5 comments about The LEGO Book.

1. My grand kids love these books, they study and read them constantly even the 6 yrs old reads them
   and looks up on his parents pc where good deals are



2. I've now read in their entirety both the Lego Book and the Minifig Book which form the core of this collection. As a collector of Legos since their heyday in the late 1980s (think Pirates) to the present, I've seen a lot of Lego memorabilia. When I received this book collection for Christmas, I was really, truly hoping that DK was intending to focus on the complete history of Lego and the Lego minifigure. Sadly, I was mistaken.
   
   Don't get me wrong, the books are beautifully illustrated in full color on quality paper in a cute little collectors box. But in the end, I feel rather let down. For the main book, I was let down by the content. The book focused on the history of Lego for the first dozen pages or so but then switched to the individual themes. I was actually okay with that. I mean, if you want to see the complete line of Legos from the 1950s to the present, buy the 2008 set collectors guide. I would have liked to see a bit more of a review of the early town and train themes and how they developed prior to the creation of the minifig, but I was generally okay with the content and quality of the brief history of Lego.
   
   The theme sections are what really got me down. I know Lego sponsored this DK book but, technically at least, this is not a Lego production. It is independent. It has no Lego set number, no Lego pieces, only pictures. Yet somehow it is very obvious from the very start that this book was designed and funded by Lego. The majority of the themes have at least one page focusing on the most recent sub-theme of a series. Be it the 2007 Castle line, the 2008 Space Police, the 2007 Clone Wars, or the recent City themes. They are very present throughout this book. What really irked me was the treatment of the Lego Pirates. They dedicate one spread to the 1989-1996 series of Pirates and another full spread to just the 2008 line. That just seems insulting. The 2-year Westerners series is crammed on the same spread as the Adventurers and Time Cruisers. Meanwhile, other lines like Star Wars (1999-present) get four full spreads or more. I couldn't even see examples of some of my favorite Space lines such as M-Tron, Blacktron II, or Spyrius. They just weren't there! The objectiveness of this "Lego Book" is very much in question and I would rather call it the "History of Lego from 2000" than anything else.
   
   My larger gripe, though, is with the accompanying Lego Minifigure book. Where the Lego Book lacked in content, the minifig book lacked in everything except visual appeal. Even at times that was in question, though. As with the Lego Book, the minifig book is in full color and on good quality paper. It fits snugly beside the Lego Book in its collector's box. Yet I have a feeling that significantly less time was spent on this younger cousin of the larger Book. Any editor who read this would laugh out loud. Indeed, I have yet to find a page that doesn't have a spelling, grammatical, or factual error. In almost all cases there are multiple such problems on the pages. Besides being about as non-comprehensive as the Lego Book, barely covering more than the last decade's worth of minifigures, the style of this book is extremely wanting. Many pages I have found odd and hardly interesting facts on the wrong page (the fact that Prof. Snape's head was the first glow-in-the-dark minifig part appearing on the page AFTER that minifig was shown comes to mind). In other places, the same exact minifig appears twice, sometimes on the same page even, often with a different date despite the fact that they are the same exact figure. In other cases, I have found incorrect dates for figures, or even incorrect names. One funny error notes that the Clone Wars in Star Wars took place over 300 years, rather than the canonical 3 years. In virtually all aspects, the minifig book lacks the quality-control checks and editing I would expect from DK. It is as though the people who arranged the hodgepodge of images also created the captions with absolutely no oversight. Were the minifig book sold separately, I would probably demand a full refund from the publisher out of sheer anger at the poor editing of this book. While the visual appeal is arguably good, the writing of some of the poorest quality I have seen in a publication.
   
   So, my advice is to buy this set if you want it purely for the images. It is a great visual feast of Legoness. However, if you expect deep content and a fun jaunt back into the history of Lego, I'd suggest you wait for another book because this will leave you scratching your head asking: "Didn't Lego make more sets before 2000?"



3. I ordered the Lego book, but was sent STAR WARS Lego book. Since this was for my son's b-day I had no time to return it...luckily he likes Star Wars as well. Little irritated that I could have got the Star Wars book cheaper though. Thought I was paying for the Lego book.



4. the minifigure book is a great celebration of an iconic lego item! one criticism, there is a bias towards more recent minifigures, for example, there are no pictures of the original yellow castle minifigures!
   
   the main book has some great features, specifically, great shots of early lego sets, and the wooden toys the company produced before it began making the bricks, there are features of great historic interest such as a double page spread on the evolution of the lego logo. a similar criticism could be made however, there is a definite bias towards recent sets, specifically the movie theme sets, and whilst there are 'sets to remember' pages, vast swathes of great sets from earlier years just don't appear. having said that, i still give it five stars, its worth every cent, very enjoyable, and you'll keep picking it up to look t it!!



5. This book set is great. One book contains much history and background of the Lego company and products. The other is all about the miniature figures. Our kids and I spent hours of fun reading it. The price in Amazon makes this book set a great buy.

5 comments about Image Transfer Workshop: Mixed-Media Techniques for Successful Transfers.

1. Image Transfer Workshop has plenty of good ideas for artmaking. The only complaint I have about the book, is it has limited information about applying image transfers to printmaking plates. It does speak about intaglio, and screenprinting mathods, but the information is brief. I was hoping to fing information about transfering images to lithographic stones or plates, but there is none.
   
   However, there are lots of really useful methods for collage and mixed media artists. Although some of the techniques mentioned are similar they do specify clearly the differences and suitable applications. I have not had a chance to apply any of the methods from the book yet, so experienced based review is not an option. But the book is clearly written, step by step, and frequently includes trouble shooting tips, which is absolutely neccessary for this type of work.
   
   A good read, good technical advice and instruction, reccomend for begginning printmakers, collage artists, craft artists, experimantal photographers, and mixed media artists.



2. Wow. WOW.
   
   Transfers are a tricky lot. Transfers can be frustrating. One method can produce a perfect transfer once...then never seem to work again. Failed transfers have resulted in many of my pieces being trashed. Even though they are temperamental - and seem to be for everyone - Darlene Olivia McElroy and Sandra Duran Wilson have broken the mold and tamed the wicked ways of transfers. Or at least explained how to make them behave for artists.
   
   With all the problems one encounters while attempting transfers, it's amazing more artists just don't give up. I personally know of many who have. Enter the authors of this book...and your success rate could dramatically rise. Into the stratosphere. You can easily go from hating transfers and not using them - at all...ever - to using them on everything standing still. This book makes that much of a difference.
   
   There are tons of methods depicted. An example of each method is demonstrated in a piece by one of the talented authors. My favorite part? The "Troubleshooting" section. Even with the excellent guidance of these Transfer Divas, you will have transfers go awry. Why? They will explain possible reasons - and then give you solutions! (Can you hear the trumpets sounding?) These gals lay out the necessary supplies, give explicit directions, do incredible step outs, tell you the archival quality of each method, troubleshoot problems, and give you ideas on recommended substrates. What more could you want...seriously??
   
   The Transfer Divas (which is what I've renamed these ladies) even have a section in the back about where to purchase supplies. Schwing! The instructions are simple and doable - and it's exciting to know transfers are actually possible. Whether you have success or need help, the Transfer Divas have a great website set up - and they are accessible. I had a question about one of the products, so I emailed Darlene. She responded with the answer - in just a few hours. Yay!
   
   In case you can't tell, I love this book. I'm excited that transfers are possible. I'm thrilled the directions are easily laid out. I'm enthralled the Transfer Divas took the time to test so many methods, laid them out so clearly, and wrote such an all-around fantastic book. If you find transfers appealing, you must get your hands on this book. Several of the methods use things you most likely already have in your studio - and if you don't, they are easily acquired. I think the most expensive item they use is Yupo paper - and even that isn't horribly expensive.
   
   Transfers lend a great extension to any art piece - having this book will give you options for many methods, and increase your success rate astronomically. Love the Transfer Divas - love the book!!



3. Looking for a nontoxic alternative for making image transfers, I bought this book. The authors are generous with their advice and experience and offer many options for making transfers.
   As a working artist, I was disappointed to find no miraculous substitute for solvents like lacquer thinner. However, for craftspeople or teachers, this book could be an excellent addition to their mixed media libraries.



4. This is a comprehensive "how to" book for me....a newbie
   to image transferring. It arrived as expected and timely.



5. This is so much fun, using diferent kinds of material for transfering. Sure every one has some of those lying around

5 comments about Collage Lab: Experiments, Investigations, and Exploratory Projects (Lab Series).

1. I rated this product a 4 because I have not really used it yet. As I have read it, it is impressive. I bought it for ideas to use when my grandchildren come to visit and I think it offers some great projects to consider. I hope my grandchildren are inspired and enjoy making original collages.



2. Highly recommend! This is the best book that I have ever purchased related to teaching techniques for collage art. It is a welcome addition to my studio library. It contains a lot of very useful information in a format that is the best that I have seen in a book of this type. It teaches many collage art techniques that are very easy to follow as well as it inspires creativity. If you are interested in collage as an art form or want to include collage as a component in an art project then this is a must have book. You will be amazed at how much this book teaches you! I agree...It is like having a private session with an experienced artist as your teacher, right in your own home or studio. Wish all "how to"/technique books were written just like this one.



3. "Collage Lab" is a beautiful book, printed on heavy, quality paper. It jumped out from all the other collage books we have read, used, borrowed, purchased, or skimmed.
   
   Bee Shay's artwork examples are elegant and interesting, with harmonious colors chosen for each section. The book is actually quite a different, and visually more sophisticated, book inside than its hot pink cover would indicate.
   
   Even though Kay and I have been collaborating on collages for over six years, we were inspired by the idea of 52 weeks of collage techniques. We also loved the idea of being organized and keeping a record of what we learn.
   
   In fact, we liked this book so much we have launched a blog dedicated to "Collage Lab" called Collage Lab by Two. We plan to complete all of Bee Shay's weekly labs and publish our findings, opinions and creations as we go.
   
   Get yourself a copy of "Collage Lab" and join us on our journey!
   Nan and Kay



4. Sometimes you can be pretty disappointed when buying a craft book... especially on the art of collage! Wellllllll.. not with this beauty!
   I am so glad that I went for it and bought it because this will be a book I will go to time and time again for inspiration and design technique.
   Just starting out, getting your feet wet? This is for you!!! Collage to your hearts content all the time? Well this will breathe new life into techniques that you already do!
   
   I highly recommend this book it's great quality..covers ALOT of terrain for the buck!
   Happy Collage Art everyone GET IN THE LAB!!!



5. Bee Shay has written a seriously useful and inspiring addition to the collage/mixed media technique genre. I can't recommend this book highly enough. If you have any interest in collage, or in mixed media or just love to look through creative and entertaining books stuffed with great art and clear, inventive tutorials, this is one you will want for your personal library. I have been drooling over the projects all evening and plan to get out my art supplies and put into action some of the great ideas Ms. Shay puts forth in her projects tomorrow morning.
   
   Collage Lab has me jazzed up and bubbling with new ideas to try. I bet is will plant many artistic seeds in your psyche, too. Try it, I think you'll love it!

5 comments about Steampunkery: Polymer Clay and Mixed Media Projects.

1. I have a number of polymer clay books which I turn to when I'm in need of inspiration or stuck in a rut. I've never actually followed someone elses directions on how to make something since their style usually is far from mine. Until now! This is the first book of Christi's that I've seen and it is fabulous. She thinks like I do!! I won't actually copy any of her designs, but I'll follow her directions and see where it takes me. That's something I've never done before.
   
   I started claying before all the books came out, but it would have been so helpful to have a book like this. The directions are complete, straight forward, easy to follow and most of all FUN! She provides tons of little tips that will be invaluable to beginners, but also has ideas that will inspire someone with more experience.
   
   Even if you're not interested in steampunk style, it's easy to adjust her projects to something completely different.
   Great book and great subject.



2. Ahhhhh!!! Another BRILLIANT book from the fantastic Christi Friesen!! I have ALL of her books and love them all! Steampunk is so in right now, and she has such an AWESOME imagination! Keep them coming!!!



3. Cristi has done it again ,written a well conceived book about incorporating objects into polymer clay. She write with humor and reveals her enormously gracious personality on every page. Her information is clear and concise with marvelous photos and illustrations to get her lesson across.



4. I'm a big fan of Christi Friesen. When I decided to try my hand at polymer clay, it was her dragon book that I started with. Her books are so easy to follow. Even with me being a beginner, I felt like a pro when I was done. Her instructions are easy and fun. I ended up buying all her book but still the Dragons book was hands down my favorite. Then came along Steampunkery. It's chocked full of ideas, still has Christi's wit, and even displays other artists work. I had so much fun with this book. Her ideas are endless. I didn't know much about Steampunk until I saw it on her website. I immediately fell in love. Now I'm becoming a Steampunk fanatic. Even if you don't care for Steampunk, this book is full of ideas that you can makeshift into your own work of art. If you like Steampunk, Christi's other books or just having fun with polymer clay... I highly recommend this book!



5. If you are new to Polymer Clay or an experienced clayer...you will love this book. Christi's method of teaching is relaxed, creative and a whole lot of fun! So, buy the book (you might want to get some chocolates too....it really helps with the inspiration part of claying!!)...you will love it as much as I do.

5 comments about Creative Paint Workshop for Mixed-Media Artists: Experimental Techniques for Composition, Layering, Texture, Imagery, and Encaustic.

1. I consider myself an intermediate level mixed-media artist. A few years back, this would have been a much more helpful book. It's great for getting started, gathering essential materials, and diving into mixed media works. However, because only one artist's work is shown, it's a very limited book. I would have liked to have seen at least 5 other artists, as this field is so broad, and learned some of their techniques. So again, this is a great beginners book, but only for beginners. Good how-to section on encaustics is helpful to those who haven't tried it, it's not easy to find that in a book.



2. Ann Baldwin is a marvelous instructor. Her workshops are very informative and loads of fun, & having this book is like continuing her classes right in your own studio.



3. This book is "full" of basic information for the beginner artist or a good reference book for the more experienced artist....excellent purchase !!



4. My own personal interests don't run to collage, which she relies upon almost exclusively. Don't get me wrong, she does it well. But I had heard so many good things abt Ann Baldwin that I bought this w/o looking at one first. So, I'm disappointed since it's more about collage than painting.



5. Baldwin introduces her techniques in great detail. It is a great 'Technique 101' bible. The lessons on composition are inspiring, as are her layering techniques. If you've never taken brush to canvas but have the need to try, start here. If you already create mixed-media art, continue here. Everyone will learn something from this valuable book.

5 comments about Ways of Seeing: Based on the BBC Television Series.

1. What a farce! As a photography instructor, just a quick glance through this book shows me the author either did too many drugs in the 60s or was overdosed by 70's Soviet propaganda or both. It teaches nothing concerning "seeing" except seeing through anti-capitalistic eyes--the same system that provides for crazy art and fortunately keeps the good quality art floating to the top like cream on milk. I was amazed that after the first couple of incoherent chapters, the samples are almost entirely comprised of seductive naked women. I think the author would revel in the artistic freedom now available now on www.youporn.com. This book teaches nothing concerning seeing, art or aesthetics. My copy goes in the trash. Why do people praise this work. It reminds me of the writings of Timothy Leary, who was irrelevant then and always.



2. Philosopher Mario Bunge once told the story of a muslim physicist who affirmed, nonchalantly, that "Quantum Mechanics can be inferred from The Holy Coran -conveniently interpreted." Such is the way of interpretation: once you know where you want to get at, you can start anywhere.
   So does Mr Berger. Obedient to the article of faith that everything in the Western World during the last centuries has one way or the other to do with Capitalism, he set out to prove that Oil Painting and like manifestations are unconscious epiphenomenons of class struggle and property relations.
   To this end he doesn't bother to investigate the true motivation of painters and patrons. It would anyway be futile because he shares Freud's irrefutability that "Every man suffers from Oedipus complex. If it doesn't show it is surely being repressed." So for him this couple standing in their garden must necessarily be interested in property. How could it be otherwise? The same can be said about this cow: we are informed that it's not the representation of an animal but of a "piece of furniture with four legs". He quotes, and dismisses by an argument of "unconscious resistance", the position of another critic that only sees in the painting of the couple "enjoyment of nature." Of course both are unsubstantiated interpretations. What is untenable is playing down the rival as someone possessed by unconscious class prejudices.
   The author condemns the European exploitation of the rest of the world yet his vision remains profoundly eurocentric. He doesn't stop for a moment to think that cows, or people or myths or whatever the subject of the capitalistic paintings he interprets, have been pictured elsewhere for a long time. Is it that Capitalism already existed 4000 years ago to inspire the representation of Egyptian furniture-cows? Marx himself would be astonished.
   But the author's methods are not just questionable, they are also partly dishonest. The last chapter pretends to be a proof that Publicity as a whole is a contemporary form of that same Capitalistic Unconscious. Right now I'm watching a TV commercial trying to convince me that this gel cleaner is a better product for my kitchen and bathroom than the old abrasive type. How can the author fit this into his theory of Publicity as something that "makes me envious of myself in the future?" The trick lies in isolating very specific products, such as those related to beauty or fashion. Trying to sell a cream might be a questionable activity, but how else if not by promising beauty or the advantages of it? So it is not about "Publicity" in general. The selection bias is well smuggled and in any case, his chain of reasoning runs backwards.
   Well, maybe I'm also resisting, or acting as an unconscious agent of the Bourgeoisie. But I'm not alone: I've been told that Walt Disney did worse with Donald Duck.



3. Sure, it was written in the 1970's, sure it's full of Marxist theory, sure it's over-confident in its theorizing. But so what? This is a great book! I use it in my high school Theory of Knowledge class and in Art History too. The kids "get" Berger's ideas (outdated though they've been called) and it's always a great discussion starter!



4. this product was delieved in a short time. A+ for that. but i give it a C for the quality of the book. yes its a used book but i think they could have selected a better looking book. over all B



5. Even though "Ways of Seeing" is a flawed book in many ways, it is so seminal in the development of post-modern image making that it must be considered essential reading in critical theory.
   
   The book is based on a television series. The book itself is only 176 pages. The print is all in a bold, sans-serif font. The authors are quick to claim that the book was made, not written. The pictures used to demonstrate the points are small and in black and white.
   
   The book is based on the theory that the interpretation of western art evolved out of the power and finance structure of western civilization. Inevitably books that describe the world primarily in economic terms, as an arena of conflict and a battle by the rich for dominance of the poor, are referred to by some as Marxist and I have no doubt this book has been so described.
   
   The book has seven chapters, four of which are written and three of which are reproductions of art works without words. The theme developed is that the way people view art is strongly affected by the power structure of the society.
   
   I must confess that the three chapters that were solely illustrated were difficult for me to engage, both because of the size of the images as well as the difficulty of following the thread which I felt ran through the pictures even though I was not able to decode the message.
   
   The first chapter is based on and explicates the work of the critic Walter Benjamin in his essay, "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction". Unlike Benjamin, who sometimes seems torn between the loss of the aura of the original and the benefit of mass accessibility, Berger seems to believe that real benefits will derive from the reproduced work of art, if the viewer can sweep away the lenses of the past through which he might view the work.
   
   The third chapter deals with the role of art in the commodification of women and the fifth chapter examines the role of oil painting in the reduction of people's world view to a matter of money. (Burger only excepts the work of a few artists, like Rembrandt, from this view.) The final chapter is based upon the use of images for marketing.
   
   This work is important because, if it did not shape the outlook of post-modern art, it was at least in the vanguard of recognizing the roles of the art that preceded post-modernism, and led to the rejectionist point of view.
   
   Berger is clear in emphasizing that the way we view art is filtered through the prism of culture in the sociological sense, although that certainly was not ground breaking in critical theory, even at the time of first publication. On the other hand, here was art criticism first presented on what was then a new media, television. Even the book format, such as using a bold-faced font throughout the book, appealed to the avant-garde.
   
   Burger would substitute art, not as a tool to help preserve an economic and power system, but rather as a way for the consumer of art to enrich his own life.
   
   I suspect that artists other then post-modernists may not benefit very much in their work from reading "Ways of Seeing". On the other hand, if you have a serious interest in critical theory, even though you may reject Berger's thesis, you must read this book.

5 comments about Environmental Art 2010 Wall Calendar: Contemporary Art in the Natural World.

1. I bought this calendar for work because I like to have interesting wall calendars for my own enjoyment. I was very surprised at how many people noticed that I had a new calendar. The January image is a polka dot tree and it caught people's attention. Since then, people regularly comment on the current month's picture, It's a very interesting calendar. By the way, the months and days of the month are nice and roomy.



2. This calendar is really nice. I like looking at it, and I also like that there is enough space for me to write reminders (ex: upcoming appointments, etc). My family also enjoys the calendar a lot. The pictures are very nice and I'm glad I purchased this item :)



3. Guess what folks.... Pearl Harbor Rememberance Day doesn't exist with this calendar. That's right, Dec 7th, when our families fought for this country, nah, that's not important anymore. Now we get to celebrate "Muharram - Islamic New Year 1432" on Dec 7th. After all, the Islamics did blow up Americans on American soil, so why not rewrite our holidays too.



4. I didn't feel this was what i ordered in some way. The pictures I didn't find that interesting, I wished I could have viewed more than just the cover before I purchased it. Made on recycled paper - I'm giving it to a friend that may enjoy it more than me.



5. 
   I just got this calendar for my classroom and the students and I both love it. It's a very cool calendar with unique pictures. It looks way better in person than in the pictures shown here. And now that it's ridiculously low-priced since we're well into the new year, this is a great buy and a great choice.

5 comments about Journal Spilling: Mixed-Media Techniques for Free Expression.

1. This book is really well written for people who are relatively new to the concept of art journaling. Diana Trout has shown in this book with photos and words how to do many different techniques common to art journaling, as well as prompts to start a page and resources for materials. The most important message from the book is to just do it!



2. The world of Journal art can be intimidating. I found myself looking at completed works of art thinking, "How did they do that?" Well, Journal Spilling lets you know each technique and explores some new ones. I really like Amazon for paper art craft books. In bookstores, you might find 15 books on hand at any one time.
   So if you are interested in spicing up your journal, but feel you are not an "artist," this book leads you to create art on your own. You'll be saying, "Wow! I did this!"



3. I have been spending time with Diana Trout's new book, Journal Spilling. Diana's relaxed conversational tone resonates quite clearly throughout, making it an easy read and creating a comfortable environment for art making. She introduces readers to a number of valuable techniques, using a wide variety of art supplies that will leave any stark white page imbued with an explosion of lush color. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on confronting your inner critique, where we are encouraged to describe this negative voice, as that is something all artist's must handle when creating. Journal Spilling is a book artists at any level can appreciate as a way to get their creative juices flowing.



4. I have just recently started art journaling and love Jane Davies book, Collage Journeys. When I got Journal Spilling, it presented me with a whole new fresh approach to journaling. I like the light tone, the inclusion of techniques, and her free flowing style. Having prompts and quotes to start from is a great tool. This is a book I would recommend to someone starting on their journey of journaling.



5. It looks so simple, you just dare to start. That is the hard part. Love how all materials are used.

5 comments about My Secret: A PostSecret Book.

1. You really cannot judge people's secrets. I mean it's a little cruel to say, "oh your inner most secrets aren't morbid and horrific enough to keep my interest". I honestly don't feel that way. I think I prefer the more reflection type secrets, like the grandmother post card ones, to the "I think I am gay" secrets anyway. It's from the perspective of teenagers, I believe. I picked it up and read through it, will probably give it a second read, but I doubt I would want to read through it again. That's pretty much a three star rating in my book.
   
   I cannot really say what makes it good to me without giving away too much. Good for a young teen to read as far as intellectual abilities, however, probably something discerning parents would like to review first.



2. Very fast shipping, got it a few days after I ordered it.
   I would recommend.



3. everyone must read and own at least one post secrets book!!! it's food for the soul.



4. I was very happy with the quality of this book. But it took longer than the others that I order at the same time... almost 2 weeks longer.



5. My Secret by Frank Warren isn't a typical book. Instead it falls more into the category of art or coffee table book and generally isn't something that one reads from cover to cover. I have picked up this book many different times when in various bookstores and have flipped through it bit by bit. Until finally I decided to just buy it and flip through it at my leisure. Instead when I got home I started opened it to the first page and I didn't stop turning until I hit the back cover.
   
   Inside this book were the secrets of many different people from all walks of life. Some secrets made me laugh and others nearly brought tears to my eyes. The postcards also filled me with hope that maybe things aren't always as bad as they seem. That maybe things are really better then I had initially thought. I am also filled with admiration every time I read someone else's secret. It takes a lot of courage to not only admit a secret to oneself....but to write it down....and then mail it.
   [...]

5 comments about The Artist's Way Workbook.

1. I took a look at this at the bookstore. It's better to get the full book and purchase a journal separately. This just has the sections explaining the morning pages and the artist's date concepts, followed by the exercises with a large blank (unlined) space under them where you fill out your info. The book is large and floppy so you need a stiff surface to write on.
   
   On a personal level the book format seems kinda ugly and doesn't appeal to me. I do like the morning pages journal workbook by the same author. It's bound like a typical book, but it's more aesthetically appealing, and the pages are lined. I don't have any problems writing in it so far, though some people have complained.
   
   I think you get a much fuller understanding if you get the "The Artists Way" itself rather than just the workbook. I looked at the workbook and was like, ok exercises, what about them?
   
   I don't see why this is made into a kindle edition. I actually downloaded it to my iphone out of curiosity. You can take notes in the kindle app, but you can't see the notes and the exercise at the same time, and obviously it's kind of cramped (at least on the iphone); plus I'm not sure of any privacy issues with your notes. You can't write on the contract page at all, it appears to be scanned in as an image? I think the author prefers that you work in long hand anyway. So it's probably better just to write on your own paper.



2. I bought the workbook so the participants in my Artist Way group would have the opportunity to decide for themselves if they wished to buy it.
   For myself I think there is enough material in the book itself to complete the course adequately. The workbook does have space for writing and more suggestions to expand the tips in the book. I would not write in the workbook since I would require more space. However, I realize that there are people who love more suggestions. I am not one of them.The Artist's Way Workbook



3. Wow...The Artist's Way is challenging and eye-opening. I would recommend this program to anyone whether you think of yourself as an artist or not!



4. Love this book. It really helps you to unblock creative energy flows that have been stashed away for a long time and hidden for years...it really is a great and helpful book!



5. This is a great book that helps you to follow the advice given. It sure gives you a lot to think about and if applied will add to your daily life. I love it and would recommend this book to everyone! I love how it is broken down into weeks and gives you things to do each day. It is one of the best How to Do books I have ever read!