Painting-the

Bob Powell's paintings are extraordinary and luminous, conveying both the ethereal nature and the earthiness of this ancient realm. The introduction by Roberto Vitali is a wonderful tour de force. He sums up the artist's work: " In some cases I am led to think that his documentary paintings are imaginary, while those that are imaginary seem documentary."

The magic and mystery of the Kingdom Lo, high in the Himalayan Mountains of Nepal on the border with Tibet ... this is as close as you can get without being there. More than a coffee table book, this book won't let you rest until you have stood and gazed upon the majesty which provoked the works. Rob's works are on display at the Smithsonian through September 26.

From time to time I have heard about various hypotheses concerning physical ailments that would explain the striking artwork of Domenikos Theotokopoulos, known as El Greco ("the Greek") when he became a famous painter in Spain. But Mike Venezia explains the effect in terms of El Greco creating movement by twisting and stretching out the figures in his paintings. Part of his distinctive technique involved using crackling, electric colors and mysterious lighting. Tracing his journey from Greece to Spain, Venezia looks at how El Greco was influenced by Venetian artists like Titian and Tintoretto, and provides examples of the work of those artists to help young readers understand the point. There is a nice comparison offered between paintings of "The Assumption fo the Virgin" by both Titian and El Greco. The book ends with some nice analysis of the "Burial of Count Orgaz."

What I really like about Venezia's "Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artist" series is that it focuses on art appreciation, and explaining the uniqueness of each artist, more than it does on their biography. Of course, it is the latter that usually serves as the inspiration for Venezia's humorous cartoons. There are over two dozen such books in this series and they are a wonderful way of introducing young child (and some adults) to the wonderful world of art.

"El Greco," by Mike Venezia, is a visually striking introduction to the life and work of this great artist. Venezia uses reproductions of classic paintings, a simple but compelling text, and his own humorous cartoons to bring El Greco and his world to life. This book is part of a series designed to introduce the world's great artists to children.

"El Greco" begins with the great painter's birth on the island of Crete in the 16th century, and takes the reader along on El Greco's travels through Europe. Not only does the book include many full-color reproductions of El Greco's works, but it also includes reproductions of works by artists who influenced him. We get a fascinating portrait of El Greco as a family man, traveler, and artistic innovator. Venezia's cartoons provide entertaining complements to the text and reproductions.

This is a truly beautiful and educational book. El Greco's remarkable use of color and light, and his passionate treatment of the human form give his work both visual and emotional impact after all these centuries. If your child has an interest in art, this book would make a good addition to the family library.

This three-volume set is a must for anyone seriously interested in Japanese painting. There are entries on 235 works in the Powers Collection by Japanese artists of many different schools, including Zen Masters, haiku poets, literati, ukiyo-e masters, and eccentrics. These mini-essays are well written, thorough, and fascinating. Professor Rosenfield consistently includes valuable information on the artist and subject, plus analysis of the style, for each painting. In addition, the third volume contains longer biographies of the artists and other helpful infomation such as seal photographs, a useful index, and a full bibliogfraphy. Most of all, however, this set of books makes the art come alive within the context of an early modern Japan that welcomed individualism, leading to some of the most poetic, dramatic and evocative painting in East Asian history. This set of books can be read for pleasure, as well as serving as a vital resource in the field of East Asian art.

If you thought why spend a significant price for a book concentrating on a private collection of Japanese painting, take into account the following: 1) the collection is superb, covering a number of styles and cultural backgrounds, from Zen to nanga, from tea to Rimpa. 2) The scholarship, research, reading and traslation that went into the text is exemplary, I'd say even touching. Every piece of art is complemented with an interesting analysis of its form and content, the cultural influence that it sprang from, the poetic or religious sources that it connects to, or the social and political significance of the work and its authors. The book is a treasure trove of knowledge about Japanese art and culture in the Early Modern Era, and I find the price exceptionally well justified by hours of pleasure and learning that this book provides. If you are a dealer, collector or just seriously interested in Japanese painting, make sure you own this book before it becomes a collector's item.

The fact that the library journal's review of the book calls into question the sexual politics of french history painting demeans ITS validity. This book makes easy to understand the sophisticated racial, sexual, and art historical undercurrents that lay as a background to the 19th century. Indeed it is these subjects that hold the greatest kernel of interest to anyone interested in the art of the davidian school, it is a welcome, exciting departure from the stuffy academic reading of the neo-classical era, making relevant an group of artists that have found themselves marginalized in their legacy.

For anyone interested in colonialism and art this book is a fascinating discussion of the ways that France's imperial battles and conquests informed and affected that country's art.

I recently saw a documentary on young Raymond Hu on ETV and was unnerved by the power of his art. The vibrant reds and spiritually chosen hues (especially on or around the eyes of the animals)suck you into the enlightened eyes and smoldering embers of the predatory beast and the fragile yet cunning tiny bird; as if to tell humans to connect their psyches to the animals that mirror their true inner personality.

His paintings remind me of the drive through safari at Jersey's Great Adventures. The only animal caged in that whole place was the black panther; it paced in this tiny rectangular cage in the middle of this expanse of land. His beautiful eyes and frustrated growls made me want to set him free to terrorize the landscape.

The colorful and taloned herd of baboons that attacked the vinyl roofed cars (signs were posted against cars entering with such)like banshis on the slaughter, though terrifying, seemed natural and justified, in their element.

It's amazing the depth of Raymond's perception, he has obvious poor vision, yet his work is so definitive. The down syndrome isn't even an issue. Raymonds art takes you from the crust to the core of his true being.

Raymond Hu is a young artist who works in the medium of Chinese brush painting. His extraordinarily striking portraits of animals are wonders to behold, and the expressions these animals have and the cast of their eyes adds an unexpected dimension or "soul" to these portraits, and it's as though we've entered the spirit of the animal itself. I have friends who've gotten pages from Hu's book framed. This book cannot be recommended too highly.

258 Paintings, Drawings and Prints by 47 artists. Commissioned by NASA.
A superb Abrams book. The art is 1st class; not the sort of promo pieces one might expect. A powerful historic document of a unique era.

I recently was able to view a copy of the book and found it very fascinating and the art work was incredible. The book itself has character since it was printed in 1971 and will be a conversation piece by any novice as well as anyone that is interested in the space program. What also makes the book unique is that a lot of the prints contained in the book are prints that are placed on top of the pages instead of being the pages. I strongly recommend this book to any NASA buff.

I have to say that the book is simple to read and it shows one the steps in order for one to apply clown white and the other materials in steps that go along with face painting yourself like a clown, etc. the text(book) has live photos of kids, and on the following page it has several sketched photos of how the make up in applied. the book is low priced. the book contains like around 40 pages, and you actually learn alot.
Now if your dream has always been to apply corpsepaint and need a good book-i suggest you get this one because it is pretty good. the only thing i have to say that the book does not have any toll free numbers along with addresses that state the places in this country USA OR CANADA of the places that sell clown make up or also known as "Corpsepaint." clown white is known as corpsepaint in the heavy metal world
Fantastik. this book provides the basics to all, then the rest is up too you!!

This is a great 'cookbook' for face painting. The best part is deciding which character you want to become - a clown, a lion, a cat, a witch, a princess, a pirate... Or if you just want ideas for decorating yourself, those are provided as well. The book begins with a section of face-painting tips, including extra helps for doing this job safely. In addition to giving instructions for sixteen different characters, the author offers suggestions for costuming. Necessary materials are listed with helpful hints on where to find them. Step-by-step instructions are listed for each character. This is a delightful craft book with excellent illustrations for all face-painting novices.

This is book for those moments of quite contemplation. When the world seems chaotic and despair seems to be the order of the day, and there seems to be no remedy, this book will provide you with joy. As you reflect upon the quotes from the people of diverse time periods and backgrounds you will see the common thread throughout history; faith , hope and light. Each page has a beautiful stained glass window from some house of worship, museum or private collection from various corners of the world. The colorful illuminations are magnificent and date from early Christendom to contemporary art all reproduced in exquisite detail. On the opposite page are quotations in big bold letters. The sayings are thought provoking,concise reflections on our purpose on this planet and our relationship to the seen and unseen. The themes are organized around the title of the book with the exception of love replacing light. The art work from the stained glass windows is only half the treasure of this book as the sayings are at times profound. Some of the simple examples from the book are as follows: from Love; "Love in its essence is spiritual fire," Emmanuel Swedenborg(1868-1772), from Hope; " Laugh and grow strong," St. Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556), from Faith ; "People see God every day, they just don't recognize him " Pearl Baily (1918-1990). These are some of the shortest quotes and very typical of the diversity . The sayings come from the unknown and known figures of time. I would recommend this book to you , to share with a family member, to give as a gift for a special person in your life, to spread the interchangeable terms of light and love. This is a good book to have near and read often, to look at the wisdom and common thread that binds all mankind.

This book made my heart leap with the beautiful juxtaposition of inspirational quotes and breathtakingly lovely stained glass windows. The art print colors are vibrantly rich and glowing. The windows and text span a broad historical and geographical range. They include windows from diverse places and times; 13th century French and English cathedrals, modern works by Marc Chagall, and windows from 20th century cathedrals in South America. The quotes are equally broad from Louis L'Amour to Leo Tolstoy; St.Francis of Assisi to Pearl Bailey. The text creatively intertwines with the art work to stop and make you marvel and wonder. This book is a perfect aid to meditation It warms the soul and spirit,it makes you contemplate and wonder and ultimaltely give thanks. It is a hope renewer in both art and faith and their wonderful ongoing connection.

Fancy That is a charming picture book set in Pennsylvania in 1841 that tells the humorous but poignant tale of a young limner (an itinerant painter) who traveled from place to place painting portraits, just as his father did before him, to support his family. Unfortunately young Pip is far too honest in his portrayal of his subjects and bulbous noses and pear shaped figures did not endear him to his clients, nor did he collect his fees. The hope of a home for his three sisters and himself by Christmas, blew up the chimney with the smoke.The ingenious way the problem is solved makes for a heart-felt ending that leaves the reader warm and satisfied. Lloyd's egg tempera paintings enhance and enliven this tale of family values.
Reviewed by a school librarian in Pennsylvania.

I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of a painter who travels 'cross country painting portraits. He is a young man trying to make money to support his three younger sisters, currently in an orphanage.
There is a humorous aspect when Pip paints people as they are, not as they wish to be. Folks don't appreciate seeing their big nose or round bellies in their portraits.
As he travels with his dog Bisuit, he sends back paintings of the pet to his sisters, promising he will return at Christmas.

When Pip returns penniless, a surprise awaits him!

The author and illustrator notes at the end compliment the story. This is a great read for schools, libraries, and for the home.

A must for an artistic girl or boy. The illustrations are truly unique for a contemporary children's book. The message of 'being true to one's own artistic vision' is an invaluable one. I love to give this one as a gift to special kids

Gorgeous illustrations and a charming story. This book is for everyone - boy, girl, young, old. Don't hesitate!