Reviews (15)

Drawing clothing, wrinkles & drapery from *memory*...
...One of the best and few books on this subject to date- it's Burne Hogarth's 6th great book on drawing from memory...
Exagerrated for better understanding
I can only recommend this book to every artist out there, because it's the only one that covers this very important subject -- how to draw clothed human figure effectively. And not just sitting or posing human figure, but a figure in complex motion.
For the Intermediate Artist
Sometimes I wonder if so many artists draw people nearly naked because they mastered anatomy, but flat can't draw clothes to look realistic, especially without a model in the right clothes.I long ago decided clothes show movement far better than the unclad figure does.If you'd like to move beyond spandex and painted-on metal for imagined figures, this is the only, only book on the subject.The only alternative are fashion illustration books, whose models just stand there sedately.Hogarth has worked out the several catagories of wrinkles, which help you imagine them on your mental or sketched-out figures. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Techniques - Drawing    4. Art techniques & materials    5. Drawing & drawings   

Editorial Review

British painter David Hockney, well known for his cool and lovely paintings of California pools, has taken on the new role of detective. For two years Hockney seriously investigated the painting techniques of the old masters, and like any admirable sleuth, compiled substantial evidence to support his revolutionary theory. Read more

Reviews (55)

He is correct in my professional opinion
First, this is a fascinating telling of a few artists' stylistic development-- if you enjoy some of the artists discussed in the book (Durer, Carravagio, Van Eyck), it's worth a read.
This book is not worth the paper it's printed on!!!
This book should get 0 stars; speaking as an artist myself, the theories laid out in this book are ridiculous. The basic gist of the argument seems to be that the work completed by the old masters was just too difficult to have been done without the use of optics, etc. To me it sounds like the desperate argument of a man who did not have either the talent or the determination to attain the skill of a great master, and therefore spent years constructing an elaborate excuse.
Fascinating historical reconstruction.
The premise is simple: Hockney believes that the Old Masters of European art used tools and techniques of which little record remains. This book presents his justification for that belief.
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Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Criticism    4. History - General    5. Techniques - General    6. Techniques - Painting    7. Art / Painting   

Reviews (7)

Good for a start.
Trying to learn art in a town where no "REAL" art doesn't exist is difficult, but this books goes into the basics of how to expertly form some curiousities as can be difficult without an instructor.All in all it could have used more examples, but it's a great book

Was recommended by a well-established sculptor
This book was recommended to me (as a beginning sculptor) by a well-established sculptor, and he was right in recommending it.I am not through reading it all, but it isn't the type of book you would really sit down and read from beginning to end.It is a great resource for figure sculptors.My biggest issue with this book is that it has so many pages in a small format that it is a thick book that requires the reader to prop open a page with something heavy if you want to refer to a drawing or text WHILE sculpting.It is really the type of book that should come in a loose-leaf binder.

A difficult choice
Boy!Buying this book has been a difficult choice.The information is essential to anyone working with human anatomy and sculptural form, however, you have to wade throught information written in a very dated, pedantic manner.Professor Lanteri's comments are in the classical form and written so long ago (his copyright is 1902 - 1904) that an interpreter might be needed for the younger sculptor.I almost returned the book because it isn't something to sit down and read in one or two sessions.This isn't a simple 'How to . . .' book, but if you are a serious sculptor, and willing to work your way throught the exaggerated writing style, you'll realize what a gem it is.It is really the most comprehensive book of sculpting the human figure I've ever read.I only wish the book had been printed in larger format so the illustration notes would be easier to read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Human figure in art    4. Modeling    5. Sculpture    6. Technique    7. Art / Sculpture    8. Art techniques & materials    9. Sculpture & other three-dimensional art forms   

Reviews (8)

It's clear & concise; it needs visual enhancement...
...maybe 3-1/2 Stars. The basic principles in this book are pretty solid; it's the basic presentation here that leaves a bit to be desired.
This is a great book for anyone who is having problems on their drawing quests!

Can't draw your way out of a paper bag?
If you have been sketching for years then read someone else's review for a more accurate portrayal of this book.3D, Perspective, Techniques, Depth, Light, Shadows:Previously, these were all completely beyond me.Practice is the key; the ability to sketch does not lie in a book, but rather in the pencil you are holding.This book gives you a starting point for practice.I've gone from appalling to amateur in a couple of months. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art & Art Instruction    2. General    3. Graphic Arts - General    4. Reference    5. Art techniques & materials    6. Computers / General   

Reviews (3)

very involved
the book teaches a lot, and it's great to read how to finish started works. however, you need a background in abstract work to understand her lessons. I have no such background, and her descriptions of the works in progress confused me. as well, her projects require a lot of specialized art supplies - inks and pigments and stuff that I don't have lying around. the projects also require a lot of space - easels w/ full sheets of watercolor paper, storage for scraps, etc. if you want to spend the $$, go ahead. I'm in a dorm and don't have the background, space, or $$ to do the projects.

A Must For Your Art Library!
if you are interested in composition and design, this is a must for your art library. clear, consice, immensely readable, pat dews acts as your personal guide! while her focus may seem in the "abstract vein", there is something for everyone here, no matter what your interest is. warmly written, i found myself reading every word. now that's something for a visual book! her explanations, photos and critiques were helpful and made me want to run to the studio to start my own wonderful discoveries!

Well Worth Waiting For!
This is one of the best art instruction books that is now available.It is an excellent follow-up to Creative Discoveries in Watermedia published in 1998.Creative Composition & Design is a workshop in book format. Pat Dews warm positive attitude comes across on each page.The book is very well designed with excellent color photographs of art that will inspire you to create.The tips that are listed on various pages are very helpful.The section showing how different artists work on design and composition is an excellent way to gain additional ideas for your own work.The critiques shown of student work places you right into the workshop experience.You will see how paintings are resolved.You will learn a lot from this book and return to it often.I highly recommend this book-it was worth waiting for.If you are unable to attend a workshop with Pat Dews this is the next best thing.If you have been fortunate enough to take a workshop with Pat Dews this book will act as an excellent follow-up. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Composition (Art)    4. Design    5. Painting    6. Technique    7. Techniques - General    8. Techniques - Painting    9. Art techniques & principles    10. Painting & paintings   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (19)

Informative and an easy read
Very informative and interested.The best book I have read on storyboarding.This book is a page turner with funny, real-life experienced stories at the end of each chapter.It explained clearly, in full detail how stoyboards are done and even got into perspective and technique.I learned a lot of important information that got me thinking about filmmaking on a whole new level.I have used what is detailed in this book for my short film.I highly recommend reading it before making a film or if you are going to be doing storyboards.

Perfect Introduction to Filmmaking in General
This is such a cool book for anyone interested in putting together a film. I am interested in directing and cinematography at the moment and this book taught me things that even my specialized textbooks didn't. It's easy to ready, and over before you know it. Feels good too.

A great introduction to storyboarding
This wonderful book combines clear and concise "how-to" instruction with historical overview and stories from the trenches of the industry. Whether you are a writer looking to express yourself visually, or an artist looking to tell a story with pictures, this book will set you firmly on your course. And for people like me who are interested in becoming a storyboard artist and director, the journal stories give you a true sense of the role the storyboard artist plays in the creative process (as well as some of the horror stories that take place in the movie industry). This is the best-written, most comprehensive book I have ever seen about the process by which scripts become films, and the role of the "below the line" worker in bringing the vision to the screen. I would encourage anyone who is interested in filmmaking, whether as a vocation or as an avocation, to buy this book immediately! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cinema/Film: Book    2. Commercial art    3. Film & Video - History & Criticism    4. Film & Video - Screenwriting    5. Graphic Arts - General    6. Performing Arts    7. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    8. Storyboards    9. Technique    10. Art/Graphic Arts - General    11. Cinematography, television camerawork    12. Drawing & drawings    13. Films, cinema    14. Performing Arts / Film / History & Criticism   

Reviews (3)

Good starter book
I am a carver -- mantle pieces and such -- and bought the book for a young man who wanted to try his hand at carving. It covers all the basics and even has some great patterns.

I feel better now
I have wanted to carve wood for some time, but had no idea how to go about learning. Most of the books I've looked at were either too technical or too advanced for me.Finally, this book has given me the confidence to begin. The discussions are well written at a level that's good for a beginner like me. I read the entire book in about 3 hours and am now going back and starting my first project. The projects look doable and I know what I'm supposed to be learning in each one. Unlike most books, this one doesn't assume a progression from project to project so that you have to do them all--whether they interest you or not. I like being able to focus on whittling or chip work and being able to put off other types until I have a reason to do them.

Good introduction to woodcarving
Just as the title says this is a good introductory text for the person interested in starting woodcarving. There is not a lot of in-depth information about each type of carving, but there is enough to get youstarted in the right direction.Read more

Subjects:  1. Carving    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Wood-carving    6. Woodwork - General    7. Art techniques & materials    8. Carving & carvings    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Woodwork    10. Woodworking   

Reviews (21)

excellent-but-
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are entertaining and
And the best part? It's written in comic book form!
David Chelsea has produced an informative and entertaining resource in this book. He's cleverly managed to sum up perspective lessons from numerous sources into one compendium for comic book artists, fans of the genre interested in learning how it's done, or even the casual artist.
LEARN THE BASICS-THEN BUY THIS BOOK!
If you are just learning to draw, learn some of the basics first.I suggest Doug Dubosques' Drawing 3-d and Ernest Norlings' Perspective Drawing.Then buy Mr. Chelseas' book.The book features 11 chapters, everything from diminution to 3-point perspective, ellipses; even short cuts and sampling of perspective grids.I hope you find this book as helpful to you as it is to me. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Comic books, strips, etc    4. Comic books, strips, etc.    5. General    6. Perspective    7. Reference    8. Technique    9. Techniques - Cartooning    10. Art techniques & materials    11. Comic book & cartoon art   

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Study & Teaching    4. Techniques - General    5. Techniques - Painting    6. Art / General    7. Painting & paintings   

Reviews (24)

Unbelievable!
Any book by this wonderful lady is worth buying and using! She is so talented. Her love of her subject comes through every time and her instruction is clear and understandable!

Denny, Satisfied-beyond-belief
This is a great book!My fingers were itching to get started on the different projects.I would highly recommend to anyone.Well worth the money!

How to Make Clay Characters
This is an excellent book for the novice or the professional. Very good instructions and great pictures. What fun to make the characters along with Maureen. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ceramic Arts And Crafts    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Miniatures    6. Polymer clay craft    7. Reference    8. Sculpture    9. Art techniques & materials    10. Ceramic arts, pottery, glass    11. Modelling (in clay, wax & other plastic materials)   

Reviews (3)

Top rate drawing text
I have two older versions of this book which was a required college text for a course a friend of mine taught. Thisis a thorough and up-to-date volume on the elements of drawing: line, shape, texture, value, gesture, shape, form, etc. What I like best about it is that it is illustrated with a wide array excellent contemporary and historical master drawings that make great examples when teaching a particular concept. I only wish it came with a companion volume of large prints or slides for teaching. A guide to drawing by Duane A Wakeham
The book is a very precice book.there are many chapters covering many of the major subjects of art. My skill have improved a great deal from reviewing this book.The book is a very long piece but its worth the timeif you need too, or want to improve your artistic skill in every which way.

Guide to Drawing - Comments
It�s very clear and the best is that the examples are based on largerecognized artist's draws not on author's draws. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. General    4. Techniques - Drawing    5. Art / General    6. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles   

Reviews (1)

STILL my favorite drawing book
My copy of the original edition of Force has seen plenty of wear and tear since I try to always keep it handy when I'm drawing. But that one's going into retirement for this new expanded version.
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Subjects:  1. Animation    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Computer Animation    4. Computer Books: General    5. Computer Graphics - General    6. Computers    7. Figure drawing    8. Force and energy    9. Miscellanea    10. Technique    11. Techniques - Drawing    12. Art / Drawing    13. Graphic design   

Reviews (5)

Fond memories from 2nd grade
After recess every day we would be given a page from the Anti Coloring book and allowed to draw to our hearts content for half an hour. It was one of my favorite times of the day.

Two thumbs up, most definitely!!
As a parent and former early childhood educator, I am pleased to write this review. In a day and age when entertainment does not require much thought process from our young ones (i.e. video games, pointless television shows, computer software, etc.), it is very refreshing to stumble upon the Anti-Coloring Book. Our children are exposed to endless amounts of effort-free fun stuff; and ultimately, young minds become lazy, trained, and forgetful of the power of imagination. How can you say no to a product that fosters developmentally appropriate learning, and promotes self awareness, self confidence, self expression, and independent thinking?? Help your child to break free from the lines and boundaries that hold them back.Kudos to the creators... it's time to get real about our children's needs!

I grew up with Anti-Coloring Books
I still remember some of the specific pages I created in my Anti-Coloring Books almost 20 years ago! I had 4 or 5 different books and loved them all. These books encourage creativity, empowering kids to draw and think "outside the lines." I look forward to giving these books to my nieces, nephews, and children in the near future and are thrilled to learn that they're still available. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Activity    3. Art    4. Art - Drawing    5. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    6. Life Stages - School Age    7. Art techniques & materials    8. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles    9. Marriage, family & other relationships   

Editorial Review

This first big "bible" of Read more

Reviews (16)

Horrible, cheap black & white printing of a great book
Despite what the item description says, there are no color pages in this cheap reprinting.The pages are printed only in black and white, and are printed in very poor quality.What a shame, because the book itself is fantastic.I have an original printing of this book and love it.I ordered this reprint as a gift and had to return it because of the poor print quality.I wish I had noticed the other reviews about this problem (listed below) before I wasted my time and money!

great book, horrible edition.
The product information states that this book has 80 full-color pages.Indeed, the original printing of this book from years ago (which I own), does have color pages.But this version does not.Instead, this version has what look to be cheap black and white photocopies of the color pages, rendering the text on these pages almost unreadable.For $18.99, this is a sad ripoff.I planned to give it to a friend as a birthday present, but I'm sending it back instead.I'd rather give someone a late present than something of such embarrassing low quality.

Babble on and on and on
Bloom County is on my short list of all-time favorite comics. The original form, before short-lived "Outland" or the current "Opus", is long gone, though. Picking up this book was a wonderful piece of nostlagia.
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Subjects:  1. Comics & Cartoons    2. General    3. Humor    4. Wit and humor    5. Art techniques & materials    6. Drawing & drawings    7. Humor / Cartoons   

Reviews (1)

Best Figure Drawing Book Ever!
Recommended text for any figure drawing class, ages 14 to adult. Gives the artist many excellent samples of all mediums. The chapters devoted to basic anatomy are easy to understand and a pleasure to tackle for any ability level. Drawing is broken down into Four well illustrated categories : Structure, Anatomy(skeletal and muscular), Design, and Expression. A "best buy"! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anatomy, Artistic    2. Art    3. Art & Art Instruction    4. Drawing    5. Drawing Of Specific Subjects    6. History - General    7. Human figure in art    8. Technique    9. Techniques - Drawing    10. Techniques - Life Drawing    11. Art / Fine Arts    12. Drawing & drawings    13. Iconography, subjects depicted in art   

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Autistic artists    4. Catalogs    5. Folk & Outsider Art    6. Folk Arts    7. Individual Artist    8. Savants (Savant syndrome)    9. Seattle    10. Techniques - Drawing    11. Washington (State)    12. Art / Design / General    13. Individual artists    14. Zeichnung /Bildband   

Editorial Review

One lovely feature of this volume is that it shows the real material that inspired different faux finishes next to the excellent painted imitations. After extensive coverage of all aspects of getting started (tools and materials, preparation, safety concerns, and design and color considerations), and of working with glazes, there are dozens of detailed recipes for various marble and graining effects. The final chapter, "Professional Practice," explains how to set up your own decorative-painting business, including assembling a portfolio, identifying and reaching your market, financial planning, calculating rates and expenses, preparing samples, organizing the workspace, and working with clients. You'll even find a prototype contract and a checklist of supplies to bring on the job. Those who want to produce spectacular faux-finish results will learn a lot from Read more

Reviews (10)

Not really recommended but OKAY
I was looking forward to this book but was rather disappointed due to the extensive written instructions but the rather sketchy illustrative photos.

The best of the best
I bought this book more than ten years ago, I have an almost complete collection of books on painted finished, especially of wood and marble. The "Professional Painted Finishes" is absolutely the best I have, it is oozing QUALITY throughout. It is not for beginners but is The reference to return to again and again. It is also lovely just to browse through.

Good variety
I liked this book because it contained great illustrations and it also had helpful information about the business side of faux finishing. The text is compact, so each page contains alot of data. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Color decoration and ornament    3. Commercial Interior Design    4. Construction - General    5. Decorating - Painting/Wallpapering    6. Engineering - Chemical & Biochemical    7. Finishes and finishing    8. Home Improvement / Construction    9. Paint materials    10. Painting, Industrial    11. Study & Teaching    12. Technique    13. Art techniques & materials    14. Interior design    15. Painting & paintings    16. Small businesses & self-employed   

Reviews (2)

Clarifies the application ofdesign principles:a valuablereference.:
After reading this book and doing some of the suggested exercises, I became more sensitive tonegative space and related designprinciplesand better able to apply them to my art.

Why I love Notan
The Book Notan is a stimulating journey in to the World of design.Everyaspiring designer should own this book. The excercises are sure to help inthe devolopment of an understanding of the importance of"negative" space and it's relationship with good design. I wouldrecommend this book to ages 12 and up, for those with an eye for art, orwho would like to devolop their eye. I find myself returning to this bookon a regular basis to refresh my Vision and kick start my creativity. AnExceptional Book!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Composition (Art)    4. Design    5. Design - General    6. Graphic Arts - General    7. Techniques - General    8. Art / Techniques    9. Individual artists    10. Industrial / Commercial Art & Design   

Reviews (2)

Just terrific great fun
The first thing to hit me was how beautiful this book is.The photographs of the thousands of collectibles are delectable.It made me want to run out and find some of this stuff, or find new things to start collecting.The author unfolds her theories about why people collect, and describes many wonderful childhood scenes of Bronx life and early collections of marbles, baseball cards, sewing kits, you name it.Adult adventures collecting all over the world, and the collecting adventures of her friends and family, are included, and make for a wonderful warm biography of a collection of collectors. The descriptions of the original uses and methods of manufacturing of various collectibles is fascinating, and it's lovely to see simple and sometimes disposable things treated with such interest and respect.The history and character of our country shine through in the old graphics and designs of postcards, matchbooks, lawn sprinklers, and countless other items, and after spending time with them in this book, I can feel more deeply what's been lost to more efficient means of production. I'll never browse a flea market or garage sale quite the same way again.It's a wonderful conversation piece, a fun book to have around for guests to peruse.It gives you permission to bring out those old shoeboxes of stuff from under your bed and show them to your pals, even though you're not a kid any more.I loved this book, it was part anthropology, part history of design, part memoir, part encyclopedia, part travelogue, all work of endearing art.

A treasure trove!
I got a preview copy of this fantastic book and what a treasure.Insightful and informative, it has wisdom and information to offer on antiques, collecting, collectibles, history and psychology.The writing is engaging and the photgraphs practically glow; there is something fascinating in here for everyone. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques    2. Antiques / Collectibles    3. Art    4. Art & Art Instruction    5. Collecting    6. Collectors and collecting    7. General    8. Photo Techniques    9. Photography    10. Photography Of Specific Subjects    11. Popular Culture    12. Social aspects    13. Subjects & Themes - General    14. Antiques & Collectables    15. Antiques & Collectibles / General   

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Color Theory    4. Color in design    5. Design - General    6. Art / Color    7. Industrial / Commercial Art & Design