2 comments about Lisa Yuskavage: Small Paintings 1993-2004.

1. This is a beautiful volume on an emerging artist whom I find very entertaining. Lisa Yuskavage's work is represented here in dozens of color images - very nice in quality and size. Yes, her work features women with impossibly huge breasts almost without exception - if that's not a subject you care to see depicted over and over then this may not be the book for you. Beyond her buxom subjects, however, these paintings also display a very sly sense of humor and a mastery of her medium. Yuskavage's sense of color is stunning; it's easy to get lost looking at the frothy pastel swirls of foliage and human form - I feel like I'm treating my optic nerves to an ice cream sundae.
   
   If you've seen a little of her work and are looking for more (as I was) this is a terrific book - and at this price you can't go wrong.



2. For an Artist Monograph this book is very well done. The reproductions of paintings are excellent and are the actual size of the small paintings. The commentary by Tamara Jenkins is comfortably readable and informative. The pros and cons of this volume are really dependent on your views of Lisa Yuskavage's art.
   
   Yuskavage paints cartoon like women with huge breasts, impossibly small waists, and googly eyes. Her message is fairly clear: she is presenting the female figure as the sex symbol and mindless Barbie Doll which in any other artist's hands would have feminists up in arms. But since these well-crafted but pungent tongue-in-cheek portraits are painted by a woman, that makes it all an insider's joke.
   
   Lisa Yuskavage and John Currin are the two most well known artists working in this Pop Movement distorted realism that pokes fun at the old Vargas girls and pinups. That is working for them: they both sell their works well. It is just that these works are one-note songs and they produce ennui after the first quick viewing. This book at least lets us see the initial ideas of an artist who knows what she is doing - and making a lot of money doing it! Grady Harp, December 2004

2 comments about The Spitz Master: A Parisian Book of Hours (Getty Museum Studies on Art).

1. I am a definately a layman when it comes to Art History. A friend gave me this book for Christmas, and shortly thereafter a horrible snow storm left us with nothing to do but read The Spitz Master. What a blessing it was to spend hours inside learning about Art History and looking at some phenominal illustrations. As an adult it is nice to read a book with pictures.
   
   As a college student I was skeptical about taking an Art History class. I thought it would be a better use of time studing dead languages and postmodern interpretation of American History. Amidst my confusion an old, very old, exceptionally old, wise Art History professor tried convincing me to take his class. Unfortunately I didn't take his class in order to pursue what I thought was an education. It wasn't until engaging in the Spitz Master that I came to the realization taking dead languages and studying American history through the eyes of deconstructionalist, at that a deconstructionalist feminist was a waste of time. Thank God for Dr. Gregory Clark's book. It has changed my confused life and given me hope, and it is my hope that this book will change the lives the confused undergraduates he teaches. Thank you Greg Clark your work is an inspiration to us all, even monks in Norcia.



2. The Spitz Master: A Parisian Book Of Hours examines a classic work of literary art, created in Paris around 1420 by a team of illuminators including one inventive soul now called "The Spitz Master". Art history professor and scholar Gregory T. Clark informatively introduces and provides a "reader friendly" examination of the history and significance of this work, while black-and-white as well as color photographs showcase pages drawn from the classic work in all their individual and collective glory. The Spitz Master is especially recommended for academic Art History collections.

2 comments about Loose Watercolor.

1. I concur with the above review; this text is absolutely beautiful, and filled with lucid instruction. McClish uses quite a limited palette of colors, and this also is very instructive, because this artist is a master of color mixing and value gradation. The only caveat I would add is that some of the paintings are quite difficult (for me, at least!), and this work is best approached after carefully honing one's drawing skills. For this I cannot recommend highly enough DRAWING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BRAIN and its accompanying workbook. Buy these, along with LOOSE WATERCOLOR.



2. This book is not only filled with Jerry McClish's beautiful paintings, it is the most informative and interesting guide to painting watercolor I've found, period! It is eminently readable, and filled with helpful tips for beginners and experienced painters alike. It is simply the very best book I could recommend to anyone interested in watercolor!

4 comments about The Piero Della Francesca Trail.

1. One of the pleasures of a small book is the ability to savour the author's writing. This volume combines Huxley's essay (which makes the startling claim that Piero's Resurrection is the best painting in the world) with Pope-Hennessy's lucid descriptions of Piero's works. The plates are wonderful and well arranged. PH's swipes at Kenneth Clark and John Mortimer would seem churlish in a larger, more ponderous volume, but are merely charmingly opinionated here. A lovely way to spend an hour or two.



2. This small volume (fewer than 60 pages of text) is well worth tracking down through the 'out-of- print' mechanisms. Originally a lecture, the book introduces Piero della Francesca as a "reclusive, silent, rather taciturn friend", but a friend nonetheless. Mr Henessey's rounded analysis and warm descriptions of both the painter and his paintings certainly allow the reader to establish a relationship with Piero. Depsite the author's slightly disparaging remark about "tourists in their rented Fiats" following the Piero della Francesca trail, I urge travellers (Fiat driven, armchair or others) to increase their knowledge, appreciation and sheer enjoyment of Piero by slipping this volume into their luggage or onto the bookshelf. The book is usefully illustrated.



3. This small volume (fewer than 60 pages of text) is well worth tracking down through the 'out-of- print' mechanisms. Originally a lecture, the book introduces Piero della Francesca as a "reclusive, silent, rather taciturn friend", but a friend nonetheless. Mr Henessey's rounded analysis and warm descriptions of both the painter and his paintings certainly allow the reader to establish a relationship with Piero. Depsite the author's slightly disparaging remark about "tourists in their rented Fiats" following the Piero della Francesca trail, I urge travellers (Fiat driven, armchair or others) to increase their knowledge, appreciation and sheer enjoyment of Piero by slipping this volume into their luggage or onto the bookshelf. The book is usefully illustrated.



4. This small volume (fewer than 60 pages of text) is well worth tracking down through the 'out-of- print' mechanisms. Originally a lecture, the book introduces Piero della Francesca as a "reclusive, silent, rather taciturn friend", but a friend nonetheless. Mr Henessey's rounded analysis and warm descriptions of both the painter and his paintings certainly allow the reader to establish a relationship with Piero. Depsite the author's slightly disparaging remark about "tourists in their rented Fiats" following the Piero della Francesca trail, I urge travellers (Fiat driven, armchair or others) to increase their knowledge, appreciation and sheer enjoyment of Piero by slipping this volume into their luggage or onto the bookshelf. The book is usefully illustrated.

3 comments about Messenger of Beauty: The Life and Visionary Art of Nicholas Roerich.

1. This is an exquisitely beautiful book and immediately transports one to 'another dimention'. Roerich's paintings,his unusual use of colour and hues capture a luminous quality that speaks to the soul. His writing, paintings and travels are a true inspiration of the human spirit.



2. This is an excellent book on the beautiful and inspiring paintings of Russian artist Nicholas Roerich. Exceptional value with 88 colour reproductions of his work. The written material is faultless and fascinating. Roerich was dedicated to Beauty and I find that whenever I dip into this book I am completely captivated by his ability to speak to my innermost heart and spirit through the language of colour and the rich symbolism of his paintings. Fascinated by the legends of Shambhala and the wisdom of the ancients, Roerich's paintings and Decter's words take us on a wonderful journey that will enrich our lives. Roerich was a very deeply spiritual man and so his paintings serve this higher purpose. If you wish to light the inner fire of your spirit through art and beauty, then this is the book for you.



3. If you are looking for a book about the life and art of Nicholas Roerich or if you are looking for a fascinating account of a modern mystic, one of the great men of this time, this is it. The book contains over 80 of his paintings, drawings and theatrical set designs. The biographical accounting is fascinating and inspiring. I found this book very enjoyable and highly recommend it. Also suggest checking out the web site of the Nicholas Roerich museum in N.Y. city. Paul Huston

3 comments about Stubbs & the Horse.

1. This book is outstanding. The plates are all in color and large enough to see easily. Stubbs anatomical drawings are very detailed. I had been having trouble understanding how horses moved before I saw those drawings. Seeing the skeleton and muscles helped considerably. When I took it to class and showed my professor, she got online and bought one for herself. She draws/paints horses beautifully and owns horses herself.
   
   Reading the background information about George Stubbs and the symbolism used in his paintings was very interesting and educational.



2. Excellent purchase. I saw this book in the National Gallery, London having just viewed Whistle Jacket. I wanted it because my own passion lies in painting Horses. The book is full of fascinating information on Stubbs himself, his love of horses and has his excellent illustrations / studies of equine anatomy. A useful and beautiful book filled with his striking paintings.



3. Although arguably the greatest painter of horses to date, British artist George Stubbs (1724 - 1806) would never imagine the prices his canvases would some day command. Some 40 years ago the late Paul Mellon added to his collection of Stubbs's work with a check for tens of thousands of dollars, today anyone lucky enough to come across an available Stubbs had better have a million to spare. London's National Gallery paid 11 million pounds for a life-sized painting of the thoroughbred "Whistlejacket," a monumental work breathtaking in majesty and beauty.
   
   Those fortunate enough to visit the Fort Worth's Kimbell Art Museum though early February of this year will be able to see not only this incredible piece but the finest works of Stubbs in the first major collection to fully capture his genius as a painter of horses.
   
   Almost as good as being at the Kimbell is leafing through "Stubbs & The Horse," an exquisite 256 page volume holding 200 illustrations. Authors Malcolm Warner and Robin Blake present a comprehensive portrait of Stubbs, as Warner discusses the low regard in which the British held horses in Stubbs's time, the surprising connection the artist's horse-and-lion compositions, and the evolution of the English thoroughbred. Offering a different perspective Blake tells us of the Whig nobles who were Stubbs's initial patrons and offers insights into the inclusion of the grooms, jockeys, trainers and other figures in the artist's paintings.
   
   As Warner notes in his Preface, "The horse was at once the mainstay of Stubbs's success and a problem for his reputation. In his lifetime he attracted much praise for his abilities as a painter of horses.......But this won him little prestige in his profession." In fact. During Stubbs's time British artistic tastes ran to paintings of historical events, myths, the Bible, and allegory. A painter of horses was rather low in popular opinion.
   
   Nonetheless, Stubbs persisted in his study of equine anatomy eventually rendering remarkable ink drawings which presaged his later paintings. He would later take these anatomical drawings to London where they were well received, and resulted in several commissions. Eventually he acquired an enviable reputation as an equestrian painter and earned a comfortable living from equine enthusiasts.
   
   Stubbs lived to the age of 81, and died in 1806. Throughout his life many considered his incredibly beautiful lifelike work to be second class. History has deemed it quite differently.
   
   - Gail Cooke

1 comments about Dialogues With Marcel Duchamp (Da Capo Paperback).

1. This interview with Marcel Duchamp by Pierre Cabanne provides clarity to the myth that surrounds Duchamp and his non art. Duchamp gave the interview about 2 years before his death. He answers directly and in context the meaning of his work and non work. Others books attempt to tell us not only what his production means but try to tell us what his words mean as well. This books makes clear that Duchamp did not like the art world (although he used it to his advantage), he did not like art that appealed to the eye, he did not make art, he amused himself making objects and he played games. Its an honest interview and needs no interpreters. You can understand the valve of this mans ideas and what they mean to current conceptual art. Or is it conceptual non art.

5 comments about Fantasy Workshop: A Practical Guide.

1. Truly helpful and a Great Help with learning textures and techniques from professional artists. Certain pictures of Boris Vallejo's and Julie Bell's work are shown in a step by step process that you can follow in your own works. If you are not interested in learning how to paint this book is also a great collection to admire, either way you will not be disappointed. It's truly helped me with my digital painting I cannot wait until I have the free time to practice the techniques shown in the book.



2. The claim that step by step the artists reveal their secrets is a sham, they reveal nothing, and their text is just airy rap about nothing. The artwork must be their left overs, including several pages devoted to a tedious ad campain for a fruit juice. In addition there are several ridiculous repeated images just for fill out. A shoddy and hastily book put together for self promotion. It's amazing how two such capable fantasy artists dont have the IMAGINATION to put together the genuine article. Buy this only if you are a die hard fan with no sense of discrimination!



3. painting technics and a lot of work, and coposition tips. Its not for beginners , but essential!



4. I'm hungry for Boris's painting technique. The first book of his was enlightening but skipped the critical part of his process, rendering the final product. This book gets closer to revealing his and Judy's magic but still left me wondering how many things are accomplished. It is an essential book for anyone fascinated by Boris and Judy's painting technique just don't expect to be shown how they do everything.



5. This book could help any artist; no need to have an interest in Fantasy. Lots of good tips and the art is great. I found it inspiring and anxious to try out all the good advice.

5 comments about The Ajanta Caves: Ancient Paintings of Buddhist India.

1. If you, like me, have never been to the Ajanta Caves and would like to get a feel for the treasures they hold this is the right book to get. The quality of the prints is great - the artistry is beautiful. Very delicate and sensual in most places and quite bewildering in others. At times I wished the captions offered even more insight on the individual scenes but then I remember that this is not what this book is about. It is a delight to simply sit there, browse through this book and imagine what life must have been like in those faraway days. This book takes you places. If you are into ancient India you will not be disappointed.



2. although many of the old frescos hardly survived,
   their essence and perennial beauty remains intact in the excellent reproductions, taken without any flashlights of this masterly book
   I consider this book the most impressive in my big collection of works on Oriental and Buddhist art,
   the expression of the faces, their compassion and their gestures are so delicate
   and well represented in this book



3. If you are planning a trip to India, you should consider visiting the caves at Ajanta. If you are planning to visit the caves, you should read this book before the trip. You will get a lot more out of the experience of the caves if you know the Jataka stories and understand the Buddhist iconography described in this book.

   Even if you have no plans to travel to Ajanta, the boook contains beautiful photograpghs which will make a nice addition to any collection of art books or, for that matter, to any coffee table.




4. The Ajanta caves can be considered among the wonders of the ancient world, both in terms of their artistic and their spiritual value, and this book captures the beauty and detail of the remarkable murals. If I were to make one criticism, it would be that it emphasizes the murals at the expense of largely neglecting the sculptures, which are magnificent in their own right. The book might better be titled, "Murals of the Ajanta Caves." I ordered it without seeing it first, and I was a little disappointed to see how few photographs were included of the sculptures. Nevertheless, the beautiful and clear photographs of the murals alone are worth the price of the book, and I'd certainly recommend it to anyone interested in the Ajanta caves, or in ancient Indian or Buddhist art.



5. This book offers the best color photographs of the Ajanta caves that I have seen. The text offers an excellent explication of the history and iconography of the images. Having been to the caves, I can honestly say that you see the paintings more clearly in this book than at the caves themselves. (This is due to crowded conditions and poor lighting at the caves.) This book is an important adjunct to any study of Buddhist art and inconography. If you're planning to travel to Ajanta, buy this book first.

No comments about The Mural at the Waverly Inn: A Portrait of Greenwich Village Bohemians.