Art & Photography Books

Book SynopsisIn 101 Mixed Media Techniques, artists of all backgrounds and skill levels will learn and explore fun, cutting-edge techniques in the popular genre of mixed media art. Mixed media enthusiasts will enjoy learning the essential concepts for creating their own mixed media art—whether they are experienced in its approaches or just starting out. 101 Mixed Media Techniques features a wide variety of traditional and eclectic techniques, including drawing and painting, stamping, stitching, using photos, prepping backgrounds, working with wax, using different kinds of inks, collaging, journaling, and working with encaustics. Multiple ways to use each technique are provided to inspire and nurture creative freedom in every artist. Each technique is presented in a step-by-step format, beginning with an overview of the required tools and materials. The instructions are straightforward and approachable, so artists of all levels can master them with ease. The engaging and accessible format caters to individual learning preferences, allowing artists to focus on a single technique or several at a time. Readers will not only learn a variety of techniques, but will also discover new ideas and inspiration for using the techniques in their own projects. With so many options to choose from, 101 Mixed Media Techniques has something for every artist and is sure to inspire new forms of creativity.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFor fans of James O'Barr's graphic novel The Crow, The Crow (1994), The Crow: City of Angels (1996), The Crow: Salvation (2000), The Crow: Wicked Prayer (2005), and The Crow (2024) movie starring Bill Skarsgård.

Read more less

Book SynopsisEnter the world of Junji Ito’s art––an abyss of horror and sublime beauty.A first-ever collection of Junji Ito’s artworks, featuring over 130 images from his bestselling manga titles along with rare works. This sublime collection includes all of Ito’s unforgettable illustrations in both black-and-white and color, from Tomie’s dreadful beauty to the inhuman spirals of Uzumaki. Includes an interview focused on Ito’s art technique as well as commentary from the artist on each work.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis"A clearly articulated manifesto for those trying to preserve Tokyo’s emergent properties, Emergent Tokyo helps distil lessons for other cities" —Benjamin Bansal, Urban Studies Journal This book examines the urban fabric of contemporary Tokyo as a valuable demonstration of permeable, inclusive, and adaptive urban patterns that required neither extensive master planning nor corporate urbanism to develop. These urban patterns are emergent: that is, they are the combined result of numerous modifications and appropriations of space by small agents interacting within a broader socio-economic ecosystem. Together, they create a degree of urban intensity and liveliness that is the envy of the world's cities. This book examines five of these patterns that appear conspicuously throughout Tokyo: yokocho alleyways, multi-tenant zakkyo buildings, undertrack infills, low-rise dense neighbourhoods, and the river-like ankyo streets. Unlike many of the discussions on Tokyo that emphasise cultural uniqueness, this book aims at transcultural validity, with a focus on empirical analysis of the spatial and social conditions that allow these patterns to emerge. The authors of Emergent Tokyo acknowledge the distinct character of Tokyo without essentialising or fetishising it, offering visitors, architects, and urban policy practitioners an unparalleled understanding of Tokyo's urban landscape.Trade Review"A clearly articulated manifesto for those trying to preserve Tokyo’s emergent properties, Emergent Tokyo helps distil lessons for other cities" - Benjamin Bansal, Urban Studies Journal

Read more less

Book SynopsisArt history: A critical introduction to its methods provides a lively and stimulating introduction to methodological debates within art history. Offering a lucid account of approaches from Hegel to post-colonialism, the book provides a sense of art history’s own history as a discipline from its emergence in the late-eighteenth century to contemporary debates. By explaining the underlying philosophical and political assumptions behind each method, along with clear examples of how these are brought to bear on visual and historical analysis, the authors show that an adherence to a certain method is, in effect, a commitment to a set of beliefs and values. The book makes a strong case for the vitality of the discipline and its methodological centrality to new fields such as visual culture.This book will be of enormous value to undergraduate and graduate students, and also makes its own contributions to ongoing scholarly debates about theory and method.Table of ContentsList of IllustrationsAcknowledgements1. Introduction2. A variety of interpretations: a preview3. Hegel and the birth of art history4. Connoisseurship5. Formalism: Heinrich Wölfflin and Alois Riegl6. Iconography – Iconology: Erwin Panofsky7. Marxism and the social history of art8. Feminism9. Psychoanalysis10. Semiotics11. Postcolonialism12. Conclusion

Read more less

Book SynopsisZentangle[registered] is an easy-to-learn method of pattern drawing that reduces stress while promoting creativity. This book will introduce readers to the basic theory of Zentangle and provide instructions for drawing over 100 tangle patterns from such Certified Zentangle Teachers as Suzanne McNeill, Sandy Steen Bartholomew and Marie Browning. This beautiful book is filled with examples of Zentangle drawings as well as other art projects and compelling stories from those who have improved their well-being through Zentangle.Trade ReviewThis book may change your life. Zentangle is the newest craze to hit the crafting world. This easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun illustration technique is a great way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. It's easy to learn and, after doing a few Zentangle pieces, you'll begin to notice the world around you in a different way-it will seem brighter, more colorful, more in focus. You'll also master illustration techniques that you never thought possible. Traditional Zentangle designs are done in black ink on a white square tile of paper. A simple pattern can be broken down into several small sections and each section contains a different doodle or illustration. There is no right or wrong when creating a Zentangle design, just relax and let yourself go! There are also several ways to use Zentangle, as outlined in Joy of Zentangle. You could use it to decorate your home, create beautiful backgrounds for scrapbooks and cards, or simply decorate a margin of a business memo as you sit in your morning meeting. Joy of Zentangle makes jumping into this addicting illustration technique easy and fun. With step-by-step full color photographs and detailed written instructions, this is a great guide for those who are new to or curious to learn more about this addicting hobby. Reviewed by Melissa ConnerJoy of Zentangle an EXCELLENT choice for the beginning Tangler to start on their Zentangle Journey with well crafted how-to steps, excellent pictures, inspirational stories and beautiful examples. All you need is pen, paper, and this book book to get you started on your Zentangle journey. Certified Zentangle Teachers: Suzanne McNeill, Sandy Steen Bartholomew and Maria Browning have authored most of the first 6 Zentangle books. Now the best of the best from these books and a few new tangles have been added to this Overview edition. Find 101+ tangles in one place. The differences between the small books 16-20 pagse and this book and this 160 page book is the high presentation quality. The photography is very nice and most of the pages are dedicated to a single tangle with how-to steps and inspiration concepts or thought to give futher understanding to the Joy that Zentangle has brought to many lives. Additional info is included to offer the new budding artist exploring Zentangle an understanding what focus means to cultivating creativity, stress reduction and relaxation. Ideas for working with 3-D object, Zendala / Mandalas, and much more are included. -- Sharla R. Hicks CZT, Soft Expressions

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhy do we need art? What Art Does is an invitation to explore this vital question. It is a chance to understand how art is made by all of us. How it creates communities, opens our worlds, and can transform us.Curious and playful, richly illustrated, full of ideas and life, it is an inspiring call to imagine a different future.

Read more less

Book SynopsisEleven-year-old Satsuki and her sassy little sister Mei are overjoyed about moving into a historic country house with their dad - but the girls don't realise what a delightful adventure awaits them there. While exploring their sprawling home and the beautiful rural area that surrounds it, Satsuki & Mei meet Granny, a sweet old woman, and her timid grandson Kanta. They also experience first hand the magic of the Soot Sprites, mysterious creatures that live in the walls, and discover a huge camphor tree that just might be enchanted...

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn The Great Zentangle Book, Certified Zentangle Teacher Beate Winkler provides simple and clear directions for creating 101 classic tangles. Captivating creative minds the world over, the art of the Zentangle evokes meditation practices to create seemingly complicated line drawings that are actually easy to learn. These 101 step-by-step Zentangle patterns will help you relax while creating approachable and beautiful works of art. Beginners will learn everything about getting started—from materials and tools to basic terminology and techniques. Those who have tangled before will gain inspiration from the variations presented by Winkler and her tangling friends from around the globe, including Zentangle founders Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. Along with tips for mastering the craft and behind-the-tangle stories from designers, this compendium of patterns will provide you with hours of instruction. With The Great Zentangle Book, keep up to date on current Zentangle trends with new, delicate bijou tiles and find inspiration for your own Zentangle artwork while learning fascinating information and techniques. Relax, and set your creative mind free as each pen stroke brings you a little closer to your center.Table of ContentsIntroduction Foreword Welcome! What is Zentangle? What materials do I need? How do I start? Open Curtains! Great Tangles for Getting Started Simple Exciting Tangles from A to Z Super Tangles for the Master Class Brilliant Good to Know Questions and Answers Good Reasons to Zentangle Technical Terms Prospects for Proceeding Tanglers Links Who are the Friends? Gallery Acknowledgement About the Author All Tangles from A to Z

Read more less

Book SynopsisA striking collection of eighty-eight images in a book with the same proportions as the hardcover version features high-quality paper and state-of-the-art Magic Eye images for dedicated fans. Original.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn recent years David Hockney has returned to England to paint the landscape of his childhood in East Yorkshire. Although his passionate interest in new technologies has led him to develop a virtuoso drawing technique on an iPad, he has also been accompanied outdoors by the traditional sketchbook, an invaluable tool as he works quickly to capture the changing light and fleeting effects of the weather. Executed in watercolour and ink, these panoramic scenes have the spatial complexity of finished paintings - the broad sweep of sky or road, the patchwork tapestry of land - yet convey the immediacy of Hockney's impressions. And as in the views down village streets and across kitchen tables that appear alongside them, his rooted and fond knowledge of the area around the East Yorkshire Wolds is always clear. If you know the region, the location of the sketches is unmistakable; if you don't, its features will come to life in these pages.

Read more less

Book SynopsisPainting with Bob Ross—with artwork created by Bob Ross himself using his specially formulated oil paints, brushes, basecoats, and other tools—introduces artists and Bob Ross fans to the basics of painting landscapes. Everyone will enjoy Painting with Bob Ross, as his “happy accidents” approach makes this challenging subject matter enjoyable for all ages, regardless of skill level and materials used. “All you need is the desire to make beautiful things happen on canvas…” —Bob Ross In 1982, The Joy of Painting made its debut on public television. The unrehearsed, unedited show soon became a favorite among aspiring artists and painters. Almost 40 years and 403 episodes after his on-air debut, and decades after his untimely passing, Bob Ross still has enormous global popularity as a beloved painter, affable TV personality, and cultural icon. With this guide, you can learn to paint a happy tree in seconds, just like Bob Ross! Painting with Bob Ross introduces you to the tools and materials you need to paint beautiful landscapes, as well as basic painting techniques, such as how to load your brush and how to paint with a knife. Following the introduction are 16 painting projects, each with a complete list of tools and materials needed and instructions for preparing the canvas. Jump into painting with step one, then follow the full-color painting progressions and clearly written instructions until you’ve reached the final step—and your new, joyful work of art! This is the only Bob Ross book with all-color images. Even if you’re brand new to painting, remember that Bob said, “Talent is nothing more than a pursued interest. All you need to paint is a few tools, a little instruction, and a vision in your mind.” Throughout this book, Bob’s quotes encourage you to keep going. So grab your copy of Painting with Bob Ross, relax and unwind, and paint a Bob Ross-inspired landscape! You can paint graceful mountains, ocean waves crashing onto rocks, a winter cabin, a lakeside path, a deep forest river, and many more breathtaking views. And don’t forget to sign each of your masterpieces once you’ve completed the last step!Trade ReviewBy offering high-quality images, detailed supply lists, and expert advice straight from the artist, Painting with Bob Ross assures the authenticity of each art lesson, providing painters with ample, anxiety-free guidance and keeping Ross' words and legacy alive. After all, it was Ross himself who once noted that “all you need to paint is a few tools, a little instruction, and a vision in your mind.” A perfect resource for seasoned painters and amateur artists alike. * My Modern Met *For some, learning a new creative skill may be best accomplished in private rather than in a formal class setting. Painting with Bob Ross gives beginners a perfect format to gain mastery creating landscapes in oil. ... The fun you’ll have in the process — not to mention your utter absorption in the act of putting brush to canvas — will fill many hours of leisure time. When you’ve created your own work of art, the sense of accomplishment will surely enhance your life. -- The Beacon

Read more less

Book SynopsisA revised, redesigned and updated edition of the definitive and bestselling woodworker's bible.Authoritative, superbly crafted and easy to use, Collins Complete Woodworker''s Manual is the UK bestseller and the one book every woodworker needs.This revised edition has been extensively rewritten and contains new photographs and illustrations. It includes new products and techniques developed since the last edition, as well as updated trees' conservation status.Every stage in crafting furniture and other decorative pieces are fully explained starting with the basics; the nature of wood, the tools required and setting up a workshop. The book then examines the principles of three-dimensional design from inspiration to construction.Step-by-step illustrations demonstrate how to make every type of joint and all the major crafts are given detailed coverage with the same step-by-step approach: bending wood, veneering and marquetry, woodcarving and finishing.The book also includes a chapter on usTrade Review“An absolute must for the book shelf” – Which Tool “Thoroughly authoritative, well-illustrated and well-produced” – Home and Garden “A friend to lean on” – Woodworking International “A fine book” – Traditional Woodworking “Well thought out and well designed” – Woodworker “Bursting with ideas” – Practical Householder

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe creative duo Charles Eames (1907–1978) and Ray Kaiser Eames (1912–1988) transformed the visual character of America. Though best known for their furniture, the husband and wife team were also forerunners in architecture, textile design, photography, and film. The Eameses’ work defined a new, multifunctional modernity, exemplary for its integration of craft and design, as well as for the use of modern materials, notably plywood and plastics. The Eames Lounge Chair Wood, designed with molded plywood technology, became a defining furniture piece of the 20th century, while the couple’s contribution to the Case Study Houses project not only made inventive use of industrial materials but also developed an adaptable floor plan of multipurpose spaces which would become a hallmark of postwar modern architecture. From the couple’s earliest furniture experiments to their seminal short film Powers of Ten, this book covers all the aspects of the illustrious Eames repertoire and its revolutionary impact on middle-class American living.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA Sunday Times Art Book of the Year: a major study of Black figurative art from Africa and the African diaspora, covering 100 years from the early 20th century to now. Published to accompany a major exhibition at Zeitz MOCAA, Cape Town, this book presents a comprehensive exploration of Black self representation through portraiture and figuration, celebrating Black subjectivity and Black consciousness from Pan-African and Pan-Diasporic perspectives. With a primary focus on representational painting, When We See Us celebrates how artists from Africa and the African diaspora have imagined, positioned, memorialized and asserted African and African diasporic experiences during a 100-year period spanning from the early 20th century to the present. The publication demonstrates how generations of artists throughout the 20th century and at the beginning of the 21st have critically engaged with multiple notions of Blackness and Africanity. Figurative painting by Black artists has risenTrade Review'This book – aside from being a feast for the eyes – is an abundant art-historical resource, and will be a springboard for discussions around Black figuration for decades to come' - The World of Interiors

Read more less

Book SynopsisGet lost in your creativity with 365 Days of Drawing, a thoughtful and inspiring art journal designed to help you carve out moments of self-expression.Lorna shows you that drawing does not have to be scary – it can be done with any materials, in any colour, in any style and can be done anywhere.Each activity has been given a loose category: imagination, tutorial, relaxation, colour theory, and observational, so that you can practice a broad range of drawing skills. Each 'theme' is designed to expand your creative skills and spark the artist within.With helpful prompts and pages that encourage you to try new materials to draw with, 365 Days of Drawing is guaranteed to stir your imagination and put a little creativity into every single day.Discover all the books in the 365 Days of Art series: 365 Days of Art, 365 Days of Art in Nature, 365 Days of Creativity, 365 Days of Drawing.

Read more less

Book SynopsisHailed the “Prince of the Impressionists”, Claude Monet (1840-1926) transformed expectations for the purpose of paint on canvas. Defying the precedent of centuries, Monet did not seek to render only reality, but the act of perception itself. Working “en plein air” with rapid, impetuous brush strokes, he interrogated the play of light on the hues, patterns, and contours and the way in which these visual impressions fall upon the eye. Monet's interest in this space “between the motif and the artist” encompassed too the ephemeral nature of each image we see. In his beloved water lily series, as well as in paintings of poplars, grain stacks, and the Rouen cathedral, he returned to the same motif in different seasons, different weather conditions, and at different times of the day, to explore the constant mutability of our visual environment. This book offers the essential introduction to an artist whose works simultaneously reflected upon the purpose of a picture and the passage of time, and in so doing transformed irrevocably the story of art.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisDiscover the amazing Gelli Arts platea revolutionary printmaking surface that makes it easy to produce beautiful, one-of-a-kind artwork with amazing colors and textures! This book will show you how to use gelatin printing to create 32 stunning designs of layered prints, decorative pages for art journals, fabric for quilting, greeting cards, and more! Gelli Arts Printing Guideteaches you all the basics you need to know on supplies, how to get started, and the best techniques for making colorful backgrounds, textured pages, multiple layers, and basic borders. Perfect for both beginners and experts, durable and reusable Gelli Arts plates are easy to clean so you can quickly change paint colors and move on to your next project. This newly expanded edition contains an updated gallery of art featuring the latest Gelli Arts plate techniques. Wonderful results can be obtained quickly, and simple variations give each print its own unique personality!

Read more less

Book SynopsisOne of the difficulties about how our minds work is that we often cannot quite clearly see or know what is inside us. Art therapists have a longstanding tradition of prescribing image-making to prompt expression of feelings, often by asking people to draw, paint, or sculpt “how you feel.” It is one of the fundamental approaches in the field that distinguishes art therapy from verbal techniques that ask people to simply talk about their emotions. Author Erica Jong once wrote that imagery is a form of emotional shorthand. This could be interpreted to mean that while we may use paragraphs of prose to describe an emotional experience, images allow us to communicate simply and directly. At its core, art therapy embraces the paradigm that creating images cuts to the chase when it comes to expressing feelings. The point is not to draw well. But to draw with authenticity. This is specifically a book for people who can’t draw.

Read more less

Book SynopsisMaster the challenges of drawing on location with this collection of insider know-how and expert tips and techniques. Illustrator, architect, and international workshop instructor and Urban Sketcher Stephanie Bower has collected 101 of her best insider drawing tips, hacks, and techniques and shares them in this fully illustrated, portable book. Learn shortcuts to getting your perspective right, determining your composition, and balancing your light and shadow. This book collects many basic drawing techniques into one handy volume: How to draw a great line Using ellipses to draw arches How towers are like wedding cakes The importance of your eye level line in sketching and 97 things more! The book also features beautiful example illustrations from Urban Sketchers around the globe! Whether you are new to sketching or are an experienced artist, this book is chock-full of useful, practical, and clever tips to take your drawing to the next level. The Urban Sketching Handbook series offers location artists expert instruction on creative techniques, on-location tips and advice, and an abundance of visual inspiration. These handy references come in a compact, easy-to-carry format—perfect to toss in your backpack or artist’s tote.Table of ContentsCONTENTS About This Series 4 Introduction 7 KEYS On Your Mark, Get Set. 9 It All Starts with a Good Line 7 The Values of Tone 31 Compelling Compositions 41 Good Bones. 55 It’s All About Your Eye Level 65 Towers Are Like Wedding Cakes (& Other Ah-Ha Moments) 77 C’mon in, the Water Is Fine 91 Challenges 110 Contributors 111 Acknowledgments 112 About the Author 112

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"Scott McCloud's brilliant treatise on the inner workings of cartoonists will delight amateur artists and curious fans alike." -- Salon "In this, McCloud's third nonfiction book about comics, he has produced his most significant achievement to date, and that's really saying something." -- Cory Doctorow "Only Scott McCloud could have organized his thoughts on comics like this. Scott's talent as a cartoonist not only makes him intimate to insights no outsider can see, but also gives him the power to show it to the world." -- Jeff Smith "Every aspect of comics creation is covered in this enlightening, accessible guide presented in a comic-strip format." -- Booklist (Editor's Choice) "A guide to creating comics that is as thoughtful and entertaining as the best-loved work in the field, both enjoyable and accessible to casual fans of the form and the new gold standard for artists who want to create their own comics, manga, and graphic novels. -- Bookslut "More than a how-to, the book goes beyond simple instruction, digging into the real dirt of creating comics." -- Kirkus Reviews

Read more less

Book SynopsisSimple Japanese Furniture presents 24 simple and stylish furniture projects for the home based on timeless Japanese designs from the mid-1950s. The timeless designs featured in this book were designed in the mid-1950s by the Japanese design group KAK, led by architect and industrial designer Yoshio Akioka. Now, more than half a century after the creation of these designs, the chairs, tables and storage furniture retain their simple beauty and functionality. The 24 rewarding projects are presented with notes on the key design elements of each piece, the tools and techniques needed to construct them, and step-by-step instructions for completing them. The designs are chosen to highlight the structure of furniture and the techniques are well-suited to working with softwood planks and plywood - readily available in DIY stores. Each project is described in a brief overview, with a difficulty rating and an emphasis on key design elements. This is followed by a detailed instructions section with helpful illustrations. Appealing to woodworkers and hand-tool enthusiasts, the book reflects a growing interest in making simple practical furniture for the home as well as an appreciation of Japanese design. Projects include: Two-way cross-braced stool, Round plywood tea table, Sturdy porch bench, Simple umbrella stand, V-shaped leg tea table, Variable-height table, Box-shaped bench and Low plywood chair.

Read more less

Book Synopsis Learn how to start a botanical sketchbook, to improve both your drawing skills and your appreciation of the natural world, with renowned botanical illustrator and tutor Dianne Sutherland.Sketchbooks are a simple and accessible way of becoming more involved with nature, with all the wellbeing benefits that brings, while learning to draw and paint with purpose. This beautiful yet practical book is aimed at those just starting out in botanical art and nature journaling, as well as more experienced artists looking to evolve their sketching practice.? Explore a variety of subjects: From delicate flowers and towering trees to fascinating insects and their habitats.? Learn to compose your sketches effectively: Highlight key features and capture the unique beauty of each specimen.? Experiment with different techniques and materials: Add depth and dimension to your work with expert guidance.? Incorporate colour swatches, notes, and labels: Enhance your sketchbook''s educational value and create a lasting record of your observations.In this comprehensive book packed with step-by-step instructions, Dianne generously shares her knowledge on selecting the perfect sketchbook (or even making your own with simple bookbinding techniques), to the in-depth development of sketchbook pages, covering content and composition, what parts of the plant to include, how to deal with different subjects, and now to bring your work to life with simple watercolour techniques.Illustrated throughout with examples of Dianne''s beautiful sketchbook pages this is a truly inspirational guide that will give you everything you need to start creating stunning nature sketchbooks and journals.Discover the profound therapeutic benefits of botanical sketchbooking, immerse yourself in nature, observe the intricate details of plants and insects, and harness your creativity to capture their essence on paper with Sketching Nature.

Read more less

Book SynopsisExplore creativity while learning how to draw lively, unique sketches of your favorite houses, shops, landmarks, and other buildings. Learning to sketch can be intimidating, especially when drawing subjects like architecture that seem to rely on perfect perspective, straight lines, and complex forms. In Housesketching, artist and instructor Albert Kiefer (Housesketcher) shares his signature techniques that will enable and empower you to abandon perfectionism and learn to sketch and express yourself creatively, like his tens of thousands of students have done. Whether you work in pen and ink and alcohol markers like Albert, or use your favorite medium, you will learn how to create amazingly expressive drawings. From his whimsical linework to his playful use of perspective to his energetic colorwork, Albert’s approach can be applied to any type or style of building—or any subject at all! Housesketching shows ho

Read more less

Book Synopsis The joys of the world, one terrible map at a time – this is the ultimate gift book for the budding geographer or anyone who wants to have a laugh.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe ultimate reference book for bird enthusiasts – now in its third edition.Trade ReviewReviews of the previous editions: ‘The best just got better’ Birdwatch ‘The richest, most comprehensive of the current guides.’The Times ‘This book will surely become our standard guide for many years to come.’ BBC Wildlife ‘…buy this book, read it in the bath, keep it in the car boot and use it.’ Bird Watching

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn Kawaii Doggies, the follow-up and perfect companion to Kawaii Kitties, popular Instagram artist Olive Yong teaches you, step by step, how to draw all your favorite breeds doing all sorts of silly and endearing things.Trade Review"Fun, inspiring, and thoroughly 'user friendly' for aspiring artists and illustrators in both organization and presentation, Kawaii Doggies is a perfect DIY instructional guide." * Midwest Book Review *Table of ContentsContents Introduction What is Kawaii? How to Use This Book Tools Drawing Your Doggies Facial Expression Directory Coloring Your Doggies Favorite Breeds Puppies Poses & Moods Daily Activities Dress-Up Bon(e) Appetit Portraits Doggy Coloring Pages Dog Breed Directory

Read more less

Book SynopsisJohn Muir Laws’s guide to drawing birds is itself winged, soaring between a devotion not only to art but also to the lives, forms, and postures of the birds themselves.Here, artistic technique and the exquisite details of natural history intertwine, and drawing becomes the vehicle for seeing. As Laws writes, "To draw feathers, you must understand how feathers grow, overlap, and insert into the body. To create the body, you must have an understanding of the bird’s skeletal structure. To pose this skeleton, you must be able to perceive the energy, intention, and life of the bird."This how-to guide will perfect the technique of serious artists but also, perhaps more importantly, it will provide guidance for those who insist they can’t draw. Leading the mind and hand through a series of detailed exercises, Laws delivers what he promises: that "drawing birds opens you to the beauty of the world." An Audubon Book.Trade Review"Tips that only an expert could provide are included throughout. Bird-watchers will be pleasantly surprised to discover how helpful this book can be toward fully seeing and understanding the birds they spot." —Library Journal"I have read through Jack Laws's Guide to Drawing Birds, and my only comment is that it is outstanding both from an artistic and ornithological perspective. I wish I had such a book when I first began to draw birds. Reading through the text and, more importantly, exploring his drawings and paintings, leads me through the visual journey that Jack took when he observed the subtle details of each bird. The book is well written, richly illustrated, and beautifully designed." —Robert Petty, Director of Field Support, Audubon"At some point, I expect more than a few birders have tried (or at least considered) drawing their favorite bird. There is something quite natural about wanting to do this. If you are one of these birders, and even if you are not, take a look at the newly published Guide to Drawing Birds, and find out why I believe it is a must-have book for artist-birders. For that matter, I think it has value for anyone who simply wishes to improve their skills of observation. There is a lot to celebrate in the pages of this book, trust me. It is truly a birder's guide to drawing." —10,000 birds"Best Bird Book Pick for the Holidays: perhaps the most visually stunning bird book of the year, an insanely beautiful and useful guide to not only drawing and painting but seeing birds." —The Birdchaser"If you've ever even remotely considered drawing birds, you will find Guide to Drawing Birds eye opening, and then essential." —The Birder's Library "This instruction book on drawings birds is everything I had wanted and so much more. It never gets boring and doesn't speak over the level of beginners like me." —Birding is Fun!"Even those who may not consider themselves qualified to wield a pencil for anything more than writing a grocery list might well come to discover just how enjoyable and effective as a learning exercise sketching birds can be … The techniques he demonstrates can be applied in as rudimentary or as polished a form as one likes. Whether one's drawings are merely augmentations to field notes or developed into fine artistic renderings, the essentials skills needed to produce them are the same. Laws presents these skills in easy-to-understand chapters, including an entire section devoted to what is perhaps the most commonly misunderstood element in avian locomotion: flight." —BirdWatcher's Digest"Naturalist John Muir Laws has produced more than a guide to the techniques of drawing. He has drawn on a lifetime of work in conservation and wildlife biology to connect drawing with the actual lives of the birds." —Examiner.com"A beautiful new book … not simply for 'gifted artists' but for anyone who wants to heighten their appreciation of birds and nature." —Golden Gate Birder"Tired of merely watching birds? Ever consider trying to draw them? There s a method to do so. John Muir Laws is very good at this and he's written a book that can help you get started, maybe even become good at it yourself." —National Geographic Society"A good introduction for those wanting to learn how to draw birds." —The Guardian (UK)"Guide to Drawing Birds is a fine recommendation for any involved in drawing, birds, or birdwatching and any crafts or arts collection will want it. It's devoted not to the art but to the natural history and postures of birds, blending techniques with keys to observing birds and capturing them using field sketches which then can be developed further off field. From using colored pencils to avoiding common problems in bird drawing, this is packed with step-by-step color illustrations throughout." —Midwest Book Review"I would highly recommend this book to someone … who'd like to be less intimidated by the thought of drawing birds." —National Parks Traveller"John Muir Laws has created a quintessential field guide for drawing birds that can be used by people of all skill levels, young and old. This book could cause a renaissance of the illustrated journals and sketchbooks of earlier times." —San Francisco Book Review

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisCovering various aspects of the visual arts, this book includes more than 1,000 images of art. It is suitable for the art enthusiasts.Trade Review'A revelatory volume … Aimed at the teenager and foundation-year student, it still holds plenty of surprises for the old hand' - The Times'It will send neophyte and aficionado alike out into our museums and galleries afresh' - The Times'Packed with information and looks good on the shelf too' - Homes & AntiquesTable of ContentsHow to Use this Book * Gateway Features * Introduction Part 1: Fundamentals 1.1 Art in Two Dimensions: Line, Shape and the Principle of Contrast * 1.2 Three-Dimensional Art: Form, Volume, Mass and Texture * 1.3 Implied Depth: Value and Space * 1.4 Colour * 1.5 Time and Motion * 1.6 Unity, Variety and Balance * 1.7 Scale and Proportion * 1.8 Emphasis and Focal Point * 1.9 Pattern and Rhythm * 1.10 Content and Analysis Part 2: Media and Processes 2.1 Drawing * 2.2 Painting * 2.3 Printmaking * 2.4 Visual Communication Design * 2.5 Photography * 2.6 Film/Video and Digital Art * 2.7 Alternative media and processes * 2.8 The Tradition of Craft * 2.9 Sculpture * 2.10 Architecture Part 3: History 3.1. The Prehistoric and Ancient Mediterranean * 3.2. Art of the Middle Ages * 3.3. Art of India, China and Japan * 3.4 Art of the Americas * 3.5 Art of Africa and the Pacific Islands * 3.6 Art of Renaissance and Baroque Europe (1400 - 1750) * 3.7 Art of Europe and America (1700 - 1900) 3.8 Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries: The Age of Global Art Part 4: Themes 4.1. Art and Community * 4.2 Spirituality and Art * 4.3 Art and the Cycle of Life * 4.4 Art and Science * 4.5 Art and Illusion * 4.6 Art and Rulers * 4.7 Art and War * 4.8 Art and Social Conscience * 4.9 The Body in Art * 4.10 Art and Gender * 4.11 Expression Glossary * Further Reading * Sources of Quotations * Illustration Credits * Acknowledgments * Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisA comprehensive guide to developing unique glaze effects from natural and sustainable sources. Making your own glazes is a fascinating and rewarding process, even more so when making them from collected ingredients. With little equipment and following a few basic principles, it is possible to harvest glaze ingredients from your local environment, such as clay, subsoil, plants and seashells, to achieve beautiful results in the kiln. Whether you wish to make an entire glaze using collected materials, or just want to use them as additions to existing base recipes, Miranda Forrest teaches you how to source and prepare natural ingredients, from degraded rocks to seaweed, and gives you step-by-step instructions for mixing a glaze, testing samples and finally applying glazes and firing your work. Contributions from contemporary ceramicists who use natural glaze ingredients give you a detailed insight into their working methods and intriguing results. Encouraging experimentation and a creative approach, Natural Glazes is a vital resource for anyone wishing to work in a more natural and sustainable way to develop unique glaze effects.Trade ReviewThis is a very personal account strongly illustrating the love Ms. Forrest has for her environment and her desire to incorporate this into her life and work. The book will be of interest to potters in general and also provide a very useful introduction to the techniques for anyone who wishes to work with found materials. * London Potters News *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction 1. What is a ceramic glaze? 2. Recognising natural glaze materials 3. Preparation of materials 4. Glazes derived from rocks 5. Glazes derived from plants and animals 6. Making your glaze 7. Glaze application and firing 8. Found clay bodies 9. Raku 10. Artists who work with natural materials 11. Gallery 12. Health and safety Conclusion Bibliography Index

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis Camo, by photographer Thandiwe Muriu, is the first publication to chronicle the work of this international artist, celebrating the vibrant portraits she creates that combine cultural textiles and beauty ideologies. Muriu takes us on a colorful, reflective journey through her world as a woman living in modern Kenya as she reinterprets contemporary African portraiture. As the sole woman operating in the male-dominated advertising photography industry in Kenya, Thandiwe Muriu has repeatedly confronted questions around the role of women in society, the place of tradition, and her own self-perception. These experiences inspired her personal project of cultural reflection: the Camo series. Camo was the catalyst for her to push new boundaries in her photography, leading her into a deeply personal artistic journey. The compelling, fully saturated photographs in this collection confront issues surrounding identity while seeking to redefine female empow

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis beautifully illustrated book is the first practical step-by-step guide to using coloured pencils in botanical painting and is written by Ann Swan, one of the top exponents of the genre.Water-soluble and oil-based coloured pencils are becoming increasingly popular for botanical painting as they are easier to use than traditional watercolour and are more forgiving, yet they produce the same stunning effects. They are especially suitable for the accuracy needed to paint in the botanical style of illustration.In this book Ann Swan gives helpful advice on all aspects of working with coloured pencils, including the techniques you will have to master underpainting, layering and burnishing. She also demontrates how to mix and build up colour, and how to add those finishing touches that will complete your painting successfully.Several full step-by-step demonstrations are included to show how these techniques are put into practice. The book concludes with a gallery of coloured pencil worksTrade Review‘… a beautiful book… Richly illustrated with impressive examples by the author… The vibrant artworks that result are rich in accurate botanical information.’ – The GardenTable of ContentsThe first book on using coloured pencils for botanical painting Huge increase in the popularity of both water-soluble and oil-based coloured pencils as they are easier to use than watercolour Author is a member of the prestigious Society of Botanical Artists and has a popular following in the UK and the US.

Read more less

Book SynopsisGuide your tarot practice with this beautiful tarot deck and guidebook filled with original, never-before-seen artwork inspired by the massively popular World of Warcraft online role-playing game.

Read more less