Painting-the

I could not put it down. The interpretations of Goya's great works are riveting and convincing. It has taken 200 years to discover the true content of that shadowy painting behind the bizarre portrait of "The Family of Charles IV." It has taken 200 years to realize that Goya's "Caprichos" should be read as a kind of dark revision of the beloved Spanish classic, "Don Quixote." It has taken 200 years to finally examine, as a body of works, Goya's alarming, pervasive, and private interest in images of sexual violence. How this plays out in the "Disasters of War" is uncanny. It has taken 200 years to place the "Majas" in historical context, dating back to Titian's "Venus" as well as forward to Manet's "Olympia": sacred and profane, nude and clothed. Finally, the author serves as our guide into and through the macabre "House of the Deafman." He brings out of the shadows all of the latest findings on the "black paintings" and then some. After reading his account, you will not view these enigmatically haunting paintings in the same light. After reading this book, you will not view Goya in the same light.

Very few books are able to penetrate into an artist's motives for creating works of art. This one does. Beyond the fact that the author offers convincing new interpretations of Goya's great works, he does so with a style that is utterly captivating, with language that is stunningly clear, with art historical acumen that is brilliantly insightful. The book has the look and feel as if Goya had written it himself. We enter into the mind of one the most troubled and versatile geniuses the art world has ever produced. Quite an accomplishment in itself.

Literally, from the front to the back cover, The Self-Portraits of Francisco Goya, by John J. Ciofalo is a book to savor, to ponder, and to read. In five chapters, the author takes us on a fascinating journey from the 1770's through the courts and royalty of Spain, the French Revolution and Napoleon, past the dreams of reason, visions of death and destruction, to the realms of sex and violence, dark mythology and haunting memories. Goya is a book to savor- to enjoy its stunning color plates and black and white figures and to delight in its clarity of word and phrase. It is a book to ponder- to muse at its view of nobility and the Church and to consider its landscape of war and human cruelty. It is foremost a book to read- to wonder at the artist's scope of interests and subjects and to marvel at his aspirations, "no less than to...replace the prevailing status of artist as copyist, as craftsperson, as royal servant, with a status more hallowed, more elite, more reflective of his own beliefs on the nature of creativity and genius. A status, that is, something like nobility. This was an extremely radical idea for a Spaniard of that time. It was an agenda, as it turned out, for revolution." With penetrating insight and a sprinkling of humor, John J. Ciofalo has made the life and times of Goya, one of the most enigmatic, controversial, and misunderstood artists of any era, accessible to all readers, regardless of art or historical background knowledge. This is a book that speaks intelligently and frankly to our humanity. It is simultaneously shocking and delightful as it weaves a tapestry of human savagery and nobility from the common thread of self-portraiture. I enthusiastically recommend The Self-Portraits of Francisco Goya by John J. Ciofalo. It is well worth the journey.

Although this book has few color examples in it the patterns are all top notch. I like it. I will adapt some of the patterns, as I do all book patterns, into something more from my brain. This is a good idea resource book. The piece counts my make it more of intermediate use rather than for beginners.

This is one of my favorite source books for designs. I use them in computer application so the line size and clarity are important. Like all Mr. Sibbitt's books, the image quality is high. The designs also lend themselves well to a little adjustment in width or height adjustment. Many of the designs have similar components in them allowing one to use them for matching pieces for both transoms and sidelights.

There are a lot of clear patterns with around 50 pieces. Many Flowers and a few birds. I am looking for transom and fan light patterns that feature birds and found only one pattern in this book that I could use. However, the flower patterns have really caught my eye.

This is Moyer's second book. You need to understand her first book well before getting this one. But then DEFINITELY get it. Several other silk painting authors have followed a good first book with terrible 2nd and 3rd ones. That is certainly not true of Moyer. This book is every bit as excellent as her wonderful first book.

This book contains a lot of basic, hands-on info on equipment and practical aspects of silk painting technique. What I have noticed most, is that everytime I go back to this book as my skill and experience increase, I grasp and learn more. Things I didn't pick up at all on from my earlier readings suddenly become real and make sense. This book concentrates heavily on wax, gutta and screen printing techniques. Roketsu-zome and alcohol techniques are covered in a very step-by-step, practical way. There is a lot of surface design, as well as garment design info. If you are interested in block printing, bleach discharge, or shibori, you would do better to choose another title. Complex Cloth by Dunneworld is another fabulous textile book that covers almost every technique. Highly recommend!

If you are a serious silk painter, this is the book for you. Beginners need to start with the first Susan Moyer book which contains a plethora of info for those just starting. If you silk paint as a hobby or just for fun, this is it! Suusan Moyer obviously loves silk as much as you do!

While many books and much attention has been given to the Impressionists, little mention has been offered to the Society
of Six - California Colorists. The beautiful illustrations and enlightening text provide a case history for the needed aware-
ness of these talented and innovative artists. Nancy Boas has
obviously done a tremendous amount of research resulting in a
spectacular and much needed work on our California art history.
A perusal of this title will be richly rewarded.

One of the best art books around. It not only describes an important art movement, it captures the character of the artists, from the assertive leader, Selden Gile, to the gentle, inward August Gay and the troubled Bernard von Eichman. The book is illustrated with vigorously colorful paintings _ visual evidence of the influence the Six would have on artists for decades to come.

I was unaware of a Californian impressionist movement until I stumbled across this book -- well worth reading & wonderfully illustrated -- Stan Kelly-Bootle

I found the Swedish edition in a shop in Stockholm. It's a great book about great paintings. Very instructive! Would love to have a copy in English, though.

This book is extremely helpful and insightful for any painter, no matter the medium he or she uses. I learned so much from the methodology and style with more detail than I have ever seen. I would love to have this book by my side when painting. Please reprint this book. Thank you. I will pass the word on to fellow Artists. Sincerely Elizabeth Breslin

Positively eye opening! As a watercolorist making the transition to oil, I received many wonderful insights that helped me confirm the direction I want to take with this difficult yet rewarding medium. Great for anyone starting in oils or who has painted for years and just wants to see "how the other guy's doing it." One sour note, however, in the inclusion of Jackson Pollock -- a "spasher," not a painter. Overall, the best book in my studio library. Please, dear publisher, print some more copies of this wonderful book!

Bryan Tucker contributed the Pink Elephant theme for this wonderful work, and I just don't know what to say, other than I am totally and completely overwhelmed. This is a coffee table book for those of us who are a bit on the silly side. It is a beautifully rendered book, with perfect color reproduction, and the most amazing paintings you have ever seen in any one place (other than the Museum of Bad Art, of course. See http://glyphs.com/moba for more information on MOBA.)

The works here are wonderful and span every style. My personal favorite is probably 'Woman in Barrel with Yellow Roses, Typewriter and Chair on Boxes', but it only just nudges out other luminary works such as 'Purple Toilet Paper and Flower,' and 'Turtle in Hat with Cigar, Saying "Ybysaia (Baby)."'

Anyone who loves art seriously needs this book in their collection. Leave it out for company...I guarantee you will get comments and compliments!

You'd be surprised what you find at thrift stores! This book is a collection of thrift store art, but that doesn't mean all of the works are cheesy. Some are gorgeous, some are wannabe something great, and some, well, yes there are some cheesy pieces. The paintings are pleasant enough to put out on your coffee table and interesting enough to discuss-maybe even argue over. There are various themes and genres covered, from still life to child portraits to surrealism. There is an index giving media info and artist's name. I would have liked to known the regions these paintings were found. However, this book is a keeper!

This is a great book. All the book consists of is various paintings that have been found in resale shops. Most of the artists who created these paintings are unknown. The author of the book has let the paintings speak for themselves, as there are no introductions or examinations of the paintings.

My personal favorite is the painting of the roll of toilet paper done in a monochromatic scheme of blue with a small flower next to the roll.

If you are looking for a coffee table book that doesn't take itself too seriously - you have to get this book!

You'll laugh, you'll cry, this book is better than "cats"!

This is one of the most beautiful poetry anthologies I have ever read. After I finished reading through it the first time, I read it twice more during the same weekend. The poetry is at turns passionate and serene, and the art works are an added bonus to a beautiful and worthwhile book which leaves you feeling as though the world will, no matter the latest fear or disaster, continue on a path as carefully laid as the stars are placed in the heavens. I highly recommend this anthology.

I truly enjoyed reading this anthology. I own numerous collections of poetry but have never found one that combines poems of such passion with such beautiful art (art that in fact echances the poems). I hope that Kate Farrell will continue to put together such collections of verse as this one. This book containes a number of poems that I remembered reading a long time ago, wanted to read again, but could never find. I am glad that some of my searching has ended. This is a tremendous and admirable achievement. I highly recommend it.

As a writer, I was given this book as a gift by my best friend. It is like no other poetry or art anthology I have seen. The colors, thoughts, images, and ideas combine to form a breathtaking view of life and all its idiosyncrasies. Wisdom shines through the pages. I highly recommend it.

This one goes right up there with the Andrew Loomis books and Richard Schmid's Alla Prima.

This is a book for anyone interested in improving their painting skills. There are a thousand books on art technique out there, but this one is a gem. Whatever your skill level, if your interest is traditional, representational painting, there is something to be learned here. I've been painting seriously for ten years, and I've never seen the basics so clearly explained. We all need to bust ourselves back down to fundamentals from time to time, and this book does it in a way that is a true pleasure.

Have read many art books over many years and found this to be one of the best dialogues on values I ever read. Color harmony, placement and conceptual input very useful to experienced artist. Artists works are lively with color and represent a skilled painter of people and places.

Entrigued with the painting "Votive Portrait of the Vendramin Family" I sought out to learn more of this painter. This book provided such insight in this small yet beautiful expose of his life.
Arranged chronoligically, this book covers the artist's life from his beginnings in Venice with Gentile Bellini. He continues to thrive in Venice, becoming legendary for his portraits. Interesting that what draws me to his works he his legendary for: rich colors and vitality of figures.

Fascinating tidbits of his ties with Reformation and Popes. His supposed last painting, Pieta, has touching self-portrait of his kneeling before Crucified Christ. Touching!
Valuable find that will be referred to.

Okay, I'm no great art critic, just someone who appreciates beautiful art. (Just the type of person this introduction was meant for) All I can say is, the book is like Titian's work --in a word, Sumptious. The soft colors and wonderful capturing of feeling in his subjects make Titian one of the great masters, and this little book gives quality pictures of his work. Granted, the size is small, but one can't expect full-size reproductions for 12 dollars or so. Another neat feature is a list in back of the location of all of Titian's works, as well as a list of all of Titian's contemporaries, mostly Venetian, who influenced him, or vice versa. For that matter, the book even includes examples of the work of some of these artists in the main body. Zuffi's text is sparse but informative; he prefers to let the master's art be the main content, and I think this works quite well. All-n-all, a superb volume!

finally, the " total history" school of thought in a pleasant to read and learn approach. beautifully presented, superb selection of titians works, with background facts relating to various periods in the masters life. a must for anyone into art history.

"Torch in the Darkness" targets "middle readers" but is an exhilerating trip through history for youth and adults alike. The sights, smells, sounds, and tastes of Renaissance Bavaria are so graphically depicted that one cannot help but accompany Dieter, the poor boy who struggles up from filthy poverty to make his dream come true. The characters are well-rounded; the countryside and cities come alive in the mind's eye. Claire Ewart's color paintings are a gorgeous complement to Garinger's elegant writing. That this gripping story is based on a real artifact in Nurnberg, where the reader might hope to go one day and actually see it, is an added delight. Two thumbs WAY up!

Alan Garinger's book is spell binding. His story telling is reviting -- as a writer his presence is "invisible" as he draws the reader into the story. This tale is as historically accurate as it is compelling. We bought this book for our grandchildren and ended up reading it ourselves. We liked it so much we bought multiple copies for the grandkids, assorted friends and one to keep!

Great book! Taught me a lot that I did not know. I purchased this book for my kids and found myself finishing it before they did. Fantastic, authentic detail in the everyday life of the 1500's. Most books of this type gloss over what it was like to live in this era, Alan goes into great detail and gives children (and adults!) such a vivid picture that you can see, hear, taste and smell everything that Dieter does! When an author is able to grab you and put you into the subject's shoes...he is a master at his craft! Highly recommended, from a mother and two kids, 7 & 11! I am disappointed in Amazon not having this book available..it is December and I wanted to purchase another copy for our schools' library.