5 comments about Shape Of My Heart (Art & Poetry Series).

1. What a great blend of poetry and art. I loved both and will have on my coffee table for many years to come.



2. It is clear that Sting loves Picasso's Art but this book is not but a small step in the very long path trought the human heart that the two atrists shared in so many points.
   Just a blink: a little thing that doesn't show the glory of Sting and Picasso. Quite an artificial mirror.
   Let's continue searching, we will find a much greater treasure.



3. Okay, so Sting and Picasso didn't really collaborate together on this, but the combination of Sting's lovely lyrics and Picasso's abstract art results in an absolute treasure of a book. This beautiful book is a wonderful way to appreciate (or be introduced to) the work of two diverse artists. In this context, Sting's lyrics really demonstrate their worth as poetry.

   Parents beware, however, that some of the art work contains some of Picasso's dark images and some nudity. It may not be something you leave on the coffee table, though it is a beautiful book.

   The Art and Poetry Series is a great idea, well executed. I recommend picking up other titles in the series.




4. I bought this book for a friend of mine. It was a perfect mix of art and words. The Picasso's are perfect for the lyrics. I have a few of these books and they are nice for any art lvoer's collection.



5. he plays for us all. Sting's song is a haunting, beautifully composed melody from one of the most intelligent song-writers of contemporary times; beautifully if not always ideally complemented by Picasso's artwork. The marriage of poetry and art was slightly more successful in the case of Matisse and Leonard Cohen (Dance Me To The End of Love), and in the case of Cummings and Chagall (May I Feel? Said He), but it is still of a very high standard. Had I not already experienced the other two books, I would certainly have believed that this was the best of its type. The layout and font is as always, perfectly chosen, and the book is a great pleasure to look at, like all the books in this series. It is a must-buy by any standard, anyhow! A friend tells me that this is the song played in the film "Leon", so there's a film which I must watch in the future! I hope that everyone who enjoyed this book goes on to find the rest of the books in this sequence, and discovers what a really good combination of words and images can be like.

2 comments about Sumi-e Kit.

1. I agree with Ann. I have been teaching and practicing this artform for a number of years and purchase most books I find on the topic. This one is among the worst. There are no clear instructions, very poor quality equipment, and I suspect if this was a person's first introduction to brush painting it would be their last. Instead, see Ning Yeh for the very best instruction manuals and videos, along with some very good introductions by Pauline Charrett, Susan Frame, Jane Evans and Nan Rae. The best brushes and authentic chip colours can be ordered from Ning Yeh at AOS, and the best paper, ink and stones, along with high quality brushes from Acornplanet.



2. Don't buy this book because of its cover illustrations. I did and was disappointed that there were no lessons or illustrations in the book for the bird painting or the fish on the cover.
   Incidentally, the illustrations in the book are poor. I suppose the directions for painting are okay, but the point of example and illustration is to inspire the artist to want to paint beautifully.
   The supplies (3 brushes, ink stone, ink sticks and paper) in the kit seem okay but I was so disappointed in the book I am returning it without using the supplies.
   In my opinion, Ning Yeh's book Chinese Painting: An Instructional Guide, is much better and has all the subjects and more. Sumi-e is based on Chinese brush painting so the styles are much the same.
   If you are looking for a kit that has everything you need and you just want to try Chinese brush/Sumi-e, the kit I first used was Chinese Brush Painting (masterclass) by Pauline Cherrett. If you decide you are serious about brush painting get Ning Yeh's book (or books) and visit his website:

1 comments about Sister Wendy's Grand Tour: Discovering Europe's Great Art.

1. In a world where so many things compete for one's attention, the world of fine art is often overlooked for more contemporary and, as we often see it, more relevant media. This book opened up a whole new world for me as I read it, on an eight hour flight home to my native Britain from the US. I've since taken several art history courses and read a great deal more. Sister Wendy has had her critics in the art world, invariably from those elitists who would use art as a means to promote themselves, and perhaps don't wish to see any kind of knowledge or familiarity of great art trickle down to the person in the street. Sister Wendy, far from popularizing art in the trendy sense, individualizes it, not by personalizing it, but by humanizing it. While some of her interpretations may not always coincide with the the received criticism, she does something far more important and far more indicative of the true Christian nature of the woman; she humanizes it for us and thereby makes it accessible. What once looked like a painting of some people from the past on a balcony is now a comment on ourselves and our society, as relevant today as when it was painted, and that is the great truth Sister Wendy gave me: that art is not something to be afraid of but, like the great literature and music of the ages, with which many of us are infinitely more familiar, art is as important and as rich a source of the human experience, its moments and its continuity, as is any novel or symphony. I used to think that it was only given to a few people to really understand art, and that "I must not have a very visual mind" but I failed to see what is, in retrospect, quite stunningly obvious. Art was always, after all, meant to be seen, and with a little work to understand the references in a work, which viewers of the time would have often have immediately understood, and by not being afraid of it or thinking it obscure, one can find every bit as much satisfaction and humanity in a work of art as one can in literature. For me literature was always my habit, now, thanks to Sister Wendy, I have an art habit (all accusations of a very poor nun pun there are denied in the strongest possible terms). To be honest, I wasn't even all that interested in art. I knew nothing about it and didn't try to find out with any seriousness of intent, mostly because I thought it was all too terribly serious in itself and the arty people I knew all took themselves way too seriously. So, to her critics, I say, Sister Wendy has done more than anyone or anything I have encountered to truly bring art to the people, where it is meant to be. She does not jealously guard her knowledge of art, only to be shared with an elite few but, in true Christian spirit, is spreading an appreciation of it to those who might not otherwise care all that much, and gently opening up whole new amazing worlds for them. I thoroughly recommend this book to everyone.

No comments about Nature and Culture: American Landscape and Painting, 1825-1875, With a New Preface.

1 comments about Louis Wain - The Man Who Drew Cats.

1. I can't put this book down! In addition to the MANY charming and intriguing drawings by cat artist Louis Wain, Mr. Dale includes a wealth of information on his life, history as an artist, and personal struggles. It is extremely well written and as entertaining as it is informative. Best book on the subject of Mr. Wain and his art I have yet to read.

5 comments about Watercolor Class: An Innovative Course in Transparent Watercolor (Practical Art Books).

1. I have taken classes with Michael Crespo while he was Dean of the Fine Art School at Louisiana State University. He is an excellent instructor and professional artist. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in watercolors. Since my education with Michael at LSU, I have become an art director working in Europe for magazines and newspapers. I used what he taught me in his classes to accomplish many of my illustrations for professional publications. Many of his art students published in this book have gone on to professional art careers all over the world, such as Regina Tuzzolino, who worked as a professor in New Zealand while her spouse was working on graphics for the Lord of the Rings film. Michael encourages his students and inspires them to continue his spirit of teaching artists. I highly encourage you to pick up this book and learn from the lessons provided. They are lots of fun and great for working quickly in the professional world as well as at home.



2. The title of this book is misleading it says its equal to 1 year of water color lessons. The book is divided in "days" of lessons but all that it does is explain water color techniques wich take about half a page then proceeds to show you examples of his students and explains each and every one of them in incredibly boring and painful detail. I already read about half of the bookand find it lacking as a learning guide. This book is only good as a compendium of Watercolor techniques and methods, if you skip all worthless reviews wich are about 3/4 parts of this book that is...



3. The book is based on art courses the author taught. Unfortunately, I don't think the author is a very good painter, so it is hard to take the lessons very seriously.

   The book has some worth, teaching you how to see shape, then shades, composition, and then executing paintings. It builds one lesson on another. But the bottom line is the paintings aren't anywhere near as good as Jan Kunz, or other well-known artists. So it is hard to take the author's advice.

   I am sorry I bought the book, and will probably sell it to someone else. But if you like the author's paintings, you will enjoy this book.

   What would I reccomend instead? 'Watercolor School' by Hazel Harrison, or "Painting Beautiful Watercolor from Photographs" by Jan Kunz.




4. As an addict of how-to art books, Michael's are the ones I return to constantly. Whether you're a beginner or a regular watercolourist you'll find all his advice useful; his assignments challenging. Best of all are the examples of his students' responses to the assignments, with Michael's appraisals and comments.So supportive always - he just makes you want to try it for yourself. Let's hope Michael Crespo's out-of-print books get to be republished; I'd love to see the one on oils...



5. Woody Allen said that "Ninety percent of success in life is just showing up." This is true for art skills too. Crespo has made this easy in this book. He helps us to realize that our efforts are art and that art should be fun.

   For example, Crespo's Day 1 of the second semester is an exercise encouraging artists to "begin again." He stated, "Remember: relax, love what you're doing, and don't take yourself too seriously. Let your critics do that" (p. 138).

   I am starting through this book for the second or third time. I don't know if I will ever be a famous artist, but now I know that I am an artist. Crespo's exercises help me find work to do and help me to focus on principles. Every exercise yields one or several paintings that I can display. Right now I am doing a series of 3 paintings. One in normal value, one in high key and one in low key. I am having a lot of fun.

   The exercises have really helped me improve over the years. Anyone can learn something from this book. But the best thing is that you can feel good about what you are doing. You always have plenty of critics; Crespo is someone who encourages you to suspend criticism and to enjoy creativity and growth.

3 comments about National Gallery of Art: Master Paintings from the Collection.

1. My mother was so pleased to receive this as a gift. She was impressed with the quality of the prints. She said she would get hours of enjoyment out of it.



2. I purchased the earlier book by John Walker very inexpensively (used) and was disappointed to recieve it musty and in bad condition. Nevertheless I found the book enjoyable enough to throw that one away and try again with this edition at a much greater price. It was worth every penny spent on both. The selection of works displayed and the quality of the illustrations are both excellent. The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is that many of the illustrations are half page in size even though the entire page is devoted to them - to waste so much space instead of making the illustrations larger is sinful.



3. This book presents a survey of paintings in the National Gallery, Washington DC. It more or less replaces the old volume written by the late John Walker, the former director of the institution. That book was out of date and didn't include paintings which have been acquired over the last several years. The new book brings the gallery's holdings up to date. The reproductions are very good (but not great) and the commentary is better than average. Unlike the Walker book, this book is a bit more selective and doesn't try to include the kitchen sink. My major complaint is that the book is a bit thin when it comes to the museum's superb early Italian paintings. There is also too much space devoted to what is essentially contemporary work which has not truly stood the test of time. For example, 10 pages (!) are devoted to the dull Barnett Newman. Another problem is that the book doesn't discuss the condition of the artwork. I'll wager that many of the paintings reproduced in this book which look virtually brand new are in fact heavily restored and "touched up" by the gallery's conservation department.

No comments about The Art of Wyland.

No comments about Mostly Miniatures: An Introduction to Persian Painting.

No comments about Creative Watercolour Artist: Deluxe All-in-One Book, Easel and Paint Set12 Stunning Watercolor Projects.