1 comments about On Puget Sound.

1. This is a very nice book, even though I was hoping for something more. The pictures are fantastic, and even though I've lived next to Puget Sound for most of my life, half the images were of things I've never seen. The text makes a good case for people to care about protecting Puget Sound. I hope that many people read it and are inspired to take the bus or use a push mower more often to help protect this fragile ecosystem.
   
   How would I have improved this book? A larger format with larger pictures would have been nice. Its size of 10" x 7" seems targeted at tourists at the Pike Place Market who are looking for a souvenir. That's fine, but I would have enjoyed some of the panoramic shots in a larger format. Also, much of the prose is a bit too purple for my taste. I gather it is intended to be inspirational. Where the text does finally provide some information, I would have appreciated more detail on subjects such as which species are endangered, what is being done to rebuild the salmon runs, and how development in the upper regions of the watersheds affects the health of the Sound.
   
   It's a start, though.

5 comments about Victorian Painting.

1. Although it has been much maligned by critics and art historians, the Victorian period was actually a rich and dynamic era in the arts. Modern art historians have been brought up with the notion that the concept of a narrative in a painting - essentially a painting that tells a story - is either mere illustration or "kitsch." Once this view of painting became the conventional wisdom early in the last century, Victorian Art, so much of which was narrative, was relegated to the basements of museums and even became an object of ridicule. In art history classes around the world, paintings of the Victorian era, whether by Leighton in England or Bouguereau in France, were used as a foil for the Impressionists and early Modern movements. The Victorian era was a sentimental time and there is a fine line between a romantic sentimentality and being overly sweet or saccharine and there were many times when Victorian painters vaulted over that line. However, like any other art form, you only become an effective and intelligent critic of a genre or period when you know it well. And, if your art history courses have taught you to dismiss it out of hand, you will simply be pathologically unable to make intelligent distinctions or draw proper conclusions.
   Lionel Lambourne's book is a comprehensive survey of Victorian Art. It is a massive volume that is beautifully illustrated with exceptionally good plates. All too many art books suffer from poor color, clearly drawn from poor transparencies or scans, but this book doesn't stint on the number or quality of the illustrations, so it will be popular with those who simply want to enjoy the images as well as those who have the time to read the text. The author, who is the head of the paintings department at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, clearly knows his subject well and he has broken the long Victorian era down into logical chapters, beginning with a survey of the "Victorian Art Establishment" and then diving the Victorian period by subject and movement rather than simple chronology. He covers all the major movements such as "The Frailer Sex and the Fallen Woman," "The Pre-Raphaelites," "Aesthetes and Symbolists," and "Childhood and Sentiment."
   The book is not devoted solely to the artists who lived in Great Britain but also includes painters from the British colonies and former colonies in order to show the connections between their art and that of England. Without descending into the jargon that is too frequently relied upon by art historians, Lambourne is scholarly, providing insight into the influences and motivations of the Victorian artists and then explaining why Whsitler and the Aesthetes rebelled against the prevailing style. Victorian painting has remained popular with artists and a segment of the public precisely because of some of the qualities that repell many art historians - the high level of craftsmanship, sentimentality, the narrative drive so common to the era and the moral element that is part of many paintings from the epoch - but in recent years, more and more exhibitions have been mounted and new books seem to come out each fortnight. Now that Victorian Art has regained some of its lost luster and popularity, it deserves to have an elegant book like Lionel Lambourne's "Victorian Painting" that gives readers an overview of a rich artistic epoch.



2. Two of the best books about general Victorian paintings are Lionel Lambourne's and Christopher Woods'. Although both book discuss the same broad subject of Victorian art, they do not seem to overlap each other but instead seem to reinforce each other, filling in gaps where one left off. Don't be afraid to own both books. Both books are packed with beautiful images and interesting notes about so many Victorian painters. Lambourne's book is almost twice as heavy as Wood's but the image resolution is smaller but he seems to give a better account of the events surrounding the paintings. The topics of both books are very well ordered (historical events, animals, nudes, outdoor etc)
   
   In an environment over-saturated with the mediocrity of Modern Art, Victorian art is ever increasing in importance, and no serious lover of paintings should ever be without both books.



3. Judging from the two customer reviews, you either love it or hate it. I have a tweener view of Lambourne's tome. Having a keen interest in the Pre-Raphaelites, I wanted to learn more about Victorian art. I admit I chose this book because of it's size. However, I was pleasantly surprise by its content. I enjoyed his organization, for instead of going from artist to artist, he covered their subject matter and their important artists. It was a good review of the British art world of the Victorian era and some European/American artists who were influenced by the British. Lambourne was both academic and insightful. He seem knowledgeable of aspects of the artists' lives that are not usually in an academic work. The reproductions were great but I was disappointed that some were so small. However, I can understand the design trade off vs. cost of the book. So if you're looking for an extensive survey of Victoria period art at an affordable price, this is your book.



4. Trust me - if you know anything about Victorian Painting you WILL be disappointed. Nice reproductions, though predictable choices for the most part. Platitudinous text.



5. I'M AN ARTIST, AND I IDENTIFIED MYSELF A LOT WITH VICTORIAN PAINTING, I GUESS PART OF MY SOUL STILL LIVED IN THAT PERIOD. TO ME, THIS IS MY "BOOK OF LIFE", IT'S VERY COMPLETE, EXCELLENT INTRODUCTION, MARVELOUS COLOUR ILLUSTRATIONS, AND MOST OF ALL, YOU GET TO KNOW OTHER VICTORIAN ARTISTS WORK. **TRUST ME YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED**

No comments about Representing Place: Landscape Painting and Maps.

2 comments about Story Painter: The Life of Jacob Lawrence.

1. I used this book to do a a repot and a " Master Copy." which basically means i copied some of his work. It was an easy read that really explained his life to me with simple words. The pictures were big and colerful and really gave me the deatails.



2. This book not only offers a well-written, informative overview of Jacob Lawrence's life but also offers snapshots of historical events that were part of his times and of his people's past, which he recounted in his powerful paintings. The book uses Lawrence's art beautifully, showcasing its brilliance while also using it to help tell the often-compelling story of the artist's life; excellent opening quotes in each chapter (from various cultural figures throughout Lawrence's lifetime) also subtly enhance the meaning of the text. Worth it for the art reproductions alone, and a story that shows how an artist and a person can be an interesting product of culture, society, and innate genius.

5 comments about Hilary Page's Guide to Watercolor Paints.

1. 'Guide to watercolor paints' is one of the best books I have ever read on color. Never will you have to buy any brand of color and not know what its made of. From Manufacture to color its all here...
   
   I am giving myself three pats on the back for buying this book and Hilary Page, ten star's for writing it!! Nancy



2. I recently purchased Page's Guide and I'm delighted that I did. Firstly, the book came autographed and with several appended additions to information. Page's dedication to accuracy and clarity is impressive. Secondly, the book has a remarkable amount of information about all the brands of watercolor paint available in the U.S. relating to lightfastness, transparency, granularity, opacity, and so on, and the colors are actually shown in the book. Unlike other writers of watercolor paint guides, she uses all the colors in her book, which makes it sigificantly more interesting to review and read. Lastly, I take painting lessons from a nationally-known artist who has also published books relating to watercolor painting and color, and she recommends Page's book over others. I had already purchased Page's book, so I was thrilled to hear another expert give it praise.
   I rate Page's Guide with four stars because I believe there is always more we can know about art, and Page may decide there's a more detailed edition she needs to publish, and also because actual publication printing inks are not as accurate in depicting colors as seeing the actual watercolor paint on watercolor paper. But for anyone contemplating purchasing Page's Guide, I highly recommend it.



3. I've read dozens of books on watercolor pigments. This is by FAR the best out there. Complete and unbiased information on all the leading manufactures pigments. This is the only book I keep on my studio desk with me at all times.



4. "Hilary Page's Guide to Water Color Paints" is a necessary book for anyone doing watercolor. Her coverage is very through and she also has a web page for updating the information. She compares every well-known brand of artists' watercolors from Holbein to Winsor and Newton and her observations will save the artist, whether professional or rank amateur, both frustration and money. What's more, she tested every one herself! I liked the index, which first lists the company and under each company the colors sold. It makes it very easy to check up on the paints that interest you. Her short introduction on pigments and paints is also quite informative. If you work with watercolor you simply cannot afford to be without this book!
   
   By the way my copy was given to me by my daughter for my birthday and was autographed by the author. The author had also neatly written a correction inside the book. This is a dedicated person and her work is much appreciated!



5. This was the first, and is still the definitive book on the chemistry of watercolor paints. Hilary Page is a fine watercolorist, but her main contribution to the industry has been her copious analysis of the characteristics of various manufacturers, brands, and qualities of watercolor paints. I became interested in the stability of paint in the early 80's while trying to find the most fade-proof pigments available for my own watercolor paintings. I did many of the same tests Hilary did, but no where near as complete. When her book came out much later, I purchased a copy and still use it today. My copy is marked up with notes that I refer to constantly. I feel this book should be on the shelf of any serious student of watermedia.

3 comments about Fairy Kisses.

1. Fairy KissesI love this book. I've looked at many books on the subject but most were the artist's idea of fantasy. Becky suggests they may actually co-exist with us. I purchased it for my grandsons to re-introduce them to the wonderful world of fairies. My wish is that their minds may stay open to the belief that we share our world with many creatures, whether we see them or not. They love it. The book is truly magical.



2. Recentl read this one at a friends office. The art work alone is worth the price of the book. The author/artist presents her subject as it should be presented, innocent, nice and, well...just pretty. I was particularly impressed with the author's presentation of various wild flowers..granted, they are an artist's impression, but are actually quite accurate. This is just a nice, sweet book, well illustrated and well written. Good for young and old alike and a great message. Recommend this one highly.



3. This whimsical book is so sweet, and so glorious. If you like the enchanting world of faeires, or you enjoy her beautiful work with watercolors, this is a must have for you, and everyone on your gift list!!

3 comments about The Encyclopedia Of Oil Painting Techniques: A Comprehensive Visual Guide to Traditional and Contemporary Techniques.

1. This book was everything I'd hoped it would be, and more.
   
   I did do the whole art school thing (twice) but the thing that is so good about this book is that it would be suitable for beginners as well as more experienced artists. The examples given are very clear, but there is no 'here is how you should draw a tree in three easy steps' stuff (shudder!).
   
   I'd highly recommend this book. My only real criticism is that it could be longer, I can easily think of 10 or 20 extra sections that could be added. I will keep referring back to this book again and again I'm sure.



2. A very good starter book on oil painting and techniques. I believe I have used some of the tips and strategies successfully. If your interested in painting, have this next to your canvas



3. This book is a very complete introduction to painting and the many various ways paint can be applied to a surface. The thing I liked best about this book is that it uses more then one artist to illustrate the different painting applications. I have had this book for years and it is my favorite reference book.

1 comments about Cezanne in the Studio: Still Life in Watercolors.

1. ... bought this at the Getty's museum and paid full price so amazon's is a real deal. Was not crazy about Cezanne's oil, but his watercolors are beautiful and style is wonderful - i learnt a lot by reading this book. Totally changed my view on Cezanne. This is the next best thing if you missed the exhibit at the Getty's.

5 comments about No Experience Required! - Water-Soluble Oils (No Experience Required).

1. Water Soluble Oils is the title.
   I was looking for a book that would show and demonstrate
   The pro's and con's of water soluble oils.
   Page 11 is the only page that mentions something about
   water soluble oils and it is of little consequence.
   OIL PAINTING FOR BEGINNERS should be the title.
   This book has a lot of good information for these beginners
   and is worth buying under those premises.
   I agree with reviewer shirleyjones9 (I wish that I had read
   her review before making this purchase.)
   I gave a low rating because I have wasted my money
   because of the misleading title.
   Shame on the publisher/editor/author who are responsible for
   this deception.
   Are there any water soluble oil books out there by
   professional artists who demonstrate the highest level
   of craftsmanship that one can respect?
   Let me Know. Thanks.



2. This is one of the best books I've seen for the beginning painter as well as for the artist who wants a fun refresher course. The author leads you into the painting process with a logical progression covering materials, color, composition and technique. Her enticing demonstrations and skill building exercises make you want to get started right away! Every page is brightly illustrated with Mary's exuberant sketches and paintings. The book is a joy to read and to paint along with the author.



3. A great book for the beginning painter! The book is informative in a simple to understand prose, practical in it's application of technique(skill building exercises and quick tips) and encouraging to the new painter. I believe it makes a novice want to take that first step.



4. This a wonderful introduction to oil painting. True, there's not that much specifically about water soluble paints-but that's easy to overlook because this book is overall so truly motivating. The author demystifies the process with simple and practical instructions that seem almost designed for a child-which is what a beginner at something really is. This book eliminates fear and instills confidence-what else could you want?
   Finally, her paintings are beautiful and inspiring in their apparent simplicity. Get it!



5. Good book. It is great to have a book dedicated to this medium. It simplifies the process of painting with water-soluble oils. It does go through a lot of things that are not specific to this new medium, so a lot of writing is "wasted" on issues that you can resolve with other books on oils and color theory. But, the author does cover everything very thoroughly and clearly.

4 comments about Norman Rockwell's America (Abradale).

1. I like this book for the excellent quality of prints throughout. I also has several fold-out prints that could be used for framing, and a lot of prints that I have not seen before in other books. Nice.



2. if i wanted to have a complete culture in norman rockwell's art now i do.
   this book is a very well made publication.
   the art work is very well presented, pictures are great and high quality.
   great purchase!



3. Great book with 659 illustrations and biography of Norman Rockwell written by Christopher Finch. Rockwell's life span (1894 to 1978) is depicted in his paintings and illustrations including Saturday Evening Post, Boys Life and portraits of the United States Presidents of his time. He captured the every day events and human expressions in his unique style that is very heart warming. This is a true classic.



4. Christopher Finch has captured Norman Rockwell's magnificent and intriguing use of art to compile a work of American History. Each painting featured in the book is an amusing, yet truthful look at American life in the early 1900's and on. This book is a must to have in any home library!