5 comments about The Simple Secret to Better Painting: How to Immediately Improve Your Work with the One Rule of Composition.

1. I have nothing to add to other's reviews, just want to lift up the rating.
   Five stars with no doubts.



2. Although this book focuses on one secret to better painting, it shows through images of every kind, and every subject, how that concept can be applied to any type of work. Sometimes focusing on just one element for improvement can be the best way to integrate that concept. In this case, he clearly demonstrates the application of the idea in all its forms.



3. Very helpful.
   
   I know a lot about drawing, and a lot about controlling oils, but when I am out there doing a Plein Air, I can't remember any principles of composition. All I can think of is, "Ack! The sun is moving!" I am just painting furiously.
   
   This book is like BRAINWASHING. "There is one magic rule: never make any two intervals the same."
   
   Values: never make any two intervals the same.
   Intensity: never make any two intervals the same.
   Shapes: never make any two intervals the same.
   Etc. But he goes into even more details than that. He has LOTS of little areas that this rule applies to.
   
   Each page covers this rule in respect to ONE aspect of composition. And every time he reiterates: never make any two intervals the same.
   
   Most pages have a great painting on them, and not just by him. Offhand, I remember seeing some by Kevin Macpherson. This way you see how professionals apply this rule. I realize that every GREAT painting I have ever seen has incorporated this rule into every facet of their composition.
   
   By reading this rule on every page, and seeing how it applies to so many nit-picky little things, I am noticing it more in my painting. The last time I was doing a plien air, I thought, "Oh, the fence posts are all the same: *never make any two intervals the same*, I should angle a few of them. Oh, these two trees are identical: *never make any two intervals the same*, I will make one a little warmer and shorter". Etc. I could only remember it though becuase of his successful brainwashing technique.
   
   I find this book to be very helpful, and as soon as I am done with it, I am going to read it again. Regardless of your skill level, and regardless of your medium, this book will improve your composition, and therefore your finished product.



4. As a photographer, I'm always looking for help to improve my composition. This book, though not written specifically for photographers, is the best I've found so far. It is copiously illustrated, highly instructive, intuitive, and a quick read. Also, a lot of the art in it is just great to look at. I can't give this book enough praise. It's really made a difference in the way I set up my shots.



5. This book is a great beginner book or review for anyone wanting to understand what it takes to plan and execute an engaging painting. The concise textual ideas are amply illustrated with many examples from actual paintings in progress. The ideas are easy to understand and apply. The presentation of design concepts is spiced up with excellently chosen graphics and diagrams. The author gives psychologically sound explanations as to why certain design ideas work, and others do not.
   If you were an art major, and lost all your texts, you could start and end your library replacement right here. If you wish you had been an art major, but do not know where to start, this book is your answer. The author's words early on in the pages are quite true: "This book is intended to be read quickly, and referred back to often."

5 comments about The Book of Kells: An Illustrated Introduction to the Manuscript in Trinity College Dublin.

1. There is no lack of great vivid pictures to enjoy and the book is of high quality paper. The text is brief and has a nice flow. There really isn't much more I can say that other reviewers haven't already stated other than this is one of my favorite picture books :p
   
   If you enjoy celtic art or illuminated manuscripts this makes a fun addition to your library!



2. The Book of Kells is one of the most beautiful manuscripts in existence. This booklet enables those of us who are unlikely to ever see the real manuscript to feast our eyes on many of the illustrations as well as to learn a little of its history and preparation. Most of the illustrations are in colour and their vibrancy is still apparent across 12 centuries.
   
   I consider that this booklet is worth acquiring for the illustrations alone. It also contains a lot of useful information for those interested in the physical preparation of such manuscripts as well as the underlying historical significance of this particular manuscript.
   
   Highly recommended.
   
   Jennifer Cameron-Smith



3. The book was just what I was expecting. Shipping was quick.



4. I was glad I had this book along with me when I went to see the real Book of Kells at the Trinity College Library in Dublin. The lines of tourists waiting to view this famous eighth century manuscript were about a quarter of a mile long, and the museum proctors were really hustling us through the area where a small sampling of pages were actually on view.
   
   (If you take the tour, be sure to check out the main chamber of the Old Library with its first editions of Newton and Darwin, plus the harp that is (alas, falsely) attributed to Brian Boru, high king of Ireland).
   
   The first facsimile of the Book of Kells was published in 1974, and although this book only advertises itself as 'an illustrated introduction to the manuscript...' it contains good color plates of many of the most famous pages, e.g. the symbols of the four evangelists and the beginning of the 'Breves causae' of Matthew, among others.
   
   Author, Bernard Meehan, the current Keeper of Manuscripts at Trinity College states that "the sacred text itself was copied in the Book of Kells with a remarkable degree of inaccuracy." It consists of the Latin text of the Gospels, illuminated in the very ornate Hiberno-Saxon style ('Hiberno' refers to the Irish, or Hibernians).
   
   Legend has it that the Book of Kells was produced by St. Colum Cille on the island of Iona off western Scotland. Although it was probably begun in the Irish monastery on Iona, it was taken to the monastery of Kells in County Meath, after a series of Viking raids. The monastery on Iona was pillaged in 795, and again in 802. According to the author, "In 806, sixty-eight of the community were killed in another raid. The following year, the survivors migrated to Ireland and began to erect conventual buildings at Kells..." where the illumination of the manuscript was probably completed.
   
   If you are interested in the historical background of the Book of Kells, the author devotes a whole Appendix to it.
   
   Alas, according to this book's second Appendix, "Losses, Additions and Marginalia," the Book of Kells has not remained intact down through the centuries. "At present there are 340 folios, but around thirty folios, including some major decorated pages have been lost." The monks also used blank spaces in the manuscript to record details of property transactions in the late eleventh and twelfth centuries.
   
   Meehan's book is definitely worth viewing and reading. It also contains a wealth of the smaller decorative illustrations that do not always relate to the sacred text, e.g. hares, dogs, horses, and at least one moth. The color and minute details of these decorations are a source of endless fascination, and the scholarly text, although a trifle dry, is also very interesting.



5. I like how the author gives various images of the book of kells, but gets really confusing and goes all over the place while writing about it. I think a lot could be learned from this book, but the author crams so many examples into the work that it starts to get annoying. Ever line seems to have parenthesis around something and folio this or that. For that alone i give the book two stars, multiple examples are good, just not when you plague every line with one. It hardly gives the reader a chance to understand the first few.

5 comments about The Nude Female Figure: A Visual Reference for the Artist.

1. I had a need for a reference of body structure. The book I selected was exactly what I needed. I will keep this book forever and will be able to use it many times. I was very satisfied with this book.



2. This book is a very poor implementation of a good idea. As an artists' visual reference, this book is a waste of time and money.
   
   The quality of the book is very poor. The binding won't allow the book to lay flat. There was debris on many of the plates when the photographs were printed. There are ink smudges on pages. The the ink rubs off of photographs, so even a gentle touch when taking measurements for drawing, can damage the photographs.
   
   The photography is poor quality. Most of the photographs are grainy, dark backgrounds, lack detail. The lighting wasn't in the normal 10 o'clock position, but from strange angles, casting odd shadows, obscuring important details. Several photographs suffer motion blur.
   
   The poses are stiff and unnatural. None of the poses are from different camera angles for full, half, three-quarter drawing.
   
   Some of the models should have taken a shower and a shave before being photographed. Many of the models have dirty feet, dirty fingernails, dry/bad skin, ugly blemishes and scars. One model is unhealthily thin. A few of the models have bunyons, malformed toes, very unattractive extremities. Several of the models had their faces covered with their hands, or unnaturally positioned head/hair. All of the models look extremely insecure and uncomfortable.
   
   This book seems to be nothing more than a cheesy, "Look how many ladies I talked into posing naked, (and how many suckers I conned into buying this useless book)." My money would have been better spent hiring a model and taking my own photographs!



3. this is a great resource book for those artists who do not have the time or money to be able to meet up with a figure drawing group. Also it is good if you do not know of a local group to join.



4. The pictures are well taken and very usefull for art study, to use as models for paintings and other art.



5. Over two hundred color photos by photographer Mark Edward Smith capture women of all types in a range of classic poses, both traditional full-body and with close-ups of hands and feet as well. Accompanying these photos are an organization by type of pose, which allows for a quick visual reference for photographers. Any collection appealing to photographers and artists will find THE NUDE FEMALE FIGURE: A VISUAL REFERENCE FOR THE ARTIST an invaluable reference.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch

5 comments about The Natural Way to Paint: Rendering the Figure in Watercolor Simply and Beautifully.

1. This book shows how to do watercolour figure sketches in a loose free style.
   
   The eye-catching pictures help in showing how to draw people with exercises that are easy to follow and understand.
   
   For learning to draw or paint people and figures this is an excellent book. He also talks about the materials needed; colour mixing, brushwork and practical tips to get the result you are after.
   
   You may not enjoy this book if you like more detailed realistic paintings as his style is sketchy but to me this is the magic.



2. Charles Reid does his usual "bang-up" job. The pictures make you want to pick up a brush immediately. I also have one of his early books...very worn by now...and this one doesn't disappoint me either.



3. This book is so helpful..from the preparatory sketch to painting in watercolor, he teaches it all. His techniques are simply amazing, and I've learned more from this book than anything else...I FULLY recommend this book



4. I have other books by Charles Reid that I love. I didn't know that this book was still available, so I was thrilled to find it. It is a great book on painting the figure. I am an art teacher, so I will share it contents with my students.



5. If you like Mr. Reid work, then you'll love this one. If you have one book
   to buy for watercolor, then this is the only one you need. This book will teach you alot, if you are ready to invest yourself.
   The spontaneity usually associated with watercolor is an illusion, and this
   book with simple exercise will help you control this medium, and help you
   cause accident that others call spontaneity.

5 comments about Sacred Mirrors: The Visionary Art of Alex Grey.

1. This book is easy to get lost in. The art has alot of stuff in it to absorb.



2. This book is filled with incredible art by Alex Grey. The only problem with the book is the fact that it is listed on Amazon as a HARDBACK and it is not. This is no fault of the artist but Amazon should be sure to correctly list their products.



3. Alex Grey's art is unique, provocative, visionary and striking. The anatomical detail, overall composition and beauty is uplifting. While this type of art may not be everyone's cup of tea, it is undeniably creative and powerful.
   
   This book is based on a series of paintings that are approximately 6'0" tall. They were meant to be used as a mirror for an individual to experience different aspects of themselves. In other words, to serve as a lens for a different perspective on what it is to be human. In general, the book proceeds from an outline of the body made up of elements, through the skelton system, blood vessels, nerves, etc. What is unique is that it goes beyond this to subtle and causal realms based on the experience of Alex Gray and the testimony of various mystics. It is meant to evoke awareness of these more subtle dimensions and even in book form could be used for meditations.
   
   This book also contains images of Jesus, the Boddhisattva of infinite compassion and other enlightened beings. Again, these are meant for contemplative experiences where you look for these energies in yourself as part of a contemplative practice. There are also some beautiful images of a couple kissing, making love, a small family, etc. These latter category of images are similar to the cover in that they represent the various spheres of Being from the gross body through the spirit.
   
   This book is on the large side, is printed on very high quality paper and contains a lot of color plates as well as contextual information. It is a bargain at the price it is being sold and some of the text is written by Ken Wilber.
   
   If you are not familiar with Ken Wilber's work, either Kosmic Consciousness or A Brief History of Everything would be a great place to get started. Either of these resources will help you to appreciate Grey's art in more depth and understand what he is trying to achieve.



4. I bought this for my fiance because he LOVES Alex Grey and He LOVES TOOL. He absolutely loved the book and actually I DID TOO!!! If you are a fan of either or (Alex Grey or Tool) it's a MUST BUY!!!



5. the images of sacred body - energy currents are incredible! Nowhere else will you find this kind of anatomical imagery. This is an incredible book. Alex Grey is a genius!

5 comments about Color Mixing Bible: All You'll Ever Need to Know about Mixing Pigments in Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor, Gouache, Soft Pastel, Pencil, and Ink.

1. I think this book covers most of what you need to know about color. I like the color charts for each medium. I still think you need to make your own charts, because colors vary. But the color charts in the book are good for reference. I think it could be stronger in the area of color theory, but as a reference book it is good.



2. This book is the best l've seen. Very easy to understand and excellently laid out making very easy for the beginner to learn the basics of color mixing.



3. Have not read this (but gave high ratings because it appears to be pretty much an all-encompassing color theory book), but to post I MUST give a rating.
   Apologies Amazon.
   
   I am trying to figure out if it would suit my need, which is a book which guides how to mix most shades and tones in the spectrum, via proportion, based on the CMY (Cyan/Magenta/Yellow) primaries.
   
   Does this book cover many different shades and the proportions needed *working from cyan, magenta & yellow*?
   If not, could anyone PLEASE suggest to me what book DOES?
   
   --if you know, of course :)
   
   Hope you reviewers see this post!
   
   TYVM!



4. Very good for all types of artists. It even has inks for us printmakers!!!



5. I enjoyed this book very much. It was simple to understand and quite interesting. I'm sure it's not the end all in color mixing books, but it is not a bad one at all.

2 comments about Composition of Outdoor Painting.

1. Edgar Payne was one of the great american landscape painters, as well as a great teacher, and an accomplished writer.
   I found his style of English to be a little more difficult to read, but after the first chapter or two I got used to it, and it was well worth the effort.
   
   I highly recommend reading and referring to the chapter on compositional forms: the pyramid, circle, L, and S shapes for example. He lists a dozen of the most commonly used outdoor compositions, and gives easy examples for understanding them.
   
   Lots and lots of valuable information!



2. If you can only buy one book on composition of Outdoor Painting, this is the one. The original book, published in 1941, has seen several editions and goes in and out of print. Although Amazon often shows that it is out of print, call the publisher directly. They have plenty of brand new copies in the latest editions. The book, itself, is not large, only 6x9 or so. And it mostly consists of WORDS! But it is one of the most succinct books on composition I have ever read. Each paragraph, each sentence is packed with information and advice. There are some simple line drawings which help the viewer and provide the basics for compositional outlines. Also, the newer editions have some very fine color samples of Mr. Paynes work in the back of the book, as well as several addenda by his daughter. If you are an outdoor painter, you could read this book every day for the rest of your life and still find something new to think about or try.

5 comments about Sister Wendy's Story of Painting (Enhanced and Expanded Edition).

1. The first purpose of an artbook is usually to showcase fine art with high quality reproductions. This book certainly packs in ample artwork, well supported by Sister Wendy's colourful commentary. However the image quality is horrendous, with a vast proportion of the reproductions being badly pixelated or blurred.If you like Sister Wendy, then buy her other books. This one is so sloppy that it is disrespectful to the artworks and is to be avoided.



2. A 1¼ inch thick book with about 400 pages and more than 450 color illustrations of the most significant works of art in Western history can hardly fail to please anyone with an interest in art history. In Sister Wendy's Story of Painting, Sister Wendy provides an intellectual and somewhat passionate discussion on major art movements and sensitive analysis and interpretation of more than thirty paintings she showcases in the book. Enlargements of particular areas of these paintings are used to analyze techniques and identify symbolism. In the absence of ancient paintings that have survived, Sister Wendy uses other forms of art such as sculptures, friezes, tapestries and mosaics to illustrate the subject, composition, style and proportions used in paintings of that era. She treats all styles of art with equal reverence. Shortcomings in this book are few. Illustrated timelines that appear before each major section of the book could be improved by the addition of other historical milestones to help the reader achieve a better perspective. I would prefer less commentary about numerous paintings of a single artist and instead, more information on the cultural and political influences that shaped the development of painting. I would prefer less coverage of obscure artists such as the Nabis in favor of more on Victorian art and Art Nouveau. And I would wish for a more eloquent conclusion to the book. But the thing that was most lacking to me is a discussion on paint! Nowhere is the development of paint as a medium discussed with any depth. These aforementioned shortcomings, however, pale in comparison to what Sister Wendy has accomplished in her book -- the creation of a comprehensive and scholarly source of information on the history of painting that neither the newcomer nor the expert could fail to enjoy.



3. I am very excited about using this book to study art with my children. The photos are top quality, showing close ups of interesting details in the paintings. I have a collection of art books, but this is by far the best. Worth every penny!



4. If you study art history at all, you know that the Roman Catholic Church (in particular various popes such as Julius and the Medici family-line popes)were great patrons of the arts in order to glorify both the Church (Christianity) and their pontificate. Michaelangelo, Rafael, etc. were commissioned by the Church to produce magnificent works of art, and indeed they did, hence the Sistine Chapel and The School of Athens in the papal apartments. If Mr. Jin looks at the numerous Annunciation paintings and reads history, he will realize that they are reflections of "popular culture"--Christianity was the HUGE influence at that time. Popular culture at any given time reflects what is on the "minds of the people"--hence the name POPULAR that comes from POPULATION. Today's "culture" reflects the obssession with celebrities, hence the plethora of celebrity gossip magazines.
   
   Anyway, the book IS magnificent and so assessible to the common person. As much as I love art history and have 15 college credits in it, I don't want to read the dry stuff either. This edition with its close-ups is magnificently done, and the copy is easily digested. I think Sister Wendy did the art world a favor, and this is how art should be presented instead of pretentiously overdone by "experts" who want to impress each other. By the way, I'm probably the only person who prefers Rafael to Michaelangelo (though he can't be TOUCHED in sculpture), I think that everyone should check out "The School of Athens"--what a masterpiece! And Picasso's "Guernica" is a haunting portrayal of the horrors of war. Knowing the stories behind the paintings and not worrying about the "methods" the artists used (which should be relegated to a techniques-type book) makes the paintings so much more meaningful to an audience. I don't care for Cubism until I know that it's influenced by stylized African art and that Picasso was reacting the 1937 bombing of Guernica. Live on, Sister Wendy!



5. I'd just like to comment on how some reviewers found Sister Wendy to "narrow" and focused on Christian paintings. These people should look at the whole of art history and how influential Christian art has been over the years. the "minor" artisits she devoted so much time to are in fact huge in the art world and Van Gogh got four pages which is a lot and hes only one aspect, just because hes main stream dosnt mean she should devote more time to him. The Christian religion had a huge impact on the art world over a very long period of time, this should be taken into consideration.

5 comments about The Elements of Color.

1. as Tellez noted previously, this isn't an easy read. fortunately, the reward is worth the effort. Itten does not dumb down his perspectives for the sake of the reader, rather he puts it all on paper for the devoted color theorist to decipher.
   that said, it is for the most part approachable and relatively short reading. I re-read this book every couple of years to keep my busy mind fresh and focused when working with this most essential component of my work.



2. The information in this book is interesting, but the color in the color wheels and all color samples are very pale and washed off. Very disappointing.
   
   If you need to use the color wheels or scales as references, this book will not be helpful.



3. I purchased this book because I wanted to understand colors, color schemes and theory(ies) better in order to apply to my necklace designs. It's a good book to have in your library, but it won't answer all the questions you may have about some applications. Itten's other books however cover pretty much everything; try The Art of Color, for example, if you'd like learn more about color effects on moods/feelings.



4. It's been difficult to give a balanced critique. On one hand, "Elements of Color" has a wealth of information, but on the other, it takes serious committment to fully understand and comprehensively apply the information Itten presents. There is much valuable data, but it's interspersed with almost stereotypic, outmoded "Teutonic" concepts; e.g. assigning "Blond Types" springtime, bright, vivid colored topics, while "Dark Types" should be assigned "Night, Burial and dark room" topics. There is much valuable, technical information, but it is like digging through hard stone to find the gold; overwrought and culturally centered, judgemental statements are very common ("red expresses intermediate degrees between the infernal and sublime"... what's this?!?!). Other statements seem value-laden, i.e., "sentimental blue", "angelic pink", "blue reigns supreme"... Some excuse may be found in realizing the concepts in this treatise may have been developed before the Post Modernist Age, which accepts cultural and ethnic diversity, that accepts art and the use of color as being open to various interpretations, that color is certainly relative and greatly subjective, that many statements about color are only opinions... and that there is no absolute truth as to what color is "right" or "wrong". Unless the reader is studious and very serious about trying to unearth the information contained in this book, he or she is much better served by studing Albers or others. Too bad there is no editing, no index, and no glossary. What would Itten think of the book, "Chromophobia"? ... Pablo Tellez



5. Itten, himself is one of the greatest color theorist of our century, and the masterful mind behind the Bauhaus School.
   
   In this book Itten describes his color theory and the facts of his famous "Color Star", which is one of the most strongest tools for color harmony for designers and alike.
   
   Most color books have samples of color harmonies you choose from when you design, or talk about complementary colors, but cant tell you why u use such combinations or so.
   
   If you have an analytical approach to design, rather than just copying what others do, you will love this book. You will begin to understand the language of colors.
   
   Have u ever heard of "the Seven Color Contrast", if not then it is time for you to get familiar about it.
   
   This book is an evaluation of Ittens masterpiece "Art of Color". The chapter on subjective experience of color is very limited in this book.
   
   If you are willing to invest more on color matters buy "Art of Color"
   
   If you are happy to stay with the basics then this book is adequate for your purposes.

5 comments about Mastering Color.

1. I liked Ms. McMurry's approach with how she both wrote the book and what she decided to share in regards to her knowledge with oils. I would really give this book 4 and a half stars because in order to be a five star it would have to include even more info, however the book is well-printed, the examples excellent and it includes lots of photographic information along with the written descriptions. One of the better oil painting books out there. I wasn't disappointed.



2. Vicki has written an exceptional instructional book on color. She is well informed and has a flair about her which shines throughout this book. She is a true artist and is willing to share it with all of us. You will learn about her supplies and many of her tips to be a better informed painter and artist. Thank you, Vicki
   
   Eleanor



3. I am really pleased that I have purchased this book, as it has given me an insight as to what colors to use in my paintings. I have been painting for years and I now feel more confident in choosing color range - thank you Mastering Color. The book is also very well explained.



4. I though it would be very deep into color theory, on how to get accurate
   tonal and saturation value, but in fact it's very light, and doesnt really add anything new that havent been written in others books about color theory. The presentation is impeccable which make it a nice book to own. But if I had seen this book in a librairy before buying it, I would not have bought it.



5. great book-like the explaination on all the color schemes. very easy to understand and refer to when doing color studies.