Painting-the

I have been waiting a long time for a book like this. My interest in Zen and its relation with art began many years ago, and since then I bought a lot of books about the theme. But this one is quite different. It has the depth that any serious investigator of japanese culture or zen art's lover is searching in a book. Two things happen to be the most fascinating to me: the quality of the illustrations (superb), and the feelings transmited by the author about this real masters (not only zen masters, but life masters as well). The work of Audrey Yoshiko Seo will be in a short time recognized as a book for reference for students of oriental art, and a book capable of bringing a touch of calm by contemplating the excellent plates showed. The text is profound and sensitive. The lives of this contemporary masters and the facts that made their inspiration flow, are descripted with clarity and passion. This book moves me at a point that makes me feel really close to the heart of these masters of life. I will be waiting for another work of the author. Congratulations.

"The Art of Zen" is a beautiful, beautiful book and has taken its place on my read-again-and-again bookshelf. The 200+ page book is not only packed with the history of zen in Japan as exemplified by the major zen monk artists but complemented by many examples of their art. The history is divided into seven major periods that discussed the political and cultural climate of Japan as well as the philosophic perspective of Zen Buddhism.

There are extensive biographies of each of the major monk artists with examples of the work and, often times, their poetry. For example, the death poem of Ryonen, one of zen nuns, reads, "In the autumn of my 66th year, I've already lived a long time- The intense moonlight is bright upon my face. There's no need to discuss the principles of koan study; Just listen carefully to the wind outside the pines and cedars."

In addition, Addis brings an artist's eye to the paintings and his commentaries on technique, execution and innovation are enlightening (no pun intended)and help to explain how zen seeks to express the "inexpressible."

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Zen, in art, in the Japanese culture or with a desire to better understand the view of life seen by awakened men and women.

Emily Carr (1871-1945) was an acclaimed artist who lived and painted along the Northwest Coast. Her paintings have been recently exhibited with such legendary pioneer women artists as Georgia O'Keeffe and Frida Kahlo. Written by Susan Vande Griek's The Art Room is set in the early 1900s and tells (in the form of a delightful story poem) of Emily Carr's having to teach art to children in order to support herself. Here portrayed is Carr's love of animals, her insistence on painting from life and nature, and the sense of fun and freedom that she inspired in her many students. Susan Vande Griek's superbly presented text is showcased with the rich artwork of Pacal Milelli who has managed to perfectly capture the life and work of Emily Carr, a true pioneer female artist in her own right.

As a beginner I was looking for a very indepth book with alot of samples of different techniques. This is a wonderful book with 3 great sections on oils, acylics and watercolors. Chapters include basic techniques, step by step projects, guides to materials and equipment. With over 400 pages it truly is a complete painters course and well worth the price!

I loved this little book. I read it through very quickly, though it was packed with great info and tips. It actually got me out and about every morning, painting little postcard sized paintings. If you've wanted to try sketching and painting on location, this will help you get started.

As an artist, I appreciated this large reference on many levels. First, it's alphabetical layout is interesting as it tends to lend equal weight to each artist be they Rembrandt or Frida Kahlo. Next, the hundreds of beautiful color reproductions on almost every page, short bios on the artist, the movement he or she was involved in; made me want to investigate lesser known artists. Great for the student of art or art history! I recommend this highly. Pull up a cozy chair and enjoy.

Arthur Giardelli: Paintings, Constructions, Relief Sculptures is a history and showcase of the art of Arthur Giardelli, born in 1911, an artist whose sometimes free-flowing work is colored by surrealism, constructivism, organic abstraction and his abiding faith in God. Highlighting both two- and three-dimensional artworks with black-and-white and color photographs, Arthur Giardelli: Paintings, Constructions, Relief Sculptures focuses especially upon lengthy and detailed conversations painter, sculptor, writer, and scholar Derek Shiel shared with Arthur Giardelli, which provide the reader with a truly in-depth and personal perspective upon Giardelli's moving works. Arthur Giardelli is specially recommended for art historians and connoisseurs with a particular interested in learning about the "how and why" of a great 20th century artist's life and creative processes.

WHEN I READ THIS BOOK I BEGAN TO CRY. IT SO MUCH SOUNDED JUST LIKE ME.. ALL I HAVE EVER SAID WAS THAT ONE DAY I WILL FIND THE TIME TO BE ABLE TO DO THE ONE THING I LOVE THE MOST AND THAT IS TO PAINT. BUT THAT NEVER SEEMS TO HAPPEN WITH ALL THE DEMANDS OF BEING A MOTHER, HOUSEWIFE, ART TEACHER, SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER ETC.. ETC.. SO, I ALWAYS TELL MY BEST FRIEND THAT ONE DAY MAYBE THE LORD WILL ALLOW ME TO PAINT THE SUNSETS WHEN WE GET TO HEAVEN. I COULDN'T BELIEVE THE STORY ENDED LIKE THAT. IT WAS JUST LIKE EVERYTHING I HAVE ALWAYS FELT AND SAID. IT REALLY TOUCHED MY HEART, AND I FELT LIKE GOD WAS REMINDING ME THAT YES ONE DAY I WILL BE PAINTING THOSE GORGEOUS SUNSETS!!

This is a book about good composition. A good composition is not only stereotyped proportions or perspectives.
A good painting is the fruit of patient composition planning combined with painting skills.Improvisation can never get better results than carefull study and research.
This book will help the serious student to break through the composition barrier.
The author, in the preface ,recommends : "This book should be read, marked, learned and inwardly digested by re-reading."
A wonderfull book!!

I recommend this book to any bird artist or anyone who just likes birds in general. The variety of birds covered is good and the number of photos is excellent! The text is very informative, especially the information on number of tail, and wing feathers.