Art & Photography Books

Book SynopsisThis elegant colouring book features artworks of flowering plants taken from the archive of Curtis''s Botanical Magazine, the world''s most enduring and respected periodical of its kind, published by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.There are 44 line artworks for you to colour in, each accompanied by the artist''s original watercolour plate. Drawn from life, these images show the detail, colour and tone of the actual plant and will inspire you to produce increasingly accurate representations while at the same time exploring the remarkable variety of botanical form.For anyone with an interest in botany and flowering plants, this book contains images to savour and treasure and promises hours of stimulation and pleasure. ABOUT THE SERIES: Arcturus Publishing and The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew have collaborated to create a wonderful selection of botanical-themed arts, crafts and activity books, including origami, dot-to-dots and colour-by-numbers.

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Book SynopsisCreate nine lustrous and captivating little works of art with this unique introduction to oil painting. Acclaimed artist Estelle Day demonstrates all you need to know to embark on your oil painting journey from what paints and supplies you’ll need to essential oil painting techniques. Beginners will build confidence by working on small-scale, still life painting projects designed for canvases measuring no more than 10cm (4in). Also included are outlines for you to trace so you can get started right away! Easy Oil Painting is the perfect beginner’s guide to working with oils and mastering this luminous and exciting medium.Trade ReviewEstelle Day's new book, Easy Oil Painting is the perfect introduction for those new to oils, or who fancy a change of medium. Subtitled, 'Beginner tutorials for small still lifes' Estelle uses small, everyday objects as her still-life subjects, which she paints on canvases measuring no more than 4in. (10cm), keeping everything very simple. Paints, materials and workspace are all covered in the opening chapters before moving on to oil-painting techniques, learning about colour and composition, and finishing with projects to work on. Outlines are provided for you to trace so that you can get going straight away. * Leisure Painter *Really good book for beginners with simple easy to follow steps. The quality of the book paper is also very good (important when spilling paint by accident). -- Megan Gjajxha * Customer Review *A lovely reasonably priced book with stunning pictures. Really helpful guidance on still life oil painting. Useful introductory chapters on colour and techniques which I found very accessible. Highly recommend. -- Rob K * Customer Review *A beautiful book. Very well sectioned for ease of following it from start to finishing a painting, supported by easy to follow diagrams and photos. * Customer Review *I have purchased other oil painting books in the past but this one is very nice. You work on small canvases or canvas panels to learn how to do the techniques before you go on to larger surfaces. This way you don't feel like you are wasting your time on something you may not like and or may not learn anything. Great book! -- Marti M * Customer Review *Table of ContentsMeet Estelle Chapter One: Paints and Supplies Chapter Two: Your Workspace Chapter Three: Oil Painting Techniques Chapter Four: All About Colour Chapter Five: Looking at Objects to Paint Chapter Six: Projects Index

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Book SynopsisThese sketchbooks, the work of the acclaimed Scottish artist Barbara Rae CBE RA during her three journeys towards the Northwest Passage in the depths of the Arctic Circle in 2015, 2016 and 2017, record in colourful and assured brush strokes the icebergs, frozen bays and snowdrifts of this often hostile landscape. Polar bears roam and the Northern Lights dance across its pages, accompanied by Rae's handwritten notes in which she records her experiences and her immediate reactions to this harsh, unforgiving environment. Each page of the sketchbooks is meticulously reproduced, and the handsomely bound volume sits comfortably in the hand, making it the perfect gift for anyone interested in painting or exploration.

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Book SynopsisA classic medium, watercolor is practiced by many but mastered by few. This accessible and clear workbook is both a practical guide and an informative history. Beginning with a "1-day course," the chapters cover technique, equipment, general theory, painting plein air, and conservation. The authors also examine the work of watercolor masters, among them Claude Lorrain, Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, John Constable, J. M. W. Turner, and John Ruskin. Each chapter includes photographs and helpful examples of works in progress, explanations of methods, and how-to demonstra tions. Designed for those who have not picked up a paintbrush since high-school art class as well as more seasoned practitioners, this guide is a must-have for anyone who wants to start out in watercolors, become a more assured and better artist, or simply gain a new understanding of the great watercolorists.

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Book SynopsisCreating Stylized Characters gives readers a valuable insight into the popular art of character design. Professional illustrators, animators and cartoonists, well versed in creating characters for video games, comics and film, guide the reader through accessible tutorial projects packed with images and advice. Any budding artist will soon be able to draw characters of all ages, shapes and sizes! This entertaining, beginner-friendly book is applicable to both digital and traditional media, and delves into many essential aspects of the character development process, from real-world research, to sketching gestures and poses, to exploring different genres, personalities and styles.

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Book SynopsisWhere do you start if you want to light an interior space? What is the best colour temperature for your design scheme? What do you need to consider when choosing LED lamps and luminaires? Architectural Lighting Design answers these questions and more in a comprehensive introduction to the design, application and techniques of lighting interior spaces. Using real examples of successful lighting schemes, experienced designer Admir Jukanovic explains the fundamentals of lamps and luminaires, and how to meet the requirements of a design brief. Topics include treatments and techniques for lighting designs; tips for understanding the deliverables and fulfilling brief; the five project phases, from concept to commission and the common pitfalls to avoid when using artificial lighting in architecture.

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Book SynopsisDesign Journeys for Complex Systems is a designer's handbook to learn systemic design tools to engage stakeholder groups in collaborative design to address complex societal systems. Systemic design uses systems thinking and service design to address large-scale societal contexts and complex socio-technical systems. These are contexts characterized by social and technological complexity, high uncertainty, and often problematic outcomes. Using a tour guide metaphor, the book trains people's mindsets and provides tools for dealing with hyper complexity, to enable understanding of systemic problems, and to build capacity to collaborate in teams to produce action proposals.

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Book SynopsisPolishing and finishing is a highly skilled specialist craft; a professional finish will transform a piece of jewellery or silver into a work of art. Written by a leading polisher, this practical book explains the traditional techniques and shares the secrets of this often under-rated craft. Topics covered include: setting up a workshop, tools and compounds; finishing methods including satin finish and oxidizing; polishing bangles, rings and cutlery and there are finished photographs showcasing a range of exquisite work.

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Book SynopsisDid you know that there are more than 60 active volcanoes in Europe today? Or that the longest-existing lava lake is in Ethiopia? Or that Mount Stromboli off the coast of Italy has been in almost continuous eruption for the past 2000 years? Illustrated with 200 spectacular photographs, Volcano is a fascinating visual journey around the globe, selecting the most striking live and extinct volcanoes from Alaska to Antarctica, from Tanzania to Tasmania, from Kamchatka in Russia’s far east to Indonesia and the Philippines. Alongside famous volcanoes such as Mount Etna in Sicily, Mount Vesuvius on the Italian mainland and Mount St Helens in Washington State, the book features many lesser known but equally interesting volcanoes across all the continents. Each entry is accompanied with a fascinating caption explaining not only the geological forces at work, but also how the volcano has shaped the history of the surrounding areas across millennia. Presented in a landscape format and with more than 190 outstanding colour photographs of around 100 entries, Volcano is a stunning collection of images.Table of ContentsIntroduction EUROPE Kirkjufell, Iceland Holuhraun lava field, Iceland Bárðarbunga, Iceland Eldfell, Heimaey, Iceland Eyjafjallajokull, Iceland Puy de Dôme, France Puy de Pariou, France Piton de la Fournaise, Réunion Island, France Teide, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain Calderón Hondo, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain Tahiche, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain Timanfaya, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain Croscat, Spain Islet of Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel Island,Azores, Portugal Mount Pico, Portugal Sete Citades, Azores, Portugal Stromboli, Aeolian Islands, Italy Vulcano and Lipari, Aeolian Islands, Italy Mount Etna, Sicily, Italy Mount Vesuvius, Campania, Italy Nisyros, Dodecanese, Greece Nea Kameni, Santorini, Greece Mount Ararat, Turkey AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST Pico do Fogo, Fogo, Cape Verde Mount Cameroon, Cameroon Mount Nyiragongo, Democratic Republic of the Congo Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Ol Doinyo Lengai, Tanzania Muhavura, Uganda/Rwanda Dallol, Danakil Depression, Ethiopia Erta Ale, Ethiopia Nabro, Danakil Depression, Eritrea Zendan-e Soleyman, Iran Taftan, Iran Mount Damavand, Iran ASIA, THE PACIFIC & ANTARCTICA Mutnovsky, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia Karymsky, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia Kambalny, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia Tolbachik, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia Koryaksky, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia Cherpuk, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia Klyuchevskoy Sopka, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia Avachinsky, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia Gorely, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia Kamen, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia Paektu, China/North Korea Komezuka, Aso, Kyushu, Japan Sarychev Peak, Kuril Islands Mount Fuji, Honshu, Japan Mount Aso, Kyushu, Japan Mount Chokai, Honshu, Japan Mayon, Luzon, Philippines Mount Pinatubo, Philippines Chu Dang Ya, Gia Lai province, Vietnam Mount Rinjani, Lombok, Indonesia Kelimutu, Flores, Indonesia Anak Krakatoa, Indonesia Mount Sinabung, Sumatra, Indonesia Merapi, Java, Indonesia Mounts Bromo, Batok and Semeru, Java, Indonesia Manam, Manam Island, Papua New Guinea The Nut, Tasmania, Australia Mount Tongariro, New Zealand White Island/Whakaari, New Zealand Mount Ngauruhoe, New Zealand Mount Ruapehu, New Zealand Mawson Peak, Heard Island, Australia Mount Discovery, Antarctica Brown Bluff, Antarctica Mount Erebus, Ross Island, Antarctica NORTH AMERICA & CARIBBEAN Mount Shasta and Black Butte, California Augustine, Alaska Mount Shishaldin, Alaska Mount Si, Washington Mount St Helens, Washington Mount Adams, Washington Mount Rainier, Washington Mount Hood, Oregon Crater Lake, Oregon Devils Tower, Wyoming Lassen Peak, California Cinder Cone, California San Francisco Peaks, Arizona Haleakala, Maui, Hawaii Mount Kilauea, Hawaii Diamond Head, Oahu, Hawaii Hanauma Bay and Koko Crater, Oahu, Hawaii Anahim Peak, British Columbia, Canada Popocatépetl, Mexico Parícutin, Mexico Tacaná, Mexico Nevis Peak, St Kitts, Lesser Antilles Soufrière Hills, Montserrat, Lesser Antilles CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA Fuego, Guatemala San Pedro, Guatemala Izalco, El Salvador El Boqueron/San Salvador, El Salvador Tiger Island, Honduras Momotombo, Nicaragua Concepción, Nicaragua Irazu, Costa Rica Turrialba, Costa Rica Arenal, Costa Rica Galeras, Colombia Antisana, Ecuador Tungurahua, Ecuador Cotopaxi, Ecuador Misti, Peru Licancabur and Juriques, Chile Descabezado Grande, Chile Puyehue-Cordon Caulle, Chile Aracar, Argentina Tromen, Argentina

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Book SynopsisTake your design work to the next level with Making and Breaking the Grid: A Graphic Design Layout Workshop (Third Edition), the essential easy-to-use guide for designers working in every medium. With over 150,000 copies in print, this new edition makes a classic text relevant to a new generation of designers. Updates include:   A cross-cultural inclusive re-envisioning of design history related to the grid, including alternative approaches to layout Expanded discussion of grid use in interactive, UX/UI scenarios Greater equity in the representation of design work by women and BIPOC designers Grids are the most basic and essential forms in graphic design—and they can be the most rigid. This book shows you how to understand the rules of the grid to use them effectively, and then how to break them, resulting in phenomenal cohesive layouts. Timothy Samara explains the histoTable of ContentsThoughts on Structure An Introduction MAKING THE GRID BREAKING THE GRID Coming to Order A Brief History of the Grid in Visual Communication Understanding Grids __________ The Basics of Structured Organization Building a Grid __________ Making the Structure That Suits Your Needs Using a Grid __________ Considerations and Best Practices EXHIBITS Design Projects Based on Grids On the Other Hand A Historical Survey of Non-Structural Design Tendencies Alternative Architectures __________ Structure Beyond Grid Structure Intuitive, Relational, and Conceptual __________ Liberating Layout Strategies Considering the Practical in the Impractical __________ Reconciling Usability and Weirdness EXHIBITS Design Projects Without Grids Directory of Contributors Index by Subject Recommended Reading About the Author/ Acknowledgments

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Book Synopsis“Les diners de Gala is uniquely devoted to the pleasures of taste … If you are a disciple of one of those calorie-counters who turn the joys of eating into a form of punishment, close this book at once; it is too lively, too aggressive, and far too impertinent for you.”—Salvador DalíFood and surrealism make perfect bedfellows: sex and lobsters, collage and cannibalism, the meeting of a swan and a toothbrush on a pastry case. The opulent dinner parties thrown by Salvador Dalí (1904–1989) and his wife and muse, Gala (1894–1982) were the stuff of legend. Luckily for us, Dalí published a cookbook in 1973, Les diners de Gala, which reveals some of the sensual, imaginative, and exotic elements that made up their notorious gatherings.This abridged reissue features 78 of his recipes over 12 chapters, specially illustrated by Dalí, and organized by meal courses, including aphrodisiacs. The illustrations and recipes are accompanied by Dalí’s extravagant musings on subjects such as dinner conversation: “The jaw is our best tool to grasp philosophical knowledge.”All these rich recipes can be cooked at home, although some will require practiced skill and a well-stocked pantry. This is cuisine of the old school, with meals by leading French chefs. Good taste, however voluptuous, never goes out of fashion. In making this exceptionally rare book available to a wide audience, TASCHEN brings an artwork, a practical cookbook, and a multisensory adventure to today’s kitchens.The first English edition of Les Diners de Gala was published in 1973 by FELICIE, INC., New YorkTrade Review“A visual explosion of surrealism and outrageous recipes.” * The New York Times *

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Book Synopsis70 years of passion. 70 years, in which the enthusiasm for sporty driving, advanced technology and sensual design has created something very special. Is it a coincidence that more than 70 percent of all Porsche cars ever built are still on the road today? There can only be one answer when you gather together the highlights from seven decades of sports car construction - not in a well-tempered museum, but in the places for which they were created: road and track. What if you had to get a 918 Spyder to Germany via the snowbound passes of northern Italy? What would it be like to rerun the legendary record-breaking lap of the Nordschleife in Stefan Bellof's 956? Can you bring a 906 to the Porsche Rennsport Reunion in Laguna Seca under your own steam? This may sound like a shimmering daydream, but it turns into a tribute to 70 years of brand history, captured in unparalleled images. Text in English and German.

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Book SynopsisDocumenting over 3,000 tattoo drawings, this title describes the motifs that represent the uncensored lives of Russian criminal classes, ranging from violence and pornography to politics and alcohol.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"...an important analysis and catalogue of a genius at work with a smirk on his never-seen face. The aggregate of his art is Banksy's validation and legacy. Banksy is a worthy testimonial to him and a beautiful bouquet for a legend in the making." —NEW YORK JOURNAL OF BOOKS

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Book Synopsis“The book, a coffee table-like hardback with otherworldly photography, is visually arresting but also an educator about the wildest system in the country.” –CNN “…astonishing artwork exposing the undercover beauty of the nation’s hidden natural wonders that will move readers far beyond their familiarity with the Redwood forests or Half Dome Yosemite...promises to leave viewers gasping at every page.” –The Federalist  “The National Parks get all the love, but if you really want to commune with nature and not a stampede of RVs, try a National Wildlife Refuge.” – The Wall Street Journal  “His photographs of the islands are transporting, as are so many of his images of our refuges and the wildlife that make their home within them.” – Earth Island Journal “Among other adventures, the book captures the extraordinary marine life in the Pacific Remote Islands and Rose Atoll Marine National Monuments and Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument… readers will be inspired to put on not just their hiking boots but their snorkel fins, too!” – Marine Conservation Institute   Ansel Adams Award–winning photographer Ian Shive shows you the largest network of protected lands and waters in the world, the National Wildlife Refuge System. From the rugged reaches of Kenai, Alaska, to the vibrant coral reefs of the Palmyra Atoll, the National Wildlife Refuge System is dedicated to the preservation of America’s natural habitats. Through the lens of Ian Shive, recipient of the Ansel Adams Award for Conservation Photography, Refuge will show you the greatest of these landscapes and wildlife, including the migratory birds of Midway Atoll, the golden prairies of the Rocky Flats, and more. · Learn from America’s leading experts. Includes essays from top environmental and conservation organizations such as the National Wildlife Refuge Association, Earth Island Institute, and the Arctic Refuge Defense Campaign, giving you the context that you need to appreciate these natural wonders. · Plan your own journey. A refuge map and index of traversable locations allows you to start planning your trip of a lifetime to these hallowed refuges. · Over 300 awe-inspiring images will let you experience more than 40 refuges right from your coffee table, including Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Rachel Carson NWR, Bayou Sauvage NWR, Valle de Oro NWR, National Elk Refuge, and more. · The perfect addition to your home library, this large-format, deluxe book will make your coffee table or bookshelf shine. · Earth Aware Editions will plant two trees for each tree used in the manufacturing of Refuge, in association with our partnering organization Roots of Peace.

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Book SynopsisExtraordinary Art Dealers: Stories of Obsession, Innovation and Creativitybrings together 30 essays on 30 art dealers, from accounts of crafty opportunists and commercially driven moguls to tales of soulful idealism, exceptional talent and relentless creativity. Featuring art dealers from the eighteenth to mid-twentieth century, the book explores their varied roles as cultural architects, eccentric idealists, commercially driven salespeople, and everything in-between. Highlighting the unexpected creativity of art dealers, their exceptional sensitivity to new art, and the impact they've had on shaping the art world, the book challenges the widespread notion that dealers are solely profit-driven. Organised into six chapters,Extraordinary Art Dealersoffers fresh insights into the often-overlooked role of art dealers in art history key players in cultivating the canon of art as we know it. By delving into the past, exploring the profession of art dealing as continually evolving in parallel with the changing positioning of the role of art in society, this publication sheds light on the mechanics of dealing today from the artist-centric approach to the economically driven and personality-motivated.Illustrated throughout,Extraordinary Art Dealersis perfect for the cultural junkies, fine art and art history students, artists and aspiring or existing art dealers. Including chapters on William Hogarth, Joseph Duveen, Betty Parsons, Robert Fraser, Leo Castelli, Alfred Stieglitz, Virginia Dwan, Kekoo and Khorshed Gandhy, Malick Sidibé, Peggy Guggenheim and many more...

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Book Synopsis'Fascinating' Sunday Times'Deeply sourced and rich with anecdotes' The Times'Like a nonfiction version of The Devil Wears Prada' Elizabeth Day'Odell's extensive reporting dredges up a wealth of delightful details' New York TimesThis definitive biography of Anna Wintour chronicles the steep climb of an ambitious young woman who would, with singular and legendary focus, become the most powerful woman in media.As a child, Anna Wintour was a tomboy with no apparent interest in clothing but, seduced by the miniskirts and bob haircuts of swinging 1960s London, she grew into a fashion-obsessed teenager. Her father, the influential editor of the Evening Standard, loomed large in her life, and once he decided she should become editor in chief of Vogue, she never looked back.Impatient to start her career, she left high school and got a job at a fashionable boutique in London - an experience that would be the first of many defeats. Undeterred, she found work in the competitive world of magazines, eventually moving to New York. Before long, Anna's journey to Vogue became a battle to ascend, no matter who or what stood in her way. Once she was crowned editor in chief - in one of the stormiest transitions in fashion magazine history - she continued the fight to retain her enviable position, ultimately rising to dominate all of Condé Nast.Based on extensive interviews with Anna Wintour's closest friends and collaborators, including some of the biggest names in fashion, journalist Amy Odell has crafted the most revealing portrait of Wintour ever published. Weaving Anna's personal story into a larger narrative about the hierarchical dynamics of the fashion industry and the complex world of Condé Nast, Anna charts the relentless ambition of the woman who would become an icon.Trade ReviewLike a nonfiction version of The Devil Wears Prada -- Elizabeth DayAn impressively detailed portrait that reveals much about Wintour's management style and early career * Financial Times, Books of the Year *Fascinating * Sunday Times *Odell's book is deeply sourced and rich with anecdotes. Although she's clearly sympathetic to her subject, she's direct in addressing Wintour's missteps. * The Times *Odell's extensive reporting dredges up a wealth of delightful details...You'll walk away knowing every step - and misstep - in Wintour's famous ascent to the heights of magazinedom. * New York Times *The secret to [Anna's] longevity is the subject of Odell's biography, which is drawn from interviews with Wintour's tightknit inner circle. Given that she's famously private and notoriously aloof, the participation of intimates in the book's reporting indicates a green light from Wintour herself. But Odell is unsparing, detailing Wintour's ambitious rise and ruthless power grabs, dotting the narrative with a healthy amount of gossip and color. * Bloomberg Businessweek *A dissection of one of fashion's most controversial figures and a window into the glossy pages of Vogue, Amy Odell's definitive Anna Wintour bio balances criticism with understanding and stories of true sadism: Imagine telling Oprah to lose 20 pounds for a cover * Rolling Stone *A fascinating portrait of the secretive queen of fashion. The devil is in the detail. -- Andrew MortonOdell takes her readers behind Wintour's iconic bob and sunglasses in this deeply researched account, delivering a close-up view of the most powerful woman in fashion. -- Sara Gay Forden, author of THE HOUSE OF GUCCIThe details of Anna Wintour's life have been kept as tantalizingly hidden as her eyes behind her trademark sunglasses. This book tells her stunning story. Extraordinarily sweeping, astute and unputdownable. -- Sheila Weller, New York Times bestselling author of CARRIE FISHER: A LIFE ON THE EDGE and GIRLS LIKE USAnna is brilliantly written and well-researched, full of the kinds of details you've always wanted to know about Wintour's early life, and the ways in which she used her considerable gifts to amass astonishing, and enduring, power and influence. -- Laurie Woolever, author of BOURDAIN, THE DEFINITIVE ORAL BIOGRAPHYTable of Contents1: Origins 2: Beyond School Uniforms 3: Fired and Hired 4: Anna Wintour, Fashion Assistant 5: A New Start in New York City 6: Viva la Vida 7: A Savvy Move 8: In Vogue 9: Second Best 10: A Tale of Two Vogues 11: House & Garment 12: Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief 13: Calculated Risk 14: "In" versus "Out" 15: First Assistant, Second Assistant 16: A New Project, an Old Friend 17: Follow the Money 18: The Divorce 19: Dot.Com 20: A New Alliance 21: Mutual Benefit 22: Big Vogue 23: The Crash 24: Politics and Pain 25: Anna Wintour, Artistic Director 26: Changes 27: The Met Gala Epilogue: The Pandemic

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Book Synopsis''If a house could gossip, this is the book that Hampton Court would whisper. An enjoyable and readable stroll through 500 years of Hampton Court history: royal residents, common visitors, thieves, invaders and ghosts' PHILIPPA GREGORYFor centuries, Hampton Court has been a place of power, scandal and intrigue: a stage for events that shaped the nation. The Palace raises the curtain on 500 years of British history with royals, politicians, criminals, and geniuses all playing their parts.Hampton Court has been an arc of monarchy, revolution, religious fundamentalism, sexual scandals, and military coups. In this rich and vivid history, Gareth Russell moves through the rooms and the decades, each time focusing on a different person who called Hampton Court their home.Beginning with the Tudors, Russell takes the reader from the kitchens of Henry VII and the dreams of Anne Boleyn to Elizabeth I's brush with death and the staging of Shakespeare's plays. To the commissioning of the King James

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Book SynopsisA beautifully illustrated introduction to Katsushika Hokusai (1760â1849), the most prolific and diverse artist of Japanâs Edo period, and master of ukiyo-e â âimages of the floating worldâ.

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Book SynopsisBilly Showell is a well-respected contemporary artist whose watercolour flower portraits have earned her the respect of watercolour artists all over the world. Worked to the same degree of accuracy as traditional botanical paintings, Billy's compositions are given a more contemporary twist, combining her unique eye for design with her love of flowers. In this book, 40 flower portraits are presented, arranged in alphabetical order, each one accompanied by small studies, details, step-by-step instructions and the colour mixes used to accomplish the finished work. At the start of the book there are useful sections on the materials and equipment needed and the main techniques used, including wet-into-wet, colour blending, lifting out, layering glazes, dry brushing and colour mixing, and at the end of the book Billy gives her own unique slant on composition and discusses the importance of creating a sketchbook. Whether you love to paint, or simply love flowers, this book will delight and inspire you.Trade ReviewBilly shows you how to complete beautiful flower portraits with the same degree of accuracy as traditional botanical paintings but with a unique contemporary feel. Guiding you through 40 flower portraits, each one is accompanied by small studies, details, colour mixes and step-by-step instructions. -- The SAA * The SAA Catalogue 19/20 *Dec 10 If you want to paint professional and attractive botanical pictures of flowers, here is a good place to start. Ms Showell’s earlier book on Watercolor Fruit and Vegetable Portraits (also reviewed on this site) showed how lovely even the humble spud could look when transformed into the sort of painting you could encounter in a priceless 18th century book. Now this talented artist turns her hand to flower painting, and it is time to get those watercolors out once again. Actually you can also find my review of Watercolour Flower Portraits in our archives as well, so prepare for more beautiful floral studies. Search Press is not known for their hardcover books but this is one, which will perhaps give you a clue that this is going to be something special. I love the way the flowers look so three-dimensional against the starkness of the white paper, and if your watercolors manage to look insipid then this is one lesson you can learn from this book to start with. There is good advice about composition, keeping a sketchbook and of course what to buy as well as mastering techniques such as wet-in-wet, color mixing, masking etc. Of course much of this is common to watercolor painting of any type, but I liked how it was all applied to florals with plenty of examples. Here too is advice on veining your leaves; painting fine hairs on stems, creating realistic water droplets and what colors you need to buy for flower painting. The flowers chosen are all garden favourites, ranging from traditional roses and lilies to daffodils and fritillaries, as well as yuccas, pitcher plants and quesnelia. Each project features a large, whole page study of the bloom along with a pencil sketch of part of it with some color added. There are instructions (not the type with staged photographs but just in writing) as well as a color swatch of all the paints you need to buy and what they look like mixed into the relevant shades. A short piece about the flowers together with the artist’s own reason for choosing them completes the entry, making it eminently suitable for all those watercolorists who have progressed beyond beginner primers and are wanting something more intermediate and relevant to their chosen subject. This is also just a lovely book to gaze at, a celebration of flowers and a handsome addition to bookshelves (and coffee tables) everywhere. Highly recommended. * Myshelf.com *Oct 10 Billy Showell approaches her subjects with the same level of accuracy as botanical artists. Her flowers are meticulous and realistic, but infused with her distinctive sense of design to give them a modern twist. This book gives information on materials and equipment needed, as well as clear instructions on the main techniques used, including wet-in-wet, laying glazes, dry brushing, lifting out, using body colour, masking and creating texture and pattern. There are details on colour mixing and on how to get the best out of brushes as well as insights into composition ideas and on keeping a sketchbook. There are also detailed step-by-step instructions showing how to paint 40 specific flower portraits, each accompanied by small studies, including a colour swatch illustrating the palette and paint mixes used for the work. Billy Showell's fans will need no further recommendation. If you are new to her work, you will be delighted at the clarity of instruction, the delicacy and vibrancy of the paintings, and the invaluable advice and inspiration this book offers. * Artist, The *Oct 10 Following her successful volumes on flowers, fruit and veg, Billy Showell returns with a collection of step-by-step instructions for painting a variety of plant species, alongside information on specific techniques like masking out and glazing. Showell doesn't aim for strict botanical accuracy, instead opting for a fresher artistic flourish in her work. While the practical aspect of the book is undebiably useful, this is also a great chance to see the artist's intricate flower portraits reproduced across many of the spreads. From anemone seeds to spots on the petals of a Stargazer, the level of detail she has achieved is astonishing, particulary considering these are watercolours. It all confirms Showell not just as an impressive floral painter, but also as one of the UK's leading watercolour artists in any genre. * Artists & Illustrators, The *Oct 10 Billy Showell is a fantastic watercolour artist. When I first saw her work I was amazed at how she takes the subject and renders is with an almost botanical attention to detail and yet has that magic touch that transforms work from what could be a somewhat stilted reproduction of flower, fruit or vegetable into a stunning and attractive work of art. Needless to say – I simply love her work and as very excited to read about her new book. In this book she takes 40 different flowers and shows us simple touches from simply observing closely tiny details specific to each flower, to the colour mixes she uses to create works, and different techniques such as wet in wet and lifting out. Its the clever extra touches such as the tulips on page 9 where she has used their natural tendency to curve and bend to form a heart shape from two stems that make her works so special. Of course its Billy's love for flowers and constant observation that allows her to know these differing characteristics to each plant. By observing plants around us and using a sketchbook as she advises we can learn this too. The paintings themselves are not quite the usual step by step paintings so common to art books but present a bit more of a challenge. I'm sure that will appeal to many artist who want to develop their own style rather than just follow other peoples instructions. Its certainly one of the things that make her books so exciting for me. Billy tells us the colour mixes needed for each flower and from observing the full page illustration we follow her instructions to complete that flower. With some of the more complex flowers she gives additional “mini demos” to show the best way to render the petals. The beauty of working this way is that it allows the artist to become a participant in the painting rather than simply a follower of instruction, and once confident that your rose or tulip you've painted following her advice is competent you will feel encouraged to do it again with one from the garden or supermarket with new colours and shapes. A superb book, full of exciting ideas for the artist who wants to do more than just follow instructions. * JeannieZelos.com *Dec 10 Following her first two books on painting flowers – Watercolour Flower Portraits and Watercolour Fruit & Vegetable Portraits, Billy Showell brings us her A-Z of Flower Portraits. The book opens with a section on composition, followed by useful advice on keeping a sketchbook, placing the flowers on the paper, and the importance of lighting. A chapter on materials and equipment precedes several pages on techniques, including such subjects as colour blending, lifting out, negative veining (a way of creating pale veins by lifting out fine, bright lines), layering glazes, masking out and texture and pattern. Billy realises that most of us don’t have endless time to experiment with colour mixes and helps us on our way by giving us details of her own mixes resulting from hours of trial and error. The colour mixes (which are beautifully reproduced by the publisher) start each section, describing the colours you need to combine to get the desired subtlety of colour for your subject. Less experienced artists can work through these preliminary sections, while more experienced artists may prefer to go straight to the projects. Forty painting projects are included, with subjects ranging from flower names of every letter of the alphabet, starting with anemones and aquilegia and ending with the zantedeschia (white arum lily to you and me). Billy is an inspirational flower painter, taking the best of the traditions of botanical painting yet imbuing her work with her own contemporary signature - a skill that has earned her five certificates of botanical merit from the Society of Botanical Artists. * Leisure Painter, The *Summer Catalogue 2014 This enchanting book and DVD set is bursting with top tips & detailed demonstrations to help you paint 40 breathtaking blooms. * SAA *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Composition 10 Materials & equipment 22 Techniques 24 Index 128 The Flowers Anemone 48, Aquilegia 46, Bergenia 50, Camellia 52, Clematis 54, Dicentra 56, Erythronium 58, Freesia 60, Fritillaria 62, 64, Galanthus 66, Gerbera 68, Helleborus 70, Hydrangea 72 & 74, Iris 76, Jasminum 78, Knautia 80, Lathyrus 82, Lilium 84, Lonicera 86, Magnolia 88, Narcissus 90, Nerine 92, Ornithogalum 94, Philadelphus 96, Podranea 98, Quesnelia 100, Rosa 102, Sarracenia 104, Spathiphyllum 106, Trachelospermum 108, Tulipa 110 & 112, Uvularia 114, Verbena 116, Weigela 118, Wisteria 120, Xeranthemum 122, Yucca 124, Zantedeschia 126

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Book SynopsisPeanuts goes noir when Charlie Brown gets caught up in a fake celebrity autograph ring and Linus starts his own church of the Great Pumpkin - until believers declare him a false prophet. In comedic counterpoint, Snoopy gets his driving license and Rerun pursues a comics career. Meanwhile, Olaf and Andy go on a quest for the only pop culture anthropomorph more famous than their brother - and 'Crybaby' Boobie makes a comeback.Trade ReviewCharles Schulz was an American treasure - an artist, philosopher, and keen observer of human life -- BILL CLINTONThe world of Peanuts is a microcosm, a little human comedy for the innocent reader and for the sophisticated -- UMBERTO ECOCharles Schulz was, plain and simple, a great artist and philosopher . . . But most importantly, he teaches all ages that if you can learn to laugh at the things that cause you the most pain you will be the strongest of all. Peanuts: a real way of life -- JOHN WATERSIt's impossible to think of another popular art form that reaches across generations the way the daily comic strip does . . . at the pinnacle of that long tradition, there was Charles Schulz * * Seattle Times * *

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Book SynopsisMeditative, peaceful and calming, watercolour painting offers a sense of control and self-worth to everyone, with no judgement or goal beyond the joy of painting itself. This book shows you how to calm and enhance your outlook through the movement of brush on paper. Master artist Jean Haines leads you on a journey through paint, showing you how to wipe away your worries with the soothing, gentle strokes of watercolour paint.Trade ReviewI am a crafter, but not a painterm so I wondered if I would like this book, From its opening of "colourful, creative mindfulness through watercolour" to "finding energy and strength... red is a powerful colour", it grabbed my attention. I like how Jean describes the different colours and, as the rainbow is seen all around at the moment, it was nice to start "...thinking about colours as blankets to wrap around you." I decided to follow Jean's guidance and paint a poppy. I read it through and immediately wanted to paint one. With clear instructions, nice anecdotes, and no pressure for it to be a certain way, I enjoyed going with the flow. While we are being peaceful and mindful (using calming blues and greens), it is important to remember we also need to re-energise (energising red, orange, yellow). This is an uplifting and calming book for stressful times. * Third Age Matters *This book is absolutely beautiful, full of gorgeous images, colour and inspiring quotes, 'Anyone can paint. Not only anyone, but everyone.' In Paint Yourself Calm, Jean has created an inspiring and uplifting book that will encourage anyone to pick up a paintbrush, dip it in your favourite colour and experiment. Magical! * Hot Brands Cool Places *Longtime watercolor art instructor and painting how-to author Haines (Jean Haines’ World of Watercolour) tries something a bit different in her latest title. Starting from the premise that everyone can paint, Haines frees readers of the goals and expectations of end results, and encourages simply enjoyment of painting. Open-ended, detailed exercises guide readers through experimenting with paint to gain a sense of control; to relieve stress; to escape; or to be in a better mood. The emotional and psychological properties of color are discussed as are obstacles to creativity and happiness. VERDICT Open-minded readers of all ages and skill levels can benefit from the unique blend of self-care and expression offered here. * Library Journal *September 2016 This is a really beautiful book about learning to paint, but with a real difference. Jean takes you on her own personal journey, revealing how her career has brought her to a magical realisation: that painting is therapeutic and calming for the soul. This book shows you how you can calm and enhance your outlook thorugh the movement of a brush. Jean leads you page-by-page on a journey through paint, showing you how to wip away your worries with the soothing gentle strokes of watercolour paint. She says 'Painting is something that you can do at any stage in your life... and no painting experience is necessary * Love to Make *Anyone can escape a stressful life and find inner peace, simply by playing with colors. These words of introduction by the artist Jean Haines describe aptly the content of her latest book. This time it is not the teachings of her fascinating watercolour technique in the foreground, but the process of painting itself. Many people believe they cannot meet the high demands of painting because they consider themselves untalented. But Jean Haines believes we do not paint to please others, but we should paint to relieve stress and find peace. In addition to her expressive watercolors we find meditative texts that reflect the personal attitude of the artist to the creative process in aptly. It is therefore worth the thorough reading before the first drawing exercises. The lessons build progressively on each other. We learn the ink flow to control and observe the interaction of two colors. Each chapter impressed by one hand, color-rich, on the other hand also by delicate screens. The accompanying texts are easy to understand and fun and with the heart and soul of the painter incorporated. Now the most impressive chapters of the book follow: The calming effect of nature. Each section covers a different color. From experience we know that red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet evoke certain moods in us. Jean Haines explains the effect of each color on the viewer. It shows step by step - instructions the watercolors of large-sized flowers, delicate grasses, feathery painted plants and the creation of sky blue. With this acquired knowledge we can apply this to a delicate landscape. In the final pages, the artist note summarizes the positive effect of painting on the inner peace of mind. Conclusion: The therapeutic effect of relaxing learning is generally known and is practiced in many rehabilitation facilities. Jean Haines shows us that every person can find by simple drawing exercises an oasis of calm, allay fears and worries can forget. Without having the coercive attend a painting class, succeed with simple exercises in a very short time stunning images. For advanced watercolor artist, this book is recommended as we can free ourselves from the pressure of expectations of a perfect view through the learning of a loose brushwork. Originally publishing in german: http://kreativreview.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/paint-yourself-calm-von-jean-haines.html * Kreative Review *Summer 2016, Issue 2 There are many of us who just don't do art, for whatever reason. The beauty of this book is that it coaxes us into painting for therapeutic purposes and takes away the pressure and takes away the pressue of any self judgement for what we create. I can't recommend this book highly enough. It is large format and rich in stunning illustration (of course). The author was a painter first, then she became a painting teacher and now she is teaching calm through painting. When you become fully absorbed in an activity - and painting is a supreme example of this - your mind becomes much quieter. * Cygnus Review *This book should appeal to both the beginner who would like to paint but doesn't know where to begin and the 'improver' like myself. I found painting relaxing and exciting when I started some years ago but now tend to get bogged down in the complexities of techniques and different media. This book takes you back to colour and 'playing'. Not trying to create anything for exhibition or sale but just enjoying painting. Jean has suggested just the basic materials required and that is ample to get started. The book is very readable and would make an excellent gift. beautifully illustrated. The text contains descriptions and simple exercises with the emphasis on easy methods and keeping yourself relaxed and calm. I particularly liked the sections on herbs at the end as I felt it introduced a sense of reality with looking at and painting an object. The fragrance of herbs around is well known for providing a calming atmosphere. This would make an excellent gift for any painter. * Dorothy Barton *This is a visually stunning book. My first thought when I opened my parcel was of the impact of it's gorgeous colour. Inside the beautiful watercolour painting continues. Jean Haines strives to make her reader comfortable with the concept of simply 'playing with colour' and the wonderful examples of abstract painting which fill the beginning of the book help with that - they look so playful and not at all intimidating. While I understand Haines' need to make her reader comfortable, I do find the intro pages a little repetitive - really trying to drive the point home that anyone can pick up a brush, it could be a fantastic experience, etc. I do love her concept of 'playing with colour', though, it takes a step back from 'Art' with a capital 'A' and introduces an idea that one can simply play and experiment - what better way to learn? Even better, it sounds far more relaxing that launching in with the idea that you'll be creating beautiful masterpieces. I do love the materials section as well - it's very concise and to the point: you don't need masses of expensive materials and equipment, just two brushes, an old white plate, a clear jar, and three tubes of paint will do. That makes things less intimidating for a beginner. I've read several 'beginners' art books that contain pages and pages of different materials and tools that leave even someone with experience wondering where to begin. The practical section starts with 'Colour Experiments', getting you used to different techniques, the way the colours flow - the 'playful' part. It's about building up confidence. It flows almost seamlessly into the more complex and less abstract exercises. Again, the art is beautiful yet not intimidating - encouraging the reader to 'give it a go'. The step-by-step instructions are clear and easy to follow. At the end of the book, there's a quick summary about 'painting yourself calm' and positive thinking, and a useful index, and yet more wonderful watercolour paintings. Even just flicking through the pages is a lovely experience. Looking forward to working my way through the book! * Leanne Cane *With no painting experience necessary, Jean proves that anyone can put paint to paper with the object of relieving stress and exploring emotion to achieve a sense of calm. I can most heartily verify that painting is calming, because I feel that myself when I paint. It is all about the experience of painting and not the end result. The exercises are rather simple and basic shown as step-by-step. All in all, if you want some very basic ideas to get you into the routine of painting without taxing the mind, and to use painting as a way to find solace, you will find this book useful. It covers techniques such as salt, clingfilm, pouring and some ideas on colour. Jean's excellent use of colour and her finished paintings hold this book together * Karen Platt -yarnsandfabrics.co.uk *As I have been reading about the preparation and build up for this book the overall impression I have had is that it would be different and that is just what it is.... different! Not the usual format of materials, techniques, step by steps.... there is a small section on materials where Jean talks about what you will need to get started and how good paper is the most important thing, but this book doesn't dwell too much on things mundane!! It does however dwell on the joy and happiness we can find by pursuing this lovely pastime, how painting somehow helps us find a special place unknown to us before we painted. Since reading it I have been trying to think where it might fit into the painting population at large and I have come to the conclusion that although it isn't an instructional painting book per se it actually transcends all abilities and levels and I found myself once again inspired by Jean Haines, this time in a totally different way. As I am a painter who teaches, sells my work and occasionally exhibits I have worked hard on the techniques I have been taught by Jean and a number of other artists to the point where I have more recently been finding my own way but decided that as I have all Jean's other books I "needed" this one to add to my collection. While it isn't a teaching book in the way her others are, it has some wonderful inspiration, some beautiful illustrations ( I do like pictures in a book!!) and it gives a "can do " message to its' readers which a lot of painters need. I had read some of Jeans' blogs where she has talked about the book and how it was a departure from her previous publications and I honestly think this book is one which would be a fit for artists at any level including complete beginners. I have always felt that painting is available to anyone and everyone and it is very encouraging to read Jean's conviction that anyone can paint, how painting can enrich lives beyond comprehension and that no-one needs any special talent or skill to start. Joy to my ears! Art Therapy is known to have very beneficial effects and while we're not actually talking about that here Jean talks about aspects of colour and it's mood enhancing qualities, about the joy of creating, not for a finished masterpiece, but for the sole purpose of enjoyment and how painting for it's own sake can bring about a wonderful calmness and contentment. She very eloquently puts into words what a lot of us who are passionate about our art feel as we are creating and have the brush in our hand. As for my own inspiration, I don't tend to spend as much time playing with my paint as I once did and have had some art work I want to do for my own home which has been on the back burner for some time. Having read this book and looked at some of the simple exercises Jean has put together to get people started I have had lots of ideas as to how I might go about creating this illusive work!! The exercises look quite simple but the end results in turn look so effective leading me to feel that the book is worth buying for these little studies alone. I don't want to say anything frivolous about this book as it carries a more serious message beyond that of regular painting books. It talks about the mental benefits of painting, how we can escape to our little painting havens and become completely consumed and absorbed during the time we spend watching the paint and water do their magic on the paper. It also provides very persuasive arguments for allowing us to spend time painting... Finally, I loved the quote "It was only when I made a conscious decision to treat painting like eating, as part of my daily routine that my life and art career changed" That really struck a chord and separates the artists from the wannabes and something I need to incorporate into my daily routine too, another snippet of inspiration. * Judith Farnworth Art *July 2016 Jean Haines' Paint Yourself Calm shows you how to use the medium of watercolour to overcome anxiety and escape the stresses of everyday life. Aimed at the complete beginner, Jean describes how the action applying paint to paper can help you control your life, enhance your mood and improve watercolour painting at the same time. Illustrated with watercolour paintings this is a truly 'feel good' book. * The Leisure Painter *It’s hard to convey just how much I hate all that new-agey stuff. Most of it’s just an excuse for a load of self-obsessed navel gazing. And it’s never cheap, either. Do please feel free to disagree with me, but please read the rest of this before you write in! It would be a shame to dismiss this on the basis I’ve outlined, or even to regard it as having nothing to do with practical art. It has everything to do with the practice of painting and, above all, of getting yourself into the state of mind where you can put down on paper what you feel in your head and see with your mind’s eye. If you want a book that explains the creative process in a way that’s completely relevant and comprehensible, this is it. It may or may not be Jean’s prime purpose, but, for the artist at least, it’s the result she’s produced. The thing about painting is that it’s so much more than a mechanical process. Sure, there are things you have to do, such as prepare grounds, mix colours and lay washes, but these can take on Zen-like properties if you let them. A lot of people say that routine helps set them in the right frame of mind for what comes next, which is pretty much the same thing. A lot of the content of this genuinely intriguing book is what might be called pure watercolour. This isn’t a step-by-step how-to manual at all, not one that tells you how to paint specific subjects. Rather, it’s about the use and application of colour to create a state of mind. Jean’s intention, I think, is that this should be within yourself, but the thing is that paintings have an audience: other people will see them and that state can be induced in them as well. Art, as Edgar Degas said, is not what you see but what you make others see. It’s not exactly abstraction – most of the illustrations are entirely recognisable – but the form is definitely more important than the function. If you know how to paint, but want to understand why, and why that why is important, read this book. It’s beautiful, rewarding and full of insights. * Artbookreview.net *Table of ContentsTAKING A LEAP 10 Anyone can paint 12 Why you should paint 16 Mood changing 22 What we need 28 COLOUR FLOW 32 Simple landscapes 34 Simple colour flow exercises 38 Facing obstacles 44 Nature’s calming influence 54 Calming thoughts 60 THE PEACEFUL ZONE 64 What is the peaceful zone? 66 Lifting the mood 70 Finding energy and strength 74 Sands of time 82 Colour from the sun 88 Healing herbs 94 Nothing but blue skies 100 Healing lavender 104 Well-being 110 INNER PEACE 116 That peaceful feeling 118 Life experiences 120 A positive attitude 124 Index 128

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Book SynopsisA stunning new colouring book that will take you through a year in the life of the English countryside. Nearly 40 years ago, a rediscovered diary enchanted the nation. Edith Holden's 'Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady' from 1906 captured her observations on the English countryside's changing seasons, accompanied by exquisite illustrations of its flora and fauna. Now, for the first time, Edith's work been turned into an beautiful colouring book. Featuring black & white ink illustrations based on her paintings, alongside the original handwriting from the lost journal, this is a captivating colouring book that guides you through a year in the world of this truly remarkable Edwardian lady.Trade ReviewA stunning new colouring book that will take you through a year in the life of the English countryside. * From the publisher's description *

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Book SynopsisGenerations of children have been captivated by the exploits of Jemima Puddle-Duck, Squirrel Nutkin, Peter Rabbit and the host of other characters conjured up by Beatrix Potter. Packed with original artwork, Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature, looks at secrets to her success and celebrates her wider life and legacy - her passions and accomplishments - that stretch far beyond the pages of her storybooks. Charting her life, from her childhood in South Kensington, London to her later years in the Lake District, Annemarie Bilclough and Emma Laws show how Potter's exceptional affinity with nature from an early age ensured the success of her stories - underneath the costumes were real, believable, animals. Sara Glenn highlights Potter's entrepreneurial talents whilst Lucy Shaw takes readers on a Victorian holiday. Contributions from Richard Fortey and James Rebanks reveal her work in the field of mycology and transformation into a farmer, and Liz Hunter MacFarlane discusses her profound impact on the preservation of the Lake District landscape. Naturalist, creative pioneer, storyteller, determined entrepreneur - Potter has been described as 'a many-sided genius' and Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature allows readers a tantalising glimpse into the life of this extraordinary woman.Trade Review[a]...soul-lifting testimony to her love of the outdoors...Alex o'Connell, The Times Luxx, 05.03.2022...beautifully illustrated...Jason Goodwin, Country Life, December 2021An engaging biography...Lavishly illustrated, readers are treated to archive drawings, watercolours, old photographs and picture letters...Will Smith, Cumbria life, Tuesday 1st February 2022.Table of ContentsForewords, Tristram Hunt and Hilary McGrady -- Introduction, Annemarie Bilclough -- Holiday Haunts, Lucy Shaw -- Under the Microscope, Annemarie Bilclough -- Miss Potter, the Mycologist, Richard Fortey -- A Natural Storyteller, Emma Laws -- Beatrix Potter, Entrepreneur, Sarah Glenn -- Living Nature: Beatrix Potter in the Lake District, Liz Hunter Macfarlane -- Mrs Heelis, Farmer, James Rebanks -- Drawn from Nature: Selected Potter Protagonists, Annemarie Bilclough, Liz Hunter Macfarlane and Lucy Shaw -- Notes -- Bibliography -- Acknowledgements and credits -- Index

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Book SynopsisThis volume of The Complete Peanuts features the long, surprisingly dramatic sequence in which a grievously ill Charlie Brown checks himself into a hospital while his friends worry. But the rest of the stories in this, the final volume from the 1970s, are far less sombre, as Snoopy launches his 'bird scout' treks, Peppermint Patty gets leaked on at school and sues - plus one of the great forgotten romances in Peanuts history!Trade ReviewCharles Schulz was an American treasure - an artist, philosopher, and keen observer of human life -- BILL CLINTONIt's impossible to think of another popular art form that reaches across generations the way the daily comic strip does . . . at the pinnacle of that long tradition, there was Charles Schulz * * Seattle Times * *The world of Peanuts is a microcosm, a little human comedy for the innocent reader and for the sophisticated -- UMBERTO ECORepublishing Peanuts in one gorgeous volume after another is really the first time we can truly take a step back, appreciate Schulz's work as a whole and ultimately wrap our arms around the accomplishment of Charles Schulz. Sometimes, happiness is a warm book * * Huffington Post * *These timely re-issues illustrate not only the skill and subtle brilliance of his work but also the origins of the form beyond simple merriment * * Sunday Times * *All sorts of important writers have marvelled at the glorious simplicity of [Schulz's] draftsmanship and his unerring jokecraft, all underpinned by a quiet melancholy and stoicism . . . by some miracle, the entire Peanuts oeuvre is gradually being republished in this country, by Canongate . . . in lavishly appointed hardback . . . Unlike almost everything you read as a child, they are actually better than you remember them * * Spectator * *As essential as pop texts get * * The Onion * *Charles Schulz was, plain and simple, a great artist and philosopher . . . But most importantly, he teaches all ages that if you can learn to laugh at the things that cause you the most pain you will be the strongest of all. Peanuts: a real way of life -- John Waters

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Book SynopsisSynonymous with tradition, innovation and sophistication, and revered the world over, Milan is the style capital of the world. From Valentino to Versace, alla moda to artisan, and from Sophia Loren to Elsa Schiaparelli, Little Book of Milan Style is the beautifully illustrated guide to the quintessential craftsmanship, classic creativity and care-free confidence that define what it is to be Made in Italy.

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Book SynopsisHilary Davidson delves into the clothing of one of the world’s great authors, providing unique and intimate insight into her everyday life and material worldTrade Review“[A] charming book, which examines what Austen actually wore on the evidence of voluminous letters exchanged with her sister Cassandra whenever they were separated. . . . A delightful companion.”—Maev Kennedy, Art Newspaper “This lavishly illustrated book offers readers a unique peek into the clothes worn by celebrated Regency author Jane Austen.”—History Revealed “Davidson’s engaging and illuminating study portrays a household in which appearances are important but budgets tight. . . . Nothing I have read has brought Austen so close.”—Rosemary Goring, The Herald “It’s by [an] evocation of the everyday real world that Jane Austen’s Wardrobe triumphs (that and its magnificent production values—the design is appropriately sumptuous). We turn these pages watching one of the world’s greatest novelists manage her appearance and sort out what she’ll wear day by day and what she’ll pay for it. . . . It’s captivating, particularly with [Davidson’s] historical insight as a guide.”—Steve Donoghue, Open Letters Review “Rakewell is looking forward to the publication of Jane Austen’s Wardrobe by Hilary Davidson (Yale University Press).”—Rakewell column, Apollo Magazine “As gripping as a corset, this superb book is a must-read for Austen lovers and scholars.”—Philippa Stockley, The Oldie “A visual feast, as well as offering insight into Austen’s fabled attention to the minutiae of her own social class. It also sends a message to the modern [over] consumer.”—Jacqueline Riding, Country Life “[Davidson’s] book provides significantly more detail than is generally known about any individual wardrobe. . . . It provides as close to a comprehensive look at her wardrobe as is possible.”—Cassidy Percoco, History Today "go forth and read" —YouTuber and author Bernadette Banner “An intriguing and wholly original approach to Jane Austen. . . . A most delightful book and a must for every Austen reader.”—Claire Tomalin, author of Jane Austen: A Life “The definitive compendium of Jane Austen’s clothes, recreated from fragments, by an acknowledged mistress of the field. Open the book, the author invites, as you might a chest of drawers, to find anything but a dowdy spinster.”—Amanda Vickery, author of Behind Closed Doors “This gorgeously illustrated volume from the world’s leading expert on the fashion of the Regency era lifts the skirts on Jane Austen’s wardrobe.”—Paula Byrne, author of The Real Jane Austen “Hugely enjoyable, charmingly illustrated and beautifully produced, a book to linger over and which, moreover, sheds light on just how seriously Jane Austen took fashion.”—Claire Wilcox, author of Patch Work

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Book SynopsisNow in our Standard size format, Moomin Classics features a collection of three A5, foiled notebooks with alternating lined and blank pages. Each notebook has a different beautiful patterned design, featuring beloved Moomin characters. With a sturdy cover and rounded corners, they are perfect to be carried everywhere!Tove Jansson was a Finnish-Swedish writer and artist who created the Moomin family and their friends. She first started painting Moomintrolls in 1935 and her last Moomin book was published in 1970; but her stories live on and continue to be adapted and enjoyed by many generations.Flame Tree: The Art of Fine Gifts.

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Book SynopsisAward-winning and hugely popular artist Rosie Sanders showcases the beauty of the rose in her follow up to Rosie Sanders Flowers. Over 80 stunning paintings and sketches are shown for the first time. The artist writes a personal letter on each of her rose paintings (to be given unopened to the final recipient or buyer of the painting). Many of these personal letters sit alongside the paintings, as they explain the creative and emotional process she went through to create it. The book is a revealing insight into the artist's muse and the author's sketches and drawings are also included to show the full artistic process. The book is introduced by an extended essay on the resonance of the rose – all across the world – in our art, literature, poetry, folklore and gardens. The rose emblem is timeless and this book not only celebrates its beauty in art but tells the story of the rose as one of nature's most powerful motifs.Trade Review'A book which will charm and delight, but from which you can also learn by example.' * The Artist *‘A stunning piece of work’ * Art Book Review *

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Book SynopsisWith Drawing: Birds, learn to render a variety of beautiful, realistic birds in graphite pencil. Artists of all skill levels and bird enthusiasts alike will find creative inspiration and valuable drawing instruction in Drawing: Birds. This comprehensive, 10.25 × 13.75–inch book book opens with an introduction to essential drawing tools, including graphite pencils, erasers, paper, and other materials. Then learn a variety of basic drawing techniques, such as shading, stippling, hatching, crosshatching, and others. Discover helpful tips for creating a good composition, understanding and seeing value, transferring photo references, and taking artistic liberties. After learning the drawing basics, jump into the easy step-by-step projects to draw specific birds, including a barred owl, a great blue heron, a ruby-throated hummingbird, a gray parrot, a pileated woodpecker, and black-capped chickadees. In this book, professional artist and nature enthusiast Maury Aaseng offers simple, comprehensive instruction for drawing a range of lovely birds, as well as information for achieving accurate proportions, capturing motion, and building up form. Aaseng also shows you how to create realistic textures, such as feathers, nests, tree bark, and water. With his easy step-by-step projects that start with basic shapes and progress to detailed final drawings, you can draw many birds, from the common to the exotic. Easy-to-follow instruction and art tips throughout make Drawing: Birds a complete guide for creating realistic and detailed drawings of these feathered friends. For the aspiring avian artist, this book is a must-have art-instruction reference. Designed for beginners, the How to Draw & Paint series offers easy-to-follow guides that introduce artists to basic tools and materials and include simple step-by-step lessons for a variety of projects suitable for the aspiring artist. Drawing: Birds allows artists to develop drawing skills by demonstrating how to start with basic shapes and use pencil and shading techniques to create varied textures, values, and details for a realistic, completed drawing.Table of ContentsTools & Materials Basic Techniques Barred Owl Great Blue Heron Ruby-Throated Hummingbird Grey Parrot Pileated Woodpecker Black-Capped Chickadees

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Book SynopsisIn Morpho: Fat and Skin Folds, artist and teacher Michel Lauricella presents a unique approach to learning to draw the human body. The typical approach to teaching anatomy and the sketching of the human form most often focuses on the skeleton and musculature. What often goes ignored is the skin itself--how it moves and the expressions it creates as

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Book SynopsisJenni Kayne, the creator of the laid-back, luxe California lifestyle brand, shows us how to create spaces that encourage living well in comfort and style by featuring beautiful and inspiring interiors along with practical room-by-room tips. A known tastemaker and authority on style, Jenni Kayne spans the worlds of fashion, interiors, and entertaining. Inspired by organic textures, thoughtful simplicity, and natural landscapes, Kayne embodies an earthy and effortless aesthetic—one that is intentional and where beauty and authenticity exist in every detail. In her second book Kayne turns to interior design, sharing her beautifully designed interiors as well as the homes of other creative women who embrace a similar natural design ethos. The book introduces the homes by location, spanning varied landscapes and design characteristics: houses by the ocean, desert-style spaces, mountain homes, and abodes in the city. Lovely photographs illustrate hoTrade Review"The brand is known for its minimalist, elevated and timeless wardrobe staples, in addition to home classics and furniture. The collection is inspired by organic textures,thoughtful simplicity and natural landscapes. The aim to bring nature indoors by maintaining a sense of welcoming, warmth and comfort, with items such as the natural wool boucle upholstered bench, leather dining chairs linen sofa and more." —DUJOUR.COM"In her new book, Pacific Natural: At Home (Rizzoli), tastemaker and designer Jenni Kayne shares some of her favorite California homes that reflect the easy-breezy organic textures and earthy neutrals that have become synonymous with West Coast design." —FREDERIC MAGAZINE"Best Design Books of Fall: Jenni Kayne, a tastemaker and fashion designer known for creating relaxed, natural spaces, takes readers inside 12 quintessentially Californian homes of women she admires, from Courteney Cox to ELLE DECOR A-List designer Brigette Romanek." —ELLE DECOR"Hailed by Forbes as 'the ultimate California lifestyle brand,' Jenni Kayne and the brand that bears her name have become famously known for their organic, relaxed, and nature-inspired aesthetic. Rooted in California minimalism style, Jenni Kayne is our go-to for earthy and effortless wardrobe staples and home decor. This fall marks the release of Kayne’s first home design book, Pacific Natural: At Home." —THE ARTFUL REVIEW

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Book SynopsisS. Elizabeth curates a sourcebook of more than 200 artworks inspired and informed by the morbid, melancholic and macabre.Table of ContentsIntroduction: In Praise of Shadow PART ONE It’s All in Your Mind I. Dreams & Nightmares II. Psychological Distress III. Whispers from the Void PART TWO The Human Condition IV. Ailments & Afflictions V. Depravity & Destruction VI. Matters of Mortality PART THREE The World Around Us VII. Darkness in Bloom VIII. Where the Wild Things Are IX. Mysterious Landscapes, Ruins & Ravaged Places PART FOUR Visions from Beyond X. Gods & Monsters XI. The Restless Dead & Other Eerie Entities XII. Dark Arts & Forbidden Mysteries Further reading Index Picture credits Acknowledgements

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Book SynopsisPercy Jackson meets Yu-Gi-Oh in this hilarious, action-packed fantasy adventure.Trade Review’Fast-paced, furiously funny and utterly fantastic. I absolutely loved the combination of science-fiction, fantasy, Chinese history and mythology - and the battle scenes were completely epic!’ -- A.F. Steadman, author of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief‘I started reading it and finished it in a day! There are so many things I adore about the book from the characters to the amazing and hilarious facts about Chinese history. It had me grinning all the way! It's a wonderful book and I will be raving about it to everyone I know for a long time.’ -- Ann Sei Lin, author of Rebel Skies‘Culture and technology clash as Zachary Ying takes adventure to a new level!’ -- Kwame Mbalia, author of Tristan Strong‘Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor is an edge-of-your-seat adventure that has you laughing on one page and cheering on the next. Zach is a gamer turned hero who goes on an epic quest across the globe only to find his greatest strength within. More, please!’ -- James Ponti, author of City Spies‘Jam-packed with humour, heart, and hijinks, ZACHARY YING is the Chinese history class you wished you had at school. Exploring diaspora and intersectional identity in between magical heists and mythical creatures, this book is a marvel. I am officially a Xiran Jay Zhao stan!’ -- Graci Kim, author of The Last Fallen Star'This is a truly amazing and exciting quest story for middle grade children...The combination of Chinese history, myths and modern gaming really works well and will attract a wide range of readers.' -- Books for Keeps‘Cue comedy and confusion… There is high-paced action throughout, packed with gaming and car chases, but there’s an emotional underbelly too… tense non-stop drama.’ -- Nic Bottomley of Mr B’s Emporium * Bath Life *

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Book Synopsis'A writer of genius' - William Dalrymple'Remarkable' - Kwame Anthony Appiah'Utterly captivating' - Anthony DoerrCan anyone really own a culture? This magnificent account argues that the story of global civilisations is one of mixing, sharing, and borrowing.It shows how art forms have crisscrossed continents over centuries to produce masterpieces. From Nefertiti's lost city and the Islamic Golden Age to twentieth century Nigerian theatre and Modernist poetry, Martin Puchner explores how contact between different peoples has driven artistic innovation in every era - whilst cultural policing and purism have more often undermined the very societies they tried to protect.Travelling through Classical Greece, Ashoka's India, Tang dynasty China, and many other epochs, this triumphal new history reveals the crossing points which have not only inspired the humanities, but which have made us human.Trade Review'Eminently readable ... The book's great strength lies in its ability to swoop deftly and lightly between things that may be familiar to us in themselves, but which we might be tempted to separate out in our attempts to form a picture of the world.' -- Edward Wilson-Lee * The Times Literary Supplement *'A breakneck, utterly captivating survey of threads of cultural transmission-how ideas, stories, and songs-survive, change, vanish, get borrowed, refined, coopted, and grafted through time ... I underlined sentences on every page.' -- Anthony Doerr'Compellingly written' * Financial Times *'A remarkable book.' -- Kwame Anthony Appiah'Martin Puchner has exceptional and invaluable gifts: intellectual fearlessness, dazzling erudition, trenchancy tempered by breadth of mind, and a humanist's eye for minute evidence that illumines huge problems.' -- Felipe Fernandez-Armesto'Well written, nuanced and light in style, spinning a series of historical narratives in an erudite and engaging way' -- Marguerite Johnson * The Conversation *'Fearless and exhilaratingly erudite, Martin Puchner's panoramic tour of human culture across the millennia is a riveting page-turner.' -- Amy Chua'A writer of genius' -- William Dalrymple'Elegantly written and full of erudite lore, this vibrant history illuminates the inveterate human yearning for expression.' * Publishers Weekly *'A thoughtful, generous vision of human creativity across centuries of culture.' * Kirkus *'Fluent and engaging.' -- Boyd Tonkin * Wall Street Journal *'A mighty, polymathic work . . . [by] a master storyteller -- Chris Vognar * Boston Globe *'A forceful rebuke to those who argue that culture can be owned by groups, nations, religions or races. . . . [by] an adept storyteller.' -- Ismail Muhammad * New York Times *'Jaunty and readable but never lacking in depth, Culture hops through countries and eras to deliver a resonant argument.' -- Lauren Puckett-Pope * Elle *'Cultures develop by sharing, borrowing, and collaborating--but also by conquest, appropriation, and theft. Martin Puchner's timely book takes us on a breathtaking tour of world history, reminding us that as we judge the past, one day we, too, will be judged, and that when we ignore or try to erase our cultural heritage, we are only impoverishing ourselves' -- Louis Menand * Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Metaphysical Club *'Puchner creates a perfectly balanced and incisively abridged version of the story of human culture. Ultimately, this is an examination of the making and transport of ideas, which is always an interaction between old and new. Each chapter builds a new layer, adding to the depth and complexity, while Puchner also provides a global who's who of cultural diffusion' * Booklist *'So many books these days are described as being 'sweeping histories'; Culture, which promises in its subtitle to take us from our most primitive artistic impulses all the way to the machinery of modern-day fandom. But what intrigues me most about Puchner's latest isn't its scope - it's its driving question: 'What good are the arts?' In my more hopeless moments, this question bubbles up inside me, and I'm chomping at the bit to hear Puchner's answer, grounded in history and informed by cultures around the world' -- Sophia Stewart

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Book SynopsisThis volume is a comprehensive visual history of surfing, marking a major cultural event as much as a publication. Following three and a half years of meticulous research, it brings together hundreds of images to chart the evolution of surfing as a sport, a lifestyle, and a philosophy.The book is arranged into five chronological chapters, tracing surfing culture from the first recorded European contact in 1778 by Captain James Cook to the global and multi-platform phenomenon of today. Utilizing institutions, collections, and photographic archives from around the world, and with accompanying essays by the world’s top surf journalists, it celebrates the sport on and off the water, as a community of 20 million practitioners and countless more devotees, and as a leading influence on fashion, film, art, and music.An unrivaled tribute to the breadth, complexity, and richness of surfing, this book is a must-have for any serious player on the surfing scene and anybody who aspires to the surfing lifestyle. As one surfing scribe has declared, “There has never been a book like this, and there will never be another one again.”Trade Review“In this crowded world, the surfer can still seek and find the perfect day, the perfect wave, and be alone with the surf and his thoughts.” * John Severson *“The undisputed bible of surf culture.” * Vogue *“Visual historian Jim Heimann brings his keen eye to the waves, culture, sport, and style of surfing in this gorgeous book.” * The Los Angeles Times *“It’s all here – the clothes, the boards, the music, the contests, the rivalries, the surfer dudes...” * Tatler *

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Book Synopsis

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