No comments about Ando Hiroshige (Taschen Basic Art).

No comments about Conceptual Art: A Critical Anthology.

3 comments about Art of Colonial Latin America A&I (Art and Ideas).

1. I've always really enjoyed Colonial Latin American Art. Recent years have brought some excellent shows: the great survey at the Philadelphia Museum made one realize that though none of this art may be great, it's mostly so charming. We recently stayed at the Casa Colonial Hotel in Cuernavaca which is filled with colonial art and it made it one of the most enjoyable travel stays we've ever had. Even the bloody Cristos which are perhaps the least inviting part of the art have a more contemporary echo in Cuban artist Carlos Alfonso's work. At any rate I've read many books on Spanish Colonial Art and Gauvin Bailey's at least a number of new insights and interesting facts, though behind it seems the idea that the common person was-- mirabile dictu-- a happy artistic participant in the whole colonial period. One greets that with a certain skepticism if one has read a lot of history of the period. Also, curiously, the term Churrigueresque seems to have been replaced by the equally tonguetwisterish estipite-baroque. I expect there is some social justice reason for this, as Churrigueresque may have offended somebody for unknown reasons, but it seems that fancy word has
   gone the way of all flesh.



2. The book Art in Colonial Latin America cover dates ranging form 1492 all the way to 1820. This book is perfect for those who are interested Latin American art in South America as well as the southwest United States. Bailey has a way of capturing the reader right from the beginning. His book starts with the first encounters and then takes you through how both the native people and the Spanish respond to the mix of cultures, he does an amazing job at telling both sides of the story. The reader really gets a true sense of the difficulties the natives faced with their new encounters. Bailey does a tremendous job on making the indigenous people the foreground of this new change. In chapter two his introductory statement shows just that "Until quite recently, historians of the conquest of the Americans focused almost entirely on the actions of the European conquerors and settlers. They treated the indigenous people as a silent backdrop to their Spanish and Portuguese protagonists, and paid scant attention to their cultures after the fall of the great pre-Hispanic civilizations." Bailey's book not only has very valuable history but along with it he has some wonderful images that are able to express exactly what points Bailey is trying to get across. For example when Bailey is discussing a type of life style such as colonial mansions he pairs the text with a beautiful full page image (page 324-325) so the viewer/reader can really connect with what aspects Bailey is discussing.
   Bailey's book is very well done with the information and the images; however the one weakness that I find is in the layout of the book. When I first picked this book up I found the front cover to not only be boring but very uninviting to read. The title was very small, isn't centered on the cover, and to me the image was to small in comparison to the size of the book, it has a very unfinished look. When I opened the book I was again disappointed with the layout, I thought the text was to small and the large margins on the sides and small margins on the top and bottom of the pages where very distracting to me. The other thing that didn't seem quite right was the placement of the page numbers on the side of the left side of the page, also very small, and the pages with only images didn't have number either.
   This books information is very well organized, Bailey starts with the pre-Hispanic world and then goes through to the Spaniards coming to the new world and then how the two cultures star to become one. Bailey gives you a brief table of contents so you can see what each chapter is about. In the back of the book there is a glossary which defines and explains words, events and artist. This glossary is very helpful especially with a culture that isn't as well understood. After the glossary Bailey provides us with a list of key dates and a map, which is very easy to refer to. Bailey has an index which also makes finding works of art very easy. Every one should read this book, they can gain so much knowledge from Bailey's insight. However I think that the language and contents of this book would be very appropriate for high school age kids and older.
   Before reading this book I didn't know nearly as much about the indigenous people and how they were affected by the Spanish coming to the new world. In my studies I always focused on the Spanish and their reaction on coming to the new world. My eyes were really opened to the fact that they indigenous people not only had to change their way of life, but had such a great impact on the religious icons found in the Saints honored by the Spanish. This is a really good book easy to read and very interesting, bailey has a way of capturing his audience and really showing them both side of the story.



3. I wasnt sure what to think about ordering a "used" book, however, this book was in mint condition and i was plesantly suprised! Thanks for the great product and awesome prices

3 comments about Outsider Art: Spontaneous Alternatives (World of Art).

1. This examination of outsider art begins with artist Jean Duboffet and his formation of the Art Brut movement in the mid-1940s. Duboffet's primary criterion for inclusion in the outsider category was that the artist had to exist outside of the prevalent culture of society. He amassed a huge collection of art that he culled initially from the works of children, and eventually from psychiatric patients. Colin Rhodes goes on to trace the pre-Art Brut history of appreciating the works of the "insane", and proceeds to document representative examples as well as the forces in society that brought attention to them. Rhodes also examines additional sources for outside art including artists working through spiritual mediums, self-taught visionaries creating obsessive environments, and people working outside the mainstream currents of power and culture.

   Rhodes is even-handed while presenting the various schools of thought as well as their rationales concerning outsider art definitions. His writing is academic, and lacks any sense of humor, but is incredibly informative and representative. The book is beautifully crafted, with copious plates reproducing samples from various artists. Together with his academic pontifications, they are very illuminating and convey a full understanding of this broad subject. He also includes anecdotes about the lives of these artists that serve to enliven the experience of reading the book. If you are interested in 20th century art and beyond, and will resolve to be patient with the author's academic tone, I think you will really enjoy this.




2. As a collector of thrift store paintings, I was completely enthralled with this book! I couldn't put it down. I now look at my paintings with a new perspective. This book was able to validate many of my intuitive feelings about the creative process. Thank-you Colin Rhodes for this insightful look at some of the least understood of paintings!



3. A clear concise and thoughroughly interesting view of "Art Brut" in the 20th Century. The representation of work produced outside the mainstream, provides clues and understanding of contemporary art. A must have for a complete art book collection.

2 comments about Hand Painted Porcelain Plates: Nineteenth Century to the Present.

1. A rich source of inspiration for a painter on porcelain, a pleasure for an art lover!



2. As a collector of fine antique porcelains, I was eager to own this book, and delighted when it was finally delivered! The artistry of painting on porcelains has been presented before in other publications, but "Hand Painted Porcelain Plates: Nineteenth Century to the Present" provides a new benchmark in terms of both text information and illustration.
   
   With superb photographic technique, each image captures the magnificent color, form and art and the captions describing the age, area of origin and artist are very well done.
   
   The plate chapters are arranged by country. German, Austrian and Bohemian plates include a history of manufacture, and makers like Richard Klemm, Ambrosius Lamm and other notable producers of Dresden porcelain, as well as portrait specimens produced by KPM and the artists of Vienna are included in this important chapter.
   
   World class English porcelains are well-represented, with stunning and rare Worcester examples, as well as outstanding painted plates from Coalport, Davenport, Minton and Wedgwood. I enjoyed the recognition afforded to the venerable firm of John Aynsley, and the painted scenic view plates are generally missed by other publications on antique and collectible porcelains.
   
   Many French porcelain makers set the decorating standard for others, and the chapter devoted to the makers from France, including Limoges and Sevres, are alone, well worth the price of the book!
   
   With important information on marks, as well as fake and reproduction plates, Richard Rendall presents a clear and comprehensive text, and the examples from Elise Abram's collection are clearly representative of the most luxurious porcelain on the planet!
   
   Recommended to both new and advanced collectors, you will not be dissappointed! This book is truly a feast for the eyes!

No comments about Man-ipulation.

5 comments about The Art of Bruce Colero: Heavenly Bodies.

1. I have to agree with the reviewer from New Zealand. In that, yes Colero's women are Perfect specimens.It seems if I want to see an average woman I should move to New Zealand. That said, Colero is a digital master and i love this book. there is a huge variety of topics covered - from schoolgirls and mermaids to angels and demons, all done with Colero's definitive erotic touch. Though new to the scene, it wont be long before he takes his rightful place as king of the pinup artists.



2. I have to say I disagree completely with Richard Manks' review. While it is clear Bruce Colero's art is computer generated (and isn't suggested otherwise), that should by no means be held against it. In fact this book is a stunning feat of what can be achieved with 3D art. I have enjoyed the works of many fantasy and pin-up artists (and too numerous to mention here) and have enjoyed Bruce's work no less. Each picture within the book features beautiful women of various themes and emotions, homages to comic book characters, pirates, mythical fables, movies, science fiction, traditional fantasy or just beautiful pin-ups. The work and level of detail that has gone into each piece of art is breath taking. The lighting, the colours, the scenery, his effects like fire and water...it is so impressive seeing what Bruce has achieved using the medium of 3D art and how his talent and imagination has brought each picture to life. There are so many good paintings in this book that it is hard to pick a favourite. When I saw Richard Manks' comment about how each painting lacks energy and is repetitive, I was puzzled as to how he reached that conclusion. There is plenty of energy in each picture, you only have to look at "Corsair" or "Vigil" to appreciate what I mean (and I am picking at random here). They look like a snapshot of a fully moving and dynamic scene. The only thing that could be classed as repetitive is that all the women are beautiful, and that is hardly a complaint.
   
   Another one of Richard's comments baffled me also. His remark about the women in Bruce's imagery having "ridiculous perfect body shapes", seems both absurd and ignorant, as if it was a fault exclusive to Bruce's art. Women in fantasy and pin-up art almost always look perfect. The artist takes the basis of reality and makes them the most enchanting and beautiful they can. They will try to capture the very essence of beauty and sexuality. That is what the artist aims for, in that subject matter. It doesn't matter which artist it is or what medium has been used.
   
   Creating truly beautiful 3D art and of that which is, in my opinion, of similar calibre to other famous artists that use different mediums, isn't as easy as it appears. It is still down to the artist to have the talent and imagination to create something to that level. Bruce has shown he has the skills to consistently produce art that is of a much higher level than what can often be "freely downloaded in the millions". I also view a lot of 3D art from websites and while I always enjoy seeing what other artists have produced, no matter what their calibre, Bruce's work was of such high quality and so distinctly unique that I really wanted to order the book.
   
   I am certainly glad I did.



3. I picked this book up, flicked through, and put it back down. The art is obviously computer generated - if you can't tell from the lifeless faces the ridiculous `perfect' body shapes will be a clue. Some parts look like they were taken from real photos and added to the digital stuff.
   
   The images lack energy and are repetitive. You might like to look at it, but there are thousands of artists and millions of images like this available for free on the web.
   Instead use the search box and spend your money on hand-painted images by Royo, Sorayama, Dorian Cleavenger, Dave Nestler... the list goes on.



4. Having tried my hand at digital art with Photoshop, I have to say that I really...REALLY admire the hell out of artists who work well with it. OK..I'm no trained artist but I'm still mesmerized by the technique when someone can master it. One of those who has truly mastered digital art is Bruce Colero. SQP has just released Heavenly Bodies: The Art of Bruce Colero. It's my first time seeing his art and I was absolutely blown away. Digital truly requires a whole different approach than traditional artwork. The enhancements of light, shadow, and the use of color is so integral to digital art. Bad technique stands out like a sore thumb while masterful technique is dazzling.
   
   This 48 page collection is full color and shows off Colero's vast talent with the female form. The themes range from fantasy, to Sci-Fi, to horror and to comic books, each page featuring Colero's dynamic artwork. One painting that strikes you right off the bat is "And Lead us into..." This piece shows off a striking female demon, nude but with flames swirling about her body in all the strategic places. Now you really have to pay attention to the flames here. I don't think I've ever seen flames in a piece of art look as real as they do in this painting. The coloring, the shape...you can almost see the flames moving around her body. It's a brilliant piece of art!
   
   Another magnificent example is "Rio" showing a nude blond, with her back to the viewer, wading into knee-high water on a beach as the sun sets in the background. The coloring and shading is just unbelievable. You look at how the sun reflects off the water's gentle ripples and you wonder how Colero manages to be so precise and so accurate in his rendering of this paradise. The female form has rarely looks this good, even if it is a bit exaggerated in its perfection.
   
   Highlighting the book for me is the inclusion of several well known subjects such as Lady Death, Vampirella, Elektra, and The Black Cat. The Black Cat is perhaps my favorite piece in the entire book. She sits crouched upon a building's ledge, contemplating her next move but poised for action. This is one piece of art that would like great on your wall. "Heavenly Bodies" is a collection that any fan of pin-up or glamour art should own. SQP has delivered another outstanding art collection!
   
   REVIEWED BY TIM JANSON



5. Colero's "Heavenly Bodies" are exactly that: Beautiful fantasy art reminiscent of the golden age of Borris Vallejo and Frank Frazetta - yet with a modern and fresh perspective coupled with contemporary pin-up and sci-fi themes. The beauty of the female form and her strength are celebrated throughout the pages of this illustrated collection of works. I highly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates artwork, surreal fantasy, and particularly those with an affinity for beautiful women.

2 comments about Scribes and Illuminators (Medieval Craftsmen).

1. Christopher De Hamel's, Scribes and Illuminators is a short book, replete with illustrations, that I read in a single session. It is strictly an introduction rather than a scholarly work. Some topics are covered in more detail than others - the technique of illumination has more coverage than the selection and creation of miniatures or marginalia. The illustrations, in the main, are from medieval manuscripts and depict both the scribe/illuminator at work and examples of finished, and unfinished, pages. The pictures of unfinished pages are particularly useful in illustrating how the scribes and illuminators worked. There are some photographs of the tools used in manuscript production, but a few more would have been nice - especially of the frame used to sew the quires together. Some interesting facts embedded in the text are: parchment tended to curl toward the hair-side of the page because it shrank more, there were a significant number of women scribes, scribes would write around holes made accidentally during the creation of the parchment. Despite the brevity De Hamel manages to cover nearly the whole of manuscript production. And in that light the book is worth reading. However, if you are interested in the minute details of binding, calligraphy, miniatures, marginalia, and/or the tools of the trade you would be better off reading a different book.



2. Like all this series, this book is a real gem. Clearly written, interesting, informative, with a fine selection of pictures (most in colour), it's truly amazing how much it covers in a small book. Particularly useful are the contemporary illustrations of scribes and painters at work, showing such details as a scribe's sloping desk with holes to hold his quills and inkhorn (cover illustration). The whole construction of a medieval book is explained, from makig the parchment to the final cover. Examples of unfinished manuscripts, not shown in facimile books, provide fascinating insight into the whole production process. The inclusion of charming pictures such as the self-portrait of a scribe and his apprentice, cursing a mouse running off with the the cheese from their lunch table, brings the lives of these workers into immediate and human detail.

   If you are only going to get one book about medieval scribes and illuminators, this is the one to buy.

2 comments about Girl Crazy: The Art of Michal Dutkiewicz.

1. ¿Que mas se puede decir? El trabajo de Dutkiewicz es toda una obra de arte de lo mas puro y moderno sin dejar de combinar lo clasico (nos recuerda mucho al maestro Alberto Vargas), al combinar perfectamente el desnudo femenino con la creatividad, la picardia, la sensualidad y la ingenuidad, y todo con una coleccion de tecnicas de pintura y colores que nadie que vea esta gran obra se queda sin suspirar; ¡que gran libro!! Para todo amante del arte y que disfruta contemplando la hermosura de la mujer, este libro exalta al ser mas precioso de la creacion!! Yo nunca me canso de verlo y admirar tan magnifico trabajo. Por lo demas, hay de todo: rostros sonrientes, chicas juguetonas, guerreras y soñadoras, escenas de romanticismo, dramatismo y comicidad; y que decir de la figura femenina, ojos expresivos, bocas perfectas, caras angelicales (y picaras), senos bonitos, piernas soberbias, caderas pefectas y unos fondos de paisajes que van desde galaxias lejanas hasta bosques verdes y paisajes fantasticos... UN LIBRO QUE LLEGARA A SER CLASICO!!



2. Michal Dutkiewicz is a unique artist that creates fantay and pinup images that sometimes almost look real. His imagination and detail bring the drawings to life. This is a must book to add to any artist collection. At the end of the book, each photo has a description of the art that is very informative.

3 comments about Modern Japanese Ceramics: Pathways of Innovation & Tradition.

1. Having already had an interest in Japanese pottery, when I moved to Fukuoka in Kyushu last year, I realized that Kyushu pottery was not just the famous Arita/Imari ware or even Karatsu-yaki. I looked in vain for a book which would give me some background on the many types of pottery in Kyushu that boasted a history of hundreds of years. I wanted something published fairly recently, knowing that there were talented young potters carrying on the work of generations. Naturally I thought I would find it among Japanese language publications, but no, I found it in this one. I rely on it. In addition to the history of the various types of pottery, it contains pictures of representative pieces and even directions to the kilns/pottery towns toward the back. I wish it also had directions by car in some cases, but I understand why that might difficult. Now if only we could add descriptions of hot springs near the pottery towns, it would be a dream come true!



2. I tend to agree with the reveiw above....The title is misleading,it is not a book about modern Japanese ceramics. Most of the photos are of works done in the 1800's, but there are some interesting examples of more contemporary works in the final chapters, and those were indeed very interesting. But I was not displeased with this book,in fact, it was quite the reverse. I have very little knowledge of Japanese techniques, I tend to work in underglazes and North American technical ways of firing, so, a chance to see a completley different perspective on ceramics from a Japanese cultural point of veiw is a great thing for me.
   Its a great little book, loaded with photos, technical info, and the works in the final chapters has me interested in purchasing another book on real contemporary Asia ceramics...Amazon has such a one,I think I may order it today, in fact!
   One the whole, it's great value for the money, I would recommend it to anyone who is curious about Japanese approaches to this art form.



3. First, the good -- this book contains lots of beautiful pictures of Japanese pottery from the 1990's and early 21st century. For that alone, it may be worth purchasing this book. Now the not-so-good -- if you are expecting to see cutting edge, modern ceramics from Japan, this is not the book for you. The text focuses largely on the history of Japaneses pottery and makes only a slight attempt to review the work of contemporary potters. The illustrations of pottery, while visually appealing, also fall largely (although not exclusively) into the category of traditional forms and firing methods. Although I am always happy to look at traditional Japanese pottery, I found little in this book that could provide inspiration for my own more modern work.