Painting-the

I have and keep a number of copies to provide to friends and students. I am so glad to see another release. If you enjoy reading historical treatises or are just an art ecclectic, this book is for you. Covering major schools of thought regarding painting from the Southern and Northern renaissance to contemporary practises (of the 1850's), this book covers one overlooked component of sucessful painting- namely method.
The steps necessary of how to consider building a painting are detailed. We all know of additive and subtractive color methods, but how about the most powerful? The dynamic method! Most colleges are telling students about "glazes", which is a poor illustration and obvious that the the entire process is not well understood nor adequately experienced by the professor of "glazes". This book blows away the semantic myth of direct painting as currently understood with the unrealized potential of lead white, veiling with white, "hot" underpaintings, typical pigment mixtures and a wealth of history.
I found my first used copy almost 30 years ago and have found it to be the an indispensable tool for the artist who "seeks further light" from an original source without the meddling of art supply manufactures, convenience influenced art education, and those terrified of heavy metals. If you have the courage to look, read and the iniative to comprehend, the info is invaluable. Take notes as read, for the ideas are simple yet profound in their power and applications. This is not just "a substitute token".

Eastlake traces the use of drying oils and resins from the early Greeks through the perfection of these substances for use as mediums by the brothers Van Eyck. He discusses preparation of materials, execution, and technical difficulties faced in the use of an oil vehicle. This work will make you rethink everything you know about oil painting. A must read for the serious painter.

This classic treatise on the painting methods of western art's great masters is an indispensible resource for the artist and connossieur. The current crop of "how-to" books that have taught artists for most of the 20th century look pathetically infantile after reading just a few pages of Sir Charles' book. Eastlake's readers were not ignorant hobbyists, but fellow scholars and masters of the art of oil painting. This volume is what it says it is -- a book of secrets. While you may be a master (not by the 20th century definition), you may not be privy to the secrets of Rembrandt, Da Vinci, Velazquez, etc. If only modern books explaining art materials and techniques would treat today's reader as one possessing a few "secrets" of his or her own, maybe western art would still be building on the legacy of the great schools and masters instead of trying to jump-start a nearly dead tradition. More than being a "must-read", this book is a "must-have.&quo

Gloria Fraser Giffords does an excellent job in researching an often ignored corner of art history, Mexican folk art. She provides insight into how these images were made, but also helps the reader understand the devotional context in which these images were used by people in the nineteenth century (and are still used by people today). A must for a student in this area, especially as there is not yet abundant information in this field. The images are compelling and beautifully reproduced and the book is easy and interesting to read. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

This book isn't large, but it's full of the incredible beauty of Mexican folk art with 82 color illustrations. It's well written, very detailed, and in three sections.

Part 1, "The Mexican Folk Retablos": The origins of these small religious oil paintings, usually on tin, are described, as well as terminology, materials, the artists (mostly unknown), and much more. The chapter is completed with 28 images of the Holy Family, and each plate is described on the facing page. The wonderful piece depicted on the cover, "La Inmaculada", is one of them.

Part 2, "Saints as Subjects": This starts with the problem of identification, as finding out which saint is pictured is quite a feat. It goes into the function of these retablos, and their changing popularity as time progressed. It concludes with 36 images of saints, that are inspiring and beautifully executed. I find # 31, "San Antonio de Padua", extraordinary.

Part 3, "The Mexican Ex-Voto Painting": An ex-voto is a story painting, done as a commemoration to answered prayer. This chapter deals with the characteristics of these lovely pieces, their development and decline. It gives 17 examples of this unique art form, along with a description, as well as a legible printing of the writing on the painting, in Spanish and English. The back of the book has bibliography, notes, indexes, etc.

If you appreciate Mexican art, this will be a wonderful addition to your library, and if you like Russian icons, as I do, it makes a fascinating comparison, especially plate # 4, "Nuestro Señor de los Trabajos", and plate # 62, "Santiago", pictured with sword in hand and on horseback.

The author, Gloria Fraser Giffords, has done a marvelous work with this volume, bringing us an area of Mexican culture that doesn't get as much attention as it deserves.

I can't believe this is the 1st review...This inspirational, beautifully put together book was awesome. The research into the art work alone, is masterful. Then Ms. Giffords tells you a story about the pictures content and the symbolism in each artists work. This book alone, has inspired me to delve further into the lost art of retablos' and the lives of the saints. I recommend this book to art students, theologians, and anyone interested in igniting their sprituality!!!

Beautiful illustrations and nice story too. Little girl in
story longs for a horse. Gets one in her dreams. Author's
own childhood desire for a horse was the inspiration for
her artistic talent at drawing horses. She states that she
now owns horses and tries to ride every day. Inspiring
message for horse lovers. Never give up on dreams!

My Pony/horse obsessed 3 yr-old daughter received this on Christmas eve from her Aunt and just loves it. It is one of those books that is just mesmerizing to her. It has also been helpful in showing her that she can have "her pony" in her imagination as well. It is really a sweet tale that has already been described in detail so I will simply leave it at that.

My Pony is a wonderfully enchanting story of a young girl's dream of having her own pony. Each night when the young girl is supposed to be doing her homework, she dreams of riding her pony. The pony, Silver, comes to life when the young girl draws the beautiful dapples and shiny coat. Together at last, the girl and Silver ride the clouds and visit a fantasy world.
Susan Jeffers' latest story is beautifully illustrated and eloquently narrated. The words of the story combined with awesome illustrations seem to drip like honey off of the pages of this book. Jeffers' has done a spectacular job. This book is filled with whimsical fantasy allowing the reader to escape to a world filled with beauty and wonder.
This book is told from the young girl's point of view and the reader will quickly become lost in the story. Even though this book is keyed to young girls, 'old girls' are sure to revel in it as well. This book would be highly recommended and considered a valuable addition to any children's library. The breathtaking illustrations, done in fine line pen and watercolor, make a significant contribution to be viewed as an example of art for children.

If you want to see colorful manuscipts that show a varity of medieval insects, plants, flowers, fruit, sea shells, initials, designs, and even a few animals, then this is the book for you. There are 41 full color manuscripts to choose from. At the end of the book, are discriptions of each manuscript, listing the medieval name for each. Example: The identifications of specimens proceed from top to bottom and from left to right. Common names have been provided whenever possible. In the case of the insect identifications, British English common names have been used, since most of the specimens represented do not exist in the United States. Where a different American common name is known, it has been included following the British Name, seperated by a slash. The names of higher taxonomic groups (families and orders) have been printed in roman type, while genus and spicies names appear in italics.Folio 1 Rotunda script in "trace letters"Vinca minor L,: Common periwinkleMalus domestica Borkh,:Common appleLacerta(?):LizardFolio 5 Antiqua scriptMatthiola incana (L.) R. Br.: GillyflowerEphemeroptera: MayflyDiptera Cyclorrhapha Heleomyzidae (?):FlyPulmonata Helicidae Cepaea sp.: Garde SnailEnd Example.A great sorce of Medieval Nature.

"Nature Illuminated" is wonderful collection of illuminated manuscripts from the Getty's extensive holdings. Perusing these pages shows that the chasm between (representative) art and science is really not so great.

For such a small book, this is crammed with new ideas for both calligraphy and drawing from Nature. You have to look close, and have an idea of how techniques can be applied, but this book will serve as an inspiration for my work for years to come!

An enchanting story of a boy's dream and his realization of the importance of patience takes place during alandmark period in art history.

The Neptune Fountain/The Apprenticeship of a Renaissance Sculptor by Taylor Morrison recreates seventeenth century Italy in glorious detail.

Descriptions of the famous Carrara marble quarries and the painstaking steps involved in creating a sculptural fountain's main figure are vibrantly authentic.

Morrison has captured the essence of the apprenticeship program in Renaissance Italy. Illustrated and written by Morrison, the book describes the process used in sculpting massive pieces and the quarry process. Fully illustrated in Morrison's inimitible style, this fictionalized account describes the life of a young apprentice in his quest to learn the "art."

Fully illustrated, historical fiction, includes full glossary of art terms used.

Of interest to young artists, Renaissance Italy buffs and children in grades 4-6.

This much anticipated (by me) followup to Mr. Morrison's first book: ANTONIO'S APPRENTICESHIP,is a delightful story and beautiful to view. As his only brother/sibling I've grown up watching him (Taylor), flip over placemats at restaurants, draw in books, and bring home steadily more beautiful work from school. But as a psychiatrist, I appreciate the affect of his work. In a time of "in-your-face attitude", there is quiet times in his book: in the story, and the paintings and (my favorite) the drawings. Sometimes the body language reminds me of times working with Taylor and my dad around our house (I know one painting has the sky from our backyard). My recommendation is to find a kid (preferably 3rd-4th grade) struggling with homework, soccer, and music practice, read this book together, and enjoy the quiet time

This is the most beautiful and disturbing art book I own. Nerdrum's work is at once beautiful and grotesque. Having concluded that modern art is a joke, Nerdrum has fearlessly embarked on the task of furthering a style that the rest of the art world seems to have given up. The subject matter is at first rather opaque, but after the images leave their stain on your memory you begin to understand the metaphors. My only complaint is that the text at the beginning of the book isn't nearly as enlightening as the text in "Storyteller and self revealer". But the reproduction in that book is horrible.Nerdrum's world is the most horrible place I love to visit.

This is an incredible book, at a decent price. I especially enjoy the details in this book (they uncover the depth of Nerdrum's paint.) From the beginning, the authors provide interpretation of his isolated figures and influences (Rembrandt, Caravaggio.) Altogether, If you like the old masters style, Nerdrum provides a fresh new approach, similar to Ernst Fuchs or Lucian Freud. Last, this book is a treasure to own, I use it everyday as a reference in painting and drawing.

Nerdrum paints in the renaissance style, with his own modern twist. He portrays isolated figures in a barren post-apocalyptic desert landscape, wearing unusual clothing and performing odd rituals. The detail photos of the paintings are awesome!! This book is worth every penny. WOW.

Of all the superb books published by Hotei on the subject of Japanese woodblock prints, Inge Klompmakers' "Of Brigands and Bravery: Kuniyoshi's Heroes of the Suikoden" is far and away my favorite. This reflects not only my enthusiasm for the 19th-century artist Kuniyoshi but also an appreciation of the rich symbolism embedded in his treatment of the "Suikoden" heroes.

The "Suikoden" (the term is the Japanese rendition of the original Chinese title of "Shuihu zhuan") is a epic Chinese novel that is known in English as both "The Water Margin" and "All Men are Brothers." The novel, which lionizes an outlaw band of 108 men who commit crimes on behalf of the common people, was first translated into Japanese in the late 18th century. In the 19th century, a reworking of the novel brought it to an even wider Japanese audience, and at this juncture a number of leading print artists--including Hokusai and Yoshitoshi--illustrated it. However, it is the treatment of the bandits by Kuniyoshi--who depicted 75 of the 108 heroes--which has enjoyed the most enduring popularity and influence.

In the original Chinese novel, six of the 108 bandits are described as tattooed. In Kuniyoshi's series, covering just 75 of the bandits, that number was expanded to 15, and Kuniyoshi's "Suikoden" series became the leading evolutionary influence on Japan's complex style of tattooing.

Recently the "Suikoden" has enjoyed a major renaissance of popularity. Kuniyoshi's prints are revered by the international tattooing community, and the novel itself has inspired a series of fantasy games. Beyond these considerations, it is worth examining Kuniyoshi's accomplishment within its historical context. In the late 19th century, the Japanese enjoyed increased access to literature from abroad, had an urbanized population that supported a vigorous publishing industry, and perfected the technology of woodblock printing. These three developments jointly produced an extraordinary marriage of text and art, a marriage that enriches us all today.

As you might know, Japan was closed off from the rest of the world for around 200 years (Up to 1868!). One of the few countries that kept up close economical ties with Japan throughout that time was Holland (Europe).

That is probably one explanation why in Holland you will find large collections of Japanese Art, and also why the University of Leiden (a city in Holland) has got a very good reputation world-wide for all Japanese-related studies.

The publishing company of this book, Hotei Publishing (www.hotei-publishing.com), is also based in Leiden and has over the past few years managed to create an excellent reputation for itself regarding Japan-related publications. I have about a dozen of their books, and can wholeheartedly recommend all of them.

My interest in Japanese woodblock prints started because of my love for traditional Japanese tattooing. Doing a little research on Japanese tattooing, one will eventually come across the great ukiyo-e Master Kuniyoshi, on whose prints most of the traditional tattoo designs are based.

If, like me, you want to delve deeper into the history of those designs: this book is a must-have. For the untrained eye it will at first be difficult to see the connections between the prints and the tattoos - but after a while you will understand better.

If, on the other hand, you are "only" interested in Kuniyoshi and/or his Suikoden prints: this book is also a must-have for you! The prints are re-produced in large size and full colour.

Besides, you get background information regarding the technique of woodblock prints, Kuniyoshi's life, his work, how the Suikoden prints came about, and a lot more.

If you would also like to see how some of those prints where "transferred" onto human skin, I can recommend the following books to you: 1. Takahiro Kitamura, "Bushido - Legacies Of The Japanese Tattoo", Schiffer Publishing, (over 200 photographs of works by one of today's greatest tattoo masters: Horiyoshi III). 2. Sandi Fellman, "The Japanese Tattoo", Abbeville Press.

Suikoden has become a popular video game series... giving you a chance to recruit more than 108 allies, compete in intense battles and require a castle of your own! But very few know there is a tale behind this series... A great tale of 75 heroes, tragically being killed off by the Turks of China. This is a great read to find out more of what happened to give birth to a great video game!

Lehmberg and Knapp have given the readers some memorable anecdotes about artists and their art forms as we travel from Revolutionary War era to Twentieth Century. It is an enjoyable guide for all ages

Your kids will gain a whole new understanding of the art they see in a museum. And adults can learn a thing or two as well.

Not only is this an invaluable book for children, but also for adults. I read a copy of the book before I went on a date. She was fascinated by the facts which I had gleamed from the book. Needless to say we are going out again, this time to see a French Impressionist exhibit! Good thing Knapp and Lehmberg wrote two other books!!!

I was curious about this book for quite a while before purchasing a copy. I finally decided to just go ahead and buy it, thinking if I didn't like it I would send it back. I was surprised how much I liked it; in fact, this book is fabulous!

As previously stated in another review, this book is not for beginners. It isn't a "how to" with step-by-step demonstrations, nor does it tell you which brand of paint to use (though some are listed) or which brush manufacturer is best. What this book does do is elucidate the finer points of painting, and by doing so, helps us understand why some paintings rise to the level of fine art, while others just seem to remain 'paintings". I am all too familiar with producing "paintings".

Visually, this book is beautiful. The illustrations are exquisite with some covering two pages, and details of other paintings that show the paint application in a way most books never do. These illustrations are highly instructive themselves, even if you didn't read the text (which would be a shame).

Robert Johnson has his own style, yet you can clearly see the influences of others. He has learned from some of the best and that foundation has allowed him to incorporate their teachings while still growing as an artist to produce his own work. I believe this is as it should be. The skill of an artist is making it look easy and not labored. Johnson's work has a fluidity and ease that only comes from years of painting and an increasing understanding of what makes a painting great.

You can see more of his work at his web site http://robertjohnsonart.com. You don't have to want to paint exactly like him to benefit from this book, you just have to read what he has to say and understand it as well as you can within the context of your current artistic development - that's what I'm doing. I know this is a book that you can and should read over and over; each time you do, you will gain more insight to what Johnson has to say. Highly recommended! The table of contents follows:

Foreword by Senator John W. Warner
Chapter 1: On Becoming A Painter
Chapter 2: Color and Composition
Chapter 3: Value
Chapter 4: Edges
Chapter 5: Drawing
Chapter 6: Brushwork
Chapter 7: Materials
Chapter 8: A Painters Life
Chapter 9: On Seeing
Chapter 10: Changing Your Life

This book will make you remember why you wanted to begin painting. It's beautifully written, with words that uplifting and inspiring. It has instruction that would be considered the nuts and bolts of a good painting, though you won't get real step by step how-to's. He paints beautifully and in the truest sense, you feel that you are witnessing a true artist and teacher and that this can't help but inspire you to greater and more rewarding work. This is NOT for beginners by any means. I was slightly disappointed that there were not real hands on exercises on anything, rather more like discussions of what is right or wrong in a painting or method. All in all, an incredible book by a very talented and gifted man. It will make you feel like you are being transported to the threshold of the old masters's world.

After having received the book I feel that I got more than I
paid for.
This book is a wonderful addition to anyone's "art collection".
If you collect art, are an aspiring painter or an accomplished
artist...this book belongs in your library!!
Thanks Robert!!

I received this book as a gift for Christmas and I look at it every day. This is a "must" purchase for anyone who has any interest in a garden of any type. It is wonderful to enjoy lounging in the bathtub, while sipping a cup of tea or just enjoying some quiet time. Give this as a gift to your best friend. Better, get this as a gift to yourself. You deserve this beautiful book.

This is a MUST have beautiful, as well as enchanting journal to read! I purchased it for two reasons. I have begun a watercolor class and this book is full of beautiful pictures. So I can try for some similar results after I practice, practice, practice. Secondly, after visiting Gloria, a friend with a georgeous flower garden, I want to start my own small flower garden. This book is full of names of flowers along with their pictures, so I can determine what I like most and where it will grow. Already my gardening and painting friend, Gloria has purchased this book after only glancing through my copy. Now I would like to purchase other titles by Mary Woodin. I have discovered she was also into ceramics, as I am into pottery, maybe we are kindred spirits.

Anyone who loves Sara Midda's books will also love this book--beautiful watercolors of the garden at all stages. Can't recommend it highly enough.