5 comments about Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World's Stolen Treasures.

1. Robert Wittman is a smart guy and made the right decision for his memoirs, he utilized the services of an award-winning journalist in writing them. Hence 'Priceless' is snappily written and expertly presented, flipping back and forth between key cases, suspenseful moments, and important times in Mr. Wittman's life. Agent Wittman had a different perspective from many in the bureau, sure bust a drug smuggler or a bank robber, but there's just going to be another drug deal, or another heist, but there are only so many Vermeers in the world, or a limited number of Rembrandts; and when art is stolen from a country, a nation and its people loses an irreplaceable piece of their history. It could be a Rodin statue, a tribal headdress, or grave goods from virtually anywhere, but these are the things that make a culture and a nation, and Bob Wittman sought to protect them.
   Mr. Wittman was based in Philadelphia, home of some of the largest historical collections in the nation, and he began his career at a time when nobody in the U.S. was looking at art as anything more than property theft, while in Italy a dedicated unit of 300 officers worked full-time safeguarding and recovering their own history. Bob worked undercover and has some great commonsense tips, like always using his given first name, because the fewer lies you tell the better (this also avoids that dangerous moment when you bump into an acquaintance and they use the wrong name.) Battling bureaucracy and indifference, Agent Wittman bends the rules and applies his considerable savvy to recover major pieces of art, and other works that some may dismiss as mere 'Americana,' say a dozen Norman Rockwells. Wittman couldn't get much interest in the case of the stolen Rockwells, as it was just after 9/11 and terrorism had become paramount at the FBI. But Bob Wittman correctly deduced that it is more important than ever in times of national crisis to safeguard our heritage. He studied copies of the paintings and saw that one included the Manhattan skyline and the Twin Towers. He took the Rockwell case to a supervisor who saw the headline value, and did just that, recovered the paintings and made headlines.
   Bob Wittman points out that Americans make 30 million museum visits annually, more than many professional sports, and there is a great culture and history to protect and preserve for us all. He recovers an original copy of the Bill of Rights, one of only fourteen, and returns a battle flag from an African American Civil War unit, one of only five remaining. Mr. Wittman founds the FBI's Art Crime Team, traveling the world and recovering art in a dozen countries and receiving awards from grateful governments, but always hanging in the back of the press conference, staying away from the cameras. 'Priceless' is an exciting memoir packed with the biggest art heists over the last few decades (Bob worked cold cases too), the biggest names in art, and more importantly, the most successful recoveries by probably the world's best art crime investigator.



2. Wonderful man solves art thefts while loving his nation and family. We need more of this esp. under this clown show Pres. The fast pace takes you on a legal and historical ride worth your time. Grade A.



3. This is the third "art"-related book I've read this summer, and has certainly been the most enjoyable. (I have no background in art, history, or such, just happen to have picked up a few similar books...)
   
   The author tells a good story, keeping the flow of the book going, without getting too bogged down in the minutiae. I enjoy watching White Collar: Season One, and this book provides similar enjoyment...FBI, crime stories, undercover work, etc. I could see this book as a tv show itself.
   
   I think this book would appeal to a lot of people of all ages, especially if you enjoy a good, fast-paced story, or have always wished you'd chosen a more exciting career path!



4. I truly enjoyed reading the captivating stories of how the incredible pieces of history were stolen, the interesting places they ended up in and how Robert Wittman cleverly maneuvered to get them back. The best part was knowing the stories actually took place. I lived in and around his main stomping grounds during the time the events occurred and imagined myself having possibly passed Wittman by on the street or in a restaurant while he was under cover and in the middle of a big case. There's nothing like really getting "into" the book you're reading.
   
   Wittman showed a vulnerability by opening up about his most difficult times during his service as an FBI agent which gave me more interest in seeing him succeed in his adventures. I have studied art in the past, but this book sparked a renewed interest that has inspired me to do further reading on the subject. Exciting, inspirational, educational and impossible to put down, are the qualities that make "Priceless" my five star favorite.



5. This author is a former FBI agent who tracked stolen treasures all over the world. He tells of his successes and the fast thinking he had to do to stay safe while working undercover. He almost got the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum paintings but in the end he was compromised and could not finish the job, so they are still missing. It's an excellent book if you like art and true stories about getting stolen art back.

5 comments about The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain.

1. Because our local elementary school didn't have the funds to hire art teachers, I volunteered to teach drawing, something I, with very little art training, could not have done before discovering this book. One of the ideas I gleaned from it was to hand each student a photo of something (a chair, a car, a face), tell them to rotate the image 180 degrees so that the image was inverted, and then have them keep it turned that way until they were done drawing. Many students, even in classes of five-year-olds, "got it" on the first try and were impressed by their results (and so was I!); and within the next few lessons, every student had learned to draw what they saw and not what they thought they knew something looked like. Years later, many of these students have come up to me to thank me for teaching them how to draw. So this book has made an impact on people who haven't even read it!



2. I haven't completed the book yet. Just read the first 4 chapters and completed a few exercises. It's a very interesting book and the exercises are fun and enlightening. I do find some parts quite dry, especially in the beginning when she writes about the left and right hemispheres in a lot of detail.
   Over all so far I would recommend this book!



3. The first thing Betty Edwards tells us (in the preface): she was not trained as an educator. Consequently, she met with great frustration trying to teach her high school students to draw. What did she do? Write a long-winded, theoretical book about why it is so hard to teach people to draw.
   
   You are, perhaps, a person who has tried to draw but felt frustrated because you have not gotten good training or instruction.
   
   Option 1: use this book = spend a lot of time reading, not much time drawing, end up with lots of excuses why drawing is so hard.
   
   Option 2: use Keys to Drawing by Bert Dodson (a skilled instructor) = read a little, draw a lot, watch your skills grow, feel happy doing what you love to do, forget drawing was once difficult and frightening.



4. This book not only teaches you how to think (and not think) when drawing, but also teaches you the techniques to draw. In short, it teaches the approach and the techniques. Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain works on the premise that the right side of the brain is more suited for drawing, and teaches you how to engage it for drawing purposes. The different chapters are on contour drawings, negative space, sighting, portrait drawings, colors, light and shadow. At the end is an additional chapter on handwriting art. There are easy step-by-step exercises to follow along. Results will be visible but all the exercises must be done. Perfection requires more practice, of course. The techniques can be easily applied to challenging tasks like drawing foreshortening or a realistic portrait. This is the book my art teacher used to teach us when I was in my early teens. It's actually got some good ideas in there, with a lot of jargon that I didn't understand (and didn't really care to, you don't miss much). Looking back, I appreciate some of the lessons I learned from it. Even if you think you can't draw, give this a chance! Forget that you think all your drawings look like a kid's, and try it, it really was good for me.



5. Wonderful book for novices picking up a pencil and drawing paper the first time ever. The book is very easy to understand and the instructions are very clear. I was totally blown away by what I could draw after the first few chapters. This text is especially helpful for any analysts, scientists, or engineers who want to engage thier more creative right brain. The book helps you break free from your left brain and enjoy the playful creative right hemisphere. I am 1/2 way through the book and totally enjoying it. I intend to follow up with an art class.

5 comments about Art & Fear: Observations On the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking.

1. 
   The book was in excellent condition.
   Thank you for the prompt response.



2. This little book is going to make you think. It also going to encourage you not to be so hard yourself for not already being the master of your craft! It is too deep to sit and read all at once, but a chapter now and then keeps your head in the game and processing thoughts that might be opening your artistic side to more and better adventures.



3. I purchased this book for a photography class. I found that I could relate what the authors said to my job(teaching) as well as to my art. A wonderful book for anyone who has been away from practicing art for a while as well as those who are actively involved in making art. It will give you lots to think about. Art students in college may also appreciate this book...



4. I am a practicing painter who found Art and Fear while wandering through a bookstore one day. Reading it has changed my life. there are so many things that i've felt in the fuzzy recesses of my mind that are solidified inside this book. Yes, the number one reason people do not chose to dedicate their lives to making art is fear. Once it is acknowledged, it's easier to fight it. I would recommend this book to any struggling artist at any time in their life.



5. Found this book very hard to comprehend, way over my head, could have been written in simpler terms.

4 comments about Creative, Inc.: The Ultimate Guide to Running a Successful Freelance Business.

1. I haven't been freelancing for long, but I've been in the game long enough to not be too much of a newbie. I knew a lot of the nuts and bolts information about freelancing, but Creative Inc. was such a motivational help to keep me going strong! It's so nice to read a book on this topic without being discouraged about legal jargon and business plans galore! Creative Inc. is the perfect mix of detailed information and friendly advice. The interviews with a diverse selection of freelancers is also really encouraging. Everyone in the book really understands what you are going through and has been there themselves. I think this book is a great buy for any type of designer/creative looking to work for themselves. Hey, if you're stuck behind a cubicle, read this and it will certainly change your life.



2. this book is AWESOME. it helped open my eyes that freelance ain't that scary at all.
   THANK YOU!



3. a smooth read with wonderful insight. i have many business books and an mba - this is a welcome change of scenery. good tips, case studies, and a fresh point of view. it's changing the way i think about my business!



4. Wonderful guide full of amazing expert advice! Reads easily, real life examples & stories and obviously written by creatives who know what questions to answer and what is going on in the heads of freelancers! Read it in a couple of days and it now lives in my bag, to be with me at all times!

5 comments about Atlas of Human Anatomy for the Artist (Galaxy Books).

1. This is an okay anatomical reference book, it does a good job covering skeletal construction and isolated body parts but I found it lacking in the areas of musculature and the human form as a whole. While not without merit, there are better references out there.



2. I expected a little more detail, i suppose...but overall, itz a pretty good book...shows u how to draw realistically...it is a bit outdated as it was published in the 1950s but it is very cheap so itz worth it...in some of the pics...the male models' private parts were blotted out. funny...



3. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R7Q3TFH23OSWP Atlas of Human Anatomy for the Artist by Stephen Rogers Peck is an anatomy reference book.
   
   It covers everything from bones, to muscles to topics like fat, veins, hair, age, sex, race and expression. There are some photos for reference as well. The writeup is descriptive and simple to understand. The examples are well illustrated and clearly labeled. It's pretty comprehensive.
   
   While it also has some figure drawing tips and instructions, it certainly is not as comprehensive as dedicated figure drawing books. Here, it's on the approach to drawing certain parts. There's not much on posing the figure.
   
   I see this book get mentioned a lot on art forums online, for good reasons. It's useful and very affordable.
   
   This book's recommended to beginner and intermediate artists.
   
   (More pictures are available on my blog. Just visit my Amazon profile for the link.)



4. I have just started my Life Drawing class and this first week's reading assignment for this book was very easy to understand and very clear.



5. This book was purchased for class. The content is exactly what I expected and has very detailed drawings of the human anatomy. I was extremely pleased with the prompt delivery of this book and it was in perfect condition upon arrival. Thank you!

5 comments about Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines (Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines).

1. I purchased this in hopes of using it to refine my contracts and proposals, but it falls a little short. I suppose, if you treat your business as more of a in-and-out service firm, the contracts might work well. However, in the case of my design studio which often offers lengthy proposals with extensive contract verbage at the end, it didn't shed much light on how to ensure all my legal bases are covered in an ever-more-complex world of design and development.



2. I'm sure the book would have been helpful to have in time for class but I never received it.



3. Full of information most of us do not really think about, like pricing, contracts, etc. Worth every penny.



4. I recently got this book and from what I have been seeing so far I know that this book will be so valuable to me. I recommend this book for artists of every medium.



5. I first saw this series of books when working in house in the late 90's. I somewhat forgot about them until seeing the book at a local Big New bookstore, where I picked up the most recent copy and checked it out a bit. I realized that I should have bought this book years ago, when I first went out on my own in the design world, so I came home and ordered it up on Amazon (for about 40% off the price it was at the bookstore.) I probably should have bought it at the bookstore, since I spend a lot of time there but times are tough, you have to save where you can.
   
   The book is broken down into just about every segment / classification you can think of. From designing stamps for third world countries to doing medical illustrations for advertisements (and literally everything in between). There are a few tiny holes (ie: catalog layout), but with so much other subjects / materials for cross referencing, it's pretty easy to figure out what the rate should be.
   
   All in all, I'd HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone who does any freelance or contract work in the creative field. It would be a great gift for any recent or future college graduate in the graphic design / illustration field. There's loads of information inside it's covers.

5 comments about Design Basics Index (Index Series).

1. I ordered this book for a class. Since school began we've only had one assignment from the book so I really can't rate this book fairly from a technical point of view. I did consider using the book as a reference and the book does an workmanlike job on fleshing out some of the concepts, however, it did not fit with my concept of a resource book. In completing the assignment, the material could have been presented in an more engaging format. I am past my prime as regard being a student and perhaps this is how stuff works now-a-days. I'll reserve my opinion as neutral until I have more class time/resource check time to investigate it. Stay tuned!



2. I found this book to be outstanding!
   
   Whilest most design books go into design trends, Jim Krause goes into details about design fundamentals that are essential not only for begining designers, but more advanced designers as well. Also, the book is layed out in such a way that it is not subject to time. This book will still be a good read even ten years down the road.
   
   If you're interested in getting into design, this book is an absolute must-have.



3. This is the best design book I've ever read. Has great info and gets right to the point. Also nice just to have for easy reference!



4. This book may be fantastic, but I have no idea as the width of the book is too small to properly open the book. Why would a designer approve this book size, makes me question how good he can be. I wished I had saved my money as it is too frustrating to battle out holding the book open to read.



5. This book was mis-listed for one of my classes, but after buying it, I found myself taking it everywhere with me and reading it anytime I had spare time. Every time you look through it, you learn something new. As most artistic people are, I'm very visual, and all the examples really enhance the book and help to cement the ideas and rules. Very colorful, helpful and ultimately FUN TO READ! I love this book and recommend it!!

5 comments about Picture This: How Pictures Work.

1. If you want to really understand, get this book. It is a pearl! Every photographer should have this in her/his bookshelf!



2. This is a very simple book. It consists of cutouts of construction paper. Each page looks like a small project for Kindergarten through second grade. However, I loved it. I am currently spending a lot of time thinking about composition and emotion in photographs. This book helped me clarify and elucidate some key concepts. Neither my wife or daughter thought much of it, though. If your expectations are right ... then enjoy. Think of this as a yoga session with a new teacher.



3. This book should never have been allowed to go out of print! It is indispensable for developing a visual sense for telling a story. Theatre & film directors can use it constantly. For students, it can teach one how to think and construct in abstract terms in order to illicit an emotional response from the viewer.



4. I am a little bit amazed what professional photographer such as Thom Hogan has found in this book. Yes, it is very pleasant and quick read. Yes, it does give you some valuable tips about shape and color in composition and what psychological effect it has on a viewer. Yes it might be useful book for beginners in photography, but professionals?
   The author seems to be very knowledgeable about the subject, but when you discard the pictures in the book, you get about 20 pages to read. Since, this book has become so popular, I think the second edition is a must.



5. Before you even THINK about ordering this book for $190 do some research. The list price for the hardcover original is $19. Granted, it is out of print and unavailable, but $190? A brief search on the net will provide you with plenty of purchasing options for far less than what sellers are asking here.

5 comments about PostSecret: Confessions on Life, Death, and God.

1. Took FOREVER to get it, but it is what it is & I love the book!



2. I bought the entire series of these books by Frank Warren for my daughter. She requested them as she knew the background of the series. Mr. Warren left pre-addressed postcards randomly in books at libraries, etc. and asked the finders to write down a secret that they had, but did not share with anyone, and mail it to him. Keeping all identities anonymous gave him an overwhelming response, which he turned into this series of books. I read them before I gave them to my daughter. It was the most fascinating journey of the innermost thoughts and secrets of people at large. I recommend this series for readers past the age of high school for greatest appreciation of the human spirit and condition.



3. Wonderful addition to my PostSecret collection! If you are a Frank Warren fan, you definitely have to get this one!



4. this is a great coffee table book or a book that just can be put anywhere in your house for guests to be able to just pickup and browse through. can be a conversation starter. i love the book personally because i've been a fan of PostSecret for years and this was the first book that i purshased used but in very well condition.



5. I bought this book as a present for a friend and I ended up reading through the whole thing before I gave it to her because it was in good. I strongly suggest buying this book.

5 comments about ART/WORK: Everything You Need to Know (and Do) As You Pursue Your Art Career.

1. It's all very well to write a book for artists, but if you are working for galleries, you may have a bias.
   
   This bias is actually a Huge problem...
   
   In the art world, when an artist gives a work to a gallery on consignment, the gallery is not putting any cash into the artist's hands...
   
   Traditionally, this meant a ONE THIRD COMMISSION to the gallery if the work sold...
   
   No cash outlay for any commodity on the open market, only gives a fraction of what a retailer might get if they bought the commodity wholesale...
   
   In fact, if a product is bought at a wholesale price, the retailer has tremendous powers to mark up the price- this is how the art market has become such a wild ride...
   
   Now, back to the book...The book talks about 50%...But the authors have not the age or perspective or wisdom in business to understand the ethic of 50%...
   
   50% is the wholesale price of the art work...At a 50% discount to the gallery, the gallery should be BUYING the work outright...
   
   No other product sells for half price unless it has been purchased wholesale...
   
   Those that know art & the art market know that one third was standard. They know that 50% without cash down is exploitative...They know that young artists don't know any of this...
   
   Galleries have been getting away with this scam for the past decade because since 9/11, artists have been desperate to accept any offers, no matter how ridiculous, many idiots actually paying to show...
   
   Is it right to take money from an artist to pay for their own show? No. But people do it.
   
   Is it right to get a half off price from an artist without any cash payment? No, but people do it...
   
   This is a flaw in this book. A fatal flaw.
   
   Do the authors know this is a flaw?
   
   Possibly. But their bias is For the gallery, not for the artist, so they will argue in defense of the practice, saying everyone is doing it.
   
   I do not read books to know what everyone is doing. I read to learn. To be taught.
   
   I am disappointed that the authors do not know the rules. The real rules. Not the ones made up in the past ten years.
   
   If any artists are listening, please know this, ONE THIRD IS THE TRADITIONAL COMMISSION YOU GIVE FOR ON CONSIGNMENT ART WORKS TO A GALLERY....
   
   50% is only if they buy the work from your studio to re-sell...
   
   If they don't give you cash in hand, they don't get 50 percent. That is wholesale.
   
   Once they buy it from you wholesale they can mark it up as they please.
   
   But for Gosh sakes, don't give more than a third to a gallery if they don't buy the work from you...It is highway robbery. Ask an old person, they will set you straight if you don't believe me...
   
   & beware of books for artists written by galleries...(though there were some good parts to this book- the commission thing sort of kills it)...sorry...



2. Thorough and helpful. A must have for anyone who wants to know more about the professional side of being an artist. All the information is up to date and relevant and the authors collected a great assortment of quotes and tips from successful people. Well worth the investment!



3. I've only gotten through the first chapter. I stopped there because there was so much that I needed to do in that chapter that I felt it best to complete those tasks before moving on. The work is what I should have learned in college as part of my BFA, but no one teaches these things to art students. The quotes from professionals peppered generously throughout give great tips and insight. I wish I would have found this book the year that I graduated.



4. I have an MFA, and a BFA, and have read about every book on this subject matter. I found this reference to be about the most extensive and current resource yet for the entering mid career artist.
   The examples cover what has changed as a result of technology and the internet. The best feature is that the pages contains sidebars with interviews/comments and advice from well known experts in the field. In this regard reading this book was like paying $20 for the benefit of a several day long conference with the very best speakers.
   *This would be my text for a professional practices course for BFA or MFA students.



5. This book is a great resource for graduating students and working artists alike. It is an excellent primer to navigating how to handle yourself professionally in the art world if you are unfamiliar, and the book is also deep enough that I think even working professionals can gleam tips and extra knowledge . Insight comes not only from the two authors, but also from many working artists, gallerists, curator's, etc... as they share their knowledge as it relates to each chapter. Having so many opinions expressed really shows you the multiple paths you can take and also often unsaid rules people must navigate to become a working artist. An excellent Title!