Reviews (5)

Invaluable resource for children's fiction writers
I have read quite a few books on writing and illustrating for children, and in my opinion, this one is far and away the best. Uri Schulevitz communicates the essential elements of outstanding writing and illustration for children so clearly that I had one of those "light bulb" moments. He uses an abundance of examples (his own work and others) to explain what he means. Off and on for years, I have been working on several books for children, but certain aspects didn't seem to work. I knew my work needed refining, but I was unable to define specific solutions. Schulevitz has broken down the process so well that I have finally been able to clarify my story lines and flow. Although printing processes have changed immensely since this book was published (especially in pre-production such as scanning artwork), making that portion out-of-date, the other information is timeless. This is an invaluable resource for anyone involved in writing for children.

Make every picture tell a story
Shulevitz presents a clear, complete guide to the basics of creating a book for children. It starts with a brief discussion of plot, development, and resolution - maybe not what you remember about an illustratedchildren's book, but you know it when they're not well worked out. Given a story, the next step is in creating its pictures. Narrative illustration, the kind that contains a story and moves the reader through it, is a lot more than just the individual panels that make it up. Pictures may spotlight a few key events in the text, or they may take on the real load of the story-teller's task. It depends not only on the artistic decisions of the illustrator and writer (often different people), but also on the age range of the intended audience.
A book every children's book illustrator should have--and useful for writers and others too
This review is condensed from a longer review on my web site, The Purple Crayon.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Art    3. Composition & Creative Writing - Children's Literature    4. General    5. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    6. Techniques - General    7. Illustration & commercial art    8. Writing & editing guides    9. Writing skills   

Reviews (2)

Almost ...but not quite
With this ninth book in the remarkable Splash series I was rather disappointed.To me the strength of the previous eight books has been the remarkable diversity of painting styles.Even though each had a rather loose theme you could turn the pages and not really know what to expect apart from the fact that every picture was a watercolor.So many of the paintings just make you stop and look and look and frequently wonder how an artist achieved that painting.Luckily part of the editorial format in each book allowed artists to reveal their creative thoughts or techniques in words next to the picture.
Splash 9
I have loved collecting the Splash series.I enjoy looking at them over and over.The books are a great place to see what others are doing, use for inspiration, and sometimes to help solve a problem with something you are working on. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Technique    4. Techniques - Watercolor Painting    5. Watercolor Painting    6. Watercolours   

Reviews (10)

visual journaling
I think this book is a jewel for those who might want to "discover" themselves.I have used it many times to stimulate myself to write.

Excellent book
It is a journey to the deepest region of your soul. Easy to follow and very motivating to continue. Sets the innerself free.

Valuable to explore emotions
This six week program was helpful to explore emotions and to give me a structure for how to understand my many feelings.It took me longer than six weeks, but I still do the process to keep me in touch with myself. I got this book for a friend as well! We both love doing it together. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art therapy    2. Diaries    3. General    4. Imagery (Psychology)    5. Journal Writing    6. Psychology    7. Self-Help    8. Self-help techniques    9. Therapeutic use    10. Art / Drawing    11. Art Forms, Treatments & Subjects    12. Popular psychology   

Reviews (21)

ONE OF THE BETTER BOOKS ON OIL PAINTING CONCEPTS AND TECHNIQUES
With respect to oil painting, David Leffel is a Modern-Day-Master and this book, representing some of Mr. Leffel's concepts and techniques, is certainly worth the price.His video is even better! If you can get your hands on his video, buy it. If you are serious aboutg oil painting and if you can get into one of his workshops, do it.

excellent book
Just want to tell Martin (previous review) that I did get the book from the library, and I AM ordering it because it's one of the best books on painting I've come across. If you like hard edged, photo realism then perhaps you'll think the photos are out of focus.....but if you admire Rembrandt you'll recognize some real genius when you see it. And frankly, I don't think many 7 year olds can paint like David Leffel. Also,if you have even an inkling of what a great teaching institution the Art Students League in New York City is, you will love this book. I highly recommend it.

Good information
I don't see how you can give a 5 star rating to a book with such poor quality, out-of-focus reproductions. The book contains some great tips for the oil painter who is moving beyond the basics. Do yourself a favor and get this book from the library first.Then you will not be disappointed when you pay for a book that looks like it was photographed by my 7 year old. ... Read more

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

Reviews (2)

Disappointed with Amazon!
I paid $24 for this book only to receive it and the price is stamped on the back "$9.95 in USA"! I would look for this book elsewhere.

Disappointed
I paid $24 for this book only to receive it and the price is stamped on the back "$9.95 in USA"! I would look for this book elsewhere. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1812-1890    2. Art    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decoration and ornament    5. Design    6. Klimsch, Karl,    7. Monograms    8. Techniques - Calligraphy    9. Techniques - Printmaking    10. Victorian style    11. Art / Calligraphy    12. History of art & design styles: c 1800 to c 1900    13. Klimsch, Karl    14. Lettering & calligraphy   

Reviews (1)

Great for Artists, not so great for jewelers
The good: This book has absolutely drop dead gorgeous illustrations of fine jewelry created using precious metals and precious stones.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Design    4. Earrings    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Jewelry    7. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    8. Rings    9. Technique    10. Art techniques & materials    11. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

Reviews (10)

inspiration
My students find the projects inspirational.The projects can be adapted in many ways.Student's get excited seeing how other students their age solve design problems.

not for MS
the book looks like it has some great ideas.Does not appear to be for middleschoolers though

Outstanding!
This book has really broadened my mind.In my country where Arts and Culture has (thankfully) become a compulsory subject (or learing area) up to age 15, I am trying to assist teachers who are often forced to become Arts and Culture educators with little or no experience.This book has given me more ideas on what to do and how to assist these teachers, while also giving me more possibilities, effectively pushing my own creativity.It is well written and easily accessible: a total feast for the eyes! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity programs    2. Art    3. Art & Art Instruction    4. Art Media (General)    5. Design - General    6. Study & Teaching    7. Study and teaching (Secondary)    8. Techniques - General    9. Art / General    10. Art Forms, Treatments & Subjects    11. BG-ART/PHOTO/ARCH - BG-ART/ARCHITECTURE    12. Industrial / Commercial Art & Design    13. The Arts    14. Theory of art   

Reviews (12)

Marvellous handbook!
I have dabbled with calligraphy and have several books myself, most of them are big and have beautiful pictures and present the same styles; Roman, Uncial, Italic and Gothic styles with some variations. I ordered this book because of the raving reviews and its low price and was greatly, pleasantly surprised!
Caligrapher's Bible
I was able to pick up a few new styles. Not enough help for the lefties.

Calligraphy
The book is very easy to follow, with diagrams showing you the angle to hold your pen and numbers to show you the order for writing each letter.Absolutely excellent; a must-have for true lovers of this art. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Calligraphy    4. Specimens    5. Study & Teaching    6. Techniques - Calligraphy    7. Art / Calligraphy   

Reviews (32)

Best all round book on color & design!
I have been painting for many years and keep on referring back to this book over and over, because the principles therein are so helpful. Clearly presented, basic "truths" about color and design that will lift the caliber of what you produce--why? Because you will paint with knowledge and the confidence that accompanies knowledge. I've read most of the books out there on watercolor, but this one is Queen of them all! Happy painting!

This is One Book You Will Not Want To Lend To A Friend or Foe!
MAKING COLOR SING is a workshop in watercolor. Jeanne Dobie, AWS, is a watercolor master of international fame and recipient of many prestigious awards. From the contents of this book we can also vouch for her generosity for sharing her knowledge and secrets with us.
Making Color Sing by Jeanne Dobie
I have been a student of water color for just over 12 months.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Color In Art Media    4. Color Theory    5. Study & Teaching    6. Techniques - Painting    7. Art techniques & principles    8. Watercolours   

Reviews (25)

Good book for teachers and parents!
This book is aimed toward parents and/or teachers.It gives good advice and a good drawing technique to learn in order to teach drawing/art to children.Not exactly a book for children, but a book that will help YOU teach children!:o)My boys have certainly enjoyed looking thru the book and the pictures, but the "meat" of this book is directed to the parent/teacher.I have thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it, especially to parents/teachers who might be like me and not have great art skills or a background in drawing.

Excellent book
I highly recommend this book for all ages.The lessons were fun for my [...] and my [...].These lessons teach the children that they can draw without frustration or failure.

FROM ART TO ANYTHING!!!
I was thrilled to find this book.I homeschool my children and wanted something simple that would teach them to draw more realistically.I've looked for years and finally found this awesome book!!! and interestingly enough it has helped me, in more than just art!It gave me the feeling that if I can draw (when I never thought I could!!!) what else can I do?I've always wanted to write...And now I have the courage to try...This book has unleashed a creative side of me that has been bottled up somewhere! (the author mentioned that this was a "side effect" in her book, and it certainly was/is for me.Thanks, Mona,a.l.d.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Drawing    4. Elementary School Creative And Manual Arts    5. General    6. Teaching Methods & Materials - General    7. Technique    8. Techniques - Drawing    9. Techniques - General    10. Art / Drawing    11. Art techniques & materials    12. Drawing & drawings    13. Teaching of a specific subject   

Reviews (5)

Excellent for young budding artists
I got this for my sons 9th Birthday - it give the basics of 3D drawing in a way that children of his age can understand.I would recommend this book to people with children who enjoy drawing and would like to improve the results

Good book to learn how to draw
I'm trying to learn how to draw now because I was afraid to take art classes in high school. This book has made it fun. I really liked the "how to draw cars" by the same author. This book was not as helpful but it is still a good book.

Thank Heavens for Dubosque
With 8 grandchildren under 10 years of age, this book has delighted all of them.We have 3 budding artists and now the others are becoming more creative.The Dubosque books are an answer to parents who are not artistic or don't have the time to answer all their questions.With our schools eliminating many arts programs it will be up to parents to interest their children in the finer things, which begin with the basics.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Art (paintingsculptureartistsarchitectureetc.)    2. Art - Drawing    3. Children's 9-12 - Art & Art Instruction    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    5. Children: Grades 3-4    6. Drawing    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Juvenile literature    9. Perspective    10. Technique    11. Art techniques & principles   

Reviews (4)

Practically essential for ninja/samurai manga art
First off, a lot of people like to complain about the abundance of nude figures in the "How to Draw Manga" series.This has, at least on Amazon, given the otherwise useful group of books a terrible reputation as smut.
It's really cool
I really like the different nijas it has...i like the evil ones better...Buahaha

Very useful book
I recieved this book the day it was released and I must say it was quiet helpful. I truthfully don't recommend it for beginners. It shows several ninja and samurai, in several manga styles, from different eras and things they wore. It also expains a few "how to not" ways for various clothing or positions. Overall a great book! I loved it. Irecommend you have somewhat of an idea how to draw poses because a lot of the poses are a little more flexible than most normal human poses. It has some pages on how to draw various ninja and samurai weapons. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Fiction    4. Techniques - Cartooning    5. Techniques - Drawing    6. Art / Cartooning    7. Comic book & cartoon art   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (23)

An absolute must for every metalsmith / jewelry designer.
In this volume Oppi Untracht offers an excellent overview of metal jewelry making. The seemingly limitless information offered is technically precise,and beautifully illustrated.
Overview versus Technical Know How
This is a good book for those wanting a broad overview of all aspects of jewellery making with metals.It contains good illustrations of finished pieces; however, it is not a book that gives step by step instructions.So, if you are looking for a 'how to' book, look elsewhere.Otherwise it is a useful reference but not essential.

MY NUMBERONE BOOK!!
It is my so called bible.I bought it 15 years ago at $50.00 from a mall bookstore and was so happy how cheap i bought it for as its return its value 50 times over since...if you had to own just one book this is it!...grant you it should be reprinted and up dated. alot of what we do does not change much but in some fields it does.color would be great. mine has many color plates (1985 ed).it seams alot for a book but if it was printed today would cost alot more(id buy a new one at what ever cost), and imho compared to many that ive spent more on do not compare..buy it,and hug it as ioften do.its a jewel!lol...i wonder if "oppi" is still liveing?. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Jewelry    5. Art techniques & materials    6. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry    7. Gold & silversmithing    8. Jewellery & jewellery-making    9. Reference works   

Reviews (10)

Medici Conspiracy is amazing!
The Medici Conspiracy by Peter Watson is an amazing account, thoroughly researched, beautifully written, with marvelous photographs.It is literally a fascinating mystery, revealed and solved.I applaud the Italians and commend Oscar White Muscarella for his life-long good fight.

Just Like the Movies, but Real Life
When you have something small, easily moved, requires no special handling such as refrigeration, very valuable, and willing customers, it's pretty easy to guess what happens.
The Medici Conspiracy
The book deals with a fascinating subject and has a lot of details.It does not, however, read too smoothly.I've enjoyed his other books better. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Archaeological thefts    2. Art thefts    3. Collecting    4. General    5. History    6. History: World    7. Organized Crime    8. True Crime / Espionage    9. Forgery, falsification & theft of artworks    10. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles    11. International trade    12. True crime   

Reviews (2)

Excellent Advice on Landscape Painting
I was somewhat surprised with this book as I don't usually care for the X number of steps for a perfect life type books. However, Barbara Nuss has some very good advice for the beginner and intermediate landscape painter, and even for the advanced painter.She actually does list 14 "formulas" or, as I'd classify, compositions, of landscape painting. Each formula is addressed with samples and step-by-step demonstrations.Some of these are addressed in other books (see my review on Edgar Alwin Payne).However, I think the greatest value in Ms. Nuss' advice is how she gives the viewer confidence to change things. If you don't like the actual landscape in front of you, change it!Ha!How simple is that?But most artists are so consumed with the idea of depicting things exactly as they see them, that they forget that they are the creator and can change the landscape to make a stronger composition and a stronger painting.Most outdoor painters will find value in this book.I will add that Ms. Nuss' oil paintings are much stronger than her watercolor paintngs. If you are looking for W/C, then perhaps another book would suit you better.

A Must-Have for Landscape Artists!
"Formulas" is such an unfortunate word to put on anything creative. Disregard it. This book is a treasure!Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Landscape painting    4. Technique    5. Techniques - General    6. Techniques - Oil Painting   

Reviews (6)

Excellent for beginners
I found this book very helpful. The instructions are detailed enough to get a beginner started in stained glass construction.

Thorough introduction to tools and techniques
I really like the BINDING on the edition of this book I ordered from amazon.com, it's a spiral-bound book, but neatly bound in a paperback cover -- really slick, obviously a book that intends to be kept open while you're using it!
The best starter book you will ever need
I found this book to be very informative, very percise, and very easy to understand. If you've never done stained glass before and you want to learn how without going to a class, this is the book for you. It shows you step by step exactly what you need to do, and how to do it. Along with all the tools you will need to get started, and the price range for all. This is the best starter book you will ever need! Get it, you won't be sorry. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Glass & Glassware    4. Glass craft    5. Glass painting and staining    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Art techniques & materials    8. Ceramic arts, pottery, glass    9. Handicrafts    10. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games   

Reviews (2)

Art Fundamentals
This book was exactly what the teacher wanted and it got to me in a timely manner!!Thank you so much.

The Standard Text Now Greatly Improved
This new tenth edition of this classic book has been expanded and changed in two significant ways.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Design - General    4. Art / Design / General    5. Art Forms, Treatments & Subjects   

Reviews (10)

This is the best book you'll find on understanding how character design works.
"I'm stumped, all my characters come out looking the same!What am I missing?"
very useful
this is a very good book for all kind of characters you doing, it gives very good info. i refer to it often when creating characters.

Excelent resource
There are few books that tackle the art of character design. This book does so in an informative and fun way. This book addresses the most important part of any art and design which is the "process". It also hosts a few cameos from renowned illustrators who are practicing succesfully in the field. Well done. From another artist I am highly recomending this book.. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Assemblage Art    4. Characters and characteristics in art    5. Cinema/Film: Book    6. General    7. Graphic arts    8. Multi-Media Art    9. Philosophy Of Art    10. Technique    11. Techniques - Cartooning    12. Techniques - Drawing    13. Animation    14. Comic book & cartoon art   

Reviews (10)

Drawing on Inspiration
I bought this book so I can learn to draw cartoons with my 2.5-year-old daughter. Right around this time I had finished reading the book Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman, and I was wondering how I might be able to start teaching my child about different emotions. Then on pages 18 and 19 of Hart's book I found a list of cartoon faces depicting emotions. We started drawing some of them. Currently we're concentrating on two: Happy and Laughing.

Chris Hart Does It Again!
Without a doubt, Christopher Hart is one of the most prolific and talented cartoonist around. Having worked with companies such as Disney, his cartoon style is entertaining and stylic as well. It's got personality and it will make you want to engross yourself in the book. If you've not read any book by Chris Hart, this is one of his best. However, it is a wonderful book with lots of helpful ideas on becoming a cartoonist yourself. Excellent find!
This book is great! There are a ton of helpful tips and techniques that range from how to draw facial expressions and body types to how to draw ice cubes and water... and even how to convey wind or rain. The author, Christopher Hart, even explains why cartoon characters have only three fingers. Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Cartooning    4. Cartoons and caricatures    5. Graphic Satire And Humor    6. Reference    7. Technique    8. Techniques - Cartooning    9. Techniques - General    10. Art techniques & materials    11. Comic book & cartoon art   

Editorial Review

For those who value correct grammar, Anne Stilman has written the definitive guide. She holds you to her high grammatical standards, and clearly explains how to follow the rules. There are chapters on "Spelling," "Punctuation," "Grammar," and "Style," and Stilman patiently elucidates the rules of colons, brackets, and plural formations, while gracefully tackling the common misuses of "lie" versus "lay." Her illustrative examples bring the stickiest lessons home. Quoting from Woody Allen, Vikram Seth, Mark Twain, and other likable authors, issues of pronoun choice, parallelism, and ellipses come clear. Although Stilman cuts no slack on errors, she concedes that grammar evolves. While she suggests that you avoid splitting infinitives, she also believes you shouldn't introduce excessive awkwardness merely to conform to a rule that was dogmatically decreed years ago for no particular reasons of clarity or merit. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Awesome!
Love it.I've learned so much from this book.I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn how to write better.I wish I had found it years ago.It's a good reference book overall for anyone who needs help writing well.

misleading title
Despite what the book title "Grammatically Correct", this book is mostly about punctuation usages.Grammar is limited to a thin, single chapter.There are not sufficient materials on grammar to alert you on incorrect usages, let alone correct them.
Timeless keeper and worth every cent.
This is an excellent book to have regardless of whether you are a student learning English Grammar or a professor needing assistance with editing. I definately recommend the hardcover version. It's a timeless keeper for one's bookshelf. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. English Grammar    2. English language    3. General    4. Grammar    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Language    7. Language Arts & Disciplines    8. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    9. Rhetoric    10. Usage    11. Writing Skills    12. Art techniques & materials    13. English