2 comments about Learn to Draw Your Favorite Disney/Pixar Characters.

1. This will be short and sweet. I was suprised and pleased at how well this book was put together. Its starts with basics of each character and shows you how it is built up, allowing you to follow easily. all the characters you see on the cover are in the book.



2. Easy to follow and learn...my 7 year old loves it..she keeps it in the car with drawing paper and colored pencils..

4 comments about Understanding Art (with ArtExperience CD-ROM) (Understanding Art).

1. they did not specify that it was the study guide instead of the actual book I needed.



2. Beautiful book! The art pictures are great! I am learning alot!



3. I went to a multimedia school where I took a class on the fundamentals of art & design. Understanding Art was the required text book. Little would I know that I would still be talking about Understanding Art and recommending it for years after that class! (Just don't let my teacher know that!)

   The book takes you throughout the history of art, starting from the earliest forms, throughout the middle ages, native traditional art, to the renaissance, to post modernism, to surrealism, to art deco, bauhaus, dada, and everything else. There isn't a form of art that isn't covered and illustrated, which is extremely beneficial, as you truly do learn how art forms evolved throughout the years. Another benefit to this book is that it covers the different medias in art - sculpture, paintings, print, masks, archetecture, and more.

   The photographs of the artwork are present throughout the book, and the text gives you insight and background knowledge of each art era that you wouldn't otherwise see. One might usually associate art history text as boring and monotonous, but this is not the case. The text is informative and exciting to read all at the same time.

   It's a great book for someone who's starting out in art history, but even long-time art fans will enjoy it too.




4. As a college Art History instructor and an avid reader, I can honestly say Lois Fichner-Rathus has produced one of the finest Art Appreciation texts on the market. The sixth edition of Understanding Art is both visually and intellectually exciting. With expanded coverage of the "Language of Art" (the visual elements and principles of design) and computer generated imagery, and a great companion Web site, this version is truly an advance over previous editions. Addional illustrations (many in color) add to the enjoyment of spending time with this updated classic.

   Though I've referred to this as an Art Appreciation "text," it is by no means dry.The author's viewpoint and writing style are never boring and she continually exhibits great perceptiveness, and wit, in her commentary. The progression of the book's sections from a well-done "Introduction" to the "Language of Art," a look at the varying media of art, and finally a series of chapters on historical style, is well done and logical. Accolades to Fichner-Rathus!

5 comments about The Creative Call: An Artist's Response to the Way of the Spirit (Writers' Palette Book).

1. This book touches me where I am. It is thought provoking and life changing. For me completing this book is as if I finished my own work of art. I will be sharing it with everyone!



2. The Creative Call: An Artist's Response to the Way of the Spirit (Writers' Palette Book)
   
   I found this book to be very helpful and down-to-earth in its approach to rediscovering our gifts and what makes us truly happy. I would recommend it to anyone, especially fellow Christians who are trying to find God's will for their career path.



3. Creativity usually isn't a gift recognized within most churches and, consequently, anyone wanting to use their gifts within that context face discouragement and isolation.
   
   Janice Elsheimer recognizes this struggle in her book, The Creative Call: An Artist's Response to the Way of the Spirit. A book applicable to individual or group study, she walks readers simple steps to reclaim that creative spirit. Using practical applications, examples from her own life and exercises within the book, the reader is able to work through stumbling blocks that may inhibit their own growth and, probably most importantly, given permission and affirmation that indeed, their gifts are important and have a place within the modern church.



4. This book changed my life. Please don't take this as a cliche. If you are a Christian and artistically-inclined, you need to read this book. It has encouraged me to treat myself and my art with respect. I thank God for Janice Elsheimer's book!!



5. I have long suppressed the "artist" in me and Janice shares how to rediscover those gifts and use them to God's glory. Our church is starting a new visual arts ministry and I will be using this book as an introductory bible study for all new participants in this ministry. Thank you for a book that revives the artist in all of us and validates art as a true expression of worship.

No comments about Creating Meaning Through Literature and the Arts: An Integrated Resource for Classroom Teachers (3rd Edition).

4 comments about The Usborne Art Treasury.

1. 22 Works of art from around the world followed by projects.Cascading Style Sheets: The Designer's Edge



2. This book has great examples of working from master works of art. Great for classroom examples.



3. Really beautiful sample of paintings, prints, sculptures, etc... Although my child is too young to read, we selected a few pieces of art she was interested in, and I read it to her.
   If your young child watches 'Little Einstein', this book is great because some of the art pieces showcased in the cartoon are in this book. And, the book has extra tidbits about the piece and the artist, which gives the art an extra dimension and something for my child to think about when she sees the works of art in Little Einstein.
   The projects suggested or inspired by each art work are also really neat. You could make it work for any age since there is a different project for each art piece.
   
   My only minor gripe is that some of the paintings are folded in the binding since the book is not an extra large size. This takes a bit away from the 'wow' factor of the pieces.



4. all the Usborne books are good. the pictures are large and colorful and the directions are simple and clear.

5 comments about The Rejection Collection Vol. 2: The Cream of the Crap.

1. If you've gotten to this page, there's a good chance you've either seen or bought the first volume, The Rejection Collection: Cartoons You Never Saw, and Never Will See, in The New Yorker.
   
   I thought the cartoonists' responses to the questionnaires in the first collection provided a fascinating look into the creative mind. In this volume, the questions seemed more convoluted and the answers more conventional.
   
   The cartoons, however, struck me as being funnier in this volume. Two of my favorite cartoonists (Sam Gross and Gahan Wilson) are featured in both volumes.
   
   If I could only buy one, I would buy the first volume, but both collections are enjoyable.



2. I love the original Rejection Collection. That collection contains many of my favorite cartoons of all time, and it still makes me laugh on my 15th, 16th ... etc. reading. Sadly, this second collection is just not as good. Despite the presence of a few real gems, as a whole this sequel is *not* the cream of the crap, but is instead the next layer down. Worth reading, but not worth owning.



3. I have to admit at the outset that I don't laugh as easily as others I know. Too much so called humor seems predictable or formulaic these days. Not so, The Rejection Collection volumes. This book and its predecessor had me giggling, chuckling, laughing and occasionally guffawing from cover to cover. The cartoons are great. Many are twisted, a little sick, or iconoclastic, which tickles me no end. The questionnaires are a fun and valuable insight into the creative minds and personalities of the contributing cartoonists.
   
   Don't miss Bob Mankoff's replies to their questions (found in the questionairre), also in the appendix! He easily holds his own in terms of wit.
   
   Laughter is a great gift. The Rejection Collections I and II are the perfect choice for someone you care about, who has a slightly twisted sense of humor. I hope there will be many more volumes to come. I'll buy them all!



4. I heard the author on Fresh Air and decided to get the book. It is obvious why some of these cartoons didn't make it into the Mag. Less obvious with others. But almost all fun. The cartoonist 'autobiographies' are also great fun.



5. The other day I happened to hear the author interviewed on a local PBS radio airing of Fresh Air. The new collection was discussed and when the author described some of the examples in the book, I laughed so hard I almost choked. The people driving next to me must have wondered what on earth I was laughing about. The verbal descriptions of some of the cartoons created such visualizations I almost shudder to think what will happen when I view the entire content. For example, a description of Titantic action figures struck me so funny that, now as I type this review, I'm laughing again. That is effective cartooning - and I haven't seen the visual yet. Yup, still laughing ...sounds like the perfect gift for those pals who have everything else and could use a good laugh.

No comments about Whitney Biennial 2008 (Whitney Biennial).

2 comments about The Big Book of New Design Ideas (Big Book (Collins Design)).

1. A great companion book to Carter's book on color in design. Lots of great ideas and I love the flip book layout which makes it easy to find what you are looking for.



2. I am a design teacher - and like to fill my presentations of real-life work that parallels my classes. Excellent source of scanning material, and gives you the exact colors.

5 comments about Outdoor Rooms: Designs for Porches, Terraces, Decks, Gazebos.

1. This book will set your imagination on fire and motivate you to turn your ordinary backyard into a mini-paradise. Lots of pictures to drool over, you will find yourself thumbing thru it again and again..



2. This is a great "thumb thur" book. It has really nice pictures of outdoor areas that are very "architectural".... Not helpful for the "average joe" looking for ideas to create your own backyard/outdoor patio/room.



3. If you need ideas on how to create outdoor spaces for entertaining - this book is for you. Dining, lounging, dining, lounging... Even different photos of the same patio have different place settings on the tables to give you dining ideas. After a while, I began looking for spaces where you could do something other than dine, or lounge. Overall, nice photos of nice outdoor spaces, but limited appeal.



4. When looking for fresh ideas and inspiration on how to create the prefect outdoor space you needn't look any further than this book. From a modern symmetrical porch to lush English gardens, it showcases a wide range of styles. With so much to choose from anyone can find something to suit their taste.

   Many of the outdoor rooms have pools. It is amazing how they manage to flawlessly integrate the pools into the environment without making them seem out of place or just thrown there. The magnificent outdoor spaces truly become a part of the home.

   I love the combination of styles and how they compliment one another. One room features the creamy white walls of Greece, a timber roof and hot Mexican colors in a cushioned seat. Large color photos tell the story with brief descriptions of each example.

   In the back there is a sampler of fine furnishing and accessories form a variety of different styles including historical, rustic, Mediterranean/island, and geometric. There is also a helpful directory of design professionals, photographers and product sources.




5. Or if you love browsing Swedish furniture catalogues, buy this book! Unfortunately, I'm not a big concrete & steel fan or heavily into Swedish furniture. It's a lovely book but if, like me, you're looking for garden inspiration or expecting visions that incorporate trees and plants, look elsewhere and save your money. The designs for outdoor rooms in this book left me cold. I gave it a reasonably good rating because I realize that readers who love modern architecture will probably enjoy it.

1 comments about Best of Nickelodeon (Nick How to Draw).

1. My ten year old son received this book for Christmas and he loves it. He has really enjoyed learning to draw is favorite Nickelodeon characters. It has great step by step directions that are very easy to follow and not frustrating.