Painting-the

Every so often, you check out a book at the library, and turn right around and buy it for yourself. This is one such book. For those of us who paint from photos, this book is a must to have. The illustrations are crisp and the steps clear and easy to follow. From thumbnail sketch to final brush stroke, Mr. Patterson demonstrates how to create a vibrant painting from a ho-hum photo, and how to combine photos for the most impact. What a find!

Usually, skilled people are able to just do and not explain how they do - Mr. Patterson is an exception. In great detail, this book acts as a brilliant text for anyone interested in watercolor painting from the devoted student to the those with casual interest. Beyond the "how to" aspects, Mr. Patterson has been generous enough to include several plates of his own beautiful paintings - indeed, his technique works!

I find Wendon Blake's book to be a necessity for any serious beginner. It is well-organized and easy to read.
W.B. clearly describes how to analyze the hues of the nature, choose and mix the correct pigmentation, how to lighten, darken and intensify paints, how to get maximum effect with limited palette (many great painters of the past used only four or five colors), how to observe local and atmospheric colors, etc...
In addition, "Creative Color" includes numerous reproductions (paintings of Homer, Cassatt, Sargent, Whistler, Twatchman, and other artists). In that part of book Blake explains how these famous painters put into practice the principles described in the text.
To keep it short - this very reasonable priced book is full of practical advice and valuable tips. One of the best "how-to" books on painting I have read.

This book is a little like two books in one. Between every two pages of text (instructions and theory about mixing colors with b/w illustrations), come two color full-color paintings, reproduced in two sizes -- one to fit the whole image on the page, and another closer view of the parts of the painting that the author describes. All of the paintings come from American artists, both famous and not so famous, who paint a variety of subjects, such as landscapes, portraits, etc., in a variety of styles. The author points out color theory and effective use of color in all the paintings. (I really look at paintings differently now. Some paintings that seemed full of many colors actually contain a fairly limited palette.)

The author also gives useful exercises on mixing colors and describes how different techniques of applying paint influence the color intensity (for example brushes vs. palette knife). The author also discusses the palettes used master painters to get a variety of skin tones, and palettes for other purposes, such as landscape paintings.

This is a great book!

I found this book several years ago, it is now page worn and full of paint smuges. Judy has all the easy to understand information that you need to marble on fabric. She walks you thru marbling step by step. And then provides some inspiration for project and a great resourse list on where to find supplies.

This is a wonderful how-to book for the novice or advanced fabric "marbler." Easy to read, step-by -step instructions will help the beginner get set up, order supplies, prepare fabrics, mix colors and have a very successful time with this great fabric decorating technique. The advanced reader will see 15 beautiful color plates of marbling examples, and diagrams to reproduce them. In addition, I especially enjoyed reading the brief history of marbling. The Appendix and Resources section are very helpful. I plan to introduce this project to my students and this book will be an invaluable resource!

Being an articulate person, yet not an interior decorator, I found this book most useful. After buying a new home, a budget to fix it was minimal. Yet, I faux painted walls and used furniture in techniques that I would never have believed. The author is very good in verbalizing how to paint with a flair of Rembrandt (and clear photos of each technique). When I applied each technique I truly felt accomlpished. I am not a salesman ,but it true, this book worked for what I was looking for - some artistic assistance!

This book has it all. The text and photos are clearly presented. The book begins with the proper prepartion steps in decorating a variety of surfaces from furniture, accessories to interiors surfaces- walls, floors, ceilings. If you ever consider painting or decorating your walls, floors or furniture- this is the book for you. Techniques are broken down into easy, intermediate to advanced-- so you can grow with the book. Paint and faux finish techniques from A to Z are covered... sponging, ragging, glazing, marbleizing, woodgraining, gilding, stenciling, tortoiseshell, malachite, trompe l'oeil and more. After reading this book, you can wait to get some brushes wet with paint and transform your home

This is a beautiful book, filled with the talented Mr. Reeve's paintings of famous race horses posed against the background of famous race tracks. I thoroughly enjoyed his narration of how and why he chose to paint each horse at each track. If you enjoyed Royal Blood, you will enjoy this book also. It is well worth purchasing - for your own collection or as a special gift.

A fascinating journey in the Racing world through the eyes of a very talented Artist. Highly reccomended for Horse enthusiast as well as Horse painters.

Mike Venezia's books on the greatest artists of all time are off the chain! He make his books more interesting for kids under 10. This one about Italian Renaissance artist Di Vinci is probably one of his famous ones. (Since Di Vinci is famous for his painting called the "Mona Lisa" 1503-1506). This book contains famous paintings (some with details) from Di Vinci including the deteriation of the tempera "The Last Supper" (1498), from the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. Each book includes back cover illustration of Venezia. His books are small steps to learn about each artist. The series also includes Venezia's comic illustrations. In high school art history, the reader will learn more detail about the artists that the author couldn't tell you (like I did).

"Leonardo used what he learned from nature and science to make his paintings look real", p 9

The young reader will learn about Leonardo's beginnings in Vinci, the time he spent in Florence learning more about painting, his painting years in Milan and his final years of painting in France.

Leonardo's depictions were noticeable more "alive" than his Renaissance contemporaries. His use of beautiful backgrounds behind the main object of attention makes this a good choice for the young. Their attention will initially be drawn to the main figure in the painting and then will be sustained by the natural settings in the background. His paintings almost appear that they are done while the person being painted in on vacation. The young will intuitively pick up on the relaxed composure of the main figures

Venezia's illustrations are humorous. His narrative is delightfully entertaining. His approach brings the artist within reach of the young. His illustration of some folks deciphering Leonardo's notes and their findings is cleverly presented.

The size of the book is perfect for smaller hands. It enables the young to have art within their grasp. Venezia gives the locations of the paintings and as result if the child lives near one of the museums or will be near one on vacation, she/he would be able to see the original.

This is the 4th in Venezia's "Getting to know the World's Greatest Artist" series. He also has a similar series on composers. Venezia's back cover illustration ties back to the subject. "Mike's portrait was painted by an artist who claims to be a direct descendant of ...".

The price of the book is well worth paying. The book contains the following: da Vinci's Paintings (10.5), Drawings (8) and Underpainings (2), Venezia's Illustrations - 7, Others' paintings - 1.5.

Rich in word and imaginary true to many African American families, this book feels like a peek in the window of homes I know. My husband calls our sons "man." "Sister" is what we call the oldest of my sisters. I love watching my boys play in Daddy's shoes. Everything a good children's book on families should be--real sounding words and true pictures that make a connection to someone's life.

I find this book for all age groups. It makes you feel that you are there watching this child.

In the third through fifth grade school library where I've spent some time volunteering this fall, Joan Steiner's LOOK-ALIKES series and the Jean Marzollo/Walter Wick I SPY series are shelved in the high 700s between Jokes/Riddles and Sports. Owing to the healthy and constant circulation enjoyed by these books, I could easily sleepwalk to that spot on the shelves.

Kids who have spent endless hours poring over LOOK-ALIKES and I SPY books will join with budding artists and art critics in delighting over DAN'S ANGEL, a picture book for older kids which offers a fun first look at symbolism in art. Written by the Exhibition and Program Curator of the National Gallery in London, it is illustrated by Lauren Child who is well known around here after winning the 2003 California Young Reader Medal in the Primary Category for I WILL NEVER EVER EAT A TOMATO.

Dan is a skateboard kid who happens upon an art museum and is checking it out when the unexpected occurs:

"The walls were covered with paintings full of strange and beautiful things. Some seemed to tell stories, but he couldn't work out what the stories were.
" 'You can't read paintings like you can read books,' he sighed.
" 'You can read this one,' a voice said. It seemed to come from a painting of an angel talking to a woman."

That angel speaking to Dan is Gabriel and the painting is Fra Angelico's The Annunciation. Gabriel splits the painting and leads Dan on a tour of some well-known works to explain how artists tell stories using symbolic images. From Belshazzar's Feast and Botticelli's Venus and Mars to Picasso and Pollack, we see examples of artists deliberately utilizing such symbols as colors and animals, bubbles and flowers.

Alas, the tour ends because the museum guard is once again after the oft-missing angel, and Gabe heads back to where he belongs--in the painting. There is a good dose of visual humor--such as Gabriel on Dan's skateboard--and Lauren Child uses her own symbolic images within Dan's story.

This book will also serve as a great stepping stone to later important lessons of symbolism in literature.

Richie Partington
http://richiespicks.com
BudNotBuddy@aol.com

This is a wonderful introduction to the world of painting for young children. The angel leaps out of The Annunciation painting by Fra Angelico and guides a young detective through a museum. The painting selection is excellent and the discussion between Gabriel - the angel - and Dan - the young detective - is very witty. I would love to find more books like this for my children!

I love color and Debbie Travis' books are full of it! Don't pay any attention to the people who discount her books as garish. She is very even handed when it comes to her color schemes--this book includes a whole room done in very pale sea-foam green; an airy, almost monochromatic "zen" room; and even some white walls here and there.

But the focus is on the daring, the new, the experimental and exciting. There are traditional rooms, in which she incorporates elements based loosely on historical architechture into a very livable modern room. I especially liked the Georgian room, in which she not only shows you the typical colors used in the period, but a wall technique, how to create an inexpensive freize, and a fireplace surround.

Each room includes much the same--a wall technique and two or three other projects to tie the room to the theme. Along with historical rooms, find also contemporary, country, and themed rooms. The photography is excellent (although sometimes does not fully show the detail of specific aspects of the project).

Overall the best thing about this book is that is shows color on the walls, something a lot of decorators seem to be afraid of. Once you look at the beautiful tones of the raspberry, burgundy, ochre, and umber Travis uses long enough, you start to see that maybe that might look good in your house. Hey, maybe not for everyone or for every room--but it makes an impact.

This is a balanced overview of different styles and colors, as well as an awesome how-to book. Even if you hate the colors she picks, you can learn more practical skills in two or three pages of this book than in all of Christopher Lowell!

very informative book and doable projects.

. . . I really like this decorating guide. It's simple and easy to use - has some great tips and gave me several ideas just from flipping through the pages, reading the quick hints and looking at the pictures.
Includes sections on painting, tiling & covering walls, window treatments, covering floors, decorating woodwork and shows some great finishing touches.
The index at the back makes finding what you need simple and the numerous pictures and illustrations gives you an easy reference to follow.

If you want a book to help you get started - this is it.

This book will inspire you to go buy paints, fabrics and get started! Great instructions for the beginner on how to wallpaper, install tile, hang curtains and various painting techniques. Lots of tips to go with each section. The book begins with an overview of colors and decorating basics.