5 comments about Space Art: How to Draw and Paint Planets, Moons, and Landscapes of Alien Worlds.

1. This book is exactly the book I need to continue developing as a space artist. The book has a number of step-by-step exercises, each of different levels of complexity/expertise. Even if you don't use the very same techniques he uses, you can still get a lot out of seeing a painting develop. This development was exactly the Rosetta Stone I needed.
   Thanks Mike!



2. I learned to paint from the wonderful Walter Foster art book series, which featured titles such as "How to Paint Landscapes," "How to Draw and Paint Seascapes," etc. Every niche of hobbyist painting was covered, from sunsets to still lifes. Typically, each subject would be explored through a series of illustrations showing the development of a painting from simple charcoal sketch, to rough color, to the finished work. Popular masters of the 50's and 60's such as Robert Wood and Violet Parkhurst let us look over their shoulders, sharing their "secrets" with struggling beginners. How I wish Michael Carroll's Space Art had existed back then!
   
   Space Art is not a primer on painting, although a beginner can pick up valuable techniques unlikely to be covered in more traditional "how to" books. While there is a good, brief discussion of media and tools, and an excellent presentation on color, the book assumes a basic knowledge of how to mix and work acrylics. What the beginning painter might find particularly useful, however, is Carroll's discussion, throughout the book, on how to "see" -- how to observe and depict the interplay of light and objects and atmosphere.
   
   Any basic art book will contain a diagram showing how to render and shade the cube, cone, and sphere, but Space Art links this exercise to nature in a way that traditional art books generally do not. For example, most landscape artists rarely paint the moon correctly, either depicting it as a featureless white disk or a weird, banana-shaped crescent. This is, I think, because they haven't made the conceptual leap that allows them to see the moon as a sphere, subject to the same rules of lighting as is an orange in a fruit bowl. They don't see the illuminated part of the moon as its "day" side, and the dark part as its "night." They haven't realized that the dividing line between day and night -- the terminator, to use astronomical parlance -- is an arc of an ellipse: the shape of a great circle seen in perspective. After reading Space Art and attempting its exercises, beginning painters will have a deeper understanding of light and shadow that will make them better artists in any genre of painting.
   
   Space Art takes the reader through fourteen exercises, ranging from the the almost mundane -- "Earth seen from the Moon" -- to the science-fictional landscapes of extrasolar worlds with binary suns. Brief essays by established space artists punctuate the exercises. These essays touch only lightly on technique, but delve more deeply into how space artists interpret the raw data of science and apply this knowledge to imaginatively portray a subject in a way that transcends a mere photograph. The sample illustrations by these guest artists range stylistically from plein air sketches to digital photographic realism. Carroll wisely restricts his exercises to techniques available to the beginner. Although he may sometimes use the airbrush or computer in his commercial work, subtle gradients in the exercises are created using fan brushes and sponges.
   
   Space Art is not only a useful book, but a beautiful one, well printed and rich with color. A reader is likely to learn a bit of astronomy and geology along the way, and Carroll's impish sense of humor comes through in the text, maintaining the friendly tone of a teacher who loves his work. Again, I wish some time traveler had brought this book to me forty years ago. Highly recommended for beginning -- and developing -- artists, in any genre.



3. SPACE ART: HOW TO DRAW AND PAINT PLANETS, MOONS, AND LANDSCAPES OF ALIEN WORLDS comes from a leading astronomical artist who explains the basics of styles and paints needed to produce the hues and excitement of alien worlds. Carroll has been a professional space art painter for over 25 years: his experience lends to a blend of science and art ideas which not only provides an overview of techniques, but provides some fourteen paintings, building in complexity, for step-by-step teaching. Any general-interest or art library will find it easily accessible and a popular pick.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



4. I bought this book to gain an idea of how to paint western backdrops for a model railroad. The book is thouroughly illustrated with progressive views of how to create different images. Work of multiple artists are presented, so it goes beyond just one style. Explanations are given over the use of color. I have found it to be a very useful guide, and did I mention, it has lots of pictures!



5. Michael Carroll has written, once again,a very fine book. This one meets a specific need in the artistic painting market of today. Space Art is a unique topic that is a favorite of the author's and it shows. The narrative is presented clearly with step-by-step, easy-to-follow directions, including which colors to use, how to create textures, and specific tricks of the trade used to make the artist's space paintings as realistic as possible. The book portrays painting lessons, with colorful thumbnail views, for all levels of students, from beginners to intermediate through to advanced. Michael has also included educational highlights to broaden the painter's knowledge of his/her favorite space subject as they seek to broaden their painting experience to include the wonderful world of Space. It's a great book and very helpful.

2 comments about Pierre Bonnard: The Work of Art, Suspending Time.

1. For me, and I am not an expert, Pierre Bonnard was the 20th century's greatest artist, not Picasso because Picasso had no tenderness in his painting. This book is a beautiful collection of Bonnard's work, the color plates are superb and the accompanying text is excellent. I highly recommend it.



2. This book makes me want to see a Bonnard "in person"! The publishers did a fabulous job of depicting the dreamy and lush colors of Bonnards paintings. Faintest shades, brush strokes, lines, tiny details -- it's all visible, and everything contributes to the liveliness of the reproductions. It is certainly hard to capture the emotions that a painting exudes in an art book, and I have not often come across such quality prints.

No comments about A Thing Among Things: The Art of Jasper Johns.

5 comments about Painting Pets on Rocks.

1. It has beautiful painted rocks in it and shows just how easy it is to paint rocks. I am not a real good painter but, I do plan to give it a try. Instructions and ideas in this book are great even for a beginner like me.



2. I couldn't help it, it sounded so fascinating when I was invited to a "rock party". A friend held it, and all of us got together at her place. She had a bunch of field rock, (though I've heard smooth river rock is good also) and she had cleaned them all up and they sat, waiting on her front step. We took turns choosing the rock that "spoke to us" and brought it into the house for some good old fashioned gossip and a fun project with friends. Oh, yes, we had doubts! Halfway through those rocks were UGLY, and we took a few chip and salsa breaks so we could look at them from a distance (they looked better that way- Laugh!). But- amazingly enough- when we finished the last step, perfectly outlined in the book- our rocks looked GREAT!! I actually DISPLAY mine in my little rock garden, and get so many comments on their "uniqueness". What a fun idea! And takes almost no $ to get started, if you're like me, you already have the simple materials lying around from previous projects!! Great book, simple instructions, great tips and pointers- even for the novice.



3. Painting Pets on Rocks is a fabulous step by step instructional book. My students (1st through 7th grade) created fabulous rock paintings following these easy-to-follow instructions.



4. Super, these books by Ms. Wellford are illustrated so beautifully that ANYONE could paint animals and such on rocks. Her directions are not only the written word, but also demonstrated by showing the drawing from the stones to use, preparing the stones, sketching from "square one" on thru the completed reproduction. These books are a MUST for any rock painter enthusiast.



5. A new meaning to the words "Pet Rock":

   Lin Wellford has out-done herself again! I just can't get enough of her books! For those of you who have not read any of Lin Wellford's books, let me tell you, IT'S TIME TO START! In "Painting Pets on Rocks" you learn how to paint your dog, cat, fish, and even your pet bird! The book doesn't just show you one type of dog, or only one cat. Lin gives you instructions on how to create many different rock pets. From Dalmations to bulldogs, tabby cat to siamese...this book has it all.

   Even if you have never painted before, you can do these projects. The book has full color, nearly step by step photos with the step by step instructions. As with all Lin Wellford books, her instructions are written for the beginner and it is amazing how well your pet rocks come out.

5 comments about Pennsylvania Impressionism.

1. This is a very thorough complilation of works by many well known or slightly known painters of mostly Eastern PA. There is ample reading and explanations of their influences, theories, and philosophies on art. It was interesting reading about how interconnected so many of them were. And ,oh yes, the pictures were very nice too.



2. This book has many, good-sized, excellent color reproductions of work with an interesting history of the New Hope artists. There are also succinct biographies of each of the major artists of this regional school plus a list with images of many of the lesser known people.
   The last chapter of the book discusses the framemakers in the New Hope region who were part of the arts and crafts movement which is an interesting piece of art history in itself.
   Mention is made of the "Pennsylvania 10", a group of the prominent women artists in this area, and a chapter could have been created to feature them, but they are worth a book unto themselves.
   For anyone interested in American art, American Impressionism, and that period during the first half of the twentieth century as art moved from representational concepts to abstract and non-objective concepts, this book is worth having.
   For artists who are working in this representational manner, they will find a wealth of ideas from these painters in terms of technique, design, and concepts.



3. Pennsylvania Impressionism opens with an introduction explaining the origins of painting in the area, followed by a somewhat pensive and personal mediation on art both, by Brian H Peterson; followed by two further discussions of art in Pennsylvania by Sylvia Yount and William H Gerdts respectively. Then comes the main colour plates section along with the artists' biographies. This is followed with entries for other associated artists and comprises brief descriptions accompanied by a representative thumb-nail illustration of each artist's work. The book concludes with two bibliographies and other lists.
   
   This is a beautifully illustrated volume, the introductory chapters are illustrated, the colour plates section amounts to nearly two hundred pages, and along with the concluding section the full colour illustrations number three hundred and sixty nine. In the colour plates section they are arranged one and sometime two to a page and the standard is good, often revealing the quality and texture of the paint. However it should be noted that even the full page illustrations in fact rarely occupy more than half of the total page area, leaving the image surrounded by a lot of white space.
   
   This is an attractively laid out and beautifully illustrated book, and the paintings themselves are absolutely superb.



4. This book provides a thorough survey of the Bucks County "Impressionist" painters. Plenty of good quality visuals, excellent as a resource. Particularly of interest to people in the Bucks Co, PA area.



5. Excellent history of an important period in American art. Outstanding production - paper, color plates and binding. Efficient processing from Amazon.

5 comments about Airbrush: The Complete Studio Handbook (Practical Art Books).

1. This book is great for beginers and good for someone a little further along. It gives you most airbrush tricks that you'l need to paint whatever you want to paint.



2. I hate to gush but this is, imho, the single best book on airbrushing that I've seen. It covers technique from beginner to advanced. The instructions are straight forward. I suppose they could seem boring if you're an advanced artist. Since I learn from even a rehash of what I already new, I wasn't bored.
   
   Unlike other reviewers, I wasn't disappointed because it doesn't cover painting motorcycles or helmets. The title is fairly straightforward and a good clue to what the book covers. If you're only interested in painting motorcycles, try How to Custom Paint Graphics here on Amazon.
   
   If on the other hand, you see an airbrush as another tool in expressing yourself through art, get this book. Vero is a master at solidifying visualization. He introduced the use of shields and the book contains a template for his design for one of the most versatile shields around.
   
   When you aren't using it for reference, I recommend putting it on the coffee table. People who drop by my apartment are instantly drawn to the cover which features an illustration of Vero's "Study of a Girl". Instant conversation starter!
   
   Rado Vero is recognized as one of the greatest illustrators who ever lived. Reading his thoughts on airbrush and different ways to create are as invaluable as reading Da Vinci's ideas on creating perspective. It didn't bother me that it was first printed in 1983. Nothing in this book has been outmoded. In fact, many of his ideas, such as use of shields, are now the standard in art schools. I expect it to be equally as valid in 2083.
   
   I have bought multiple copies of this book and given them to friends who are just getting into airbrushing. I expect that I will buy quite a few more before it's over.



3. ... this is the one.
   
   Covers the mechanical stuff more briefly than many, and has a nice section on fixing problems, including straightening a bent needle. Gets briskly on to the =use= of the thing, and runs a series of exercises to help you get the hang of techniques, including learning how to draw freehand. This guy is not hung up on anal-compulsive frisket cutting, but recommends a "universal mask" you can make out of a styrene or metal sheet that will do for a lot of work.



4. Excellent book however as the title states relates mainly to studio applications and technical details. Not really applicable to air brush enthusiasts wanting to style cars or helmets etc.



5. Service was great and the book was awesome. Answered every question I had and taught me things I never thought of.

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

1. When one has a stack of failed watercolors this book is a blessing. And I'd like to meet the learning watercolorist who hasn't such a stack.
   I would recommend this book to all students of that medium. Those who confess to not knowing everything there is to know!



2. 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



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



4. 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!"



5. 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.

3 comments about Watercolor for the first time (For the First Time).

1. "Watercolor for the first time" is a beautiful how-to for the beginning watercolor artist. The book is divided into the following 4 sections:
   
   Section 1: Getting Started
   Section 2: The Basics
   Section 3: Beyond the Basics
   Section 4: The Gallery
   
   The book begins by providing the reader with instruction on what tools to use (specifically, which brushes, what kind of paints and colors and what other materials are necessary). Next, the author instructs the reader on basic techniques, including how to create basic washes, controlled washes and how to add detail to one's paintings. Beyond that, the book provides the reader with instruction on how to complete specific projects- such as a black-and-white painting, how to capture difficult material in one's painting (such as drapery or glass) and how to use masking fluid to show crisp, white space.
   
   All of the instruction in this book is accompanied with large, glossy pictures and clear, concise explanations. The format of the book is nicely done and not overwhelming to someone just starting out.
   
   Section 4 is particularly notable- as Mr. Fluckiger presents a gallery of his beautiful paintings. His style is quite impressive- as he is able to bring an inspiring and unique realism to watercolor.
   
   I highly recommend this book!



2. I absolutely love this book. It is so well explained, with so many details. He tells you which brushes to use and when to change them. The pictures are amazing. This is truly a keeper. You can buy this book without any reservations, there will be no regrets, I garanty it.



3. This book is beautiful. Mr. Fluckiger's artwork is a joy to look at. The instruction extends from very basic, what products to buy and where to find them, to more complex techniques.
   I have enjoyed painting greeting cards and small pictures, while my father, whom I gave this book as a gift, was inspired to paint our family home in watercolors. The results have been fun as well as beautiful. We would never have attempted these works without the inspiration provided by this book.
   I recommend it to anyone with even a slight interest in dappling with watercolors.

5 comments about The Sierra Club Guide to Sketching in Nature, Revised Edition.

1. I was looking for a book to go through all aspects of nature sketching and journaling. This is the book! I have lended the book out to other sketch artists and they found it very useful as well. Lots of pointers on different types of sketching and FANTASTIC illustrations. It it worth purchasing just for the illustrations alone. I would recommend this book to ANYONE who is interested in sketching nature.



2. I loved this book. I am a beginner and it was an excellent resource.



3. I am a novice artist and need all the tips and help I can get. This book is a big help and I refer to it frequently.



4. This book provides a tremendous amount of information on sketching in nature but don't let the title fool you- this is a terrific general sketching and drawing book. Johnson covers topics that are rarely covered in other books. The use of pens, watercolors, pencils and colored pencils (both water soluble and not) are covered. This is an invaluable book and is an asset to both the beginner and more advanced student. I'm on Amazon right now trying to find other books by Cathy Johnson- I'm that impressed.



5. This is a very refreshing book. Cathy Johnson not only makes it look easy to draw and paint loose, yet accurate, watercolor sketches outdoors, but she tells you everything you need to know. This book will actually teach you how to draw and paint what you see, without making things overly complicated. Best of all, her supply list is well within the means of most people. I really enjoyed this book, and learned a great deal from it. This summer, I caught Lyme disease. It's nasty. For months, I could hardly walk, let alone hike and garden and do stuff I used to love. But Cathy's book has helped draw me back outside, and I'm learning to love nature all over again, one leaf, flower, and bug at a time. This book would make a great gift.

5 comments about Artist's Manual: A Complete Guide to Paintings and Drawing Materials and techniques.

1. I'm incredibly impressed with this book. Anyone with a twinkling of creativity could pick it up and begin almost anything. I found this in a bookstore and vowed I would own it. It's beautifully photographed and illustrated as one might expect, but often can't find in art guides. The text is right on the money. In my opinion it's the most comprehensive guide out there and it doesn't just cater to beginners, which is why I was so taken with it. I've been dabbling in the arts since I could walk and wanted something that might cover some of the mediums that I haven't experimented with yet.
   
   The chapters are divided into: Supports, Drawing Media, Painting Media, Color and Composition, Subjects and Themes, The Studio, Reference. I was especially impressed with the Reference section, as this was one of the first general art guides I'd found that carried health and safety info as well as a list of suppliers. The artwork examples in each of the sections are really well chosen. If I were an art teacher, I would make this text required reading material. It's intelligently written without being dry, boring, or patronizing. And never overly simplistic--a huge bonus if you're tired of pat-on-the-head guides.



2. I'm a true novice, a friend once said I like to "color". She may be right!

   I find this book informative (basic info for people like me who didn't go to art class in school) and inspirational. I love the art in it and the collage with art materials on the cover and throughout the book is stunning. A must even for us non-artists!

   I bought the book a few years back and still dig it out when I feel the urge to be creative. That to me is a sign of a good book! It is a book that I look at over and over again, and doesn't get "dated".




3. This is a good book to become familiar with a wide range of materials and basic techniques. Appearance wise, it is heads and shoulders above the competition.

   However, the text itself is more of a dummy's guide to art materials. Essentially, it gives enough information for someone to be able to communicate effectively with others on the subjects. It gives some basic instructions, which are perfect for someone with little background in the subjects.

   I would really give this text two scores, one on the body of content, and another on its helpfulness to amatures. The scores would probably be a 3 and a 5.




4. I received this book as a gift, but I have been eyeing it for a few months now. I have looked through this book a hundred times now in the few days that I've had it. It has all the information to answer all of your questions that you could EVER think to ask. With out this book I would barely know where to begin in my studies. It has information on supports and painting media covering oil painting and water colors and acrylic. It has information on drawing painting, everything you could think to draw with, there are techniques in this book for it! And even as wonderful as that sounds, it still gives information on how to go about choosing your subject, and where you should put your studio. I absolutely love this book. The pages are so crisp and clean now, but not for much longer.



5. This book gives good, basic descriptions of a wide variety of drawing and painting media and techniques. The photographs and illustrations are easy to follow. The organization is well thought out. However, if you are looking for a substitute for Ralph Mayer's ...... "The Artist's Handbook of Materials and Techniques," this book will not have the technical depth you may want.