5 comments about Picasso's War.

1. I regret having to give this even one star. The author has thrown up a bolshevik screed that is ignorant of history. His knowledge of the Spanish Civil War seems to be entirely the product of communist propaganda; he even repeats hackneyed lies that Moscow gave up on decades ago! Aggravating the author's political bias and historical shortcomings is his terrible grammar. The author should have written a simple art review for a European, socialist-type magazine and called it quits. HOW did this over-expanded piece ever get published as a book?



2. I'm midway through 'Picasso's War' and so far I'm really enjoying its content. It's a well-rounded account not only of Picasso's famous artwork, but of the history and social context and Picasso's life and personal situation at the time. However, I have one huge criticism, which is that this book is full of grammatical errors - namely split infinitives on just about every page. I don't expect every author who has something interesting to say to have a perfect grasp of grammar, but surely that's what an editor is for? The lack of good editing in this text has quite spoiled the experience of reading it for me. I read very widely and I can honestly say that I've never read such a poorly edited book in all my life. Pocket Books, Simon & Schuster or whoever you are, you've done a very poor job.



3. The book as a whole was rather well written, and, if someone asked me for a good nonfiction book about Picasso, there is a good chance that I would point them to this book. The book had good descriptions throughout, it was written for so that people who had very little understanding previously could understand what was going on, and the book was written so that it didn't have to be read all in one sitting. So, while I probably wouldn't pass it onto others, I feel that it was a good experience to read it.



4. Picasso's War untangles much of the criticism of the artist during WWII for remaining in France. It is an excellent discussion of Guernica--the paintings beginning as rough sketches to the final product. The tragedy at Gernica is discribed vividly, putting the reader at the scene. Martin's take on Picasso is balanced--his outstanding talent and chauvenism toward his many women are discussed. My criticism of the book lies with the total lack of illustrations. As an artist I wanted to see pictures of the initial sketches, the painting in process and a good reproduction of Guernica, not just what was on the cover. The lack of illustrations makes the book much less effective for a visual person, artist or art historian.



5. On April 26, 1937, 100 aircraft of the German Luftwaffe's Legion Condor conducted a three hour bombing attack on the city of Guernica, a small Basque town, then held by the Loyalist Republican Army. The Germans were pressured into conducting the attack by Francisco Franco, the Spanish rebel leader. Guernica was approximately 10 miles behind the front lines and was crowded with retreating soldiers and refugees. The day was the normal market day for the town and surrounding area. Local citizens crowded the marketplace, doing their weekly shopping.

   Two-thirds of the of the explosives dropped by the German bombers were 500 and 250 kilogram high explosive bombs and 20 pound anti-personnel bombs; one-third were 2 pound incendiary bombs. Approximately 1,654 people may have been killed and another 889 wounded in the attack. Reports indicate as much as 70 percent of the town was destroyed, with most of the rest heavily damaged. Fires ignited during the attack are reported to have burned for three days. Guernica fell to General Francisco Franco's advancing army two days later.

   From his home in Paris, Pablo Picasso, Spanish artist and master painter, translated the shock, horror, sorrow and outrage he shared with his fellow countrymen and most of the world's people, into a gigantic black and white mural he titled Guernica.

   Russell Martin tells the complete story of Guernica, starting with the events that lead to the creation of the painting and following Guernica as it moved from museum to museum, becoming ever more the important symbol it has become today - and one of the 20th century's greatest masterpieces. Martin examines Spain under Franco's fascist regime, the storied private life of Picasso, the messages of protest within the painting, and the controversy that surrounded Guernica.

   This painting symbolizes all that is horrible and evil in war, and the resulting suffering that occurs in wars everywhere. "Picasso's War" has been named a Book Sense 76 selection of the US Association of Independent Booksellers. It is extremely well written and fascinating - educational, critical and very personal. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
   JANA

No comments about Creative Watermedia Painting Techniques.

3 comments about Maxfield Parrish: The Landscapes.

1. I was very disappointed in this book. I have been a huge Maxfield Parrish fan since the early 70's. His landscapes are my favorite. But this book has very few paintings from the artist and seems to focus more on the photos of the farm where he lived. I felt that I was very misled by the title 'The Landscapes'. I would not recommend this book to anyone. I thought it was a waste of money. I have seen more of his Landscapes in magazine articles!



2. If I could have found a copy of this book to preview before ordering I never would have bought this book. Far, far too many pages and current photos devoted to the landscape surrounding his home. And as I said before, Is this book about the landscape paintings of Maxfield Parrish or is it about Alma Gilbert and her ties to his life? This book was a disappointment to me.



3. Some of Maxfield Parrish's least known but most vibrantly beautiful works are the landscapes featured in this book. Here is his ultimate mastery of light and color.

   Although commercial illustration built his fame and fortune, Parrish's true love was landscape painting. Many excerpts from his correspondence attest to this fact and provide a remarkable glimpse into the background of the artist.

   There are several pages of photos of Parrish's estate, "The Oaks", which provided the inspiration for many of his works. Now owned by the author, it is evident how these magnificent grounds are reflected in the paintings.

   The book concludes with 34 full page color plates of landscape paintings produced for the Brown & Bigelow Co. from 1936-1963. Having been a Parrish fan for years, I found several new favorites here.

No comments about The Prints of Frank Stella: A Catalogue Raisonne 1967-1982.

No comments about Fred Yates.

No comments about Vlaminck.

1 comments about The Evolving Picture.

1. An excellent example of Mr. Brouillette's step from realistic painting to abstraction. Great inspiration for artists who are looking for ways to stretch their skills, and their vision. I studied with Mr. Brouillette years ago, and this material is as fresh today as it was then. Mr. Brouillette is no longer with us, but through his book, we can continue to learn from his experiences.

No comments about John Salt: The Complete Works 1969-2006.

2 comments about Frank Reaugh: Painter to the Longhorns (Joe and Betty Moore Texas Art Series).

1. This is an excellent book on the artist Charles Franklin Reaugh. However, having seen some of the original works contained in this book during an exhibit at the Bush Library in College Station, TX; the quality of the pictures are not up to par and don't due the artist justice. Should Texas A&M reprint this book I would recommend something be done to improve the quality of the photos.



2. This is one of the few books on relatively-unknown artist Frank Reaugh. Mr Reaugh used watercolors and charcoal to illustrate the beauty of the Texas plain. Landscapes -- especially at sunset -- and , yes, cattle, were his favorite subjects. The book begins with 29 pages of text describing the life and art of Frank Reaugh. Then follows 61 full color plates of his watercolor work. An obscure book on an obscure painter, but very much worth seeing if you like Frank Reaugh or scenes from the Texas panhandle. P.S. "Reaugh" is pronounced "Ray"!

1 comments about How to Draw Landscapes: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners with 10 Projects (How to Draw).

1. This is easily one of the best books I've read that gives very practical tips and techniques with beautiful results.