Reviews (24)

Best resource - oil painting
This book is incredibly helpful.I have found it invaluable when I get "stuck" or feel blocked at any stage of painting.

Exremely helpful
Not everyone can have a mentor teacher for their painting studies.This is the next best thing.You may not agree with all of Gregg's assessments of the subtleties of painting, but he does provoke thought.Well presented and inspiring.

Great teaching
As a beginner this one really hit the mark for me.It has so many suggestions and helps that I just can't begin to list them all.I have read many "how to" books on painting...this one tops them all. Well worth the price. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Painting    4. Technique    5. Techniques - General    6. Techniques - Oil Painting    7. Art techniques & materials    8. Oils   

Reviews (2)

Textbook Ordering
I had no problems when ordering from this vendor.The book description was accurate.I had no problems and received the book prior to the estimated arrival date.

This book is crap-tacular!
If my sock drawer was organized like this book...there would never be a matching pair of socks. The old socks and the new socks would cling together in a wad of static electricity, making it painful to dare try and pull them apart and match them up in any other way. The book lacks fabric softener, and reading it is itchy torture.
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Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Criticism    4. Reference    5. Art / General    6. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles    7. Reference works    8. The Arts   

Reviews (9)

Designers
A great book for interior designers. Serves as a great refrence. A must add to any library collection!

One of the best.
A very informative and usefull book for all designers.

DO NOT BUY! it's hard to imagine a more worthless book
This book is a fiasco. As a professional in commercial space planning for many years, I picked it up based on a 'glowing review'. I find another few good ratings here on-line. The authors mother must be writing them, because no one who actually attempted to verify the faulty and incomplete information within, could ever see this tome as worth the paper upon which it is printed.Read more

Subjects:  1. Architectural Design    2. Architectural drawing    3. Architecture    4. Art & Art Instruction    5. Design & Drafting    6. Designs and plans    7. General    8. Interior Design    9. Interior Design - General    10. Interior architecture    11. Standards    12. Study & Teaching    13. Technique   

Reviews (15)

Lack of vision
This art instruction manual is aptly titled as it is about "survival", offering hassle-free recipe- driven art projects for masses of students.If you were a public school student in the last 40 years the projects will look depressingly familiar--the obligatory construction papermask, the linoleum block print, the paper mache' animal.What is lacking is an overriding vision of what students may achieve.The "goals" are largely stated by listing vocabulary words but the opportunities for real discovery are thin indeed.As an artteacher of 20 years, I would never rely on construction paper for collage as it is impossible to produce anything with richness from such flat uninteresting papers.The student block print examples show the medium at its least interesting with the images mostly being reverse outline, little exploration of shape or figure-ground reversal.Moreover, it is criminal that a book purporting to be about the development of the visual sense should have reproductions of such appalling quality.Some of them are clearly printing errors since all one can see are dark gray rectangles with a few hints of light.The student examples were grim and to me this is the book's greatest failing.The strength of an art instruction book to me usually lies in the student examples.Mona Brooks and Kaupelis (first name escapes me) produce inspiring books on the basis of their student work alone.On a positive note, the book is well- organized.It could possibly serve as a jumping off point to a teacher with experience and initiative, but for the most part it perpetuates the predictable, mind-numbing experience of the all-too typical30 minute public school art block.

Survival It for Elementary Art Teachers
Wonderful resource for classroom teachers without formal art training.Plenty of useful information and easy, understandable projects

A great help for both new and experienced educators
I have been teaching art to children for nearly 7 years now, as well as having had my own fifth grade homeroom for 4 years, and this book is still a great resource.I bought it because I had borrowed it from another art educator and found it too helpful to miss.Some are new tips, some reminders, and loads of great projects.My only complaint is that the student work examples were horribly photographed and are often too dark and thus disappointing but still somewhat readable.Knowing this, I still bought it for the great content. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Education    2. Education / Teaching    3. Elementary    4. Study & Teaching    5. Teaching Methods & Materials - Arts & Humanities    6. Teaching Methods & Materials - General    7. Education / Teaching Methods & Materials / General   

Reviews (1)

Figure drawing books don't get any better than this one.
"Drawing from Life" is a treasure an artist, teacher, and drawing lover finds once in awhile. It is very logically layed out. I enjoyed variety of illustrations, the learning exercises, and glossary. Alas... some negatives: the price, the quality and detail of the reproductions, especially the anatomy ones. The book needs to be bigger in size and make use of detail enlargements to show the beauty of the drawings ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anatomy, Artistic    2. Art    3. Art & Art Instruction    4. Drawing    5. General    6. Subjects & Themes - Human Figure    7. Technique    8. Techniques - Drawing    9. Art / General    10. Art techniques & materials    11. Drawing & drawings    12. Philosophy   

Reviews (21)

50's Medical Terms meet the Modern Artist
This book was purchased as required for class. The verbage in the textbook is reminiscent of the types of medical textbooks originating from the 50's.However, once you get past that, the diagrams and sketches are very in depth and descriptive.
Excellent book
This book has everything and more as far as anatomy for artists goes. The book is complete with excellent illustrations from real pictures to life like illustrations that capture the essence and meaning in the human form as conceptualized by the artist. A definite must have for any artist intrested in the human form.

Simplicity of form
Peck manages to breakdown scientific understanding of the human form into simple graphic shapes. Up there with Andrew Loomis's work. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anatomy, Artistic    2. Art    3. Art & Art Instruction    4. Fine Arts (Specific Aspects)    5. History - General    6. Human Anatomy    7. Reference    8. Techniques - Life Drawing    9. Art & Architecture | Art Instruction    10. Art / Drawing    11. Art techniques & materials    12. Drawing & drawings   

Reviews (5)

A great aid to overcoming "Artist's Block"
The New Ceative Artist by Nita Leyland is a very useful addition to the library of any painter, regardless of the medium he or she uses.It is especially good to read when you go through that period that every artist experiences, when you feel you have lost your essential creativity and feel you have nothing to say.
"Riveting!Energizing!Exploding Graphics!
{This review is by Kate Eglan-Garton, Senior Editor of the Art-to-Art Palette -[...]}
The New Creative Artist will stir your creativity!
I have just received a complimentary copy of Nita Leland's new book
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Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Creation (Literary, artistic, etc.)    4. Creativity    5. Psychology    6. Psychology Of Art    7. Reference    8. Study & Teaching    9. Techniques - General    10. Art techniques & materials   

Reviews (18)

Review of Creating Life-Like Animals in Polymer Clay
This book, by Katherine Dewey, is a terrific resource book for those wishing to make animals from polymer clay - either to enhance their other sculptures or as a stand alone product.Numerous pictures and examples, with detailed instruction guide you step by step through the process.Animals included are deer, in two poses, frog, wolf, seal, bear and more.She also includes examples of bases, such as a leave for a sleeping mouse.
Creatring life-like animals in Polymer Clay
I found Katherine Dewey to be an excellent instructor, her directions were clear,detailed and easy to follow. I appreciated the directions for making your own tools as these can be expensive and hard to find.The tips and directions continue to be helpful in projects other than those given in the book. I highly recommend this book as well as her other book, Creating Life-Like Figures in Polymer Clay to anyone interested in working with this medium.

Great Book
This is the first book that I really can do the projects in..its a very good quality book..and not hard to do or understand.B.W. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animal sculpture    2. Ceramic Arts And Crafts    3. Clay    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Crafts / Hobbies    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Polymer clay craft    8. Pottery & Ceramics    9. Art Forms, Treatments & Subjects    10. Handicrafts   

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. General    4. Techniques - Drawing    5. Art / General    6. Drawing & drawings    7. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles   

Reviews (31)

Some Instructions Inadequate
I purchased this book as my figure has changed and I needed to re-do my basic slopers.The pattern design books I currently have did not cover trousers so I was delighted to finda new book that was apparently so comprehensive.
Finally !Best value for my dollar
I received this book yesterday and read the first 100 pages.I've sewn all my life and consider myself an advanced seamstress.I've sewn and made my own patterns for childrens' heirloom, business suits, and now enjoy making (jazz) dance costumes.I'm the one in line at the fabric store buying ten patterns, just to combine different details and features in different sizes, especially if sewing for a group.I probably own hundreds of patterns and almost that many books.For me, this book will pay for itself many times over.It isn't a sewing "how to" book and it wouldn't be the first book for a beginner.The reader should be familiar or use other reference books for actual garment construction techniques.I've bought other, less expensive sewing books to learn pattern manipulation and fitting techniques.I put off the purchase of this book, being put off by its price.But, finally!This book is so inspiring and liberating. In just the first 100 pages, I've gotten through the basic patternmaking and dart manipulation.I think I may never have to buy another pattern again !This is definitely a must have for the serious sewing enthusiast.

Designs by Sharon
This book was used during a 12 week class I attended for Patternmaking.It is very thorough and is an excellent reference for just about any type of pattern one could desire to make.I learned a great deal using the book as a reference guide while I studied the various fundamental components to patternmaking.However, it can be a little intimidating if used as a self-study text.This issue could have been solved if there had been an answer section for the various exercises that accompanied each chapter.Many of the students in our class felt it was a text designed for those enrolled in a formal college level class, i.e., it oftened assumed reader knowledge beyond that expected of a lay person. (Everyone in our class was required to be at the advanced level of sewing experience.)Some of the exercises were made more difficult because the technique to design a sample pattern was in a later chapter, not having been covered in the one just studied.Overall,though,it is a good reference and certainly belongs in the personal library of any serious home sewer. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating - General    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. Dressmaking    6. Fashion    7. Pattern design    8. Sewing    9. Art / Design / General    10. Art techniques & materials    11. Fashion design   

Reviews (25)

Great reference
For those of us who don't want to have to find out when the local art school has models coming in, or don't want to look at tons of porn trying to find something for reference, this book and its predecessors are perfect.

Disappointing
Great idea but poor execution. The photos are much too small to do any serious work with. The photos on disk are grainy and get even worse when you try to enlarge them.

fantastic!
Artists that seek to master the human figure very quickly come to the realization that unless you're married or are in a committed relationship (and have a partner patient enough to be your model), you don't have access to a model 24/7. This is the next best thing to having a live model. You purchase this product for the CD - the book is meant more as a reference for the CD images. Virtual Pose allows you to view photos of a live model from every angle and zoom in. There are dozens of poses from both female and male models, each of which can be rotated 360 degrees. Highly recommend. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Study & Teaching    4. Subjects & Themes - Human Figure    5. Techniques - General    6. Art techniques & materials    7. Drawing & drawings    8. Human figures depicted in art   

Reviews (12)

WAtercolor Painting Outside the Lines
This book is informative, but really does not give any more information on negative painting than the average Watercolor book with a section on negative painting....might be good for a rank beginner...and should be advertised as such.
Before you swallow the hype read all of the reviews!
I totally agree with the couple of reviews where the book was sent back to Amazon. Some of the reviews are positively glowing and just why is beyond my comprehension, The book offers (as do most watercolor instruction books)considerablesound advice about supplies and composition etc etc etc but the pictures SUCK! It is difficult for me to believe this is a professional artist (presumingmaking a living on this humdrum output.) She has a vey limited palette mostly autumnal browns and golds and mostly very small (8x8 and 12x12) pictures that are a hash and rehash of weeds leaves and branches,,sometimes a watercolor book is so astoundingly beautiful it is worth having just to admire the pics,,,well,,,not this one! Totally ripped off is the feeling given,,

Watercolor Painting Outside the Lines
I've been wanting to acquire this book for some time. This negative painting approach will pump new creative energies into my work. I recommend this addition to your watercolor library. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Form perception    4. Technique    5. Techniques - General    6. Techniques - Watercolor Painting    7. Watercolor painting    8. Art techniques & principles    9. Watercolours   

Reviews (35)

How to Make a Watercolor Paint Itself: . . .
I loved this book.I learned many new aspects of watercoloring.Her style, and the freedom she gives permission for, was very freeing.I highly recommend it.She is world famous, and her originals are quite expensive--plus, most are in private collections.Prints are available, and they are not cheap.Buy this book, unless you are one who wishes to paint very realistically.

Extremely helpful book.
This is one of the best watercolor books I've seen. It is well written, has lots of detail, and Nita Engle is generous with her information, e.g.her color choice and palette arrangement, two of the most difficult items to manage in my painting. I immediately attempted to take a seminar with her which, as to be expected, was full and has a waiting list. Next year I'll be first on the list. Seeing her tenichques is most interesting, even for those who may adapt them.

WONDERFUL book for textures!
This isn't a beginner's "how to" book. It doesn't teach paint application techniques like washes, color theory, etc. It's the book you wish you had to get beyond the basics. It teaches you a variety of techniques from spattering paint and mask to creating effects like fog, etc.
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Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Technique    4. Techniques - General    5. Techniques - Watercolor Painting    6. Watercolor Painting    7. Art techniques & materials    8. Watercolours   

Reviews (4)

Buyer BEWARE!!!! Buy it used!
This was originally a fabulous 4-color printed book, but, it has been reprinted with very poor quality black & white photocopy looking pages. I contacted the "publisher" who basically said tough luck, this is business, and this is how we make our money. Buy it used!!! Because as you may have figured out, an art education book with low quality black and white examples is worth it's weight in beans!

40 Year Friendship
I bought this book almost 40 years ago. I was surprised and pleased to see that it is still "thee" book. Everytime I get stuck for help, I go to this book. Now I am planning courses to teach pre-school teachers in Japan. "Thee" book is open once more. Any chance it is available in Japanese? Thanks Lowenfeld and Brittain!!!

Meeting with the Titians
As I finish my final weeks as an art education major, I have tried to complete a reference guide for some of my friends that I will be leaving behind in my department. Other than books by Dr. George Szekely, Viktor Lowenfeld's book "Creative and Mental Growth" stands as the 'bible' for the educator, period. Art isn't "frill" or "elective classes" to children, it is the way of life. Without the understanding of how children view their world and how it does bend toward creative expression, a teacher is simply stumbling around in the darkness. In this stumbling a teacher may find a light switch from time to time. However, join the rest of us with the "torch" of post-modern education with Mr. Lowenfeld's book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Artists    3. Child artists    4. Creation (Literary, artistic,    5. Creation (Literary, artistic, etc.)    6. Education    7. Elementary    8. Elementary School Creative And Manual Arts    9. General    10. Psychology    11. Secondary School Creative And Manual Arts    12. Study & Teaching    13. Study and teaching    14. Teaching Methods & Materials - Arts & Humanities    15. Education / Teaching Methods & Materials / Arts & Humanities    16. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles   

Reviews (4)

Restoration of Paintings
As a private restorer/conservator I view this book as a good ffee table format overview of easel painting . This book must not be used as a guide for would berestorersPlease on't attempt to repair your antiquepainting using this book as your basis of knowledge.
A thorough introduction
Rather technical, with many lovely color illustrations of the subject and techniques. This is a shwank reference for all manner of questions about restoration and reconstruction of paintings. You could learn much just from the pictures and captions.
A very informative overview
I read this book when I was applying for a graduate program in the restoration of easel paintings.I needed to get a broad--but also reasonably in-depth--overview of types of damage to paintings and restoration and preservation techniques, and this book was great for that.It thoroughly covers all types of damage to paintings on panel and fabric support, along with corrective and preventive techniques.As I mentioned before, it covers a whole range of areas while still giving them sufficiently in-depth attention.There are tons of color illustrations that are invaluable in helping you understand what they're talking about.I didn't rate it five stars for two reasons:(1) it frequently describes the use of specialized equipment used by restorers, and if you're not familiar with this equipment it can be kind of difficult to completely follow what they're describing, and (2) it also doesn't have the most up-to-date information.Not that the information that is there is out of date by any means, but if you're interested in cutting-edge restoration theory, this book is not going to have it.But from what I gather, this book is one of the most highly regarded in the restoration field (the faculty of the program I applied to keeps it on-hand as a reference book).Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Conservation and restoration    4. General    5. History - General    6. Painting    7. Painting - General    8. Reference    9. Techniques    10. Techniques - General    11. Techniques - Painting    12. Conservation, restoration & care of artworks   

Reviews (3)

good book
Good book, has great examples and the definitions are not that hard to understand. Ideal for any artist or reader that is interested in ART

Great Guide to the Process of Drawing
This book is an excellent resource. It is very clear and the examples are really very helpful.If you are a beginner or an artist of years, there is very much to learn from this book.The text does offer some excercises, but it's greater strength is from the explanation of processes.The book doesn't play out as an analysis of art pieces, but describes the process of creating an expressive and cohesive work in pretty much any style of drawing.It tells you how to practice and what to look for in a subject and in your drawing. This was the textbook we used in my drawing classes and it has been an invaluable resource since then.
well written, well illustrated
While giving clear 'how to' instructions for those beginning drawing, this book treats drawing in a much broader way than simply the realistic rendering of the visual world. It's well written and illustrated with works by a good range of contemporary artists. As an art college lecturer I find this book very useful as a resource for both myself and my students. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Drawing    4. Fine Arts    5. History - General    6. Technique    7. Techniques - Drawing    8. Techniques - General    9. Art / General    10. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles   

Reviews (19)

The secret is revealed!
I've always grown up wanting to be one of those people who could draw portraits but never had any luck. I havent touched a pencil in over 10 years, but my very first attempt after reading Carrie's book came out wonderfully! And it just keeps improving!
a word to the wise!!!
Carrie is a gifted teacher and artist who opens her heart to her readers, holding back no "professional secrets".Her enthusiasm for the gifts God has given her makes her books as well as her artwork a welcome addition to ANY artists library.She has personally recommended other teachers to me to help me add to my skills, and I can truthfully state that she (or one of her books) will encourage and empower you to be the best you can be.Carries' honesty, talent and energy are a great resource for anyone with the gift of art.

It works!
I not only bought the book, I found one of her classes and attended.I have drawn stick figures my whole life, and after her training...which comes directly from the book....I have drawn pictures of friends and grandchildren that actually look like them.Just as she says in the book, she teaches you how to overcome the patterns of drawing that you have in your head from childhood.She will teach you how to SEE!
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Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Drawing    4. Face in art    5. Technique    6. Techniques - Drawing    7. Techniques - General    8. Art techniques & principles    9. Drawing & drawings    10. Human figures depicted in art   

Reviews (8)

Beautiful and Useable Book
I love this book- the art is absolutely beautiful and the general layout really shows it off. It talks about how to begin nature journaling, giving tips on both starting the habit and learning to draw! I love the approach it takes, fostering a closeness and syncronicity with nature and its cycles!

Love This Beautiful Book!!!
Our family loves this book - we love the examples from actual nature journals and it has really inspired myself and my children to keep our own nature journals.As we do so, we come to have a better appreciation for the amazing creations all around us.The author really helps to encourage even budding artists to keep nature journals, which helps some of the more timid artists in our family.

Wonderful teaching tool.
I coordinate outdoor workshops for women to provide them the opportunity to learn new skills.We hosted a new class,Nature Journaling, and the instructor needed a book to suplement her curriculum.I selected this book based on the Amazon recomendations and further research.Both the instructor and participants loved the book.It was very helpful and useful once they left the workshop.Read more

Subjects:  1. Authorship    2. Diaries    3. Journal Writing    4. Natural history    5. Nature    6. Nature/Ecology    7. Reference    8. Art techniques & materials    9. NATURAL HISTORY, COUNTRY LIFE & PETS    10. Nature / Reference   

Reviews (7)

Atlas of Foreshortening: The Human Figure is Deep Perspective
The book is okay. My biggest beef is that a lot of the poses that the models are in are pretty boring and could have been more interesting. They seemed pretty repetative to me as well. However, it does over insight on the muscles shapes formed when looking at the body from deep perspective. You can then takes that and push it to your needs.
Exellent!
This is the book I've been searching for for years! Most art photo reference books will either give you very standard standing, lying, walking poses or very artistic poses(ie unclear) . This book has clear photos of the body in unusual positions. There's a wide variety of poses and sections. Both male and female models.
Very useful
There are lots of visual reference books out there. It would be easy to populate a bookshelf with them. After a while, though, they start to look the same.
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Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Artists' models    4. Figure Drawing    5. Nude in art    6. Perspective    7. Techniques - General    8. Techniques - Life Drawing    9. Art / Techniques    10. Human figures depicted in art    11. Photographs: collections    12. Reference works   

Reviews (12)

A Must Have for your wirewrapping/jewerly making
This is really a must have book for your library of wirewrapping,jewerly making and polymer clay.I really find myself referring to it a lot when I need insperation in beginning new projects..Im not one to follow step by step.but this can be followed very easily,but its good for just adding here and there to what your making.Thats why I like the patterns.Mrs.C

Making Wire Jewelry
Younger wire makers will appreciate this book.The patterns are simple and use only wire in repeated designs joined together.The ring section is very simple and is only for someone just starting out in wire.Do not purchase this item if you have any expierence in wire jewelry--only if just starting out.

I LOVE WIRE JEWELRY
I am a 13 year old who loves trying new art.You might think because im'm 13 the projects in this book are easy, but they aren't.Some can be challenging but there are a few easier designs.I got this book becaus it was packaged with a kit including wire and pliers for [not much money.] Anyway, After I used up all the wire (lots of it) i was addicted.I was walking through [a store] and I saw more Wire Jewelry making products called Wild Wire(made by NSI Innovations). This should solve the people who can't find any supplies problem.They sell many things that the book calls for including a jig with removable pegs and other things that I found can be very useful in my new fascination with wire jewelry(especially the bead maker, I highly recommend it).This is a great book and you should definately get it if you are interested in wire jewelry making, but beware, you may become addicted.... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Handicraft    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Jewelry    6. Jewelry making    7. Metal Work    8. Wire craft    9. Art techniques & materials    10. BG-COOKBKS - BG - COOKBOOKS    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry    12. Handicrafts    13. Jewellery & jewellery-making