5 comments about Digital Nature Photography Closeup.

1. Jon Cox knows all the basic rules of photography, knows the ins and outs of operating a camera, knows the rules of composition and does a fair job of communicating all that to his readers, effectively telling what he knows about taking close-up nature photos, although there are one or two places where he absolutely gets it wrong, such as when he says that the conversion factor for a digital SLR results in a 1:1 macro lens producing a larger than life size image on digital SLR's. That's all reasonably well and good. If you're a newcomer to close-up and macro photography, this book has some value for you, no two ways about that.
   
   But I'm not a beginner, so my problem with the book is that there's very little for me to learn here. Also, I want to be inspired by the author's work, I want to see photos that make me want to go out and take pictures myself, photos of the highest technical and artistic quality, something to aspire to. I don't get that from this book. In my opinion, the author's photos are for the most part unexceptional and uninteresting. Some are downright bad: not sharp, poor compositions, overexposed, etc., about as far from inspiring as you can get, at least for me. There are a few keepers, but for the most part, the photos in this book are just not anything special.
   
   So I'm quite disappointed with this book. It's not without value, but if you have John Shaw's book on close-up nature photography, save your money, you already have what you need to know as well as some exceptionally good photos to inspire you.



2. Maybe I was expecting too much from this book based on a fairly excellent customer reviews at amazon. I maybe expecting too much cause because to my surprise, the book dealt with point and shoot aside from DSLR cameras. I was kind of disappointed with that. I own a Nikon D200 and a Nikon 105mm f2.8 macro lens to learn the art of macrophotography and to my surprise coolpix camera shots were there....honestly i was turned off with that! If you are expecting a purely DSLR macrophotography on this book you may have to look elsewhere! I felt that there was something missing in this book. I know some of you out there knows what I mean...it lacks some oomph!!



3. This writer put some very nice photos into his book. He lists the camera and lens that he made the shots with but not the camera settings he used, which would be helpful to someone learning the art.



4. This book is exactly as it says on the back cover....A Complete Guide to Macro Digital Nature Photography. And well done. Well worth my investment.



5. I've noticed a problem with specialized photography books: not enough specialized information. Digital Nature Photography Closeup is well organized, clearly written and very attractively designed with some striking photography. Unfortunately, more than half of the book is devoted to basic photo equipment and concepts.
   
   What I've wanted - and have yet to find - is a book on macro photography that assumes I have basic or intermediate photo skills and want to extend them into a new space. The chapters of the book are:
   
   - Equipment
   - Camera features and techniques
   - Light & Color
   - Composition
   - Flash
   - Working with Histograms
   - The Digital Darkroom
   
   It could be the outline of almost any photo book - and much of the content in each is applicable to any photography, not macro in particular.
   
   If you're relatively new to digital SLRs and have an interest in closeup photography, you'll probably get a full meal here. If you're beyond the basics, it's not much more than a light snack. Well presented, but not very filling.

5 comments about Dreamscapes: Creating Magical Angel, Faery & Mermaid Worlds In Watercolor.

1. I preordered this off her website so I got a print of her beautiful cover as well as the book.
   
   I've always been a fan of her work, and just started doing watercolor so this book is perfect for me. It's given me a lot ideas of things I want to try out in the medium.



2. Wow, this is my favourite mermaid illustrating book.
   Love, that the illustrations are explained with full example and easy to repeat tips.
   This book is all you need to create stunningly beautiful female fantasy art.



3. Having been privileged to introduce and feature the Art of Stephanie Pui-Mun Law in my own books nothing gives me more pleasure than to see this wonderful volume 'Dreamscapes' that has just been published. From my own experience I can appreciate the huge amount of work and detail that will have gone into producing the most stunning 175 page book of 'Creative How to Draw' magical Angels Faeries and Mermaids.
   Stephanie Pui-Mun Law is one of the foremost Fantasy Artists of the New Millennium her work and detail enchants. Time again one has to return to her images to see and understand her creative inspiration and thought process, yet here in this book she tell us her secrets and shows us how to hone the skills needed to be a success. This book is a must have for any aspiring artist of any age, it educates and enthralls with creative energy and artistic inspiration, welcoming readers to enter and join the enchanted faeries world. It instructs clearly and precisely allowing the reader of any age to easily follow and study techniques. For libraries, education, hobby shops and stores, art colleges, children, students this book will be an all time reference and best seller.
   This book teaches conservation and understanding of the beauty of Mother Earth and the importance of protecting the environment, there is no better way to educate than encouraging through instructive art books like this.



4. I have been a fan of Stephanie's work as a fellow artist. I like her watercolor technique and use of color in her artwork. I purchased the book, not to learn how to create art, but to better understand Stephanie's process as an artist.
   
   Upon reviewing the book, I was very impressed with the presentation of the material and Stephanie's instructional style. It was very clear, and extremely thorough. And all of it is presented in a high quality package. The pages are heavy weight and packed with illustrations and side bars of info. What Stephanie has done here is to give a wonderful gift to anyone who is interested in learning about watercolor illustration. The kind of information here is akin to the type of knowledge a student once might have learned as an apprentice to a master artist. Now that tradition has regretfully passed us by, Stephanie has offered a very viable substitute.
   
   I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in fantasy illustration, or to someone who just would like to experiment with watercolor techniques. The only thing disapointing about the book is that it ends.



5. This is an excellent watercolor instruction book - regardless of your subject. I've been following this artist's work for a while and have tried some of her techniques, but I fail miserably. Her book, Dreamscapes, is exactly what I've been looking for.

5 comments about The Art of Faux: The Complete Sourcebook of Decorative Painted Finishes (Crafts Highlights).

1. The most in-depth reference book I could have asked for. Exactly what I wanted and needed.



2. I purchased this for my daughter who is a faux painter. She loves the book. She says there are many techniques in here that are new to her and she is enjoying doing them.



3. Pierre's book is considered the bible of Faux and is a must have reference guide for the experienced faux finisher!
   
   A great example of the marbles he is so famous for can be found in the Morrocan mural he co-painted with Sean Crosby in the hot new book benefiting charity "The House that Faux Built" Transform Your Home with Paint, Plaster and Creativity The House That Faux Built check out the search inside feature.



4. This book contains excellent descritions of equipment and techniques used for decorative painting. It is well inllustrated and easy to read.
   
   GM



5. Great resource book. Cool techniques...a bit intimidating for a beginner but full of information.

5 comments about The Figure in Watercolor: Simple, Fast, and Focused (Simple Fast & Focused).

1. I am so very pleaseed with this book . It is one of the most helpful I have ever had . I highly recomend it to anyone interested in painting figures and portraits.



2. This book is a treasure. If I could buy only one book on watercolor painting, this would be the book. Each chapter is a small gem of information simply expressed with wonderful accompanying pictures.
   The watercolors in the book are delicious to look at. You get to experience Mel Stabin's process and philosophy.The approach is clear and simple, wise and deep at the same time. The approach is inspiring and speaks to the deeper places inside us.



3. This is a wonderful book with lovely paintings in it and clear prose to help one improve and try new techniques.



4. An excellent book for those who wish to improve 'figures in transparent watercolor....One of my favorites....Jack, Ohio



5. I agree with another reviewer who finds this otherwise beautiful book light on instructional details. I happen to love Stabin's painting style, and I do find copying his paintings to be very illuminating. I still rate this book highly because much can be gleaned from studying and copying his work, which is fresh, economical, and transparent. Perhaps I would rather recommend it, though, for the more advanced artist.

5 comments about Photoshop Studio with Bert Monroy: Digital Painting (Voices That Matter).

1. As T. J. Riley said, some of the material in this book does look a lot like what's been presented in past issues of Photoshop User, and for a long time subscriber, this book may not be anything special. I do seem to recognize some of the techniques. Yet, it's still a useful compilation. The wonderful examples are inspiring. The example workflow is solid. And, it doesn't hurt to have a series of disconnected tutorials compiled, and coordinated along a theme. As a long time NAPP member and consequently a subscriber to Photoshop User, I wouldn't say that the book is a revelation but it is useful and it never hurts to go over a technique or two that I don't use often again. It also never hurts to feel like I'm looking over the shoulder of a master displaying his craft, and Bert Monroy is a master, not only of Photoshop but also at teaching it. If you're interested in Photoshop as a painting tool, you could do a lot worse than getting this book.



2. If one word sums this book up its "Amazing". Some other reviews say it is a rehash and I can't address that, but if this is the first of his books you have read it is very well done. His work is unbelievable. You swear you are looking at a photograph. His techniques are easily explained and the reference pictures are perfect for the material. It is a quick read. There are also downloadable pdf files that go into more detail but the book stands on its own to me. Great Work!!!



3. Once again, Burt has hit a home run. This book takes you through some of his methods of creating portions of his art in his projects. There is some repetition to his other books, but who in this world of digital art can't use a little refresher on certain things once in awhile.
   
   I highly recommend this book to anyone that wants to move up to another level of using Burts' ideas not only in Photoshop, but also Illustrator and how they work hand in hand to save you time and yet increase your knowledge in both.
   
   HollywoodBob



4. When TechTV and the Screen Savers were around I always looked forward to the segments with Bert Monroy doing a Photoshop tutorial. So, when I had the opportunity to review his new book, Photoshop Studio with Bert Monroy: Digital Painting, I jumped at it.
   
   The book may not be what you'd expect. It was not what I expected. It is not a book of traditional how-to lessons, although you will learn how to improve your Photoshop skills. Instead, it is a book by an artist describing the process he goes through in creating his digital paintings. This process not only includes how he made a table cloth with a particular pattern on it, but also going out and taking the right photographs for reference.
   
   In his Introduction Monroy explains how the book started as the traditional how-to book, but he was encouraged by several people to make it about how he paints and works. This decision was made after he started writing the book. As a result, the how-to chapters are available online as a downloadable bonus. Directions for accessing these chapters are in the book.
   
   The beginning of the book describes Bert's process for starting a painting, finding reference materials, and how he determines lighting in a painting.
   The book then moves on to its heart, the paintings. There are seven chapters describing the process of creating seven different paintings. Each chapter contains descriptions of how to achieve the same effects in your paintings.
   
   The end of the book contains a chapter full of tutorials. These tutorials might be considered your traditional how-to section of the book.
   Overall, this is a fantastic book that presents digital painting in Photoshop in a very creative way. As an artist and an art teacher, I really enjoyed reading the process and thinking that went into these paintings and other painting Monroy works on.
   
   The book is not for the Photoshop beginner. It will not teach you how to use Photoshop. In fact, it assumes that the reader is familiar with Photoshop and many of the tools.
   
   At a price of $[...] (U.S.) it does seem a bit pricey. I would be more inclined to purchase a book like this at the $[...] range. However, if you are a digital artist and a Bert Monroy fan, and you want to drop $[...] down on a book; you won't be disappointed.
   
   MyMac.com rating: 4.5 out of 5
   Originally Published at: [...]



5. I sorry Monroy fans. Although Bert's books have certainly been influential. This one, is a rehash of old tricks and just a few new ideas to pepper the pages with incongruent images. The tips and tricks are enough for the uninitiated but can be found in backdated pages of Photoshop magazine and other adobe branded periodicals. Save you time, save your money. That is unless you would like to buy my copy...
   
   T.

4 comments about Watercolour Textures (Collins Artist's Studio).

1. 
   If you are looking for someone to hold your hand, forget about
   this book. Ann Blockley is a better painter than teacher, since she assumes you know quite a bit about watermedia. However, if you have a good foundation in painting, she can introduce you to some very nice techniques.



2. If you are familiar with Ann Blockley's flower paintings, you will be surprised by this book. (You can see a gallery of Blockley's paintings on her website.) It is no ordinary, watercolour how-to book, and the cover and title give nothing away. In this book, the author admits that she has stepped well outside her comfort zone to explore an entirely new approach to the painting process. We can be very glad that she did.
   
   The simple chapter headings give no idea of the innovations Blockley presents. There are the usual texture mediums described in other art instruction books, but Blockely applies these mediums in entirely new ways: clingfilm, salt, inks, granulation medium, bubbles and foam, gold and silver pigments, paint resist and more. The beautiful colour illustrations inspire and encourage the reader to experiment, but the text is even more important.
   
   You could approach this book in one of two ways: either you can use it for the techniques alone, or you can use the techniques to move outside your artistic comfort zone as Blockley has done - beyond what is familiar in your established approach to painting. Blockley admits that it took courage to do this publicly in a book. Any artist - of any medium - can take heart - and inspiration - from what the author shares of her out-of-the-zone process.
   
   This book has plenty of demonstrations and includes three guest artists: Shirley Trevena, Moira Huntly and John Blockley, all of whom explored art mediums in daring ways. You can google all three names and take a look at their on-line galleries.
   
   I nearly didn't buy this book because watercolour is not my medium. I am so glad I did. It's one of the best books I've come across for encouraging the exploration of new ways of artistic expression - in any medium. Better still, Blockley makes the process simple, interesting and fun.



3. Beautiful and inspirational book! I can't wait to try by myself all the examples and exercises.



4. I pre-ordered this book quite a while back and it finally arrived yesterday. WOW! Was it ever worth the wait! Every page is inspirational. I am primarily an oil painter but this book has inspired me to get back into watercolor. I must have 100 watercolor books but this is the one I would save in case of fire. What a great book!!!

5 comments about Hokusai.

1. I just realised my title for my review sums it up for me.Sorry to not have anything else to add....
   exept,if you are contemplating the book for your library,just get it.



2. It's a good book for a begginer, there are a few samples from each of all Hokusai's periods.



3. A well presented and thorough overview of Hokusai's work. Informative text and good reproductions of many of his works - as someone who has some surveys of Japanese prints this book brings a level of detail and perspective thatis hard to find. A very big book with an interesting section that links to european works influenced by Hokusai in the 19th century.



4. Looking at this collection really shows the diversity in Hokusai's long career. In one of the essays, the writter comments that Hokusai changes his style so much that his work looks like the work of a different artist. The breath of this volume helps the viewer see how creative and inventive this master is. What I like about Hokusai is that his personal life is just as interesting as his work. The essays included do a good job placing the differnent periods in context with the times and Hokusai's own massive body of work.



5. Excellent printing and selection, a great book for art reference or read.

5 comments about Moving On: The Art of Steve Hanks.

1. Book was as expected and arrived on schedule. I buy many books from Amazon and will continue to do so.



2. "Moving On" is a beautiful book of Steve Hanks paintings. What makes it realy special is the artists explanation of his works. His insight helps you understand his motives and his intentions when he created each piece and shows you things that you may have missed on first glance. I love it!



3. I have admired the work of Steve Hanks for a long time. I bought Poised Between Heartbeats years ago and was very pleased to see the new book, Moving On. I recommend both of these books. Spend an afternoon with Steve Hanks.



4. I just recently purchased the book Moving On: The Art of Steve Hanks. by Steve Hanks. This book is filled with beautiful watercolor painting of family, children and his specialty Women. He captures the beauty of the woman, how the light reflects off the skin. It is beyond beautiful. A must for anyone who appreciates realistic painting.



5. Hanks is an astonishing artist, and if not THE best realistic watercolorist working in the country today, then certainly ONE of the very best. He's an incomparable realist and figurative artist. His portraits of children are phenomenal. If you're considering this book (and I simply can't get enough of it, it was worth every penny), do keep in mind that many of the paintings are nudes of beautiful young women. However, the painting I like best is a self-portrait of Hanks, looking like a hippie, with one of his young children. The book itself is gorgeously produced in a large format, with beautiful reproductions and interesting text.

4 comments about The Art of Travel with A Sketchbook.

1. Mari expresses the ideas eloquently and assures you of your own acceptance as an artist along with the love of travel and beautiful people and beautiful places.



2. To start at the end, "Make each day in life more meaningful by capturing Priceless Memories" is the beginning of an adventure everyone should take. Marie Le Glatin Keis' book, "The Art of Travel With a Sketchbook" is just plain captivating.
   
   She provides simple instructions and major motivation to capture memories using art and words. There are six sections with easy-to-follow tips on how to make memories not only when traveling but even in daily life. The examples of her student's words, art and growth are proof that it works for beginners and even experienced artists.
   
   I am already a daily sketcher and I was motivated to do, try more and enjoy more.
   
   Art and words: so simple yet so powerful!



3. The book was a gift for my husband. He must have loved it as it kept him busy for several days.



4. If you are an artist or someone who has a need to draw this is a great book to get you started or keep you going. Mari's approach is simple, fresh and inspiring. She not only makes you slow down and smell but draw the roses as well. A beautiful book full of wonderful tips and messages from Mari and her participants.

5 comments about Roy Lang's Sea & Sky in Oils: Painting the Atmosphere & Majesty of the Sea.

1. An excellent book of ideas for those attempting, for the first time, the complexities of the sea. I would like to have had a few more work studies under different lighting conditions. Certainly a terrific starting point for first timers such as myself.



2. this guy knows how to paint water but never give you a good tutorial at all, i bought this book 'cause of the painting in the cover... thinking that I'll learn to paint at least that painting... WRONG!!! only shows you how to paint small waves, boring scenes nothing great... last time I'm buying books of this kind in amazon... I'll better go to half price books



3. I made the mistake of not reviewing his work before buying the book. While his water is well done, his rocks look like they were painted directly from a squeezed tube. It's a distraction in many of his paintings. It is hard to learn from a book when you aren't impressed with the artist's work.



4. Very well presented. Well written. I would recommend this book as a manual for aspiring painters like myself. Some experience with oil painting is needed to follow instructions.



5. Living on the coast I can't get enough of the magical light, intense colour, reflections in water or a dark brooding sky over rough seas, the tranquil flat calm of a still day - the ever changing scene. This book shows how I may be able to use paint to capture the excitement of the sea on canvas. I am itching to get going after reading this simply set out art instruction book. It is ideal for beginning artists who wants to paint the sea in oil.