2 comments about Chinese Brush Painting Animals Kit (Walter Foster Painting Kits).

1. This Kit helped me get started in chinese animal brush painting. It offers clear directions. The brushes are not the best quality, but using your own brushes is just fine. My 13 year old nephew also enjoyed following the directions in painting a tiger.



2. Great kit. I bought it and Chinese brush painting. My kids and I are doing some art together, and these kits were just what we needed. All you need to add is some newsprint to practice on. A wonderful introduction. If you really get involved, you would want to move on to some advanced texts, but for someone just starting out, I highly recommend these.

No comments about Georg Baselitz: A Retrospective.

1 comments about Painting a New World: Mexican Art and Life, 1521-1821.

1. As might be expected from an art book of a major exhibition put out by University of Texas Press, the presentation here is masterful. Large format, over 5 pounds, heavy paper, sea green cloth boards with gold print, extra paper added to dustjacket to resist rubbing, 327 pp, and a large number of impressive and beautiful illustrations, many appearing for the 1st time in print, reproduced with subtle color variations. Nonetheless, this is an art book that is not afraid of text.
   
   Table of Contents
   
   Forewords
   Map of New Spain and Trade Routes
   Spanish Painting and New Spanish Painting 1550-1700
   At the Crossroads: Cultural Confluence and Daily Life in Mexico 1521-1821
   Unique Expressions: Painting in New Spain
   Originality and Invention in the Painting of New Spain
   Catalog
   Notes (over 30 pp)
   References Cited (over 12 pp)
   Index

No comments about Vija Celmins (Contemporary Artists).

No comments about The Watercolour Expert: Insights Into Working Methods and Approaches (Royal Watercolour Society).

No comments about Painting in Italy, 1500-1600: Third Edition (The Yale University Press Pelican Histor).

1 comments about Modigliani and His Models.

1. Another beautiful exhibition catalogue (this one from the Royal Academy in London, 2006), this book is first and foremost a very well illustrated publication with top-quality images of Modigliani's best known portraits and nudes. Some interesting information on his models (lovers, friends, dealers,unknown), their origins, the role they played in his art and life also make for good reading. I would not say this is a breakthrough study that brings revolutionary insight on the artist's oeuvre, but it is still worth it as a satisfactory reminder of a good exhibition.

4 comments about Trompe L'Oeil Grisaille, Architecture and Drapery.

1. Ursula L. and Martin Benad's TROMPE L'OEIL GRISAILLE, ARCHITECTURE AND DRAPERY provides artists with a hands-on manual of techniques for rendering tromp l'oeil painting in grisaille and monochrome palettes, using classic works to display both black and white and color results. From architecture on facades to interiors and figurative sculpture and drapery, this handbook is a 'must' for any artist seeking inspiration.



2. This is by far one of the best books on this topic and believe me, I think I have them all. Great mix of fabulous examples and good instruction.



3. I'AM AN ARTIST. THIS BOOK LOOKED INTERESINTG, I HAVE MANY, MANY OTHER BOOKS. THIS IS THE WORST BOOK ON ART I HAVE EVER PURCHASED. IT TEACHES YOU NOTHING!THIS DOES NOT RATE A STAR, BUT A BLACK HOLE. SAVE YOUR MONEY.



4. I bought the book to learn to paint drapery illusion, which was not really covered well, actually. What I got was the best architectural trompe l'oeil book on the market. Clear, concise photos of step by step painting. I love it.

No comments about Sketching (30 minute ART) (30-Minute Art).

2 comments about Painting Realistic Watercolor Textures.

1. I have owned this book since 1998 (now 2008)and it is the only book I would never give up. I have and use many watercolor books however this is a must for realism. Rocco has transformed my watercolors into looking like photos. I only wish I could see more of his works and that he would do another book. If your looking for realistic technics go no farther.



2. The first time I saw this book by Michael P. Rocco in my local public library, I've been convinced that realistic watercolors can be as good as just about any other paintings in airbrushing, oil, pastel, etc. And I was also convinced that it was a must-have in my watercolor book collection. And now it is. This book looks rather difficult, but it puts me up to speed in becoming an intermediate watercolorist. After all, watercolor is a deep-seated commitment.

   Author Michael P. Rocco layed out the contents in an easy-to-follow from-simple-to-complex order. Starting from basic natural objects, woods, metals, bricks to water, snow, reflections, glass, clothes, ropes, almost every common texture is included and demonstrated. Mr. Rocco also mentioned his palette and composition. Last but not least, the 11 complete painting demonstrations at the end are a plus. The author is very good at not only landscapes, but also still life and portrails.

   At the moment, I can't find any books that compare to Painting Realistic Watercolor Textures. It's a one-man work. Though you can find some very realistic watercolor snapshots in Splash 1-5 Best of Watercolor, it's just that. The series displays the best works. If you're looking for a good tutorial book in realistic watercolors, look no further.