4 comments about Painter's Guide to Color.

1. Not a beginner's book, this book was way over my head....but I am sure that once I improved it will make more sense to me and I will enjoy it....I know of a couple of advanced artist that swear by him, but I am truly just a beginner



2. I have not received my order of this product (6 copies of it!)The order was made and shipping for it was to take place on November 21st, 2007.
   I can no longer fine this order on my computer, but I want to be sure it is CANCELLED!
   Margaret York



3. this is stephen quiller's sequel to "color choices" with the addition of new information about neutral mixtures (Jean Dobie's "mouse power"), color value and intensity (saturation), color families, "mother color", and the latest version of quiller's color mixing wheel, one of the best available. but i was disappointed. the book suffers from a mechanical approach to color mixing or color families -- in some cases, the text of captions or whole sections is identical, with color keywords repeatedly changed. this edition deletes some of the best chapters in "color choices," such as the chapter on "finding your own vision," adding in its place a bizarre section on "color personalities" (each mixed color is associated with adjectives such as "noble" or "playful"). and quiller recommends a 28-paint (!) palette, which will create more confusion for a painter (especially a beginning painter) than all the mixing instructions can clear away. i suggest you browse this book before you buy it: "color choices" is better overall, and you can order quiller's revised color wheel from him directly, on a plastic card that is more durable than the tear-out version that comes with this book.



4. Visually Stimulating. Extremely informative in regard to mixing colors! I was so excited to find a book that had so much visual information about the color wheel. There are many examples to refer to and learn from. A must for any painter!

5 comments about In the Traces: Railroad Paintings of Ted Rose (Railroads Past and Present).

1. I'm not typically a fan of watercolor paintings, but I have to admit that Ted Rose is a master at his craft. His depictions of railroad scenes capture the very mood of this vanishing scene in American life. "In The Traces" presents 61 of Ted Rose's watercolors with commentary by the artist. Some of the paintings, like "Springtime in New Jersey," are absolutely stunning in their presentation of mood and setting. Print quality, paper and binding are first rate. If you've never experienced Mr. Rose's work, and are a fan of railroad art, this book will be a joy to own. Highly recommended!



2. Buy this book - you will not be disappointed. It is a work to look at again and again whether you are a railfan, traveler, or an artist. Some of Rose's paintings are romantic evocations of times and places that were found throughout the country not so long ago. Other pictures in the book have an edgier quality to them. In either case he captures the mood, light, and geographical setting of the never-ending drama of the American railroad. Rose was a painter who had a technical grasp of the nuts and bolts aspects of his subjects. He also had good artistic technique - I have found myself coming back to this book repeatedly and asking "how did he do that?" The quality of printing and binding is excellent and the introductory essay helps to place the paintings in the context of Ted Rose's life. I have bought several copies of this work as gifts for people and they have all been pleased with it.



3. This is a wonderful book you can read straight through. The life of the author and his relationship to the railroads of the USA is fascinating and the text about the evolution of his art is appealing. The photography is exceptional. This book is a must buy for fanciers of railroads and art. Highly recommended.



4. A terrific selection of paintings by marvelous railroad artist. Many of Rose's paintings are not on public view, having been done for private commission. So far he markets no prints or lithographs, so either you buy an original or you buy this book. Typical fine job of printing and binding. High value book, likely to be worth lots more when out of print.



5. My son is an avid train fan. Ted Rose is an exceptional watercolor artist and in this volume has compiled an excellent collection of watercolors depicting trains from the history of railroading. He has coupled these wonderful watercolors with an anthology of trains over a period of 50 years based on his own personal experiences. The blending of the stories with his paintings makes you feel like you can step into the picture and relive the moment. You may be familiar with his art through a recent issue of postage stamps depicting five locomotives from different era. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone that likes railroads and also has an appreciation for fine art. This will be a timeless volume that you and future generations will enjoy.

4 comments about Leonora Carrington: Surrealism, Alchemy And Art.

1. Very nice book. Probably the best book I've seen concerning Leonora Carrington and her work.



2. This first book in English on the English surrealist, Leonora Carrington is wildly overdue. Her mate, Max Ernst, now the subject of a major retrospective at the Metropolitan Museum in New York, chose well. Carrington's sensibility is exquisite, and this new work reveals in a finely balanced and deligthfully readable way the deep nature of her contribution to one of the most undervalued of all art movements in the 20th century. Leonora is now in her 90s and still carries her laundry up many flights of stairs in Mexico City--this monograph is a welcome addition to our understanding of her energy and her accomplishment as a painter of the first water.



3. Who would have known such a wonderful artist existed if not for the work of this extremely gifted writer and art historian. In all my years in the art world, I had never even heard of Leonora Carrington. Thanks to Ms. Aberth, the magical brilliance of this artist has been brought to our attention. Gorgeous pictures and prose. Well worth it and sure to bring more collectors out of the woodwork to buy her art.



4. Anyone interested in the Art and the life of Leonora Carrington will welcome this beautiful book. Surprisingly there is next to nothing available about Carrington, and the few books that are out of print only give very little information about her and not enough illustrations of her work. Hence this book was long awaited and is certainly the most extensive book yet published about this original, mysterious and fascinating artist.
   
   In the foreword the author explains that the object of the book is two fold, to outline the artist's life and to provide an overview: "of the full scope of her work
   in painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, and theatrical set and costume design" (p.9). If both of these objects would have been realized this would have been an extensive work and valuable work.
   
   The biographical portion of the book attempts to give a biographical sketch of Carrington. The first chapter covers her life from her birth in 1917 in Lancashire, England, to a wealthy Catholic family, as a rebellious adolescent, to her insistence against her family's wishes to attend art school. The second chapter describes her relationship with Max Ernst, their life in France and her "induction" at the age of nineteen to the Surrealist movement. Thee third chapter tells of her war time experiences which included being separated from Ernst who was imprisoned as an enemy alien in France, being put in a Spanish Insane Asylum, breaking with her family and marrying a Mexican Diplomat so that she could get out of war torn Europe. The fourth chapter begins with her move to Mexico in 1943, her marriage to Emerico "Chiki" Weisz, about whom we learn next to nothing, and her emergence as a mature artist, which coincides with her friendship with fellow surrealist painter Remedios Varo. Aberth explains that Carrington and Varo were inseparable and saw each other almost daily for decades. They shared interests in bizarre cooking, the esoteric, alchemy, witchcraft, cats, and of course painting. A look at the painting of the two artists from this time shows a remarkable similarity in subject matter, style and colors, yet both remain distinct. It seems obvious that they deeply influenced one another in many areas. These four chapters are the most interesting of the book and read as a most improbable life story. It is also in the first four chapters were the problems of the book start to show. First of all, there is a heavy reliance on the books by Whitney Chadwick who has written several books on Carrington and on Janet Kaplan, the biographer of Remedios Varo. We are given less and less facts about Carrington's life and it becomes increasingly obvious that very little primary research, if any at all went into this book. This becomes most evident in the last chapter of the book that describes the last fifty years of Carrington's life in barely five pages. The readers can also ask themselves what happened in this period when she became recognized internationally as an artist. Did she remain married? Did she continue having mental problems? What did she do after Varo died? Why did she move to the US? Why did she return to Mexico? How did she deal with success? Was she re-united with her family?
   
   The book reproduces about ninety of Carrington's works. Almost all of these are paintings. There are a few sculptures and one photograph of set design and costumes. Only a few paintings are described in any detail, so the readers have to fend for themselves to try decipher the symbolism and meaning. Most of the illustrations are of fairly high quality, but some are too small. The last photograph of Carrington dates from ca. 1960, so we have no idea what she looks like today.
   
   The book fails to deliver on both of its "objects" to provide an overview of both life and work, and in that respect it is disappointing. Very little is said about Carrington's numerous published books, which could have been used as source material to a much better effect.
   
   Still this book is valuable as it is the only book about Carrington and her art currently in print and it will hopefully attract many readers and new admirers. I can only hope that a Catalogue Raisonais similar to the Remdios Varo Catalogue published a few years ago will be forthcoming with more critical information about Carrington's work. A detailed biography would also be welcome. Despite all of my reservations, I still recommend the book highly, because of Carrington's bizarre life and interests and her exceptional original talent as an artist.
   
   Review by Walter O. Koenig

5 comments about Reflections of Nature: Paintings by Joseph Raffael.

1. This is the most complete book I have ever seen on Raffael's work. As an artist, I can tell you that part of what I try to do is to understand the painter as a way of appreciating his or her work.
   This book is stunning and full of information.



2. Beautifully printed volume on the work of watercolor painter Joseph Raffael. Very comprehensive of his work as a painter through 1998, the year in which the book was published. I'd like to eventually another book showing the work that he's done during the last 9 years.



3. Perfect book for the student, collector, dealer or art historian interested in this important artist. As one of America's foremost buyers of Joseph Rahael paintings, I highly recommend this book. www.LawrenceBeebe.com



4. REFLECTIONS OF NATURE: Paintings of Joseph Raffael is one of the most elegant monographs on a practicing artist I have had the pleasure of reading. Yes, "reading" is an operative word here. Too often artist monographs are coffee table picture books, lush and lovely to look at, enlightening as to a chronologial path of achievement, and even historically relevant - solely on the basis of the images: the written essays are seldom read and if they are read, they are merely perused. Such is not the case with this warmly informative and evocative collection of the works of this fine realist painter. Authors Amei Wallach and Donald Kuspit write with courage about techniques (use of the photograph as the springboard, method of appropriation form the photo image to the paper or canvas, etc) that would frighten most of our painters today, so revealing of secrets and methods publically scorned as "copying" or NOT "representational". But the real coups in this valuable volume is having the artist talk us through not only his techniques, but is personal history and vulnerabilites.

   As for the paintings, there are splendid reproductions of those paintings we all know and love (koi, water, water lilies, flowers) but there are also many examples of Raffael's wildlife images, spiritual images, and those of his wife Lannis seeming to metamorphose out of her garden. This book is a fine standard for future art books that stirve to inform as well as document an artist's work. Even if you don't know Raffael's paintings, I would recommend your adding this volume ot your library - for you eye's AND your soul's sake. Outstanding!




5. Well Written and full of wonderful photos and Illustrations. 5 Stars! Totally Satisfied.

5 comments about Incredible Light & Texture in Watercolor.

1. I own dozens of watercolor instruction books and this is one of the few I would not give up! It is geared toward an intermediate watercolorist, but has basic information on paints, brushes and paper. In particular, Toogood explains how the properties of watercolor pigment affect a painting and how you might use that color.
   Toogood's style is tight and almost photographic. Some people do not like watercolors painted this way, but the book is helpful even so. He goes into detail on how to create textures of different surfaces which is a universal skill. I personally find Toogood's style impressive and inspiring. I enjoy the book to look at his paintings more than anything else.
   P.S. You cannot tell from the cover, but the book includes a great section on portrait painting in watercolor.



2. This book is by far the best watercolor book for the intermediate artist.
   definately not a beginner book. Toogood is both informative and inspiring.



3. This is a good book for those who want to paint watercolour copies of photographs. Unfortunately, Mr Toogood doesn't show that part of his working method involved in tracing the photographs he copies. If you're looking for more expressive styles, study the work of Winslow Homer or John Singer Sargent. If you want a good instructional book on watercolour, check out Mastering Atmosphere and Mood in Watercolor by Joseph Zbukvic.



4. Initially I bought this book for its beautiful and inspiring watercolors. Is there nothing this man can't paint? Breathtaking clouds, the wettest water I've ever seen in paint. You wouldn't know it from the cover, but the book also contains a chapter on portrait painting, step by step. He is as proficient in portrait painting as he is in landscapes, cityscapes, seascapes. I teach a "portraits in watercolor" class and I recommend this book to every student of the medium who is searching for an artist they can admire, who is willing to part with his "secrets".



5. There are watercolor books with great artwork, and then there are watercolor books with great instruction. This book combines both. Toogood's realistic style is gorgeous. His instructions are very clear and concise. I am a professional artist and own over a hundred books on painting, yet I was able to learn get quite a few tips from this author--expecially about painting water. An alltogether excellent book.

5 comments about Secrets of Watercolour Success (Collins Artist's Studio).

1. This book on watercolors is for beginners as advanced painters. There is lots of inspiration in there. Although not a how-to book it is great to see what you can do with watercolors. I love it!



2. While the painting on the cover is well done and interesting, the content of the book is a little disappointing. I felt the ideas weren't worth the money.



3. This book was recommended by a friend. I haven't had the time to work with the book yet but it seems like it will be very helpful.



4. As a watercolor artist and teacher, I have assembled a personal library of over 150 watercolor books, and this is one of the very best I have seen. Soan's book passes my two tests: Is the art appealing? And does the author give a new twist on some basic principles, such as brush strokes and the balance between water and pigment, as well as more advanced subjects? Secrets of Watercolor Success passes these tests with flying colors.
   
   From suggestions on how to set up your work space, to use just three or four colors in a single painting, and to remember principles like "fail to prepare, and prepare to fail," Soan reexamines the basics in a fresh way. She discusses the pitfall of pursuing a likeness to the detriment of freshness and creativity. This book is helping me bring fresh energy and approaches to my own art, and is giving me new lessons to offer my adult students. I would highly recommend it to anyone with a serious interest in watercolor.



5. This book give me some good ideas of the painting with watercolour

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.

5 comments about Venice Sketchbook (Sketchbook Series).

1. Having lived in Venice for five months, each scene in this book is the actualization of my own memories. I bought one book about Venice and gave it as a gift to my parents who were not there to see the city firsthand, and this book was it.
   
   While not a travel guide or an in depth history book, this book does better than many others at capturing the light and true essence of Venice, the Serene Republic.



2. I bought this book before I visited Venice last year and it proved to be a very effective way - together with my Dorling Kindersley Guide book (also recommended) - of creating a short-list of places to draw. Saved me hours of slogging round trying to find "that view"!
   
   The drawings and watercolour sketches are extremely competent (if somewhat stylized) and give lots of inspiration for those working in watercolour of some the ways in which Venice can be portrayed.



3. A wonderful book for lovers of Venice and for those who would like to look at some of the incredible treasures of this magical, romantic city!



4. Whether you have traveled to Venice and are already under its magnetic, elusive spell or whether you plan to visit...or even if your fantasy world includes bits of Serenissima, VENICE SKETCHBOOK is bound to please.
   
   Artist Fabrice Moireau travels Europe with his sketchpad, rendering quick sketches in watercolor that capture the light and moment as reflected by the architecture of the place. This book is his prolonged visit to Venice and he has visited every island, canal, bridge, and hidden place that make this wonderfully decaying old Queen of the Adriatic a romantic paradise. His sketches are beautifully executed, not always with scholarly perspective, but capturing the Venetian light, an amalgamation of sun, water, fog, and mist, like few others have in this medium. Sensitive hand written notes on each page by the important 'models' make the sketches come even more alive.
   
   The book is graced by a fine Introduction by Deborah Howard who teaches architectural history at Cambridge and has written extensively about the architecture of Venice, Veneto, and the Italian Renaissance. In her elegant writing she sets the mood for viewing the sketches with an abundant but concise discussion of the history of Venice.
   
   The book is divided into sections of the city and writer Tudy Sammartini, who lives and works in Venice, opens each sector with fascinating comments about the history of the buildings, the churches, the monuments, and all the sights that sector holds. Her background in the history of her beloved Venice enhances the value of this book beyond the simple coffee table picture book. Her writing is warmly readable and very informed.
   
   Marry the contributions of these three talented people and the result is a book that is not only visually attractive and lovingly published on 'watercolor paper', but is also an informative and meditative volume of praise for the city known as Serenissima. Grady Harp, January 2005



5. This book was a gift from a close friend who knows I am planning my first trip to Venice this spring. I have been immersing myself in guides to Venice, and this book, with its charming and skillful watercolors and expert commentary, seems the perfect introduction to this fascinating city.
   It is not a guidebook per se, more of an artistic appreciation. Many of the comments are in cursive writing, so it seems you are looking at a personal sketchbook with running comments. The watercolors convey the interplay of light and color better than any photographs I've seen.
   This book is clearly a labor of love.

2 comments about Mary Cassatt: Paintings and Prints.

1. I am a huge fan of Mary Cassatt as well as the Impressionist. This book as beautiful illustrations and very easy to read and easy to understand explanations about the paintings. I first checked this out at the library and enjoyed it so much, purchased it through an Amazon reseller for my personal enjoyment.



2. She called herself one of the Independents. The world remembers her as the Impressionist who painted "The Boating Party," the choice for a first-class U.S. postage stamp and one of the most widely reproduced paintings. She was behind America's first purchase of Impressionist art: a Degas painting. In fact, friend and mentor Edgar Degas advised her on the farther window light and floor for "Little Girl in an Armchair" and praised "Girl Arranging her Hair," the Japanese woodblock print inspired "Bath," and "Mother and Boy."

   The book's first plate, "The Bacchante," lets viewers know what MARY CASSATT: PAINTINGS AND PRINTS were all about: women communicating with others and hinting at states of mind behind beautifully lighted and shaded fabrics, such as "Woman with a Red Zinnia"; flesh, such as the swiftly scribbled modeling to "Mother, Young Daughter and Son"; and furnishings, such as the Opera House banquette and chandelier ovals taking up the ovals from the figure and reflected figure of her sister "Lydia Leaning on her Arms, Seated in a Loge." Art critic and historian Frank Getlein backs his well-written text with 72 well-chosen plates. His book and Griselda Pollock's MARY CASSATT: PAINTER OF MODERN WOMEN give the perfect examples for Michel Melot's THE IMPRESSIONIST PRINT, Paul Smith's IMPRESSIONISM, Gary Tinterow's ORIGINS OF IMPRESSIONISM, and Helene Barbara Weinberg et al's AMERICAN IMPRESSIONISM AND REALISM.

2 comments about George Inness and the Science of Landscape.

1. It is with no end of begrudging that I award five stars to this book. It is unconscionable that University of Chicago Press published this fabulous text on Inness' work, but included a mere twenty-one color prints, at that most of them two a page, and charges $50 for it! If you consider buying it, do so with the sure knowledge that Dr. DeLue's work is a classic, not to be missed, her analysis extremely depthful, her prose elegant. As for UofC Press, how greedy. For shame!



2. This is a terrific book, beautiful and thought-provoking, about one of America's best and most intriguing artists. The author shows how Inness' desire to help people see more deeply, to see God behind the landscapes, shaped his paintings. It is a delight to read how ideas have consequences in art; how deliberate Inness was in his project; and then to see how gorgeous his paintings are.
   
   The only reason it does not get 5 stars from me? Not enough color plates. But it really is a fine book.