2 comments about Trees and Leaves CD-ROM and Book (Dover Electronic Clip Art).

1. Looks Just like what's on the web site!
   Great references to actualy trees.
   Thank You!



2. I got a copy of this book/CD to have images for our wedding invitations and envelopes. I was more interested in leaves than trees and I think the book is stronger on trees, but there are many nice examples of both. The CD provides images in many formats and sizes (for print vs. web applications) and it worked out great. As usual Dover is pretty much the only company with anything like this and it's reasonably priced.

5 comments about Nineteenth-Century Fashion in Detail.

1. A wonderful book. Filled with fabulous color pictures and line drawings.
   A must have for the 19th century clothing collector and those who make reproduction costume. Wide varitey of textiles. Abundant details. Excellent discussion on each costume. Straight to the point and easy to digest. You won't go wrong with this book. Buy it.



2. This big glossy picture book is a big let down because all it shows is parts and pieces of garments. The details are useless without getting to see the effect on the whole garment. Who needs a book filled with collar and cuff close-ups? If you are looking for great pictures of 19th century dress- This is NOT the book for you!



3. This book is a visual feast for the eyes! I have gone through it over and over again, and each time I find something new! The coverage of the detail of each type of design is explicit, right down to the buttons and the thread. The book details things like the innovations in fashion, as well as common reviews of the time. In some cases, it also talks about the people behind the items that are featured, such as when they wore the items or their lifestyle. Beautifully done - exceptional photography!



4. Don't bother ordering this through Amazon - They're out of stock and haven't been able to get more copies since February. My order keeps being delayed the day that it lists that it's supposed to ship. It's more expensive elsewhere, but at least you've got the option of actually getting it. I broke down and paid double the price listed by Amazon just so that I could stop waiting for it to arrive each month.
   
   I've heard this is a fantastic reference. Now if only I could get a copy!



5. I found this book gives so many fine details of the clothing made in this century. It's a great help for ideas in trimming my own costumes, and shows how it was done in line drawings. The examples are awesome.

3 comments about Best Ugly: Restaurant Concepts and Architecture by Avroko.

1. i eat out most nights. this book opened my eyes to a new way to think about restauraunts. the historical and intellectual approach avroko develops in their projects informs each place i go. only problem- when i visit other places i now know what i'm missing. Avroko gave me a new language for understanding how and why i enjoy dining out. beautiful photographs and clever text. i have given 8 copies as gifts to friends too.
   thanks



2. This book is unlike anything else out there. It gives valuable insight for anyone interested in design, architecture, restaurant design or working in any of these industries, it's also great for anyone who is curious about great design and art or has heard about AvroKo. They have won numerous awards and being able to see their projects in-depth is a truly unique way to see how this top design firm works. The photos are amazing and beautifully shot and the design of the book itself is the best I've seen in any kind of art or design book like this. It also gave me a really great look at their design process and the outstanding projects they've designed. I've been to Public (which is one of the coolest restaurants in NYC) and this book makes me want to visit all the restaurants they've designed. I would highly recommend it as both a beautiful book to own and give as a gift.



3. THIS BOOK IS BETTER THAN ANY DESIGN BOOK I HAVE EVER READ THE PICTURES ARE AMAZING I JUST WISH THIS COMPANY WAS IN THE UK

5 comments about The Art of 3-D Computer Animation and Effects, Third Edition.

1. Very instructive and well laid out. I'm using this book in an animation class and we aren't reading it cover to cover. But what I have read for class has impressed me enough that I will give this thing a thorough read-through before the class is over with.



2. Reading this before getting immersed in a specific software package will give the reader much deeper insight and understanding of whats going on under the hood of any 3D tool set.
   
   This book is plain and simple, the best resource I have found to teach beginning students the overall concepts of 3D and the history behind them. I purchased the first edition years ago when I began my journey as an FX artist and it has served me many times beyond its cover price. Remember, this is not a software manual. If you are looking for application specific info look to the myriad of specialized titles.
   
   However, f you're interested in learning how CG works as a concept, an art form, a craft and as an industry this book is aces. It starts with 3D basics and history, moves though all the major concepts used in modern CG and Effects. Deeply complex and abstract concepts, paradigms and theory are boiled down and made simple and relevant with friendly illustrations and real world examples from productions you'll recognize from movies, games and pop culture.



3. This book is very cool and good ilustrated overall look at 3D computer graphics. I found usefull to step out of one 3d package and take a wide overall look at this amazing animation craft (I myself use 3ds max). Book is systematically organized and ilustrated good, there are many "behind the scenes", production type pictures. Why not 5 stars? This is subjective - there was sometimes strange confusion about author's selection of movies to take pictures from to show 3d graphics evolution
   4 stars - I like it! Time from time look for references, review terminalogy. Worth buying
   What not expect from book - application specific tutorials, book originaly isn't intendet to cover this stuff



4. This book was a required textbook for my begining Maya class, but be warned, it's more a book about concepts and 3D animation history than it is about instruction. If you need this book for a 3D animation class, I highly recomend getting another book with instuction specifically for whichever program you're using, because you're not going to find it in this one.



5. I've only glanced through the book so far but it looks amazing, I can tell this'll be a great compliment to my studies at the Academy of Art in San Francisco! Thanks!

5 comments about Monotype: Mediums and Methods for Painterly Printmaking.

1. This book gives a thorough overview of Monotype printing. It starts out with materials needed, then goes on to talk about hand transfers, press transfers and doing monotypes in acrylic, watercolor, oil and printmaking inks. It covers mixed media and stencils, masks, etc. It has much practical/useful information in each section on both techniques and materials. There are examples of each type of work covered, athough I would have liked to see a larger "gallery" of work by different artist. A very good book if you are interested in monotypes.



2. This book answered many questions that other artists and I were asking regarding monotype. It gives you permission to proceed in any direction, using any materials you choose.



3. I'm so glad I bought this book. It is one of those I take down regularly. The author thoroughly understands monotype in many mediums. A previous reviewer mentioned how well the toxicity issue was dealt with. Lots of good color illustration.



4. I agree with the previous reviews - if you're creating monoprints, and particularly if you're looking for non-toxic methods, this is a great book. It's full color with many inspiring illustrations, and full of useful, practical information written in a friendly, down-to-earth manner.
   
   Re. recommended paints: I recently had the pleasure of taking a monoprinting class with Julia Ayres and her daughter Gail Ayres (at the Art Methods & Materials Show in Pasadena, CA, Oct 2004). The Ayres now recommend using the new Akua-Kolor waterbased inks by Rostow & Jung (www.waterbasedinks.com) which I assume were not invented at the time this book was originally printed. The advantage is that these inks are non-toxic, clean up easily, and they stay moist for days. You then print to DRY printmaking paper, and the inks dry instantly once they hit the paper. Now you don't have to worry about the inks drying on the plate, or handling fragile, wet paper. (I shoved my Createx paints in a bottom drawer after the workshop!)
   
   (If you get the opportunity, take a class with the Ayres if you're just getting started, as there's nothing quite like seeing the process in action and the book will make even more sense! They also teach using the PinPress Roller for making monoprints by hand; very useful if you don't have access to an expensive printing press.)



5. There seems to be very limited information available on the technique of monotype. This book fills that void by demonstrating the incredible variety of effects possible using the monotype method. There are no projects, per se, rather it teaches techniques that help you create your own masterpieces. Many pieces of example artwork are found throughout the book.

   A monotype is a one-of-a-kind print made by transferring a painted image to paper. The book starts out with an introduction to materials including plates, mediums, solvents, panting tools and paper as well as hand and press transfer equipment. It also covers studio safety and finding workshop facilities.

   Techniques are next including working into a light or dark field and both hand and press transfer.
   These include step-by-step instructions accompanied by demonstration photos. Working in specific mediums including watercolor, acrylics, water-soluble writing instruments, monoprint paints (Createx), oil paints, water-based oils and alkyds follows. A section discussing special oil-based printing inks for lithography, etching, printing and serigraphy is also here. There is even a chapter on special techniques including using masks & stencils, embossing and creating collages.

   The final chapter gives an overview of monoprints, which combine monotype with other print making processes, and mixed-media monotypes. This includes intaglio, drypoint and engraving, as well as linocut and collagraphic monoprints.

   There is a nice list of suppliers as well as interesting biographical notes on the artists featured in the back. This is a great book that displays the great diversity in mediums and results available with monotype.

5 comments about Graphic Style: From Victorian to Digital.

1. Graphic Style: From Victorian to Digital has been the textbook for my online History of Graphic Design classes at Parsons School of Design and The New School Media Studies Program for ten years.
   
   Steven Heller, brilliant art director, journalist, critic, author and editor, provides a thoughtful overview of every important period as well as detailed information about legendary graphic designers.
   
   He and Seymour Chawst have chosen perfect illustrations to demonstrate style characteristics for each era.
   
   Heller's introduction alone is worth the price of the book.



2. I ordered this book for a graphic design class. It opened my eyes to the history of graphic design.



3. I'm using this book as a college text.. I believe that I have a rather high reading level, but at times this book can be difficult to keep along with. Nonetheless, there is certainly a wealth of information here! Pages and pages of relevant artwork and explanations, along with the key people within each movement covered.



4. Looking at the last updated edition to Graphic Style and that was in 2000 and the one before that was 1988 . . . it is about time for a new installment to this never-ending story.



5. The book was an enjoyable read accompanied by many images. I would recommend this for anyone who is in a graphic design history class.

4 comments about The Dynamics of Fashion.

1. It was little late, but this was so~~~cheap, so I was safisfied with that.



2. This book is an excellent tool for all fashion students, or those just interested in learning more about the #1 money making industry in the U.S. Information on topics ranging from textiles to merchandising to cosmetics to retailing, and so much more. Very detailed, lots of pictures, helpful internet resources, glossary, and also the authors list of her 100 top apparel designers starting at Adolfo, ending at Yohji Yamamoto. This book was very helpful to me when I took the class Introduction to Fashion Merchandising.



3. I am fortunate enough to have met Ms. Elaine Stone herself and find her style to be that of great elegance, sophistication, grace, and poshness. She is by far the most fashionable person I have yet to meet. Reading The Dynamics of Fashion as my textbook for my FM114 class I found it very informant and recommend it to everyone, even those who are not a student of fashion.



4. I am fortunate enough to have met Ms. Elaine Stone herself and find her style to be that of great elegance, sophistication, grace, and poshness. She is by far the most fashionable person I have yet to meet. Reading The Dynamics of Fashion as my textbook for my FM114 class I found it very informant and recommend it to everyone, even those who are not a student of fashion.

5 comments about The Dog Chapel: Welcome All Creeds, All Breeds. No Dogmas Allowed.

1. Great book for anyone who likes dogs. My wife wants to go to the Dog Chapel now.



2. This book should be required reading for all dog lovers and those that have lost their canine loves. Huneck is in touch with those feelings. Recommend to all.



3. Very sweet and comforting book for those who have suffered the loss of a beloved pet. Good for children & adults. How wonderful to be offered an opportunity to send pictures of your pet to be placed in memory at the Remembrance Wall at the DOG CHAPEL-
   Mr Huneck- the author as well as artist for the book-must be a special person to create this loving tribute. I'll bet his dogs think so too!



4. This is the best book. I always gift it when someone has a beloved dog pass away. Huneck has a gift with his books.



5. This is a beautiful book, well written, and full of wonderful pictures. The authors account of how the book came to be is touching. For anyone who has had to put their dog to sleep, a gift of this book would be of great comfort. There is even a memorial picture frame in the back of the book in which you can send a photo of your dog up to the chapel.

No comments about Jazz Covers.

5 comments about Icon.

1. The ilustrations in this book portray you to another book that perfectly capture the original paints.



2. When people think of fantasy artwork, they might think first of those Conan and Edgar Rice Burroughs paperback covers, or a berserker warrior on horseback, corpses of foes beneath him and dripping weapon above him. People think of Frazetta first, whether or not they know it's him they're thinking of. He's also done recognizable work for Mad magazine, Little Annie Fanny for Playboy, posters for Peter Sellers movies, and lots more.
   
   Frazetta has done plenty of work in ink, especially for a range of comics, but his oil paintings are best known and most heavily represented here. It's easy to see how he became the inspiration for an entire generation of fantasy artists, and probably well into a second generation, too. No one captures the rippling sinews of barbarian warriors like Frazetta does, or beasts, half-men, dungeons, jungles, and every other fantasy-scape that he's rendered. Above all, no one comes close to the lush, rounded figures of his female characters. They can be warriors and wizards in their own right, or eldritch spirits, or even savable maidens. Some, as in "Moon's Rapture" or the standing figure in "Rogue Roman", show a rich and womanly figure at rest, but somehow promising as much raw physical power as any man.
   
   I recommend this collection to anyone passionate about illustration or fantasy art. Any one of his paintings can be an entire course of study for a budding artist. They can also be seen as powerful narratives in imagery, or as a jumping-off point for dreams of far-away worlds and heroic adventures.
   
   -- wiredweird



3. I read Edgar Rice Burroughs novels as a teen and will never forget the impact of the Frazetta covers. His heros, the settings and the creatures were so wild and vivid; plus I think he definitely set my ideals of feminine beauty for life. This collection is a must for anyone who wants a good biography of F.F. along with some great reproductions of his best work.



4. Frazetta is great and this book is swell... however (as one other reviewer also experienced) the cover came off my book after I had it for only one week! I couldn't believe it! To credit of the publisher they did send me a replacement. I think I will buy the sequel now. Too bad it's only available in hardcover, but at least that way the cover is much less likely to fall off. As for the third book, it seems to be completely unavailable except to those who are willing to pay over a hundred dollars for it!



5. Words cannot describe the beauty and passion in Frazetta's work; This book is filled with amazing art, from the original sketches to the final product; Lots of personal photographs and insightful narratives help to make this a satisfying package, but the artwork alone makes this book a must have. From his early career doing comic books and movie posters, to the grand scale of his fantasy art, this is a book that is sure to excite any and all who have a shred of creativity within them. Totally inspiring book!!!