No comments about Marcel Duchamp: Appearance Stripped Bare.

5 comments about Painting Watercolor Portraits.

1. Indeed, this is the ONLY book I decided to have a copy of my own on painting watercolor portraits. I purchased this book several years ago, read it, applied it, and found it a real gem. Although my current interest is mostly painting in oil, I still remember vividly my pleasant experiences using the book:

   - The author thoroughly presents the topics in the book, from improving your drawing skills, lighting models, to using colors, etc...

   - His style is what that is referred as "painterly". The finished paintings are enlightening, artistic, and simply beautiful. I love and treasure the works created by this author, as well as those representing great craftmanship and expressions.

   Buy this book if you still can find a copy of it. To fully benefit it, may I suggest:

   - First and foremost, focus on your drawing skills. With a tranparent medium like watercolor, drawing skills are more than ever the most crucial requirement for a great final painting.

   - Practice, practice, and practice, using advices from the book.

   Thank you, Mr. Stine, for a great book!




2. I don't really use the how-to portions of books like these although I'm sure many artists do. What I like doing instead is looking at the pictures and see what they in and of themselves can teach me. What struck me about this book when I bought it was that if one wanted to make one's portraits a lot freer, more fluid, flowing and looser, this book shows that very well. I would especially encourage any of us working in colored pencils or pastels to consider incorporating watercolor in a mixed media approach towards portraiture. Stine definitely shows more Impressionistic results in portraiture than realistic. However, these are hardly Abstract Expressionist portraits! You can't mix this with oil, of course, so if you are looking at this work compared to your own in oil, you would be contemplating doing a complete 180 degree switch. It certainly would save you an enormous amount of drying time to make the switch from oil to watercolor. The brush work seems as if it would be a lot faster as well. Every page in this book seems to have a full color watercolor portrait featured on it so it is a good value for the money as well.



3. This book is focusing on contour drawing and the use of water colors for portrait painting. As a matter of fact water colors are mostly used for natur painting and this may be the reason for the very few portrait books avaialble.

   The author gives av very good instruction in what colors to use to develope various skin tones and how to paint shapes due to shadows and edges in the motive. This book has in many ways completed my large collection of book about water color painting.




4. Faboulous painter with feeling and love for what he is doing.



5. The author, Al Stine is able to capture his subjects with a vibrancy and spirit that is alluring - while also teaching the techniques he uses. This book will serve the needs of those looking to improve their portraits.

No comments about Painting and Decorating Wooden Spoons: 100 Step-by-Step Projects for Making People, Animals, and Fantasy Characters from Wooden Spoons.

1 comments about The Art of Landscape Painting.

1. Normally I shy away from how-to art books. They tend to rely too much on gimmicky techniques, and the art sometimes seems to lack sincerity. This book, however, is filled with images of Strisik's small, beautiful oils and informative insights into his methods.

   Strisik seems to prefer autumn and winter landscapes, but he travels extensively and captures scenes from around the world. There are many color plates that showcase his lovely muted-yet-rich palette. There are also many black-and-white photos, which is not a problem, since Strisik's tonal scale is so accomplished.

   There are demonstrations with the paintings depicted in various stages of completion. I found the comparisons of photos of the painter's on-site locations with the finished painting to be especially revealing.

   Strisik comes across as a master painter who is always searching, always striving, for the fullest expression of beauty in nature. Both serious and beginner landscape painters can benefit from this book.

5 comments about Images of Enlightenment: Tibetan Art in Practice.

1. If you've ever seen Tibetan Buddhist art and wondered who or what is represented in these colorful paintings (known in Tibetan as thangka), what the various objects in the paintings symbolize, or how the paintings are used in the practice of Buddhism, Images of Enlightenment may answer your questions. Concisely written for a western audience of general readers by two English students of Tibetan Buddhism, this book also provides an introduction to basic Buddhist principles and practice, as well as a brief history of the Tibetan school and short biographies of some of its greatest teachers.
   
   Images of Enlightenment is organized around 32 full-color plates, paintings by Andy Weber, a UK-based artist trained in Nepal by refugee Tibetan painters and now himself a widely traveled and respected teacher in Europe and North America. (See the artist's website for more examples of his work and his current teaching schedule.) Each chapter of the book begins with a theme, followed by explanations of the handful of paintings that best represent them. The first chapter on the life of the Buddha and the basics of Buddhist philosophy, for example, includes descriptions of paintings of the Buddha, stupas, and the Wheel of Life.
   
   As an introductory text, the authors cannot hope to cover the nearly 200 deities of Tibetan Buddhism. They manage, though, to provide an informative, well-written, and properly illustrated volume covering some of the most popular images. If you'd like to learn more about the methods and materials used in painting thangka, you might like to see Jackson and Jackson's Tibetan Thangka Painting: Methods & Materials. The paintings used in this book, while well executed, are quite simple and not cluttered with many of the background items found in many thangka. There is, therefore, little in this book explaining many of the minor elements of Tibetan painting. For a more thorough treatment of symbolism and iconography, see Robert Beer's A Handbook of Tibetan Buddhist Symbols. If you'd like to see larger and more elaborately and finely detailed thangka, have a look at two collections in Romio Shrestha's Celestial Gallery and Goddesses of the Celestial Gallery.



2. Written by experts who spent years living in India to study Tibetan Buddhism and its art, Images of Enlightenment: Tibetan Art in Practice is a straightforward, plain-terms guide to the rich history, legends, and spirituality expressed through Tibetan Buddhist sacred art. 32 full-color plates illustrate Images of Enlightenment, while the text describes the symbolic self-transformation and expressions of enlightenment depicted. Chapters survey different paths and aspects of Buddhism as expressed through art, including the Bodhisattva Path, and the Path of Bliss and Emptiness. Images of Enlightenment is especially recommended for students, scholars, and practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism.



3. Though I am an SGI Buddhist, Tibetan Buddhism intrigues me with their beautiful art. Mr. Landaw clearly describes each entity and Mr. Andy Weber beautifully illustrates in color each image. If you have ever wanted a deeper understanding into Tibetan images, I highly recommend this book



4. The most definitive guide to Buddhism. The deity are all beautifully illustrated in rich color, complete with the historical background of the deity that gain enormous popularity in the east.

   It had all the answers that you had always wanted to ask in the past. For illustration why some deities look so wraughtful, fierce and the significance of those implements or objects they hold.

   I like the most is the explaination on the deity background concise, full illustrated, very well elaborated and accurate description.

   An indispensible guide! Highly recommended.




5. This is an excellent book for all those interested in the practice of Deity Yoga. Written by Westerners with a very clear insight into the elements and art of the practice.

5 comments about The Painter's Keys A Seminar With Robert Genn.

1. Dang, I thought this was going to be an instructional book on how Robert Genn paints. Nope, just a discussion. A very interesting discussion, but no pictures.



2. I bought this book as a result of receiving Robert Genn's newsletters, which I love. The book was okay, but a little random and disjointed. Genn made it good - his workshop audience did not. I think better editing of the material would have helped. I am looking forward to Genn just writing a book himself, without a workshop format.



3. I actually discovered this book via Amazon's "you bought this book, want to look at this one?" page, and after reading the reviews decided to try it. I am really really glad to say: "This is a great book." What this book is not, is an instruction book on how to paint. What this book is, is good, solid, practical advice on how to keep your head screwed on tight while you build an art career. Not preachy, not egotistical...my grandma used to say there are 2 kinds of smart; book smart, and street smart. Robert is both, and this book is a breath of fresh air in the "Art Career" genre.



4. The best thing about this book is the abundance of sheer "go for it" good energy that Genn conveys to his audience of artists who are, themselves, at times sceptical, confused, unfocused, but mostly enthusiastic. This little book is a transcript of a two-day seminar, the first chapter of which is available to read on Genn's web site. There are indeed many useful tips and insights scattered throughout, some of which might just be the kick in the pants some readers will respond to. Genn seems to have had in mind a theme for each hour (eg. quality, motivation, etc.), but questions from the audience are often unfocused and quickly lead him astray from his topic. He begins the ninth hour by saying "I want to give you one idea that will pay for the whole seminar. It is such a golden idea that I would appreciate it if it didn't go any further than this room." (Well, he published it in a book, didn't he?) What ensues are some mildly interesting marketing tips, but hardly anything that will transform a career. I also found annoying the ever present veneer of '60's gesthalt psychology with which his comments were laden. The mix of beginning and experienced artists in the audience also made for a fair number of time-wasting questions that should have been diverted elsewhere -- for example, technical discussions of how to paint with acrylics (apparently what Genn mostly uses), how to shoot reference photos, and so forth. Most of the tips offered will be familiar to most artists, but if you're in a slump it can be helpful to hear it again.



5. Robert Genn's book "The Painter's Keys" presents attainable steps to becoming an effective artist.

   Genn introduces two simple but deep-felt ideas in the first chapter of his book, "Wondering Child" and "Joy Mode". Both concepts are paramount to our well being and to the approach we take each day as we enter our workspace to begin painting. These two key points transformed my own way of thinking, my attitude and approach to each day.

   The Painter's Keys has shown me how to have enthusiasm and the desire to do the painting. Genn believes, "this joy and enthusiasm will show in the painting if it is there, and will certainly show in the work if it is missing".

   Two key points I found valuable in The Painter's Keys are concepts that assist the artist in building character and developing personal systems for the execution of painting.

   In building character we are taught how to excel and be our personal best both as a person and as an artist. Genn writes that the trials we experience as artists are not brought on by a lack of ability but by a lack of character. For me this was one of those Ah-ha moments, this idea alone has allowed me to grow in leaps and bounds. Genn teaches us the systems to develop better work habits and break old patterns.

   Robert Genn introduces us to the idea of "Recipes" in his book. This was another key point that revolutionized the way I approach painting. This simple yet functional system is tailor-made to each individual; the recipes are our plans, directions and techniques - simple or obvious. Genn borrows this quote from Sergi Eisenstein, "careful planning, and brilliant improvisation", that underscores his idea. "The recipes are the ideas you want to be working on, "you name the ideas - and you claim the ideas. When you come to an area in painting that you feel stuck in, you have the knowledge that you have thought about it before, you won't feel lost." To some this may sound too planned out, that is not the case, it allows one more freedom. This simple yet profound idea may save many a painting and frustration.

   This slim volume is filled with nuggets of wisdom that comes from Genn's treasure trove of experiences from his 45+ years of painting. One need only to browse through "The Painter's Keys" index to see the variety of topics this book covers. Topics such as: how to choose an art school, art shows, juror's criteria, how to choose galleries and dealers, being noticed, commissions, depression, fear, framing, idea book, income tax, insurance, personal records, quality, procrastination, publicity, women artists, value, titles, shipping and time give an idea of the riches within.

   What I liked about this book was the simple, practical Ah-ha concepts. They all ring true for me. The painter's keys that Genn shares with the reader are easy to apply to life and routine, given commitment and stick-to-it-ness. I have recommended this book to many people, given a few away and often quote Genn in conversation. It is a book for any creative person at any level of experience.

2 comments about Wet-Into-Wet Watercolor: The Complete Guide to an Essential Watercolor Technique (Practical Art Books).

1. I found this book at a Book Outlet store and thought "for the price, I should get it", so I did. I have to tell you that this is one of the best books to use to build up confidence and technical skills in wet into wet watercolor painting. Each chapter is fun to read and the examples (step by step) are so easy to follow that they help you become an "expert" by the end of the book. I have lots of watercolor books and have found this to be one of my favorites on wet into wet technique for the above reasons.



2. Ms Speckman's book helped me break through to a new level of watercolor painting. She deals entirely with "wet-in-wet", breaking it down into three sections: The Saturated Approach, Painting by Sections and the Painterly Approach. Beginning with a practical and thorough discussion of paper and pigments as they apply specifically to wet-in-wet watercolor, she proceeds to original and effective step-by-step instruction. Although I have purchased and worked from many books on instructional watercolor, I found Ms. Speckmann's techniques to be unusual and exciting. I particularly enjoy her iconoclastic preference for opaque pigments and the way she showcases their unique qualities. Well written and lavishly illustrated, this book is a valuable reference work.

1 comments about The Drawings of Richard Diebenkorn.

1. Wonderful book with many, many wonderful reproductions showing Diebenkorn's full range -- Matisse inspired figuration to Ocean Park and Berkeley abstract. FANTASTIC. Why don't they reprint it?

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 A Theory of /Cloud: Toward a History of Painting (Cultural Memory in the Present).