Painting-the

On a recent first time visit to Santa Fe, I was rather disappointed with much of the art on display in the numerous galleries. One either loves it or hates it, but there seems to be no middle ground on the modern art found in Santa Fe, most of it being atrociously expensive. Then I happened upon this book in one of the stores, immediately fell in love with it, and brought it home. With time to enjoy it slowly, this book harkens back to the days before modern photography, whereby landscape painters were the best means for portraying scenery. Most of the images presented in this book date back to the time between 1925 to 1940, with some going back as far as the mid 1800's. I found it quite interesting that very few images from the last twenty years are presented here. Has landscape painting fallen out of fashion? Evidently so. But, for those who love this style and want a good picture of the southwest the way it was, I can highly recommend this book, which is quite a bargain. The added poetic comments only enhance it's appeal.

Paintings Of The Southwest compiled and capably edited by Arnold Skolnic is a gorgeous, full-color art book filled with rich and emotional landscapes from southwestern America, as well as some portraits of the people who call this splendid land home. Works from a wide variety of artists are presented, often with a brief quote from the artist that is relevant to the heart and soul of his or her creation. Enhanced with a thoughtful introduction by independent art historian and curator Suzan Campbell, Paintings Of The Southwest overall is an informative, engaging book of art showcasing the sweeping strokes of memorable works by gifted artists on every page and admirably succeeds in capturing the land's natural spirit. Also very highly recommended are Arnold Skolnick's previous two volumes of artwork, Paintings Of Maine (Clarkson Potter, 0517582295...) and Paintings Of California (University of California Press, 0520211847...).

I loved this book very much as a child. I recently described my memory of the book to my mother, and asked her what the title was. I used to love staring at all of the colors, and learning the outcome of their combinations. This is simple education made fun!

How could this wonderful little book be out of print? Sure, it's not action-packed, nor it is tied in with television characters; but this was one of our all time favorites when our first child received it as a gift in a set of ten Little Golden Books, about 16 years ago now. Alas, after four 'readers' it has slowly found its way of the beloved scraggly blankets that get dragged around. I have looked for this set for quite a few years now, to no avail.

There is no thrill per se in this story, just a little panda and his friend Brown Bear who discover colors and the color combinations that can be created. Short, sweet, and perfect for the quick story for stolen moments in a hectic life, as well as a calming bedtime story.

As a mother and an educator, I feel that this book is a wonderful resource to use with children. It provides an opportunity to discuss the many positive characteristics and values we wish to instill in all young people. The young man's art is impressive and inspiring! The inclusion of both Spanish and English text heightens the uniqueness of this project. Knowing that this book was a collaboration between mother and son causes one to envy the memories and closeness that the two obviously share.

This is a beautifully illustrated book for teaching children the values which make for a loving, kind, and very decent personality. Absolutely loved it. And a real bargain. Our grandchildren are entranced with it. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.Wisconsin

The school of Pennsylvania impressionist painters -in my opinion, were highly influential on the American art movement. Their powerfully loose and fluid brush strokes paved a new and refreshing artistic outlook. Thus proving that less is more.
This book covers each artist and outlines their history of work. "The Pennsylvania Impressionists" contains a wealth of art knowledge. The author should be commended on writing such a comprehensive piece.

Thomas Folk's book is possibly the only one of its kind. Well-researched, well-organized, well done! Of this subject, Folk must be the most knowledgable person today. If you want to share his knowledge on one of the most "American" art movements ever, read this book!

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In this fascinating book, Everett Draper shows you how to quickly and accurately sketch the actions of people. You learn how to size a figure and paint shadows so that the figure looks three dimensional. Using basic anatomy, he teaches you to capture someone's gesture with just a few loose pencil strokes, creating them in correct proportion and believable actions.

A figure in your painting draws attention like a magnet. The author explains how to use that fact to draw the viewer into the painting. It's important to recognize this so that you don't end up with conflicting focal points! Using the visual power of a figure effectively means paying attention to things like fitting it not only into the best place, but also into the mood and technique of the work. Draper explains and illustrates how this can be done.

The book is filled with a library of colorful examples -- running, walking, laughing, active, energetic or peaceful-- giving you a huge source of figures to adapt to your own paintings, as well as the knowledge you need to create your own.

I haven't painted for years and have sold most of my library, but it's hard to part with this one. I still enjoy just looking through it!

I've had the book for several years and am about to buy another because I've worn it out

I bought this book for my 3 & 4 year olds. The pictures are fun and imaginative. Best of all, the face paints are like crayons and wash off very easily. They are able to face paint themselves with very little mess or help from me.

We got "Percy's Fancy Face Paint Party" at my child's nursery school book fair about ten years ago. It is still our most-consulted resource for faces for costume parties and Hallowe'en.

The face paints are very high-quality and they do not stain skin or clothes. I intend to order it again just for the paints, and so that both our daughters can have a copy for their kids.

Mention the words "Safavi" or "Safavid" to people in the West and you will most likely get a blank stare in return, but this Iranian dynasty presided over a great cultural flowering in literature and architecture as well as in art. Stuart Cary Welch produced a beautiful introductory guide to some of the beauties of that era, taking illustrations from several famous books and collections of the 16th century height of Safavid glory. While the political history of the time in Iran, Central Asia and Afghanistan (all parts of the Persian world in a cultural sense) was full of battles, massacres, sieges and sudden changes of rule-very much like Europe at the same time-the delicacy of Persian art knew no bounds. Brilliant, jewel-like colors, striking designs, and bold displays of mythical heroes touched in gold and surrounded with the miniature figures of the Persian court world appear on the pages of this book that is guaranteed to satisfy. Chinese-style rocks and trees mingle with Islamic calligraphy and Persian legends. While this book reproduces the illustrations both in full and in detail, the text is only the slightest of introductions to what can be a consuming study for any lover of art at its greatest. Buyers of this book will want to look further. May I suggest Anthony Welch's two books "Artists for the Shah" and "Shah 'Abbas and the Arts of Isfahan", "Persian Drawings" by B. W. Robinson, and "Persian Painting" by Basil Gray. Another related volume, a treat for anyone interested in Persian art, would be "Isfahan: Pearl of Persia" by Wilfred Blunt and W. Swan.

Stuart Cary Welch is an art historian (I think he taught at Harvard, but I'm not sure) who loves his work, and it clearly shows in this volume. The pictures are exquisite, the reproductions are beautiful, but the best part is the commentary: his only goal is to make the work -- and the stories the pictures tell, for they are all essentially book illustrations -- as much a pleasure to the audience as it was to him. He could not wear his learning more lightly nor with more enthusism, and yet it is clear he must know everything there is to know about this culture. Right after you get this, you'll immediately go right back to Amazon to get a copy of the Shah-Nama, the marvelous epic Iranian poem that so many of the splendid miniatures in this volume illustrate.

One would think that a picture book with only one word per page would quickly become dull, but this book keeps me guessing every time I read it to my 1-year-old. The pictures are beautifully done in folk-art style, and although the main picture is simply labelled, each page has visual references to previous and future pages - I find something new on each reading! Most importantly, my son loves it and it's a great vocabulary builder ("clock", "car", "book", "snowman", etc.). I disagree with the suggested age range: this is a board book and great for babies and toddlers, but the reading level is perhaps too simplistic for 7-8 year olds.

At first glance, Alison Jay's Picture This is a beautifully illustrated book of familiar objects. Her folk art style of strong color and simple lines will appeal to young "book lookers." But look further, study the pictures and subtlties catch your eye. The spotted dog jumps and chases his ball on the page "dog" and appears again, much smaller on the following page, as do the two adults. Look again! The adults are now tumbling down the hill, and the dog's ball is featured on the "ball" page! The adults, the dog, the ball as well as a teddy bear, a plane, a lighthouse and many other objects appear and re-appear, often disgused as tiny details. Young readers will spot them! Adults will search for them! Everyone will enjoy this unusual picture book. A perfect book for sharing.

Dr. Derbes has a rare gift of insight into this troubled time period, and her flowing, warm writing style makes the images and ideas equally accessible to her readers. A wonderful book for anyone interested in Medieval times or iconography.

reading this book was wonderful, but taking the italian renaissance class with our dear professor, Anne, was even better!!

I have been a plasterer for 25 years. This is the book we all studied from while in union training. Dating back to the late 1950's, it has been equally invaluable to apprentices, as well as to masters. All who are interested in learning the craft must start here.

"Plastering Skills" is an examination of the historical process of the Plastering trade. It presents a indepth study of the trade which includes many lost application techniques. The newer veneer plastering techniques are well presented and anyone interested in a quality trade, which is being lost, will really appriciate this manual. It was written in plain language for the tradesman.