5 comments about Painting Better Landscapes.

1. The best book I have bought. Goes into visualizing,planning,etc. Covers the guidelines for compositions as well as values and mood. Highly recommend.



2. I bought this book years ago and I continue to come back to this book years later. It's full of good and useful information. Kessler lays out the basics well and provides good solid information for constructing good landscape painting. Her book is a great reference for when I run into problems or am not sure of what I'm seeing when I'm painting. Kessler and John Carlson are the two best books on painting landscapes that I found.



3. On my feedback I had entered the feedback for the wrong book, my apologies, please. This book does have a lot of great information and gives details using great techniques.



4. Well written text, for advanced artist as well as the beginner. Kessler explains her topics very well. She uses a lot of earth tones in most of her paintings, but any artist can adjust the color range to suit their taste.



5. Este libro es estupendo para mejorar tu pintura, tanto seas novato como avanzado, pero especialmente es útil si llevas tiempo pintando, creo que está orientado especialmente para superarte en lo que ya haces. Te hace ver la técnica a seguir, desde que empiezas a inspirarte en una fotografía y su interpretación, la combinación de colores empleados, la mejor composición, profundidad, la forma de trazar con el pincel, y muchas recomendaciones más para superarte en lo ya llevas haciendo un tiempo atrás, como es mi caso. Recomendable para todos.
   AVISO PARA AMAZON.COM: Soy español y hecho de menos que tengais un apartado especial para saber las publicaciones en mi idioma. Todos los libros que he comprado los hubiera disfrutado más si estuvieran traducidos al español.
   
   This book is marvellous to improve your painting, so much be raw as(like) advanced, but specially it is useful if you go time doing(painting), I believe that it is orientated specially to excel yourself in what already you do. It makes you see the technology(skill) to continuing, since you start inspiring by a photography and its interpretation, the combination of used colors, the best composition, depth, the way of planning with the paintbrush, and many recommendations more rides to excel yourself in already doing a time behind, since it is my case. Advisable for all.
   
   I WARN FOR AMAZON.COM: I am Spanish and a fact of less than a special paragraph to know the publications in my language. All the books that I have bought had been enjoyed by me more if they were translated into the Spanish. THANKS.

3 comments about A Book of Colors.

1. This book was recommended to me by a friend who designs rugs and is an architect as well. I bought it for my own use as an interior designer and to help me with paint colors and overall color scheming. It is a great device for getting a feel from your client of what colors he/she prefers. It's a wonderful gift for people in the trade.



2. This book and its companion, "Color Image Scale," are excellent sources of palette ideas for web work. (If you buy one, buy both.) As an amateur designer, I found their treatment of the emotional impact of color groupings to be enlightening and thought inspiring. On the down side, they don't provide CMYK or RGB values--a minor inconvenience.



3. This is a fantastic resource for anyone designing in colour. I do mostly online design and use this book every day. It is a specialised colour combination scale based on research done by the author.

   Pick a base colour and see its combinations, what they mean to most people and where they are typically used. Awesome stuff!

3 comments about New Flowering: 1000 Years of Botanical Art.

1. Being a big fan of Shirley Sherwood's previous publications Contemporary Botanical Artists (1996) and A Passion for Plants (2001), I have been eagerly awaiting any further publications from this collector. I immediately purchased A New Flowering - 1000 years of Botanical Art when it was released in late 2005, but unfortunately I was quite disappointed. Rather than a whole new collection of wondrous botanical art, A New Flowering is principally an exhibition catalogue emanating from the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, England, in mid 2005 containing many works seen in the previously mentioned books.
   
   The title is somewhat of a misnomer. This is not a history of botanical art. There is one reference and illustration of a herbal dating from 1080 - 1090. From there the text jumps to around the mid 1400s. From there we have chapters covering the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, as well as chapters dealing with Ehret, Jacquin, the Bauer brothers, Redoute, and Ruskin. There are examples of the works of these historical figures interspersed with comparable examples of similar plants by contemporary artists.
   
   Unfortunately, of the 107 contemporary illustrations, 72 have already appeared in either Contemporary Botanical Artists (38) or A Passion for Plants (34). Those seeking a new collection of modern botanical works may well be disappointed. There are approximately 60 historical examples, but readers already familiar with Wilfred Blunt's The Art of Botanical Illustration or similar works will find nothing new here.
   
   There is a short chapter dealing with the scientific aspects of botanical illustration, and another with a broad description of the various techniques used, but neither are covered in any depth.
   
   For those who do not own either of Shirley Sherwood's previous publications, A New Flowering would be a pleasant addition to their botanical illustration library, but I would not recommend it to anyone looking for new inspirational material.



2. Shirley Sherwood and her editors have published a magnificent book on botanical art history. The narrative is well written, the art is outstanding. One walks away from reading ths book a better person.
   
   It is a better book than Sherwood's "Contemporary Botanical Masters" hard cover -- which has some wonderful art by contemporary botanic artists, but was printed cheaply, with many pages of compelling artwork by the best watercolorists looking fuzzy.
   
   Never the less, Sherwood has taken time to organize the best collection of botanical art I have seen. She has done us all a public service by promoting great artists like Jean Emmons, Kate Nessler, Carol Woodin here in the US (just a few of many artists from around the world) and educating this reader of botanical art's history, too.
   
   Ms. Sherwood was on the Board of the Kew Botanic Gardens -- may still be. She is part of the aristocracy of elite wealth -- most of whom are hoarders and greedy. But she has given the world a gift that no money can buy in editing and publishing this book on 1000 Years of Botanical Art.



3. *If you're a painter trying to pick up techniques*, "Contemporary Botanical Artists" would be better because 1) the reproductions are larger (better for seeing small details) and 2) most of the art is from the mid-1990s, so the format might be closer to what you'd be producing (for example, a watercolor instead of an illuminated manuscript), and 3) the reproductions are somehow a little higher quality, to my eye. "Contemporary" is organized alphabetically by artists' last name, which is handy if you like to see one person's style applied to several works, shown next to each other. Also, because most of the paintings were done within the past 12-15 years (vs. 200-1000 years ago) the supports and paints are similar to what's available now.
   
   *If you're a painter and considering different styles of presentation*, the concept of "1000 Years" might be more useful. "1000 Years" presents paintings in pairs or groups, for example, contrasting a fritillaria 'sketch' from Ruskin with a watercolor painting from 10 years ago. The book also includes such different formats as an oil painting on glass, or panels, or illuminated manuscripts. So, if you know _how_ to paint what you want but are looking for ideas on themes or surfaces or styling, "1000 Years" would be more useful.
   
   If you have one volume and are considering getting another, keep in mind that several illustrations are in both books, and some of the commentary is also understandably similar. (I wasn't sure what to expect in that regard...) Both are very nice books and, if you know what to expect, worth having.
   
   On the subject of watercolor technique, I would also recommend "Painting Flowers in Watercolour: A Naturalistic Approach" (C. Guest), more so than "Botanical Illustration in Watercolor" (E. Wunderlich), if you aspire to the illustrations in either Sherwood book but feel stuck at a "reasonable but not stunning" level. In my opinion, Guest's book expects you to be an intermediate or advanced watercolorist who wants to paint flowers, not a beginner painter. The life-size illustrations are also more useful. Btw, C. Guest's work in included in "Contemporary", and S. Sherwood supplied a foreword for Guest's book.

4 comments about Watercolour Flower Portraits.

1. This book is one of the most beautiful art books I've ever seen. The detail on the artwork is amazing. The content is nicely laid out. For flowers or watercolor lovers, this is a must have!



2. For watercolor, this is the best botanical illustration book I've seen yet. Showell is an absolute master, and the illustrations are positively gorgeous. But more importantly, she generously demonstrates how she does it, step-by-step. There is more detail in the lessons than in other similar books. Here is a superb course in watercolor botanical illustration. Be prepared to be inspired.



3. My wife was thrilled with this book that was added to her resources. She has used it already.



4. This book improves on many previous painting books by giving very specific step-by-step instructions. Each step is beautifully photographed and carefully explained. This makes it a must have for both the beginner and the experienced painter.
   
   Billy's paintings bring a contemporary feel to botanical art. Her work is meticulous and detailed. The Artist's talks about all aspects of creating a painting including choosing paints, brushes and paper for the execution of your work. Her comments about composition and her approach to painting help guide you to develop your own approach.
   
   I highly recommend this lovely book.

5 comments about Botanical Illustration in Watercolor (Practical Art Books).

1. Not only is the author a super artist, rendering her illustrations with fine, exacting detail, but she's also creative in the way she frames the subject. She also provides excellent and extremely helpful, easy-to-do (inexpensive) instructions on setting up a studio/supplies, etc. I love it.



2. I am very pleased with Botanical Illustration in Watercolor
   by Eleanor B. Wunderlich. It is a beautifully illustrated book both in presentation and in demos. It combines both worlds of wc and botanical illustration in a clear and precise manor. I would highly recommend this book for both beginner and serious botanical illustrator and/or for a good reference book for your art library. It is a very pleasing book just to browse through.



3. This is the best book on botanical illustration I have found. It is suitable for all levels including complete beginners like myself. Although some artistic talent is certainly an asset, closely following the instructions here will come as close as possible to teaching virtually anyone to paint. From drawing to painting, it offers everything you need to create your own beautiful botanical artwork.

   The book starts out by helping you choose a subject with practical advice on fruits, vegetables, flowers, mushrooms, bulbs, roots, trees, ferns, vines and more. Then, creating a space to work in and selecting materials from brushes to paper is covered. I love the many excellent tips on mixing colors.

   The next section focuses on the many aspects of drawing including setting up a still life, planning the picture and transferring your drawing to watercolor paper. There are detailed step-by-step instructions for drawing a huge variety of botanical subjects including orchids, tulips and foxgloves. I really liked how the author discusses the various shapes of flowers such as round, teacup and tubular and then shows you how to block them out.

   The final section covers the painting process. Along with numerous step-by-step demonstrations on painting botanicals there are hints on correcting mistakes, protecting your paper and tips on painting white flowers. Creating the initial washes, adding shadows, shading, layering and highlighting are included as well. To finish your artwork the author gives advice on matting, framing, exhibiting and selling your artwork.

   The finished illustrations throughout the book are so beautiful. Each one has information on the kind of paper they are painted on, size and title.




4. Not only is this a comprehensive guide to painting botanical subjects, but the book is just gorgeous.

   Drawings and paintings of wild flowers and fruits bring out their beauty in ways photographs cannot. So this book is a really good resource if you like to sketch and hike, or if you garden and want to make a beautiful record of what you see. This is also a great resource if you are getting into journal writing and want to put in pictures of plants and flowers (many people keep a garden record journal, for example.)

   The instructions are very good, from how to draw and sketch plants to choices of color. There are good examples to copy to learn the technique. I don't think there is a better book on this subject, nor a more beautiful book.




5. Since I started learning botanical illustrating I have seen many books on the subject but few have held me spellbound like this one. The intelligence, helpfulness and sensitivity of the instructions would make it a book worth having on their own, but the glorious illustrations will keep you referrring to the book again and again. Their complexity and detail will hold you enthralled.

2 comments about Chinese Landscapes Made Easy.

1. Regardless of your level of expertise, you will find this book useful.Its explanation of papers and brushes is very good. It simplifies brush techniques, use of inks, use of colors.etc. Though everything is concise and brief, all the needed information is there for landscape painting. If you want to do Chinese landscape painting, this is THE book. You will not find the classical approach of working through the "Four Gentlemen", but you will get everything you need to do Chinese-style landscapes without the frills.



2. Hands down
   this is the BEST source of informationa and technique for chinese landscape painting. A must have for the serious painter Joel Smith MD

No comments about Character Animation with Poser Pro (Graphics Series).

5 comments about Developing Vision & Style: A Landscape Photography Masterclass (Light & Land series).

1. I've just finished reading Developing Vision and Style, and I'm not entirely sure what to make of it. The book's images are uniformly beautiful and reproduced very well, even in the paperback edition of the book I bought.
   
   After a dozen or two images, though, all that uniformity starts to grate. It seems to me that there is a certain sameness to many of the landscapes, and it shows up right on the front cover: rocks in the foreground, dramatic sky, optional body of water. The images that don't follow this formula stand out by comparison.
   
   This is a little odd in a book that is meant to be about developing vision and style. Although the authors and other contributors talk at length about their unique visions and styles, there isn't always a lot of uniqueness on display. I was also struck by how little insight was to be gained on the photographers' vision and style: very few were able to articulate what characterized their own work, never mind offer readers useful direction on developing theirs.
   
   The book is beautiful and the notes on how individual images were made are often interesting. The text is not nearly as interesting, though, and the title promises more than the authors deliver. I'll open it again, but I think I'll just look at the pictures...



2. Very good book, refreshing, gave me some ideas. Will have this permanently on my shelf as a reference.



3. I bought this book wanting to learn how good photographers go about developing a vision and a style. I would use that information to develop a vision I could articulate, rather than just stumble around with my current vision, "I take photographs with bright, vivid, happy colors that make people excited." (Boy, does that sound weak. Now you know why I need help.)
   
   I was very disappointed. Not a single photographer defined their vision or told how they developed their own vision, or, for that matter, gave any advice at all about what a vision is.
   
   I had hoped we would be given many different perspectives on "vision"...something like, "Here are the elements and factors that I feel go into making a vision." Given this kind of starting point, I could then add to the list of elements and refine them into my own, private, creation.
   
   Alas, the first paragraph on the back cover of the book really tells you what you will read about throughout the 156 pages:
   "Photographic vision means seeing, as opposed to merely looking."
   
   You hear this same theme repeated in a variety of ways by each of the contributors to the book. It is the closest any of them comes to defining "vision." I really learned very little in this book.
   
   The photos were terrific, but I didn't want to buy a picture book. I really hoped to gain insight into how I could go about deliberately developing a vision that I could explain to others.



4. The title "Developing Vision & Style: a Landscape Photography Masterclass" sounds like it might be an instructional manual. But it is not, at least not in any conventional sense. Instead it is a collection of beautiful landscape photographs, along with a number of opinions, some of them profound and a few sophomoric, about the meaning of vision and style.
   
   A substantial number of the pictures, although by no means a majority, were taken by the authors Joe Cornish, Charlie Waite and David Ward, who are numbered amongst Great Britain's most distinguished landscape photographers. The remaining pictures were submitted by "aspiring photographers" who were invited to submit their pictures. Most of the pictures are of the intimate landscape type rather than the grand view. It seemed to me that there were a great number of lovely pictures of wet rocks and rocky shores.
   
   The photographers were asked a number of questions like "what does vision mean to you"; and "how would you describe your vision"; and "what does style mean to you"; and "how would you describe your style"? Some of the answers are printed in proximity to the photographers' pictures.
   
   The editors claim that the book teaches by "encouraging students...to ask themselves critical questions and to take a fresh look at their personal vision, along with the style they select to express it."
   
   Perhaps this format would have been more effective if there had been some back and forth debate rather than just a collection of statements. It might also have been more like a true master class if the three authors had offered a critique of the vision and style of the participating photographers. Alas, the authors only comment on each others work, and then only to say how good it is.
   
   At the same time I realize that it would have been hard to get any photographer to agree to have his work published if it were to be the subject of a critique. I also recognize that while trying to define vision and style may be difficult for any photographer, trying to get photographers to agree on such a subject may be impossible. At the same time it may be useful for the individual photographer's development to come to his or her own definition of vision and style.
   
   In many ways, readers interested in this topic might do better to read Ward's book "Landscape Within: Insights and Inspirations for Photographers" in which Ward's discussions of vision and style are articulated in a better fashion. For those who want a book to help them to develop their vision and style more than just to define the terms, I recommend an old favorite, Freeman Patterson's "Photography and the Art of Seeing". Moreover, because I believe that understanding the landscape will help one develop one's vision and style. I recommend Niall Benvie's "Creative Landscape Photography (Creative Photography)".
   
   For the creative photographer, vision and style are important issues, even though they may never satisfactorily be defined. If this book can help the photographer toward a definition, it will have served a good purpose. If not, at least there are a lot of lovely pictures.



5. This book, Developing Vision and Style, as with a former book in the series, Working the Light, provide guidance on producing great photographs. There is no discussion of how to operate your camera, or which filter to use, just good images with interesting insights.
   
   This book is soemwhat different in format, as individual critiques by the authors is not present, as in the former book, but there is extended discussion by the authors and the individual photographers regrding vison, style.

4 comments about No Experience Required - Colored & Watercolor Pencil (No Experience Required).

1. I've spent a lot of money on books to teach myself painting. I believed many grand promises made by these books and have found myself more disappointed than successful. Not the case with this one. This book was so easy to understand, I was thrilled to find success at my early attempts. Techniques were explained clearly and the demonstrations were also easy to understand. Highly recommended.



2. The way Gary Greene explains how to use colored and water color pencils makes it very easy to follow the steps. He clearly
   shows what results to get in an easy to follow manner. Great for beginners as well as more advantaged users of these mediums.
   I highly recommend this book.
   
   Constance Hingert



3. This book does a very good job of showing how to use colored pencils and watersoluble pencils both indepently and together. I used it to use watersolubles for large areas and the colored pencils for detail and it helped quite a bit.



4. I have always wanted to learn how to use colored pencils. This book covers the basic techniques of both colored and watercolor pencils and how to combine them. The author does not assume anything and explains basic techniques you can try along with step by step directions for several drawings. I found this book an excellent way to get started.

5 comments about Flowers A to Z with Donna Dewberry.

1. Good solid book, but nothing really stellar. It has some good techniques, but not the Wow factor in many of the other books



2. The product was in excellent condition when I received. I will buy more books from this seller. Very pleased



3. I enjoyed the instructions in this book. First, a detailed explanation of how to complete each type of stroke is given. Then, the book has detailed information on how to paint many different types of flowers and arrangements. And finally,(this is the best part) it goes on to explain how to create original arrangements depending on the surface space the painter has to work with. This book was well written and easy to follow



4. This book is awesome! I have many of Donna's books but this is my favorite. I've been painting using the One Stroke method for about 5 months and I'm HOOKED! I've taken 13 classes with my local OSCI since then, which is the best way to improve your OS painting skills, but this book is a great compliment to those classes. Donna uses about 15 pages in the beginning of the book to go over materials, techniques and colors. Then she covers 50 flowers/blooms using 2 pages for each. The picture of her finished piece is a full page and of course very colorful. Then on the opposite page it lists the brushes and paints you'll need and a step by step guide on how to paint the flower(s). But it doesn't stop there. She uses 14 pages at the end to cover filler flowers and floral composition. Finally the last 2 pages are a gallery of floral project ideas. This is an invaluable resource! Enjoy!



5. I checked out all her books and this one is the most complete. It shows most of what she paints on TV. Her other books cover mostly one type, this is packed.
   
   I can't give you any more details because I didn't purchase this to learn her technique; I am a watercolorist and was looking to see if she had any interesting movements of the brush that I haven't seen yet.