5 comments about Watercolor Journeys: Create Your Own Travel Sketchbook.

1. I've had this book for a couple of years and it is clearly my favorite since I read it over and over again. The author does a lot of ink sketching with watercolor washes, a style that I find I really like. Good tips on materials and methods, but the example paintings are what keeps bringing me back. I recommend this book highly.



2. Watercolour Journeys is packed full of tbe artist's beautiful watercolour sketches and paintings along with dozens of ideas and notes on how to keep a travel journal. I collect artist's journals and this book is one of my favourites. Richard shares himself as he writes and draws. By the end you feel you know him.



3. This book is a gem at conveying the rewards of creating a sketchbook journal. Much of it is made up of sketches of all types with short explanations about the location of the sketch. In a few cases the author explains how he created some of the effects. So it's not instructional as much as it is inspirational. It made me start sketching anew. Most of all the sketches are so good that they serve as some great examples to follows.



4. My merchandise arrived in excellent condition and promptly. I would definitely purchase again from this vendor!



5. I was overjoyed to get this book. I am working on improving sketching skills and painting skills and this book is an inspiration. It is also a lovely book to just pick up and look through.

5 comments about Best of Norman Rockwell.

1. Ive bought a few Rockwell books recently and must say this has the best color reproduction of any I have recieved so far. I must add that different shades of printing reveal different details of the pictures but this one contains my favorite balance. It also includes many works we may not have seen due to the family ties of the author. I only wish it was a bigger collection. Fantastic.I will have to visit the Rockwell museum in Stockbridge sometime.



2. I've enjoyed the artistry of Norman Rockwell since I was a kid and he remains my favorite artist of all time. As a Christmas present, I was given THE BEST OF NORMAN ROCKWELL. The book is a collection of 100 different paintings and about 50 different sketches and studies selected by one of Rockwell's children, Thomas. Some of these sketches are from the Rockwell family's personal collection and have never been seen by the public before the publication of this book. The first section of the book contains the sketches. The rest of the book is divided into five sections delineating paintings by the decades they were published: 1910-1920, 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, and the 1950s and 1960s are together. Some favorite public paintings such as "Triple Self Portrait", "Freedom of Speech", "Freedom of Worship", "Saying Grace", and "The Problem We All Live With" are found here, but there are also many illustrations in the book that I have never seen before.
   
   This book makes a great gift for any person who admires the art of Norman Rockwell. Also, since the book is mostly pictures, it also is a great tool to use to introduce children to visual arts and try to teach them an appreciation for the field. Finally, reading the book cover I learned something I never knew before: Thomas Rockwell, the "editor" of the book and Norman's son, is a young adult author most well known for writing the book HOW TO EAT FRIED WORMS.



3. Norma Rockwell es uno de los grandes desconocidos artistas fuera de Estados Unidos. Sus cientos de ilustraciones para publicaciones norteamericanas son también un retrato de la vida cotidiana de aquel entonces, pero con un toque artístico muy personal. A través de este libro podemos disfrutar de una recopilación de algunos de sus trabajos más conocidos. Una obra imprescindible.



4. I recently received a copy of this book and found the quality of the prints very poor indeed. Printed in China, they are grainy, at times out of focus and with limited colors on some at least. A few plates are convincing but not many. This a book reminiscent of the art books printed in the sixties and seventies with analogue printing technology. Given the quantum leaps in digital printing techniques during the last ten years, this is just unforgivable. Disappointed that Tom Rockwell let this pass as a book on his father's wonderful work.



5. For many years the art world shunned the 'illustrations' of artist Norman Rockwell, suggesting that his work was commercial and created for the sole purpose of public consumption. But the tables have turned. Rockwell's prodigious output (primarily for the covers of now defunct Saturday Evening Post Magazine) chronicled a time in America in the pre and post World War II tenor and captured the spirit of the country's citizens in humor, nostalgia, celebration and insight in a manner that in many ways held the country together.
   
   Rockwell's many paintings are generously sampled in Rockwell's son's fine book, sharing over 150 works by one of the finest draughtsman and commentators before the public. Now museums clamor for his works and touring shows reveal that Norman Rockwell was indeed a truly fine craftsman and poet. His paintings show life as we would have our memories believe it could be, was, or remembered. Many of the included works are now American icons, but it is the sharing of the less well-known works that makes this volume special.
   
   This is a fine monograph of an under appreciated artist whose time has come. It is a joy to read and share, and mixed with the nostalgia is the reassuring knowledge that times CAN change - a message we all need at present. Recommended. Grady Harp, December 05

4 comments about Plein Air Painting in Oil (Artist's Library Series).

1. This book is simple and straight forward. I really simplifies the whole process of this technique. The author even specifically tells which palette colors to use! Love this book!



2. I am a beginning plein air painter. As a working adult, I don't have time to take a university extension course ot enroll in local art classes. For the time being, I have to make do with instruction from books, and inspiration from published collections, galleries, art shows and museums. I purchased and read a large number of books - in and out of print - on drawing and painting. There is a great deal of fine material out there, but at the very beginning stage I find Frank Serrano's little book to be the most helpful.
   
   Winston Churchill came to recreational painting as an adult, and in his characteristic fashion described, in another very inspiring little book ("Painting as a Pastime," Odhams, London (1965), the essential challenge (facing the blank canvas, brush in hand), and the essential quality the beginner must find within him- or herself: the audacity to put the first daub of paint on the canvas:
   
   "Having bought the colours, an easel, and a canvas, the next step was to begin. But what a step to take! The palette gleamed with beads of colour; fair and white rose the canvas; the empty brush hung poised, heavy with destiny, irresolute in the air. My hand seemed arrested by a silent veto."
   
   There are numerous "how to get started" books in print that deal with oil painting. What makes Serrano's so valuable is it's simple, direct approach to putting the paint on your brush and then on the canvas. It is a quality of this book, and not a failing, that it does not attempt to cover too much material. Serrano sticks to the basics, and describes them with admirable simplicity and directness. His approach is not so simple as to be condescending, though. As a beginning painter, I feel some of the lack of control that I felt when learning to drive. At first there seem to be so many things to think about: mixing the colors to replicate what you see, considering the overall compositional plan of the canvas, keeping in mind the shadows and the highlights. Just one example of a beginner's challenge is to shade the green of the leaves on a tree so that the sunlit leaves are bright and the leaves in shadow are dark, while maintaining the proper character of the green between lit and shadowed areas. The essential value of Serrano's book is that it focuses on the essentials. Any more detail, and the beginner could go into "information overload."
   
   Getting the level of detail is very important in a book aimed at beginners in any discipline. If the student is so burdened with "do's and don'ts" and details that they become confused, or worse, discouraged, the teacher has failed. Yet, there seems to be a tendency for teachers/writers to want to "strut their stuff," to show how well they have mastered the details of the craft. They forget that beginning is not about details, its about fundamentals, and getting those fundamentals right. That's the foundation the beginner needs to progress. Frank Serrano has not forgotten what it's like to be a beginner. Reading his book, I got the impression that Serrano, accomplished as he has become, has not lost the excitement, the sheer joy, of learning. The basics seem as important to him as the more sophisticated elements of the craft. Indeed, looking at his works in the book, on various websites on the Internet, and in person (I own several of his original paintings), a simplicity and clarity of vision becomes apparent. His paintings seem to be as much about the essentials, the basics, of envisioning and experiencing nature as his book is about the essentials of the craft. I've had the pleasure of speaking with Frank on occasion, and I can honestly say the joy and excitement I sense in his paintings are communicated by him on a personal level.
   
   Another aspect of Serrano's book that I believe is important, is that it is informed by his respect for the traditions of the plein air genre. As noted in his book, Frank was influenced by Sam Hyde Harris, who was at the center of plein air activity in Southern California in the mid 20th century. Harris was part of the art community that settled and painted at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains and along the California coast. Harris explored the effects of atmosphere - early morning haze, for example - in his paintings of Pasadena's Arroyo Seco and Los Angeles's Chavez Ravine (long before Dodger Stadium). These and other sites in California and the Western US are the locales in which Frank finds his own subjects.
   
   If you are interested in starting plein air painting, and want a good guide to the essentials without extraneous detail, I don't think you can do better than to buy Frank Serrano's "Plein Air Painting in Oil." You will be learning from a fine artist in the plein air tradition, who has not lost the enthusiasm for learning and the sense of sheer fun that is - or should be - so important to anyone starting out to learn a new craft.



3. This is by far the best plein air painting book for the money that I've ever purchased! It's packed full of easy-to-understand lessons on every page. Excellent for either the beginner or intermediate-level oil painters out there. Advanced painters probably already know most of this stuff, so should probably turn to Richard Schmid's "Alla Prima." I think the only other plein air painting book that's as good as this one is Kevin MacPherson's.
   
   The author presents step-by-step lessons throughout the book, and de-mystifies a lot of concepts and techniques. I think many people will learn more from this book than from a typical plein air workshop as the writing and photos are well-done, and because Frank has put a lot of effort into clear and concise writing.
   
   My only complaint is that I wish it was much longer!



4. This little gem is one of the FINEST how-to books about oil painting that you will ever read, or come across in your life-time. I strongly suggest that you get this book before it goes out of print-and enjoy it forever.
   
   For a mere price of a fish-and-chips order, you just cannot go wrong. But, the problem with that fish-and-chips order is that once eaten, everything is gone forever. You will have this book for as long as you live to enjoy, and possibly to share, if you were to buy a copy. You simply cannot go wrong there. Can you?
   
   The hidden beauty of this amazing little book is that it is only 64 fantastic pages that you could read again, and again without getting bored. Every single line of the text is full of secrets.
   
   Serrano uses only eight oil paints, and three brushes in order to create those depths, and textures in each painting in the book.
   
   When he describes each painting in the book, it is like you are painting that painting by yourself alone, and Serrano is behind you holding your hand with your brush. For example, how to do trees simply, and rapidly without fiddling endlessly with details; or, skies; or the time of the day; or foggy/misty scenes; or whatever you fancy...
   
   I wish I had this incredible book back during my university days...
   
   There are 12 painting lessons from easy to complex topics; and a wonderful gallery at the end.
   
   Here are the lessons: painting step by step; creating dynamic compositions; simplifying a subject; capturing light & shadow; expressing mood; building texture; finding a good focus; conveying time of day; depicting distance; deciding what to paint; using negative space, and exercising artistic licence.
   
   Here are the chapters: introduction; a word from the author; tools & materials; colour in Plein air painting; painting techniques; painting skies & clouds; painting trees/water/rocks/figures; gallery, and conclusion.
   
   This book has taken my breath away. It may take yours, too!
   
   You have nothing to lose, but an order of those stupid fatting fish-and-chips. Get this book, now; before it is too late-if you know what I mean.
   
   Frank Serrano is a disguised masterpiece painter.
   
   (The above review has been written with the British spelling.)

5 comments about Master Disaster: Five Ways to Rescue Desperate Watercolors.

1. This book looked like a good one to add to my growing collection of watercolor books. I got the book browsed through it and thought, well it is alright. Later I was reviewing some paintings for a show, found one that was "just so-so" and thought I would try some of the suggestions from Susan's book, thinking it couldn't hurt. So I scrubbed and cropped away at it. Now, instead of a painting I was ready to discard, I have two purely eye catching watercolors.
   Can't wait to frame and show them.
   This one correction has paid for the book twice over. Strongly suggest it as an addition to a painters book collection.
   Mary Schiros



2. I found the information in this book to be very helpful in figuring out ways to rescue a watercolor painting.



3. Sue Webb Tregay's book, "Master Disaster", is one of the best art instruction books to come along in a very long time! As a professional artist for a number of years now, I was simply blown away by this book. I have never seen, in any other art book, such a widely diverse selection of artwork by ONE artist before! There is something for everyone here. Her ability to paint in many styles with widely divergent subject matter makes this book so unique. Couple that with her lively writing style, and "just do it" attitude, you'll want to race off to your studio to create your own masterpieces!
   Simply put, a "must have!"



4. Susan Webb Tregay presents logical, methodical, and imaginative approaches to "fixing" disastrous watercolor paintings that would benefit painters utilizing all water-media from the amateur to the more experienced. Her book, "Master Disaster" is loaded with great illustrations and explanations that are easy to understand. I particularly like her flexible approach to fixing a painting, and I'm now using many of her suggestions. Additionally, unlike other painting instructors, Tregay's approach enables students to retain their individual style while incorporating her ideas for mastery. Many other instruction books are practically "paint by number" in approach, where you use the author's compositions, color pallette, technique, etc. That approach isn't particularly effective because it produces painting clones of the author. Tregay's approach eliminates that possibility. I think this is a GREAT watermedia instruction book and highly recommend it to others.



5. This book is so easy to follow. It makes so much sense and to think it's the only one if it's kind that I've found. I love it and have used it already to "Master a Disaster".
   Thanks Susan
   Elaine Bailey

5 comments about The Art of Bev Doolittle.

1. Very good book for the price, has a good collection of her artwork as well as information about her processes and her life.



2. I was first introduced to the art of Bev Doolittle when I lived in Alaska back in 1994. I bought my first print in 1997 followed by this book and several more prints. I find her "hidden" imagery fascinating and mesmerizing. I love showing my prints and this book to guests, waiting for their inevitable reaction of surprise when they see the "whole" painting. She really is a rare talent and this book brings her whole collection (at that time) to you. I know some of her original prints are worth thousands now and its unlikely I'll ever own them. But at least I have high quality fold out "mini" prints to enjoy!



3. To be a part of Bev Doolittle's art is, in itself a gift. I saver each
   
   picture as an example of anothers insite into " my West ".



4. The book arrived sooner than expected abd was given as a gift. the receipient was very pleased. I have been very pleased with every order I have received from Amazon.



5. Bev Doolittle's definitive collection (you don't need anything else of hers if you have this one) is a glorious compendium of richly detailed full-color reproductions of her paintings. The optical tricks alone are worth the book's price tag, and the minuteness and authenticity of Doolittle's details rival the paintings of Frank C. McCarthy (another favorite of mine). Anyone who loves illustrations of horses, American Indians, or both cannot call their collection complete without this title.

5 comments about Painting Weathered Buildings in Pen, Ink & Watercolor (Artist's Photo Reference).

1. Even though I use oil and acrylics I can use a lot of the techniques in this book. A awesome reading.



2. I have started back into drawing since I have retired and have been working in pen and ink and have discovered this book. It is a great aid in my work. I review it all the time and have used it to help me get back into the swing of things. Great book!!!!



3. Excellent book with clear instructions,many illustrations to follow and am looking forward to a trip to the countryside to draw some old buildings.I am sure all art studentts will find this book extremely helpful.



4. I really love this one.It has helped me understand alot about drawing and painting in watercolor.



5. I am a budding watercolorist and this is a great reference book on technique and application. I find inspiration in the illustrations and cannot wait to apply them to my next drawing/painting.
   Full of step-by-step illustrations and explanations. Love it.

1 comments about Colour and Light in Oils.

1. this wonderful book is absolutely beautifully executed with the most gorgeous paintings. I am a painting book junkie and this is by far one of the top three books I own. I'd give it a 10 for information and beauty!

4 comments about Vintage Furniture Painting.

1. As an artist, I'm continually searching for fresh, new, inspiration and information. This book presents page after page of beautiful painting ideas and instructions. I was very pleased with the information provided- start to finish, with each project. The beautiful worksheets covering layout ideas, borders, and artwork illustrations were extremly helpful. I have been painting with the one-stroke technique for years and now have a new avenue to explore. This book would be of great value to a longtime painter like myself or someone ready to try furniture or home accessory painting for the first time. I have paid far more for many books that had much less to offer. A great value!



2. As a small antiques and collectibles dealer, I have had the opportunity to purchase hand painted furniture and gift items from Karen Petrus Williams for the last twelve years. I knew she had a book coming out and was expecting great things. WOW!! She exceeded even my expectations. I have purchased books to display with her work in the shop. This review is to encourage other artists to follow her techniques. There is a market out there. Grandma's Keepers Katy, Texas



3. Ok, so I wrote it- this is Karen and I want you all to know I did my best to put everything I look for in a painting book- in this book. As an artist I am very visual so there are design ideas, adaptable patterns, and step by step instruction to turn your simple brush strokes into your own beautiful designs. And all the designs can be used on multiple surfaces- not just furniture.
   My purpose in writing this book was to give you the tools, the information, and the tricks of the trade I have learned for the past 15 years to create your own pieces and enjoy doing it! I did my best and I hope you learn and enjoy the wonder of paint and design transformations.
   And yes I did give it a 4 because I think its good but you always want it to be a little better. If you are an artist you always see where you could make improvements. Maybe on my next book. Thank you for your time and to all who helped me and encouraged me on this project. I truly hope you enjoy this book- but mostly I hope you learn from it.



4. I'm not artistically inclined, but think that after reading this book, I might actually be able to transform one of my old pieces of furniture into something quite nice! The photos and instructions are well thought out. There are patterns to enlarge and follow, too. Pretty much everything you need but paint and brushes is in the book. I'm going to give it a try. I've been inspired! There are 'workbook' pages for vines and roses and so on, so I think I'll practice some of the easier looking ones and then jump right in and paint my furniture and see what happens. Wish me luck!

1 comments about Color Mixing Recipes for Watercolor: Mixing recipes for more than 450 color combinations (Color Mixing Recipes).

1. I've been an artist all my life and yet never really tackled watercolors.
   So, since colors are the hardest part of watercolor painting, especially greens, I wanted a book that I could just glance at and have a recipe for the color I need. Sometimes you can end up with mud, or a color that clashes with your intention of the color you have in your head.
   This book really helps me to just turn a page...pick a color I want and use the right combos to get the tone and hue I need.
   It's a great tool. I highly recommend it for a beginner or anyone just wanting a color reference at their fingertips. It's a lot more time saving than making your own.

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.