, I can feel more deeply what's been lost to more efficient means of production. I'll never browse a flea market or garage sale quite the same way again. It's a wonderful conversation piece, a fun book to have around for guests to peruse. It gives you permission to bring out those old shoeboxes of stuff from under your bed and show them to your pals, even though you're not a kid any more. I loved this book, it was part anthropology, part history of design, part memoir, part encyclopedia, part travelogue, all work of endearing art.

3 comments about Vital Leglocks: 65 leglocks for jujitsu, judo, sambo and mixed martial arts.

1. The pictures are a dark black and white. The steps are not that clear and many of the leglocks are similar. I would not say this book is much better than the Gracie books which show the same basic leg locks and have much better color pictures.



2. This book has very good photos with commentary. If you already have a background then this will be even more insightful. Steve has put together a masters level of information for you here.



3. Tons of locks. If you want to learn about leglocks and their setups, this is the book.

5 comments about The Sketchbook: 80 Unique Designs by the World's Finest Tattoo Artists.

1. Sadly I purchased this volume based upon other reader reviews. Although I have given it 3 stars- as the book production itself was very nice- oversize square small coffee table book, printed on high quality thick stock, with well printed art work- makes this volume attractive on the outside. The contents and sketchbook is rather a let down. 60% of the sketches are very crude and unattractive (even considering them just sketches from a sketchbook) and the remaining art being just okay, maybe there is 10-12 eye opening pieces. If your looking for inspiration or eye candy this is not your book



2. I'm not an artist, but I do have a few tattoos. Just over 100 hours of custom work all done at the Smilin' Buddha in Calgary, Alberta. I've even managed to get 3 pictures of my work (one full page) in Paul Jefferies' vanity press book celebrating his 25 years in the industry.
   
   In the course of getting my work done, I've bought more than my share of tattoo books and have looked through dozens of books at the Buddha including the owner's private library and I'm sad to say that this book is tied for last place with one other book.
   
   The previous reviewer, the one who's an artist with 35 years experience says it best.
   
   The work in this book for the most part is sub-par. Except for a few, the work in this book looks like it was done by scratchers not artists. There's no way in the world I'd leave this book on my coffee table, let alone wear anything done by most of these "artists".
   
   BTW, I'm pretty sure one reviewer here must have ties to this book. My guess is the publisher.
   
   Save your money. I wish I had.



3. The following is an opinion for which we are all entitled: Although this book does tell you something about each artist and shows one sketch from each artist, it is more like a "Collection of bar napkin sketches". Most are of poor quality as if the artist could care less when he/she had drawn them and a very few are of some quality. As an award winning artist of over 35 years experience, I felt it was a complete waste of money as far as being helpful to further my talents or to "just plain enjoy". I would never show such "doodles" in a book to represent what I can do. For something to glance through to kill time, I would say fine, go nuts. Overall....I AM NOT IMPRESSED!



4. Rarely has the tattoo art form enjoyed a presentation in a volume as remarkable as Heimburger and Bratt's "The Sketchbook: 80 Unique Designs by the World's Finest Tattoo Artists." For starters, the "Sketchbook" does not feature photographs of tattooed bodies but rather brings together a set of original graphic designs produced by artists expressly for this collection. Then there is the beauty and quality of the book itself, which has been published by Hotei, the Leiden-based publisher best known for its first-class books on Japanese prints.
   
   Most of the artists represented in the "Sketchbook" are fairly young and, with the exception of several members of the Leu Family of Lausanne, are not yet well-known. Their work is complex, however, and the short autobiographies provided by each artist provide insights into the special world and close relationships of the international community's best tattoo practitioners. Traditional Japanese tattoo themes dominate the graphic work, but fans of modern art in general will note and enjoy the resemblance of much of the work to that of the 20th-century surrealists and even to the specialized art genre known as exquisite corpses. Indeed, the artwork presented is so fascinating and potentially rich in symbolism that I wish it had been displayed at The Drawing Center in New York's Soho district and introduced by scholars of modern graphic art.



5. The Sketchbook is a large coffee-table compendium showcasing eighty unique designs by some of the world's finest body art tattoo experts. An introductory essay explores the history of body tattoos, and both Japanese and Western views of the art practice. The eighty designs themselves are showcased largely in black-and-white, in their original drawn concept form rather than a photograph of the tattoo on human skin. With a photograph of its artist along with a paragraph by the artist about his or her background and philosophy. A very different kind of artbook, in which East truly meets West.

5 comments about How To Draw Manga Volume 1: Compiling Characters (How to Draw Manga (Graphic-Sha Numbered)).

1. I bought this and h How to Draw Manga Volume 2 Compiling Techniques (How to Draw Manga). But i used This book way more than the other one.
   Its got a very nice Creating Characters section and a Expressions one. And creating a Story.



2. I remember this book well because it was the very first "How To Draw Manga" book that I purchased. IMO I think some things might be a bit confusing because some of the translating wasn't the best. I also wouldn't reccomend this book for kids because some of it was a bit innapropriate. As far as learning goes...it was okay. I'd still reccommend another book to someone that is a total beginner in drawing manga. I know I was able to learn more when I purchased a book that was more strait to the point and had very clear directions.



3. Most people will just think that this book will teach you how to draw, in essence it goes further explaining the work putting together the whole Manga. It had my attention from the first moment that I picked it up. This'll let you get a good feel for every section without all the fluff. All that I found out I have to apply it but I'm having a hard time a dedicated manga supply store...... I wish that HTDM would include individual supplies on their website.



4. Looking for help? Want to go beyond the beginner stage but not ready for tones and the like? Well then this book is perfect! I would reccomend this book for those who are past the beginner stage since the book doesnt go too indepth in certain areas, so it Isnt perfect for nooobs.this book will teach youhow to express emotions, ages, the facial differences between genders and more. it is devided into:
   Chap. 1: drawing the face, this chapter is self-explanatory, yet I wish it delved more deeply into its subject, so this was the runt of the chapters when it comes to Quality.
   Chap.2 : drawing the body, Quite handy, it goes into Drawing the body as blocks (though personally I like the way I draw my blocks, but to each his/her own), deformation, proportions (shouldnt proportions have been at the front of thr Chapter?), hand and feet (brilliant!!) and more.
   Chap. 3: drawing characters, The best section in the book, it shows you how eyes ,clothing and surroundings add to 1st impresssions and the step to creating characters and storys. i can find a few minor complaints, thought the worst was the translation, it could have been better (they mistranslated right to left!)But it is still comprehendable.happy reading



5. I bought this book from here on Amazon about a year ago. Since then I have rarely used it except for a few times for refrences if Im not able to get online at the time. It has some helpful information but for the price it isnt really worth it since you can find EVERYTHING in that book online for free. The first half of the book just goes through the types of pens and ink you should use and the life of a manga artist etc. Then it finally gets to the good stuff but it barely touches anything before moving to the next subject. And the part I was mostly upset with was the hair section. It shows you how to draw hair flowing and such but thats it. Does not give tips how to draw hair at all. So basically, the only reason you should by this book is if you want to waist money for something you will probably only end up using for quick reffrinces. There are better books out there for that... like an actual Manga comic or something. Or a gallery book from your favorite anime show.
   
   If you want to learn the basics of drawing manga, this book is useless and I can save you money right now. Just visit BakaNeko, PolyKarbon, MangaTutorials websites or Julie Dillons tutorial located on the [...] website. Everything you need is on those sites and all contain more info than this book.
   
   There are some other good How to Draw Manga books out there when you wanna start honing on a certain area but this isnt one of them. Save some money and visit one of the above manga sites or go purchase on of the other How to Draw Manga books that are spicificly for what you wish to get better in.

4 comments about The Figure.

1. This book was very easy to understand and follow. A great book to learn how to draw figures!



2. One of my favorite figure books(!)- If you've ever seen the bestselling How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way, a major teaching that stands out is its emphasis on spheres, cubes, and cylinders when learning to draw anything & everything, including the human figure. Well this is *exactly* what Walt Reed's The Figure is essentially all about. The teachings here were developed in & represent the Famous Artists School, and the figure basics here are really excellent yet standard fare. I've even seen some of these principles repeated by recent Japanese animation & comicbook instructionals. Yes, these principles are definitely great; it's the style & way these principles are communicated that makes this book seem a little bit dated. Reed's instruction here is presented with a combination of work by various artists and black & white photos of nude models, giving this entire effort a very mixed-media effect in its overall design. It was created in 1976, and while the photos are generally well done, the models here look very much to be from that time, and maybe even earlier. Also included: drawings, etchings, paintings & sculptures; all by various masters in the history of western art. Add to this the book's physical dimensions- 9" x 12" x 1/2"- and this is really not a simple looking how-to-draw type book. Yet the teaching here really *is* simple & effective! It's basically about building the figure with cylinders, although spheres & cubes are depicted as well. My favorite aspect of the book is Reed's own drawings & instruction, which demostrates the simplified figure accompanied by a wealth of helpful hints, tips & tricks. These instructions are also shown along with the photos of models to help reinforce principles by drawing from life. Hands & faces get special attention. We even get a little on basic light & shade and a section on figures in action! Usually, it's books that present a unified look & style, like the ones by Bridgman and Hogarth, that tend to look a little more timeless in my personal opinion. But Walt Reed's The Figure is fantastic in its actual *effect*, and that's really, basically the most important thing. It's a worthwhile book to add to anyone's collection! P.S. Parts of this book were included in an 8-1/2" x 11" x 3/8" compilation entitled Basic Figure Drawing Techniques, edited by Greg Albert. This compilation is printed on better quality paper, and includes material from 5 current books. In my opinion Reed's contribution is the best. Also- Another great, 5-star work for beginners: Jack Hamm's excellent Drawing the Head and Figure. Highly recommended!



3. When I review DRAWING books, the first question I ask is, "Is this for BEGINNERS?" Because I feel an obligation to the book buyer to provide good information, and also to prevent a beginning student from being discouraged, and feeling that they are defective, or ....just cannot get it.
   
   It does not seem to occur to the buyer that many authors just cannot teach. Instinct seems to suggest that that if book gets published, it must contain credible instruction by someone who knows how to teach, and everyone seems to desire to cash in on the Big Bucks market of HOW-TO-DRAW. It may seem surprising that this is just not so. Perhaps as many as half of all drawing books are not very good for beginners. I know. I've gotten familiar with most of the books on the market, and I know what I'm looking for in good instruction.
   
   
   I've purchased over 25 drawing books from Amazon.com, and own the most popular titles of the HOW-TO-DRAW genre. Walt Reed's "The Figure" rates in my top four choices.
   
   It is not "wordy" and "overly intellectual" nor does it presume to teach ZEN or YOGA, or "Drawing on the Artist in your Brain". This book sticks to the subject and it is darn good.
   
   It is chock full of illustrations, and does not throw you to the wolves; but takes you step-by-step through proportion, basic shapes, and finally, detailed drawing. Of the books using the classical (best) approach to drawing, I rate "The Figure" one of the top five books on figure drawing. The price is "right" too. This book doesn't even cost twenty bucks!



4. I have used this book for about a week and am totally impressed with the results. Before, I did not like to draw hands or faces or lips, now, I find them amazing and a great adventure to draw. I would recommend this book to any one who has never drawn the human figure in a proper way, it's a great way to learning how to. I would like to thank Walt reed for being such a good person as to allow us to know what he knows and sharing all his knowledge. Learning how to draw the human figure is not scary as I thought, I now have discovered a new world of excitement and fun through the use of a simple pencil and paper. Oliver Gonzalez.

3 comments about Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Oil Painting.

1. Being new to painting (only about a year) I felt this book gave some good ground work but lacked indepth information for someone just starting out. Don't get me wrong its a great book, packed full of info accross lots of topics, and there is its weakness, too many topics, not enough depth on any one.



2. This book is not for anyone at an advanced level- whilst there is a whole lot of information, each technique is described in one page, with very little depth. Some of the examples chosen to highlight a particular technique are odd indeed - why for example, if one was showing how to paint "dappled sunlight", would the subject matter be a building? I may be odd myself (who knows), but the term 'dappled sunlight' brings a rural/country scene to mind....



3. I am a serious painter and I refer to this book often. It is a collection of advice and demos from many contemporary artists. Landscape, portrait, and still life are all represented. The artists' works are quite varied, so the result is interesting and fresh. I enjoy this book and think other artists will too.

3 comments about Painting Landscapes Filled With Light.

1. I have many how to paint books and Dorothy Dent's are my favorite. This book includes 5 lessons in acrylic and 5 lessons in oils and her step-by-step instructions are very clear and easy to follow. She also includes exact colors to use which would be helpful to the beginner artist. I have recreated all of her pictures with surprising success. She also includes templates you can enlarge to transfer the image to your canvas. I would highly recommend this book and her other acrylic "Realistic Landscapes" step-by-step book.



2. Dorothy Dent's Painting Landscapes Filled With Light provides ten step-by-step projects for both beginners and advanced painters who want to paint light-filled landscapes depicting different seasons and times. Color values are surveyed in landscape projects which show how to capture sunsets and sunrises, autumn foliage, moonshine on water, and more. More than just an exercise book, each project includes diagrams showing light direction and color tonal values and a commentary on how experts fine-tune paintings such professional finishing touches.



3. Another excellent book from Dorothy Dent. From the beginner to the seasoned painter there is something for everyone to learn in this book. Her explanations of light are easy to understand and follow. Recommend highly.

1 comments about Exploring The Basics of Drawing (Design Exploration Series).

1. I teach drawing at the college level and have seen a multitude of drawing books. All though many of them are very nice this is the first one I have ever been compelled to recommend. It may not have all the bells and whistles of costlier books but it explains the basics of observational drawing in a concise way that could be understood by beginning drawing students. The illustrations explain in a visual way what the author explains verbally and are easy to view and understand. This book would be the one to pick if you do not have an instructor and need to teach yourself. If you read the book and work from observation you will improve your drawing skills. I like the book so much I am selecting it for my students as the class text for Basic Drawing I.
   
   If you are advanced drawing student and have the rudimentaries of drawing down then this may not be the book for you.

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.