5 comments about The Art of Pebble Mosaics.

1. This book is short and to the point on the do's and dont's of pebble mosaic. A great resource if you're looking for instruction and a direction with this technique. I recommend it.



2. Not only did I learn alot about pebble mosaics, the photos are excellent for reference and design possibilities. This book is very inspirational visually and written very well.



3. The book is very helpful. Goes into detail on the how to's of making a mosaic. Lots of nice pictures of mosaics already done and in use. Several smaller drawings to use as ideas or maybe copy and enlarge. This is one book that will be put to use. Many
   projects to help spark the imagination.



4. Of the three books I bought on pebble mosaics this one was the best. There is a history of "floor" mosaics, a detailed discussion, with drawings, of the shape and placement of stones, a lesson on drawing designs to scale, site excavation and preparation. The two step by step projects, a "threshold" mosaic and a dining patio, are both beautiful and do-able. The mosaic on the cover is so complex I wondered if this book would be too advanced for a beginner, it turned out to be very clear and understandable. I'm off to the river to pick some stones!



5. This is a great book with ideas about what you can do with pebbles used to make designs in your garden. Many gardening books are very much alike, but this one is different. I very much enjoyed it and hope to make my own pebble mosaic soon.

No comments about The Ceramics of Southeast Asia : Their Dating and Identification.

1 comments about Show Design (Daab Design Book).

1. I have half a dozen of books from this series. They are usually a good selection of themed images from projects allover the world. I found this the best one: there are plenty of images of exposition spaces, showrooms and retail. Lots of good ideas there! I recommend it.

3 comments about Mosaics Inside and Out.

1. This book is very helpful to a beginner in the mosaic arts because it goes over the tools and materials needed to create almost any mosaic. There are many projects included in this book with step by step instructions, supply lists, and photos to demonstrate the process. If you would like to get involved with mosaic art but don't know where to start this book will help you gather supplies and give you enough ideas and technical knowledge to begin your first mosaic project. The only thing this book lacks is more explaination on the correct kinds of grouts and sealents to use.



2. I'm just a beginner and have already picked up a few books, but by far this is the easiest to understand, I like how the book is laid out, the projects are wonderful, and after reading it from cover to cover I have a much better understanding of the art of mosaic tiling.
   I highly recommend this book, no matter what level your at.



3. I met Doreen today and without knowing she wrote a book to inspire those interested in mosaics, we got to talking about what she and I both do. It turns out, we both do mosaics. She is unbelievably talented and motivated me to get out there and do so much more. She is involved in a very large scale mosaic comission at the moment and I can understand why someone would hire her to do this. She happened to have a copy of her book in her car and I bought one on the spot, without looking at it, and I am so happy I did. (I think I own all the other mosaic books on the market today). This book is concise, colorful, inspirational, full of ideas for the beginner student as well as the advanced. Those who think they know what they are doing already will find much to get them headed in a more advanced but totally reachable direction. I do highly recommend this book for those looking for their first mosaic instuctional book or one to add to their collection as I have. Enjoy, you will not be disappointed and happy mosaicing!

4 comments about Imari, Satsuma and Other Japanese Export Ceramics.

1. Many collectors appreciate the extra knowledge on our favorite subjects and this book provides that and more. The exquisite photos of different and varied pieces of porcelain and pottery give the reader not only an appreciation of what he has but also information on items he loves but has no idea what they are. That said, after looking through the book I discovered I had a valuable pitcher that I had always treasured but didn't know if it was old, valuable, or special. I wish the book had given more on the difference between valuable and fake. I still find it hard to discern between the two.



2. The pictures are wonderful and plentiful as well as history of the styles. What's painfully lacking are examples and explanations of marks. Two and a half pages representing 27 marks with minimum information on any of them. I felt like it was a pretty book to look through, but a poor reference for those looking for information on how to buy Imari or Satsuma. I found no information at all about reproductions or modern pieces that have flooded the market and make it difficult for less than well informed buyers to get genuine pieces of antique Imari or Satsuma.



3. Outstanding book for amateur and serious collectors to enjoy - pieces are identified with text and superb coloured photos.



4. Of great interest to dealers and collectors of Japanese export ceramics, this book contains full color photographs of a large number of fine specimans of Imari, Satsuma, Banko and Sumida. Significant number of pieces from the Arts and Crafts period. Sections on markings, bibliography and valuations. I think the valuations are on the low side of current retail prices.

5 comments about Fantasy Art Masters: The Best Fantasy and Science Fiction Artists Show How They Work.

1. This book is an excellent introduction to fantasy art.



2. I got this book for christmas present and I was suprised, great illustrations from alan lee, john howe, brom, dave mckeane and chris moore. highly recommended!!



3. This 4.5 star book covers a wide variety of illustrators of traditional and computer media. Although this book is lacking in showing how the illustrators work it shows a good amount of artwork in progress by each of the illustrators shown. In my opinion Don Maitz and Brom are the only ones in this book that deserve the title on the books cover.



4. This Book is Fantastic. I know some people may have been dissapointed that it didnt mention as many Fantasy artists, but for that, you need to buy the "Spectrum" fantasy books. This book is Fantastic BECAUSE It took a few of the many great artists, and let them tell about themselves and how they made it to where they are and what theyve done, as well as some sketches and behind the masterpiece work. There was a wide variety of both fantasy and science fiction, paint, drawing and digital. Great for detail. But if you want an overview of MANY artists, its not what youre looking for, (as I said). The color and layout of the book is done well. Great book to have, especially if you're an aspiring fantasy artist.



5. When I first recieved this book I was very disappointed. I've gone back to the book on a few occasions and I've come to the conclusion that, for me, it's decent enough. Some of the work in here doesn't come close to being considered masterpieces. While some of it is very good (Brom, Alan Lee, John Howe and Rick Berry particularly look good) some of the other work looks contrived and uninspiring.I'm not going to lambast the artists who created the work I didn't like. There's no point in being rude and I respect that these artists may very well have labored sincerely at their craft. Some of their work was even decent. On the other hand, I have to ask myself if they were the person on the street would they respond to images that look like spliced photos of leather clad fetish inspired fembots with what looks like gun barrels (?) for heads? I had to study that piece to make out that they were female even as they they had the basic scrawny model physique. While some of the work I didn't like communicated ideas I could relate to, others married the shocking with visuals in attempts to call itself art. Sensory response can be achieved by kicking a dog, however it's not likely to be considered art.Too make matters worse, while some of the work is graphic it's also over-stylized. If fantasy, as it's known to be, can be shocking (or just disturbing) as some of this work is, than once again we reduce the form to the lowest common denominator. "Wow! This is so cool." "Why?" "Cause I never saw this before." Is fantasy art be lowered to that most contrived form of visual impact that is called "conceptual art"? Please, count me out. Even worse is the fact that, for me, the unusual pieces were later viewed as just tacky and even later, boring. That's where I use the "contrived" label. Most of the other digital art was nothing short of boring even as it was unusual. What's the point of being unusual if it's still boring? Most of the traditional paintings were all right but, again, some of it was boring. What was the point the writer and editor were trying to highlight? In conclusion, there is some very good work in this book but there are also some works that left me wishing for straight up paintings and drawings again. The digital age has promised a lot and delivered very little. And none of it has inspired me to buy a print, frame it and display it. I'm still hopeful that it progresses beyond what's presented here.

3 comments about Pin-Up Art of Archie Dickens Vol 2.

1. Part two of wonderful pin-up art capturing the wiles and charms of the fairer sex. See my favorable review of Vol.I
   Very pleasing and a joy to behold. Rest in peace Archie!



2. This is the second volume of the master of the innocence!! Like the first book, this second is a rendition to these beautiful and smiling like-a-child girls. I love all of the dolls painted here and I was never dissapointed; this work is simply a gift of heaven!!! The sad note is that this incredible author passed away in 2004, at the age of 98. But this work will live forever!!!



3. Call him the Grandfather or the Godfather of pin-up art...or maybe just call him the best pin-up artist. You could not go wrong with any of these accolades. As his name suggests, Dickens was born in London although I do not know if he is related to his famous namesake author. While Dickens worked as a freelance commercial artist, pin-up art was his first love and it was the onset of World War II that gave Dickens his break as his drawings of sweet, beautiful women would become a hot property to lonely servicemen who were far from home and far from their wives and girlfriends. While Dickens' illustration style is clearly one of classical training it still holds up today and to today's younger artists who are very talented, but most of whom cannot capture that pure innocence of Dickens. Those of us who are fans of his suffered a great loss when he passed away in 2004 at a robust 98 years of age. Thankfully we will always have his prolific volume of work to remember him by.
   
   This is the second volume of Dickens pin-up art from SQP and features 50 previously unpublished works. Dickens illustrated the all-American woman, even if they were not necessarily American. In fact his illustrations of Spanish, Mexican, Dutch, American Indian, and other women were some of his most memorable works, and many are on display in this latest collection. The Dickens woman was a classic beauty. A real woman with real curves that didn't require augmentation, and oh those big, bright, playful eyes! Dickens' use of soft colors accentuates the naughty, sexy, and spicy women he illustrates. This collection features a variety of Dickens women at their lighthearted best, and ready for activities like golf and tennis. There's a lovely witch, a good ol' cowgirl holding a mug of beer, a slave girl, and a gorgeous Veronica Lake-looking blond holding a little kitten. This is truly a marvelous collection of work.
   
   The word legend is tossed around very lightly sometimes, but in the case of Archie Dickens it is not only fitting, but virtually the only word that works. Hats off to SQP for another great collection!
   
   Reviewed by Tim Janson

4 comments about Soda, Clay and Fire.

1. We purchased this book and were very impressed with the quality of the information. Tells you everything you need to know.



2. This book is a marvel. It's going to take a while to digest all the incredible information that Gail Nichols has shared from her years of exploration into soda firing. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in vapor firing.



3. Gail Nichols' volume is a welcome compendium of the rather sparse information published to date regarding soda fired clay. And although it is a first, it hits the target nicely. She balances technical information with aesthetic information (in the form of well-shot photographs) so that it will appeal to the soda pyromaniacs as well as the gallery enthusiast. Soda fired clay is a relatively new phenomenon growing out of the tradition of salt glazed ware. However, technically and aesthetically, the two traditions are not twins, nor even siblings. They are more like cousins. Nichols' research on the subject provides a wealth of data from which anyone serious about soda firing clay will benefit. Take her up on her offering. Read this book!



4. This book is an excellent source of information for anyone interested in Soda firing. I am new to atmospheric firings and found this a valuable resource. I would urge experienced and novice ceramacists to check out this book. There is a lot of very in depth information for seasoned soda firers, while enough general information to get anyone started down the right path.

2 comments about Micromosaics: The Gilbert Collection.

1. Finally! Finally, there is a book on Micromosaics, and what a wonderful book! Prior to the publication of Jeanette Hanisee Gabriel's masterful research job, there have been no books available to the collector of Micromosaics or for anyone who wants to read about a little-mentioned, and fading art. And who better to write the book then Ms. Gabriel who has been Sir Arthur Gilbert's Private Curator since 1994. Sir Arthur Gilbert's collection which now resides at Somerset House in London can only be equaled by the collections of The Vatican Museum in Rome and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg.

   There are a number of books that cover the vast and impressive Gilbert Collection: "Gold Boxes", "Monumental Silver", "Portrait Miniatures in Enamel," "Gold and Silver," "Hardstones" and now "Micromosaics." As I happily have the other books in my library - I can honestly say that the micromosaic book must have been the most difficult and yet it is extremely comprehensive. Ms. Hanisee's scholarly work on "The Gilbert Collection: Hardstones", must have been a bit easier to write as there is so much information on the art of Pietra Dura and Hardstone. Micromosaics is another ball of wax as so little was written - and I'm sure if it was to be had - Ms. Gabriel uncovered the information.

   The Appendix has a fascinating section written by Professor Massimo Alfieri "New Notes on Giacomo Raffaelli and Michelangelo Barberi" two of the leading Master Mosaicists of the 18th and early 19th century ---- fascinating. It takes you to the time of the workshops, with letters, sales receipts, drawings and the like. Not only revealing, but just plain fun for devotees of the period. One can also find a section on techniques and materials used in the making of these compelling masterful and minutely executed works of art.

   Seeing the fabulous color plates on almost every page, the items in the collection, one finds themselves rubbing their eyes in bewilderment over the artistry of these rare and intricate pieces. The footnotes are so interesting and well-written that they are a book within themselves, and my only wish was for a third hand to mark the place as I turned from text to illustration to footnote and back to text. In many books one tends to skip a lot of the footnotes, unless they pertain to a particular interest -- but Ms. Gabriel has added fascinating information and I told myself it was worth the digital exercise to read each and every one.

   Lastly - Jeanette Gabriel has masterfully included very detailed Biographies of the known artists of the time and the literature connected with these artists; a Glossary - with full descriptions; a seven page Bibliography; Exhibition Histories, and an extremely well-written Index.

   "The Gilbert Collection: Micromosaics" may look like a sumptuous coffee table book of 310 pages (which it is:), but it is definitely not fluff and mirrors -- it is a serious and fascinating work which should included in any library of Decorative Arts.

   Obviously - I think it's just great, I thank Ms. Gabriel, and I give it 5 stars.

   Margot Conte




2. This is a beautiful and informative book with insights into historic and technical aspects of micromosaic provided by the leading authority on this art form. Beautiful close up photographs reveal the intricate details of these little treasures. This book is a must have for micromosaic and decorative arts enthusiasts and a beautiful addition to any library.

2 comments about Beginner's Guide to Mosaics.

1. I purchased this book to start my very first mosaic project. It was very easy to follow and showed exactly what you need to do. I was never stuck wondering how to do something. My first project was the fruit bowl, which turned out very well and looks professional. There are excellent projects for the beginner and projects to work into as you get more advanced. Highly recommend!



2. This book is full of great ideas that can be copied or adapted. A must for the learning mosaic artist.