5 comments about Painting the Faces of Wildlife: Step by Step.

1. Exquisite paintings of wildlife make this book worthwhile in itself, but Kalon Baughan also supplies fascinating insights into how he paints. Though most of us can only dream of painting animals that capture the animal's soul, there are many useful hints and techniques that even rank amateurs can use.



2. How to review this book is a problem. It is simply the best book on the subject that I have ever seen. It goes through the usual informative sections on animal anatomy and several step-by-step demonstrations and details. It is here where this book stands out, in the detail of the demonstrations. From detail information on the underpainting technique to detailing, drybrushing and using washes it covers everything in an easy to understand manner. If you want to paint wildlife and have not had an expensive course in a high quality art school then this is the book that you want to buy.



3. I was at the Texas Woodcarver's Guild Spring Roundup in Fredericsburg, TX, recently and saw a copy of this book. As a woodcarver I would rate this book as excellent. The book has excellent detailed pictures of faces of various animals. As a carver, I must pay attention to exact details such as hair color and texture, eye size and color, ears details, and all facets of wildlife characteristics. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn wildlife details for painting, carving, or general knowledge.



4. This is a great book. It is well thought out and well done. I am not an artist but I enjoy wildlife art and have many different pieces of artwork. Knowing some of the history and research behind the paintings adds to the enjoyment and appreciation of the artist's work. I recommend this book to anyone who loves wildlife art and art in general.



5. Kalon's book is full of drama, which is quite a feat for a "HOW TO" book. His passion for what he does shines through in his text as well as in the expressiveness of his awesome paintings.

1 comments about Painting Houses & Gardens in Watercolor.

1. The techniques I found in this book are not very effective and the author's paintings are hits and misses; some are very good and some are so so. Also it cover many topics in scrachy details. Not recommanding this one.

1 comments about Matt's Old Masters: Titian, Rubens, Velasquez, Hogarth.

1. Art history can be painfully dull, but not when you're reading Matthew Collings. This guy is so passionate about art that you can't help but share in his excitement about these four great masters from history. Somehow he manages to bring these artists to life -- to show us their worlds, to explain why they were important figures in their own times, to reveal what the artists themselves loved about art, and to illustrate how we're still seeing the ramifications of these artists in art today. Along the way, he brings in lots of comparisons and extra info about plenty of other great masters. Of all the art history books I've read, this one is really special -- a favorite I'll read again. Loaded with fantastic four-color reproductions, too!

2 comments about Painting in Oil (Artist's Library series #01).

1. I just stated painting and this book helped me with color and lots of demo's. Loved it.



2. I have purchased over 12 books on painting, but this books beats them all. This is a must for the person who is a beginner.

No comments about American Dream: Collecting Richard Prince For 27 Years.

No comments about Michael Borremans.

No comments about Understanding Transparent Watercolor.

3 comments about An Artist's Way Of Seeing.

1. An Artist Way of Seeing by Mary Whyte is a personal viewpoint of important aspects of subject matter, thought and seeing. Her watercolors have warmth and vitality and I recommend this book for the watercolor lover.



2. Excellent book if you want to learn about the unique visual thought process that many artists share. This is not a "how-to paint" book... it is a "how to think" like an artist book- in my opinion. The artwork centers on the author-artist's own work executed in watercolors. I really enjoyed the book... I think that most intermediate painters and creative persons will find some points of inspiration within the book. And if Mrs. Whyte reads this review- your works that feature the older ladies are my favorites.



3. "I like to arrive early in the morning at the pond so that I can watch the lotus flowers open before noon." ~ Mary Whyte
   
   Mary Whyte's art has been exhibited by art galleries and has been collected by museums. She is also the author of Watercolor for the Serious Beginner and has illustrated children's books. I think the reason people love her art is because of the spiritual elements she is able to capture in watercolor. She also adds a magical dimension with color, like she adds blue to the steam from the pan on a stove. The sky burns in a rosy orange as a beautiful woman holds sunflowers.
   
   What I love most about her paintings is the use of blue colors to warm the moments. She also has an expert eye for capturing reflections in water. Her "Moon Over the Meadow" makes you wish you were there, bathed in the blue silvery light.
   
   Mary Whyte's paintings are all beautiful expressions of detailed observation, but where she truly excels is when she paints beautiful women in fields of flowers. They are just stunning.
   
   The beauty of this book is not only the artwork; it is also in the poetic writing and artist comments. Like a diary of experience, Mary Whyte explores landscapes, discusses specific ways she captures moments and is a true teacher in the way she explains how you can create your own watercolor magic. An Artist's Way of Seeing is a true inspiration and rare find!
   
   ~The Rebecca Review

4 comments about How Did You Paint That?: 100 Ways to Paint People and Figures : Tips, Inspiration and Instruction in All Mediums (100 Ways to Paint People & Figures).

1. The selection of artists in this book is excellent. I am actually one of the artists featured in their other book: How did you paint that? 100 ways to paint your favorite subjects.
   My specialty is clown and circus subject matter. Please view my work at my site: www.clownartist.com.



2. I think the human figure is a tough subject for most of us artist and I am always looking for more tips and pointers. This book is very helpful and has inspired me many times.
   Buy it now and study up it may inspire you to be a artist and not some one who used to be an artist.
   Barry



3. If you receive International Artist Magazine, and I highly recommend that you subscribe if you haven't already, then you've seen all of these paintings featured in this book before in the magazines. BUT - you do get an expanded view of the artwork, as well as a more in-depth interview with each individual artist, since each artist gets their own page in the book.
   The "Find-It-Faster" feature in the book, (pictorial pages of content) is not much more than filler, in my opinion. I would have prefered 17 more featured artists, instead of 17 pages of reduced work of those already in the book. The artwork on the front of the book is indeed shown in more depth on pages 6 and 7, by the way. [see previous reviewer's statement]
   The last page titled, "Terms you should know" is an abbreviated list of art terms every artist should already know. Oddly, the list stops at the letter "L" for "lifting." I believe there are other art terms starting with M through Z that are worthy of inclusion. Perhaps the other books have included those letters.
   Overall, if you enjoy International Artist Magazine and long for greater details, this book series is for you since you can pick and choose your specific genre: people and figures; landscapes; still life and florals; seascapes, rivers and lakes; favorite subjects; and flowers and gardens.



4. A hundred different painters explain how they tackled in their paintings one of the most difficult, elusive and rewarding subjects: people. Each painting gets a page long explanation, focused in one of the techniques employed or in some creativity issue relevant to the subject matter. The fact that most artists list the colors they used is definitely a plus. My only qualm with this book are that, being watercolor my medium of choice, I found this books places a lot of attention in oil (and if you're a pastelist or use some other technique, you're in an even worse position). Another minor flaw is the fact that the beautiful picture on the cover is not of those analyzed inside. However, I am being nitpicky, as this book is beatiful and inspiring, and will help anyone seeking to expand his or her creative horizons-

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.