1 comments about Color and Fire: Defining Moments in Studio Ceramics, 1950-2000: Selections from the Smits Collection and Related Works at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

1. "Color and Fire" is based on the collection of the exhibition at the Los Angeles in 2000. This book collected the wonderful picture of the unique clay objects that created after 1950. It introduces the development of the American ceramic from 1950 to 2000. Every one who involving in the ceramic should have the book on hand for reference. It is a good book for People who want to know the history of the modern American Ceramic.

No comments about New Songs on Ancient Tunes: 19th-20th Century Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy from the Richard Fabian Collection.

2 comments about The Sistine Chapel: A Glorious Restoration.

1. The huge project of the cleaning and restoration of the Sistine chapel has been completed for more than decade (of course it is continuous and ongoing). It was a huge project that aroused fiery controversy. Even though the ceiling had become almost completely obscured by centuries of smoke and repeated applications of varnish (early attempts to protect the treasured frescoes), some felt strongly that the restoration proposed would ruin the ceiling. In one way, it does make sense that the ceiling that generations had known was the work then on display. The yellowed color scheme and dark views were all that anyone living and the generations previous had known.
   
   This book does not document the ceiling as it was, but does provide wonderful detail of how the process of restoration was decided upon, what was done, what was learned during the process, and page after page of glorious pictures of the frescoes. The articles are by well qualified scholars and discuss quite interesting aspects of the works including the use of assistants by Michelangelo, his colors and their use, those poses and clothing of the characters, the chapel itself, and much more. There is even a foldout section to see the entire ceiling.
   
   This is a fascinating book for anyone interested in understanding the Sistine Chapel as it exists today. You can easily find pictures on the web contrasting how it used to look with how it looks today. To me, it seems obvious how wonderfully the restoration was done and how necessary it was. However, I can see how some would feel a sense of loss that what they had known for generations is now gone.



2. As a student with two jobs I do not have much time for art. Recently I have taken an interest in the classics. I was at a bookstore one day and this book caught my eye:

   The work of Michelangelo is wonderful. This book really brings to life this masters artwork in a way that is beautiful and breathtaking. The part I love most about this book is that before and after pictures are shown of Michelangelo's work (pre and post restoration). It really brings vibrant life and color to work that seems sometimes to be forgotten. Also lots of people think that Michelangelo was not very creative in his color usage, after seeing this book, you will truly see that he is a GENIUS. Even if you are not into art...this book will make you see art and especially Michelangelo in a different way. Get this book. You will not regret it.

1 comments about Outhouses of the East.

1. We just bought this book due to our love of old houses and feel that old houses and outhouses go hand in hand. The photographs are wonderful and the writing is hilarious, yet informative. We are going to give this book to friends who also have an old house and a sense of humor. What a great book! By the way, it sits in our bathroom by the porcelain even though we do have an outhouse out back!

1 comments about Warrior Artists.

1. This 8" by 11" volume contains illustrations of drawings by two extremely talented artists who were among the Fort Marion prisoners from 1875-1878; Making Medicine, a 33 year old Cheyenne and Zotom, a 24 year old Kiowa. The drawings are a full page size and the colors are beautiful and intense. The drawings combined with the commentary by Joe and George Horse Capture provide wonderful insights into the history of these two native nations as well as a better understanding of the Indians' experiences at Fort Marion. It also provides further awareness of the factors that motivated Col. Pratt to establish the Indian school at Carlisle.

1 comments about Beyond the Easel: Decorative Painting by Bonnard, Vuillard, Denis, and Roussel, 1890-1930.

1. Co-published with the Yale University Press, Gloria Groom's Beyond The Easel: Decorative Painting By Bonnard, Vuillard, Denis, And Roussel, 1890-1930 is an exhibition catalog which is profusely illustrated with both color and black-and-white reproductions. With an informative essay by Nicholas Watson, and additional contributions to the text by Jennifer Paoletti and Therese Barruel, Beyond The Easel is a magnificent, very highly recommended addition to personal, academic, and community library art history collections.

1 comments about Donald Judd: Prints And Works In Editions.

1. This is a thorough little book depicting the progression or regression of Judd's graphically stunning woodblock prints. There are also some nice photograph's of galleries and studios at his epicenter, Marfa, TX. Also included is a too short essay by Judd on symmetry. It's not a trip to Marfa, but if you like Donald Judd you should have this book.

No comments about True North.

2 comments about Charles Fritz: An Artist with the Corps of Discovery.

1. If you are a fan of Lewis and Clark, this is a book you need. If you have followed the Lewis and Clark route, you know that most of the campsites are under water behind dams or otherwise vastly changed by human developments. The explorers were able to leave us journals, but not photos. . Here you can follow the journey through Charles Fritz's paintings, quotes from the journals, and sufficient text for easy understanding. Fritz is a very good artist. He also has an excellent talent for analyzing and visualizing events and locations long gone. The paintings reflect a lot of research. To my eye, they accurately reflect the dress of the explorers, the boats they used, the horses and packs, the Indians, and the environs. I particularly appreciated the detail given to the various Indian dwellings and tools. The publishing quality is top of the line. Best of all, these paintings are simply beautiful.



2. In his exuberant landscapes, intricate historical details, and striking portrayals of the members of the "Corps of Discovery" (and some of the people they met on their journey), Charles Fritz makes the case for being *the best* Western painter yet -- matching, if not surpassing Russell, Remington, and Moran.

3 comments about Timeless Tiaras: Chaumet from 1804 to the Present.

1. Amongst the jewelry books I own, this is another one that I highly recommended for those who love beautiful antique jewelry / tiaras. Tiaras are important in the the antique jewelry / jewelry history. "Timeless Tiaras" captured different types of tiara wearers from royals to celebrities, and contained fabulous jewelry sketches / archives. It's well worth of owning it!



2. Let us be clear- this is a picture book. Beautiful pictures but just pictures. This book contains very little text. If you like detailed photo captions or historical background information you will be disappointed with this book. But for a photo overview of the wide variety of styles and designs in headgear this is a great resource.



3. This is a wonderful to drool over the fabulous tiaras that were made over the course of the 19th and early 20th century. The only drawback is the lack of text explaining more about the tiaras themselves. It's a wonderful book, but if you can only buy one, get the tiara books by Geoffrey Munn!