No comments about Gardens in Art (Guide to Imagery Series).

5 comments about Janet Fish: Paintings.

1. This book is beautiful, amazing and insightful! The art images fill the pages with color and I could look at them for hours. The imformation at the beginning of the book is insightful and helped me to realize what a major American artist Janet Fish is.



2. A beautiful book! Of all my artist books, I believe this is now my favorite.



3. I have been a fan for awhile and was a bit set back by the price.( But then Amazon helps immensely here!) I treated myself. What a treasure this book is! It also contains 4 foldouts that highlight and exemplify her juicy, painterly reflective style of work. Each page is more awesome than the next. A real winner!



4. I finally broke down and bought the one thing I've wanted for years. This painter is my particular favorite in realism in current artists. Every hint I dropped to everyone did not get it here, so of course ordering myself worked. I now can see the plates.And the dishes.
   
   This is a book of the paintings of Janet Fish. Do you know her? Beautiful reproductions of her work are found here with that excellent color. Well-done book. She is the master of small intimate scenes of objects, still-life paintings in her hands become grand scale. They are thing portraits, really of highly personal and evocative objects. They hold a mastery of space, time, life composition( these things are connected to her relationship to the world, people/events/memories represented by them), and ultimately are about light. She has been a favorite of mine since 1975 when I first came to know of her work. And saw her. I have painted tied to still life and observations of "small intimate things in a life".I strive to maintain a colloquial, personal "voice" that hints at the rural, an American construct for me, the power in a specific context of ordinariness, the honoring of a simple life. I've been forever hung up in several painters that seem able to take some "things" and imbue them with the "self", different than words, different than say a short story, but just the same insightfulness about the artist in their choices, their moment in time. Yes I finally got to my point. Moment in time. With Fish I always feel a freeze in the one thing we know can never freeze, time. So I've written and worked in similar fashion, and her work was a kind of visual inspiration and teacher. But I saw very few of the great oeuvre of works up until this volume. Precious few pictures I had, that spoke so clearly I returned to them over and over.
   
   Fish is the master of these wonderful, color intensified, light charged, dancing, and hope filled positive pictures. Glassware, her objects speak thing to thing within the paintings. The paintings seem composed to reach out and grab you and like dancing reflections bounce you around the interior spaces. I'm always utterly captivated by her work. Held. Suspended, delighted and in love with the rich color. I'm inclined to emotion, feeling, sensual delight and these paintings are just places I want to remain luxuriating within as if in a fantasy. I have not really seen the entire book yet, though it's three days in my hands. I stop and look and fall into several pictures and put it down to just shake my head at her ability and training. The mark is painterly for me; she was never photo-real to me.Though she can be grouped there. But she was a realist of a sort. It is expressionistic work, it even evokes Bonnard (who I might add completely causes me to lose my reality for the pleasure of his vision) and I'm lost in one work not ready yet to go on to another.Sensualist that i tend to be. If I were seeing them full scale it would be an ultimate experience.
   I read there is an exhibit in New York for a month going on now and I'm hopeful my daughter's college looking will take me there during this time as she goes to her interviews.Did I mention her Merit Finalist status? It may be wishful on my part, but I'd like to see current Fish works.I've seen so few in person where the scale astounds me. From what I see on-line they are growing more elaborated, fragmented, rich with movement. Almost baroque. But who knows, I need to go look.
   I thought of Fish, Chuck Close and Phillip Pearlstein (genius painters/teachers) as the three artists of my college days that spoke to me in work about image making and to finally, finally own this book is really remarkable. It arrived damaged in mid book but I can't return it as I don't want to give it up. Silly but it's true.
   
   Fish is such an accomplished American woman artist. I'd recommend this book to anyone in a heartbeat. I wish I'd gotten it for myself earlier but it was a very nice Valentines treat for just myself, as her work inspires and is such a significant body of art to watch evolve through the pages. So now, for me, she will be associated with Valentines and my acting on a little self-love.(cringe at wording) One day I'll read the text. It'll be terrific, but for now I'm content to bask in the light of her paintings as it reflects through all the pieces of glassware. Utterly beautiful and an illumination of fiery light falling gems. I'm really in a kind of almost heaven.



5. A true treasure of a book; the author's text is informative, cogent, and connective; connecting Fish to other artists of her time and before her time. I had not been a true Fish fan before I read this book, because sometimes my (bad) eyes cannot take in all that she can squeeze into one painting. The information gleaned from reading the text and looking at the reproductions being talked about has widened my appreciation of her, and also awakened me more to the influences of the Abstract Expressionists and other non-objective painters of the Fifties by showing me how much their emphasis on design permeates her very realistic work. Once again, I see that design (composition) rules, whether the work is realistic or abstract or totally non-objective.
   
   If you want to take in art history painlessly, want to grow as a painter yourself, read and study and absorb this book.

No comments about Drawing: Animals (HT12).

2 comments about An Artist's Way Of Seeing.

1. 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.



2. "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

1 comments about Land and Light Workshop - Painting Mood and Atmosphere in Oils (Land & Light Workshop).

1. This book presents some fine instruction and some fine illustrative paintings. The best part, for me, is that Ms. Lewis shows many color mixtures used to achieve many of the specific colors shown in her paintings. You can learn from this book.

2 comments about New Techniques in Egg Tempera.

1. This book provides an excellent alternative method of using egg tempera to the traditional methods detailed in Daniel Thompson's book. The author shows that egg tempera is a lot more flexible medium than many people believe. Mr Vickrey attempts to show how some of the myths about egg tempera are self limiting. Vickrey's paintings themeselves have at times the air of whimsical magical realism tinged with a nostalgia for lost childhood days. They may or may not be your cup of tea, but if you are interested in Tempera painters and the techniques and materials required to paint this way then I highly recommend this book.



2. I found this painter sometime in the 1970's where Purdue University gave him a show. Fascinated by his "clown" picture I soon found a large print of his "Parakeet" and not being able to afford the price of that print, I did it anyway.
   
   Vickrey is simply a classic American Artist. A major artist of that century.
   
   Glad he's still living and hoping to see more of his work in a new book.

5 comments about Visions.

1. The books are awesome for sure BUT I think Amazon should warn buyers that this "book" Visions is actually a hard case containing the books Transfigurations and Sacred Mirrors so that people don't buy both or all of them (as was the case here).
   (In fact, on the Amazon page it is recommended to buy Visions and Transfigurations....)



2. Amazon is great! Got the books fast and well-packaged. These books are amazing, and Amazon is amazing for getting them to me so fast, right before Christmas, and we are all very happy with the transaction. Thanks, Amazon!



3. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, Grey's paintings are intellectually provocative, as they show human bodies as energy forms interacting with other energy forms.



4. This is an amazing collection. If you don't mind spending the money this is the best option for the complete Alex Grey experience. It comes with both of his books in beautiful hardcover format. They aren't just all of his pictures either. There are many, many side articles and writings with pictures describing many fascinating things about his life and works and other teachings. Plus, you get the 6 glossy drawings you can frame on your wall. The book contains close-ups of many of the paintings so you can see the incredible detail put into them. My only complaint is that the little lock on the outside of the whole hardcover casing can be hard to lock because of the books on the inside pushing out, but this is a minor detail. I highly recommend this for anyone craving the complete Alex Grey experience in hardcover.



5. These book and prints give you a very complete look at the amazing work of Alex Grey. He teaches through his paintings. You can't go wrong with this purchase!

5 comments about Painting People in Watercolor: A Design Approach.

1. I did watercolor portraits for a Level I college class. Samples of Powers works were in the book recommended for the course, of which I did not get until the course was over. After getting the book, "Everything you ever wanted to know about Watercolor," I was so intrigued with Powers work that I had to get this book.
   
   "Painting People in Watercolor" is a very thorough book. Powers covers all the design elements and principles of painting and gives examples of each. His style of combining realism with abstraction and the way that he works his portraits in with the backgrounds makes his work both interesting and powerful. My original style was totally representational and I never new what to do with the background. Thanks to Alex Powers I have found a new way to paint that I am very excited about.
   
   If you have any interest in painting watercolor portraits with power, movement and emotion, do miss out on getting this book. I read it twice before I painted another portrait and my work has much more vigor. I'll read this book over and over as I continue to paint.



2. I happen to like paintings that are not completely realistic and that take advantage of techniques such as using unpainted white paper as highlights. I also like artwork that has lots of lost edges, for example a leg blending into the background and your mind has to fill in the line of the leg. I don't care for 100% realism (take a photo), but I am not a fan of completely abstract paintings either. The point is that I already know what I like and don't like, and you too probably have some idea as to what you like and don't like.
   
   Alex Powers breaks down the different design components of art and shows how he emphasizes the components of value and line to create his art work. However, he encourages you not to just copy his style but to find those components of art (line, color, value, edges, shape, etc.) that appeal to you and make your own artwork by emphasizing them. It is his discussion of the these different components and their relationship to one another that makes this book invaluable. For example, if you want to emphasize the use of value then you should deemphasize color. In this book Alex Powers explains why and covers many other similar design considerations.
   
   The text of this book is fabulous and should appeal to any artist. However, I found the text to be a bonus, as the truth is that I bought the book because I liked the pictures (lost edges, etc.). Although, like a previous reviewer, I don't believe the cover is represtative of the work found inside.



3. Well rounded approach that can be used in painting in all media. Although his approach is primarily realistic, the principals work well with abstract and non-objective subjects also.



4. The book is well presented in an easily readable format. The
   subject matter is informative with beautiful illustrations and it would appeal to both the beginner and the more experienced artist.



5. No well stocked watercolor library should be without this important book by Alex Powers. From understanding the human form to a thorough knowledge of design, Powers impacts an artist's skill. The work in this book guides in how to take your portraits from sterile mug shots to emotional works of art, full of drama and motion.

5 comments about Understanding Illuminated Manuscripts: A Guide to Technical Terms (Looking At...).

1. Explains in lay terms the processes used in illuminated medieval manuscripts. Still a bit complicated, but a good resource.



2. This publication using a lexiconary form lavishly displays an art form too long ignored. Extraordinary effort and expense has created a book that shows and explains the accomplishments of a lost art. Any bibliophile, any artist will devour this book.



3. I used this book and the Christopher De Hamel book while I was taking a graduate course on Illuminated Manuscripts. The information was indispensable for the entirety of the course, but it also helped me in future courses I took. It is wonderful to find an academic book that is fun to read! I would heartily recommend it to anyone, and especially to students who are studying manuscripts or merely the art history of the period! It is a most worthwhile investment!



4. This slim volume by Michelle Brown is an excellent resource for anyone who is interested in the study of books and manuscripts (codicology). In a succinct dictionary format, Brown gives definitions of all of the major terms that may give trouble to someone visiting a museum or reading a work by such major writers in the field as Chris DeHamel. Suitable as both a textbook and a companion to books on manuscripts, this book is nearly indispensible to the beginner and the intermediate in allowing some understanding into the complex technical and art-historical vocabulary used in the field.



5. This little volume provides brief definitions of all the important phrases and terms used in the study of illuminated manuscripts including forms, techniques, themes, and periods.

   Great for understanding the differences between an historiated initial and an inhabited initial - or between an antiphonal and a gradual.

   Most of the representative images are in color and are well chosen to illustrate the definitions. Perhaps their only drawback is their small size due to the size limitations of the book itself.

   A great companion while reading to "Medieval Illuminators & their Methods of Work" by Jonathan J.G. ALexander or "A History of Illuminated Manuscripts" by Christopher De Hamel.

4 comments about Artist's Photo Reference: Wildlife.

1. This book is great as regards to being a visual guide of beautiful pictures of wildlife which will help me with my future oil paintings.



2. When I need a reference book it is because I want to see the different angles, and a wide variety of types of animals and activity. This book ventured off too often into a lesson and show and tell for one piece of art. I think that is where the effectiveness is lost. If I want a "how to book" for an art project, I'll get a more descriptive and helpful book. If I want a reference guide to see angles, I am probably going to opt for a photographic books. I still was able to find some of what I needed, but was overall very disappointed in the content of the book and some of the subjects (whale tails and wet otters). I'm not sure I'd waste my money on another from this series.



3. This photo reference is adequate, however, there are much better resources for the artist out there. For example, "Paradise on Earth" by Jim Thorsell puts this book to shame. It is not intended as a photo reference, and I came upon it by accident, but it is a far better reference. The photos are diverse and they are of superb quality. In addition, this is a coffee table sized book so the photos are of adequate size- often in the ARtist's photo reference series the photos are just too small to be of any practical use. Also, the photos just aren't that striking- they don't excite at all. Paradise on Earth will get you feeling creative guaranteed. The bottom line is that there are many books often at bargain prices that don't purport to be artist's photo references that do a better job than this book. I just wish I'd looked around before I purchased this book.



4. This is a fantastic book. It's a must for any wildlife artist and it even makes a great coffee table book for anyone who likes wildlife. The book is just full of great photographs and the step by step paintings are very usefull.