No comments about The Natural Paint Decorator: Recipes, Finishes, Techniques.

4 comments about From El Greco to Goya: Painting in Spain,1561-1828 (Perspectives).

1. This book, on my course syllabus for a course on Spanish art , was a great addition to my library. Tomlinson is a scholar dedicated to giving the pertinent information in the proper art historical format without tireless embellishment. More on artists like Ribera or Zurburan would have rounded out the book but in all it is an excellent source for students writing papers and art historians looking for valid interpretations of Spanish artistic merit without bias. It was refreshing to read a book and not have the art continually compared to Italian & French painters. Instead it offers the reader very important information with excellent images of the Spanish contribution to world of art. Brava.



2. Well organized and beautifully composed reproductions make this book an indispensable guide and/or introduction to the artists working in Spain from 1561-1828. The historical and political/social context of their works is explored as well as the evolving artistic vison and techniques that were developing during this period. Major influences from Italy and elsewhere are sited. A very enjoyable and enlightening book.



3. This is a very good, concise look at the painting in Spain from 1561-1828. Janis Tomlinson is very careful to point out the problems with the term "Spanish painting" and tries to go beyond this idea, and to discuss painting in Spain. She chooses to not discuss the Spanish born Jusepe Ribera (as he was mostly active in Italy) but does look at painters from France and Italy who worked in Spain. Tomlinson also tries to get away from stereotyped views of Spanish painting being only somber and religious. I liked how the history of Spain and of Europe was tied into the painting in Spain. The patrons of artists in Spain were also talked about, what they wanted and how they reacted to different artists. Many painters are discussed, even ones whose work is not often seen outside of Spain. The book is has lots of illustrations, not only of paintings but of places. There is also a handy map of Spain in the front of the book. The pictures are naturally on the small side, since this book is rather small, and the pictures rarely take up the whole page. Tomlinson is a good writer, the book is quite readable and enjoyable.



4. One of the preeminent Goya scholars, Tomlinson expands her expertise to provide an exceptionally readable and stimulating survey of a period that has traditionally been neglected within art history. Besides her clear, informative prose, the book's outstanding production values make it truly user-friendly.

5 comments about Watercolor: Simple, Fast and Focused (Practical Art Books).

1. Ive read some books that its just too complicated for my level to follow. This book is simple and fun.



2. If you love loose and juicy watercolor painting, you'll love this book.
   It is filled with goodies, wonderful paintings and demos on how they were done. I have many books on the subject and this one ranks as one of my favorites. Landscapes and portraits all done with great flair
   and a very high level of drawing skill. There is some similarity in style and approach to my other favorite watercolor artist, Charles Reid.
   Mel Stabin is the real deal,very inspiring work of the highest order. Buy this book, you'll love it.



3. This excellent book is throughly deserving of its 5 star rating. The reproductions of Stabin's watercolors (150 of them) are beautiful. The text is clear and interesting. This is not a Step one-two-three book for beginners, although I think novices would enjoy it. Intermediate and advanced painters should definitely add it to their art libraries.



4. This is an excellent book for not only water colorists but for all artists...I had to pick up courage to paint in a loose style for years...after going through this book, I attempted loose painting in water color and other media...the approach of "simple,fast,focussed' is indeed essential learning for an artist...Another book that can go with this is Kimon Nicolaides on" The Natural Way to draw"...these two books can let you free and bold in the world of fine art---drawing &painting...



5. Stabin's book is aptly titled "Simple, Fast, and Focused". His book on watercolor has the perfect balance of visuals and text, each commenting on and highlighting the other. His style is ecclectic and will appeal to any taste, I think, and for a beginner or intermediate paiter, the book can help one make great strides in technique as well as artistic vision. Stabin's video, by the way, (on painting the lighthouse) is a wonderful compliment to the book.

2 comments about Six Monet Cards (Small-Format Card Books).

1. I ordered several of these booklets based on the reviews of others. If you're looking for something small to frame, this is not it. The quality of the picture is poor (color and clarity). the selected pieces are also a disappointment. three of them are of women (not my favorite). the other three are landscapes. If you're looking for an unusal postcard, this is ok. you get what you pay for. they may be ok for a school bulletin board but again the quality is so poor that I would hesitate to share with students.



2. One of a series from Dover that includes Cassatt, Dali, Degas, Gauguin, Homer, Kahlo...you get the idea. Ridiculously inexpensive, you should collect them all. Once you have them, you'll resist ripping them out of the cute little booklet & mailing them. Maybe, like me, you'll keep them in a drawer by your computer as handy fine art stress relievers.
   
   Bob Rixon

1 comments about The Old Testament: Through 100 Masterpieces of Art.

1. Lovely book with beautiful photos. 13-year old recipients don't care too much now, but their parents like it, and one day the kids will too.

3 comments about Painting More Than the Eye Can See.

1. This guy's been painting and winning awards for 50 years! Wade is obviously a master. The instruction is on target. He is one of Australian's best loved watercolorists. Get the book. It's great.



2. This book is very basic. The artist uses his own vanity gallery to illustrate extremely rudimentary principles of art. If you're a rank beginner, you may get something out of this, otherwise, skip it. He even admits "I have never attended art school or art classes!"



3. Robert Wade combines both heart and skill in his painting, and writing about painting. This book is worth the price just for the pictures.

No comments about Sea and Sky in Watercolour (Step-by-Step Leisure Arts).

1 comments about Painting Holiday Treasures: Inspirations from Christmas Past.

1. This books is wonderful and has great projects for the decorative painter. This book is not for beginners though. You need to have a good understanding of tole painting.

No comments about Morandi (Art Gallery series).

1 comments about Dali A&I (Art and Ideas).

1. As an art lover, I find Salvador Dali to be one of the most eccentric artists that the 20th century has produced. His work is often misunderstood because it is so difficult to comprehend and yet I find that his important contribution to 20th century art must not be overestimated.

   This book does Dali a lot of justice by explaining the political situations, the artistic influences, and the personal friendships that helped shape Dali to become the artist that he was. The book also includes almost all of the famous Dali paintings from his earliest years to his last painting from 1982. It also contains photographs and reconstructions of the various artistic projects that he created including jewelry, photographs, and the like.

   If you think that Dali is bizarre or that his art simply is incomprehensible to you, try this book out. You will be surprised by how much you learn and how you will want to learn some more about this great twentieth century artist.