Painting, drawing and art manuals Books

Book SynopsisPrepare for the cutest world tour ever with Kawaii Doodle Cuties! YouTube celebrity artist Pic Candle will show you how to draw kawaii characters from every stop on the map! The Japanese word kawaii translates to “cute,” and this how-to book is chock-full of super-adorable characters from your favorite spots around the globe. With doodles of food, nature, animals, architecture, fashion, and more, you will learn to draw cute artwork from countries all over the world! Learn how to draw a darling Eiffel Tower, macaron, and beret from France. Or master how to draw precious natural wonders Like Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and enchanting architecture like India’s Taj Mahal. Or sketch fashion fun like a K-pop skirt from South Korea and charming transportation like a tuk tuk from Vietnam. Kawaii Doodle Cutiesfeatures over 100 lovable, huggable characters and includes simple step-by-step illustrations and instructions, search-and-find puzzle patterns that you can color, and inspiration pages. Thanks to this adorable crash course in doodling all things kawaii, you’ll soon be enhancing your notebooks, stationery, artwork, and everything with unbelievably adorable illustrations! Learn how to draw even more cute things with these other fun books in the Kawaii Doodle series: Kawaii Doodle Class, Kawaii Doodle Cuties, Mini Kawaii Doodle Class, and Mini Kawaii Doodle Cuties.Trade ReviewProviding hours and hours of doodling fun, inspiration, and skill development, Kawaii Doodle Cuties: Sketching Super-Cute Stuff from around the World is especially and unreservedly recommended for anyone who enjoys doodling. * Midwest Book Review *Table of ContentsKawaii Doodle Cuties - Table of ContentsChapter 1 – Nature & Natural Wonders Maple Leaf (Canada) The Alps (Switzerland) Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa) Orchid (Singapore) Tulip (Holland) Lily (Kazakstan) Great Barrier Reef (Australia) Bamboo (China) Cherry Blossom Tree (Japan) Volcano (Costa Rica) Galapagos Island (Ecuador) Shamrock (Ireland) Sunflower (Ukraine) Chapter 2 - Food & Drink Pretzel (Germany) Waffle (Belgium) Yogurt (Greece) Tamales (Mexico) Crepes (France) Macaron (France) Pizza (Italy) Steamed Buns (China) Ramen (Japan) Halo-Halo (Phillippines) Satay (Indonesia) Pho (Vietnam) Kiwifruit (New Zealand) Meatballs (Sweden) Chocolates (Switzerland) Chapter 3 – Architecture & Monuments Statue of Liberty (USA) Neuschwanstein Castle or Brandenburg Gate (Germany) Parthenon (Greece) Belfry Tower (Belgium) Telephone Box (England) Eiffel Tower (France) Louvre (France) Taj Mahal (India) Merlion (Singapore) Rondovel (South Africa) Thatched Cottage (UK) Yurt (Central Asia) Stilt House (Bangladesh) Tiny Colorful Homes (Haiti) Sydney Opera House (Australia) Great Pyramid of Giza (Egypt) Macchu PIccu (Peru) Easter Island (Chile) Tikal (Guatamala) Chapter 4 - Animals & Birds Flamingo (Cuba) Three-toed Sloth (Brazil) Toucan (Brazil) Puffin (Iceland) Giant Panda (China) Camel (Africa) Penguin or Seal (Antarctica) Sheep (New Zealand) Reindeer (Finland) Mountain Gorilla or Zebra (Africa) Hummingbird (Ecuador) Koala (Australia) Bearded Tamarin Monkeys (Peru) Chapter 5 - Transportation Vintage Car (Cuba) http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/361390 Double Decker Red Bus (England) Wings of Tatev (Turkey) Longtail Boat (Thailand) Gondola (Italy) Toboggan (Portugal) Habal Habal (Phillippines) Tuk-Tuk (Thailand) Felucca (Egypt) Hot Air Balloon (New Mexico, US) Cyclo (Vietnam) Tanga (Pakistan) Totoro Boat (Bolivia) Chapter 6 – Fashion Fur Hat (Russia) https://www.furhatworld.com/raccoon-full-fur-russian-hat-p-251.html Sombrero (Mexico) Flamenco (Spain) KPop Skirt (South Korea) Kimono (Japan) Tracht (Austria) Conical Hat (Vietnam) Cowboy Hat (USA) Beret (France) Sari (South Asia) Clogs (Netherlands) Fez (Morocco) Poncho (South America) Chapter 7 – Every Day Cute Windmill (Netherlands) Lego Bricks (Denmark) Matryoshka Doll (Russia) Floating Lantern (China) Arabian Coffee Pot (Saudia Arabia) Bagpipes or tartan plaid (Scotland) Yin Yang (China) Chopsticks (China) Hockey (Canada) Swiss Army Knife (Switzerland) Yoga (India)

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Book Synopsis'You will quickly amaze and delight yourself. Hands down the best and most life-enhancing thing I've done in lockdown' India Knight, Sunday Times, about Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain Workbook accompanies the world's most widely used drawing instruction book by Betty Edwards. This workbook reinforces the five basic skills of drawing and includes: - 40 exercises to practice your drawing abilities - A range of subject matters from portrait drawing and still life, to landscapes and imaginative drawing - Advice for a variety of mediums such as pen and ink, charcoal and graphite - A pull-out viewfinder tool The original Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain helps artists to nurture the creative right side of the brain, dramatically improving your ability to draw, whether you are a professional, an artist in training or someone who draws for a hobby. This workbook will help you practise that knowledge with success at every step.Trade ReviewA guide to enhancing creativity and artistic confidence * Independent *The workbook contains just enough of Edwards' theory - along with dozens of illustrations - that one need have no qualms about giving it as a gift... does a pretty good job of breaking down the technique of drawing into easily-digested pieces. * Artists & Illustrators *The first edition of Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain... was a landmark in drawing tuition... The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain Workbook has been written as a supplement... (The viewfinder) is an ingenious way to understand and overcome the problem of foreshortening and to grasp the fundamentals of form and relationships. * Leisure Painter *Think you can't draw? You absolutely can . . . You will quickly amaze and delight yourself. Hands down the best and most life-enhancing thing I've done in lockdown -- India Knight, Sunday Times, about Drawing on the Right Side of the BrainA consciousness-expanding work -- LA Times about Drawing on the Right Side of the BrainA way to unleash our latent drawing abilities ... you'll be amazed at what a good artist you are -- Psychology Today about Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain

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Book SynopsisPainting Happiness offers playful, expressive watercolour painting techniques and projects that will help you find your calm.Trade Review"Especially in these stressful times, Painting Happiness is an ideal pastime and approach to combating stress and anxiety while releasing our inner creative aspirations." * Midwest Book Review *"The brightest and most joyful thing I’ve encountered in a while...Beautiful." * GeekDad *"Remember when your grade-school art lesson was the highlight of your week--when creativity was pure joy and the inner critic hadn't yet found its voice? That's the feeling artist Terry Runyan taps into with her book Painting Happiness: Creativity with Watercolors. Those who are new to watercolor will find all the basics in this book, but more importantly, will find encouragement to set their creative spirit free through playful explorations in watercolor painting." * Artists Magazine *"In this simple, vibrant guide, Terry Runyan explores the art of watercolor through the lens of mindfulness, presenting activities and projects which she can paint to nurture her creative side." * YourTango *Table of ContentsContents Introduction Why Create? About Watercolors What Stops Us Mindfulness and Being Present Let's Paint! When Is It Done? Final Thoughts Resources Acknowledgments

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Book SynopsisJust when you thought there was no hope of ever finding a comprehensive color-mixing resource for oil, acrylic, and watercolor artists, along comes the 1,500 Color Mixing Recipes for Oil, Acrylic & Watercolor, a collection of Walter Foster's bestselling Color Mixing Recipes books, including Color Mixing Recipes for Oil and Acrylic, Color Mixing Recipes for Portraits, Color Mixing Recipes for Watercolor, and the most recent addition, Color Mixing Recipes for Landscapes. This incredible collection comes in a user-friendly concealed spiral-bound format that is tabbed for quick and easy reference. Aspiring artists will also find two removable color mixing grids--one for oil or acrylic, and one for watercolor.

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Book SynopsisThis richly illustrated book celebrates in words and pictures the beautiful work that award-winning artist Alan Lee produced for J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, and includes dozens of brand-new paintings and pencil drawings exploring the world of Bilbo Baggins.Since The Hobbit was first published in 1937, generations of readers have fallen under its spell. That magic was reignited sixty years later, when Alan Lee was commissioned to produce a special illustrated edition, and his delicate pencil drawings and beautiful watercolour paintings have become for many the definitive vision of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth.In this sumptuous, large-format hardback Alan Lee reveals in pictures and in words how he created these images, which would prove so powerful, matching perfectly with Tolkien's own vision, that they would eventually define the look of Peter Jackson's film adaptations and earn Alan a coveted Academy Award.The Hobbit Sketchbook is filled with more than 100 of his sketches and earlyTrade Review‘Alan Lee’s artwork has a beauty and lyricism about it. His art captured what I hoped to capture with the films.’Peter Jackson Praise for the ‘Great Tales’ trilogy:‘[The Children of Húrin is] the darkest of all Tolkien’s tales. Alan Lee’s illustrations complement the writing splendidly.’Times Literary Supllement ‘Critical moments are caught [in Beren and Lúthien], as in The Children of Húrin, by Alan Lee’s nine outstanding colour plates.’Times Literary Supplement

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Book SynopsisThe Bargue-Gerome Drawing Course is a complete reprint of a famous, late nineteenth-century drawing course. It contains a set of almost two hundred masterful lithographs of subjects for copying by drawing students before they attempt drawing from life or nature. Consequently it is a book that will interest artists, art students, art historians, and lovers and collectors of drawings. It also introduces us to the work and life of a hitherto neglected master: Charles Bargue. The Drawing Course consists of three sections. The first consists of plates drawn after casts, usually of antique examples. Different parts of the body are studied in order of difficulty, until full figures are presented. The second section pays homage to the western school of painting, with lithographs after exemplary drawings by Renaissance and modern masters. The third part contains almost 60 academies, or drawings after nude male models, all original inventions by Bargue, the lithographer. With great care, the student is introduced to continually more difficult problems in the close observing and recording of nature. Charles Bargue started his career as a lithographer of drawings by hack artists for a popular market in comic, sentimental and soft-porn subjects. By working with Gerome, and in preparing the plates for the course, Bargue was transformed into a spectacular painter of single figures and intimate scenes; a master of precious details that always remain observation and never became self-conscious virtuosity, and colour schemes that unified his composition in exquisite tonal harmonies. The last part of the book is a biography of Bargue, along with a preliminary catalogue of his paintings, accompanied by reproductions of all that have been found and of many of those lost.

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Book SynopsisCreate Better Compositions by Design The path to better painting begins with Mastering Composition. This effective guide blends clear, visual instruction with 5 step-by-step demonstrations to show you how to plan and paint your best work yet. Composition is the key, and here you'll learn to design paintings with new skill and confidence. It all begins with the armature or structure of the picture plane. Every great painting has one, and you'll see through several famous examples exactly how the Old Masters used armatures to create movement, narrative, harmony and fluidity. Based on these examples, you'll practice what you've learned following a series of hands-on demonstrations. Once you understand the basic principles of design, you'll be amazed at how quickly and effectively your compositions come together. Soon you will be painting more boldly and confidently than ever before with less reworking and overworking. Whether you're a beginner looking for basic instruction or a more advanced painter troubleshooting a specific problem, the proven methods in this book will work for you. Ideal for all mediums, Mastering Composition gives you the knowledge you need to create powerful paintings out of every subject.

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Book SynopsisInnovative techniques in painting woodlands from renowned artist Ann Blockley. Watercolourist Ann Blockley is known for her striking and intriguing paintings of natural landscapes. In this beautiful guide she explores woodlands in a variety of interpretations, from tangled groves and ancient trees to fiery leaves and springtime orchards. With simple instructions and easy-to-follow demonstrations throughout, the book draws inspiration from forest poetry, birdsong and folklore. There’s practical advice on working outside, experimenting with mixing colours (especially greens), playing with water effects, using salt and granulation, mark-making and spattering with found objects such as leaves and twigs, creating texture with gesso and working with collage. Other techniques include working with oak gall ink and charcoal, and how to incorporate words, text and photo transfer. The book is illustrated throughout with stunning examples of Blockley’s colourful, expressive work, including a case study of her own woodland garden. Also showcased are works by fellow artists from The Arborealist group, the Royal Institute, and the Pastel Society to inspire you further. Pushing the boundaries of watercolour and other mixed media, this delightful wander through the woods is the ideal companion for both beginners and the more experienced landscape painter who wishes to take their painting to the next level.

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Book SynopsisHow do you find time in your busy day to get creative? Why, with 15-minute Art Painting, of course! Explore the pure joy of paint with fifty 15-minute projects inspired by nature. From leaves and houseplants to flowers and fungi, 15-minute Art Painting encourages you to explore painting in a relaxing, free and fun way. Each project can be completed in no more than six steps and will include practice pages, colour swatches and helpful hints to make light work of the artwork. Although Hannah will provide a brief introduction on how to sketch out your paintings, the book will also contain traceable templates, so you can fully focus on the process and pure joy of painting.

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Book SynopsisA must-have resource for graphite and charcoal artists of all skill levels, 101 Textures in Graphite & Charcoal is the artist's definitive art book. Accurately rendering surfaces and textures is one of the most challenging aspects of working with graphite pencil and charcoal. 101 Textures in Graphite & Charcoal provides artists with step-by-step instructions for learning how to draw a wide variety of the most common textures and surfaces, including sand, water, metals, foliage, wood, fabrics, stone, grass, hair, and many more. Opening with a general introduction to basic drawing tools, materials, and drawing techniques, each page in this comprehensive resource features two to three easy-to-follow steps demonstrating how to create each specific texture. Readers will discover tips and techniques for working in both graphite and charcoal and how to manage their differences when hatching, stippling, scumbling, blending, and more. With its breadth of coverage, easy-to-follow instruction, and helpful tips, 101 Textures in Graphite & Charcoal is a must-have resource for artists of all skill levels.

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Book SynopsisThis is the story of one woman's journey from amateur painter to botanical artist, told through the sketchbooks and paintings she produced for the Distance Learning Diploma Course run by the Society of Botanical Artists. Packed with advice and tips, this book will serve as a guide and inspiration to anyone wanting to embark on life as a botanical artist. This book is both a showcase of Mary Ann Scott's work and a record of her achievements, including first-hand accounts of the joys and challenges she faced as she progressed. It contains work from every assignment she undertook, from her first attempts at drawing a tulip to the triumphant paintings she made for her diploma portfolio. Along the way are delicate floral compositions, juicy fruit and vegetables, botanical dissections, and her adventures out in the field. Margaret Stevens's comments on each assignments are also included, giving an insight into the assessment process and an all-round view of Mary Ann's successes and (very rare) failures. The book ends with a glorious selection of Mary Ann's ongoing work as a botanical artist.

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Book SynopsisWhat is it about the characters we see in our favorite books, animated films, and games that make us laugh, cry, and respond to them? How do character designers develop ideas that are unique, memorable, and captivate us as an audience? This book answers these questions and more, taking a comprehensive, visual, and analytical approach to discover just what it is that makes a character appealing. Understand key principles like shape language, proportion, and exaggeration, and learn from talented professionals who share industry secrets for getting the most out of anatomy, gesture, expression, and costume. Uncover ways to convey relationships and interaction between multiple characters, and how narrative fuels authentic and engaging characterization. With hundreds of lively illustrations to inspire and study, and tricks of the trade from celebrated artists, this thorough and insightful volume is an essential library addition for anyone interested in character design.

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Book SynopsisGold Medal, 2016 Foreword INDIES Book AwardsThe ultimate guide to nature drawing and journaling!A potent combination of art, science, and boundless enthusiasm, this art instruction book from John Muir Laws (author of The Laws Guide to Drawing Birds) is a how-to guide for becoming a better artist and a more attentive naturalist. In straightforward text complemented by step-by-step illustrations, dozens of exercises lead the hand and mind through creating accurate reproductions of plants and animals as well as landscapes, skies, and more. Laws provides clear, practical advice for every step of the process for artists at every level, from the basics of choosing supplies to advanced techniques. While the book’s advice will improve the skills of already accomplished artists, the emphasis on seeing, learning, and feeling will make this book valuable—even revelatory—to anyone interested in the natural world, no matter how rudimentary their artistic abilities.Trade Review“Holds strong crossover appeal among environmentalism, earth sciences, hiking, and art instruction.” —Library Journal“This beautiful art book will teach you how to be ‘still, quiet, and attentive . . . to organize your thoughts, piece together answers, and ask richer questions.’ The overall goal is to stimulate your curiosity, and you won't find a better guide.” —Foreword Reviews“More than anything a thorough instructional guide to thinking like a naturalist Laws is, after all, one of the world's foremost naturalists.” —Earth Island Journal“Those new to drawing and journaling will find it an amazing resource, while veteran creators will appreciate the depth and specificity of Laws tips and hacks. All, however, will find inspiration this book will elevate the wonder that lies in us all.” —Lake Tahoe News“☆☆☆☆☆” —Kids' BookBuzz“The definitive guide to nature journaling.” —The Blue Heron“An outstanding survey, highly recommended for aspiring nature artists who want details on how to use journaling and art to best advantage.” —Midwest Book Review

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Book SynopsisPraise for the previous edition: "The book brings together the work of Margaret Evans, Paul Hardy and Peter Coombs to help you to master the pastel medium. The three artists bring a good balance of work to the book, with Peter Coombs and Paul Hardy covering landscapes and townscapes, while Margaret Evans concentrates on flowers. Sections on using a limited palette, composition, colour mixing and colours for painting flowers, are interspersed with 13 demonstrations accompanied by good, clear step-by-step photographs." - Leisure Painter This is a practical and comprehensive guide for all soft pastel painting enthusiasts, from the beginner to the experienced artist. It uses material from the following titles in the Step-by-Step Leisure Arts series: Painting with Pastels by Peter Coombs, Landscapes in Pastel by Paul Hardy, Flowers in Pastel by Margaret Evans and Light in Pastel by Paul Hardy. Starting with advice on materials, it moves on to pastel basics such as blending, adding tone and using a limited palette. There are sections on landscape painting featuring advice on composition and painting trees and water, capturing light in pastels with tips on colour mixing, and finally flower painting, with additional information on adding water to pastels. Throughout the book, the art of painting in pastels is taught through 13 beautiful, easy to follow step-by-step projects, and each section is accompanied by a selection of inspirational paintings by the three featured artists, in a rich variety of styles. Previously published as 9781844488612.Trade ReviewComplementing the oil-painting book [Oil Painting Step-by-Step] Pastel Painting Step-by-Step... draws on previously published material - this time from the Step-by-Step Leisure Arts Series: Painting with Pastels by Peter Coombs, Landscapes in Pastel by Paul Hardy, Flowers in Pastel by Margaret Evans and Light in Pastel by Paul Hardy. Opening with information on materials, there then follows instruction on basic techniques including blending, adding tone and using a limited palette. There's also advice on specific aspects of painting, such as composition in landscapes, painting trees and water, capturing light and colour mixing for flower painters, Thirteen step-by-step projects are included covering a variety of subjects. * Leisure Painter, March 2020 *Great little book that actually makes working with pastels look realistic. It tells you how to get rid of mistakes and some of the pictures are amazing! Can't wait to give this a go! -- Victoria Easton * Amazon *I found the book very well set out, the way they take you through each piece step-by-step as the title states is very comforting. The book is an invaluable asset to my art equipment. -- Ken Fox * Amazon *This is a fabulous book, it gives great detail and advice. I've found it so helpful and in just over a week my technique is so much better. I would highly recommend this book for both beginners and those who want to master pastel painting. I have many Search Press books and they are all great. -- Anthony Green * Amazon *Nov 12 Always wanted to learn pastel painting? Here's the book for you. See the approach of three different artists and learn from each. Get straight into the basics with Peter Coombs. Use a limited palette to complete a finished step by step painting. Then have a go at a landscape, river or moonlit scene. Paul Hardy introduces more serene landscapes in pastel, including valleys, trees and water, autumn, a seascape and townscape. Margaret Evans looks at portraying flowers in pastel. Each artist includes techniques and information. There are 13 demonstrations in all and over 250 step by step clear photographs supported by galleries of finished paintings. This is useful for beginners upwards. This book has material published previously in four other books. * Karen Platt Yarnsandfabrics.co.uk/crafts *Nov 12 If you want a book to help you develop your technique when painting with pastels, this is definitely the book to choose. A step by step guide, it is extremely comprehensive covering a wide range of styles and techniques. You can learn how to master creating tone, colour blending, composition and perspective. Then there are the individual sections on projects like painting landscapes, seascapes or flowers which give inspiration as well as useful tuition. There are 13 separate demonstrations which can be followed including using photographs and sketches, painting an old tree, a step by step guide to developing atmosphere when painting a moonlit stroll and even painting potted plant. The book links together the skills of three artists who bring their specialist knowledge to each subject covered. An very useful book for both novices and more experienced artists. * Monstersandcritics.com *Jan 13 Based on previously published material, Pastel Painting Step-by-Step brings together the work of Margaret Evans, Paul Hardy and Peter Coombs to help you to master the pastel medium. The three artists bring a good balance of work to the book, with Peter Coombs and Paul Hardy covering landscapes and townscapes, while Margaret Evans concentrates on flowers. Sections on using a limited palette, composition, colour mixing and colours for painting flowers, are interspersed with 13 demonstrations accompanied by good, clear step-by-step photographs. * Leisure Painter, The *Feb 13 Based on four earlier books on the subject by the above authors, this is a comprehensive guide to the art of using pastels. I like the way that what you need to buy and the differences between pastels is dealt with once only at the beginning, leaving out this part from the other three sections. You don’t need as much to take up this aspect of art as most others and there is even a helpful section on working with a limited palette, as well as another on what colors to buy for flower paintings. This is, like most Search Press books, a very hands-on approach with a minimum of theory for its own sake and a maximum of learning through actual painting. The book contains thirteen different projects to work through as well as many other things to try out, enabling even a beginner to get some professional-looking results. Each project tells you what you need and has a good number of stages, each with a short caption telling you what to do next and a photograph showing the picture with the next steps added. It is a great way to learn, and I particularly liked having three different approaches to play with and three different artists to learn from. This way there is less of a chance of slavish copying, and a good look at more than one style in pastel painting. Sometimes I think that compendiums take away too much from the individual books but this is an effective one for the above reasons. An excellent tool for those who want to learn pastel painting, or improve their technique. * Myshelf.com *Feb 13 Written by a team of three experienced artists, this thorough guide exposes the reader to a variety of viewpoints, techniques, subjects and tricks. It covers all the basics of this medium, including materials, color blending, mark making, texture, perspective and composition. Photographs throughout show the authors' working processes, as well as many completed pieces. Readers can follow along with 13 step-by-step pastel painting projects to create landscapes, seascapes, city scenes, floral still lifes, and more. VERDICT: Best for beginner and intermediate artists new to pastels. * Library Journal, USA *Table of ContentsIntroduction Materials Painting with Pastels Landscapes in Pastel Light in Pastel Flowers in Pastel Index

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Book SynopsisCreate your own chibi world with fun and adorable step-by-step drawing exercises, including over 60 fantasy creatures and characters featuring different accessories, clothing, facial expressions, and poses.These fantasy creatures and animals will make you squeal with delight! Chibi is Japanese slang for “short,” and the characters in Cute Chibi Mythical Beasts & Magical Monsters live up to this description with their cute roly-poly bodies that make them extremely lovable and huggable.Phoebe Im, creator of Bobblejot, has a cute and easy drawing style that is made accessible through this how-to book for artists of all levels. Cute Chibi Mythical Beasts & Magical Monsters features easy-to-follow instructions to help you enjoy the world of chibi, incorporating dynamic expressions and poses to challenge your skills. Along with the step-by-step instructions, there are inspiration pages with fun accessories and clothing, facial expressions, and different poses as well as a digital workshop to guide you on how to make quick drawings on your phone or tablet.Learn how to draw these fantasy creatures in cute chibi style: Gnome Troll Mermaid Fairy Golem Cyclops Big Foot Unicorn Dragons (various species) Vampire Zombie Chimera Pegasus Phoenix Loch Ness Monster Griffon Cerberus Sphinx Werewolf Practice and expand your drawing skills as you create adorable chibi beasts and creatures with this fun and accessible book.Table of ContentsHello! What Is Chibi? How to Use This Book Tools Tips and Tricks Creature KeySlither and Squawk Aqrabuamelu, Basilisk, Cockatrice, Cthulhu, Dragon, Griffin, Harpy, Hippocampus, Hydra, Medusa, Mothman, Naga, Phoenix, Quetzalcoatl, WyvernFelines and Canines Aralez, Cerberus, Chimera, Cù Sith, Enfield, Kitsune, Kludde, Manticore, Merlion, Nekomata, Orthrus, Sphinx, Tatzelwurm, WerewolfHooves and Horns Catoblepas, Centaur, Cuyancúa, Hippalectryon, Ichthyocentaur, Jackalope, Minotaur, Ophiotaurus, Pegasus, Qilin, Satyr, UnicornEarth, Water, and Subterranean Creatures Big Foot, Cecaelia, Cyclops, Elf, Fairy, Genie, Gnome, Goblin, Golem, Loch Ness, Imp, Kappa, Leprechaun, Leviathan, Mermaid, Mummy, Treant, Kraken, Vampire, Wendigo, Yeti

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Book SynopsisAustrian artist Waltraud Nawratil shows you how to combine a love for nature with a passion for expressive painting. It is divided into helpful sections to teach the reader how to use acrylics, watercolours or airbrushing, as well as natural materials such as sand, bark and leaves, to create captivating pictures full of colour and vitality. There is a wealth of stunning abstract pieces by Waltraud which will provide inspiration for more experience painters as well as the beginner. The book covers the variations through all seasons, teaching the reader to see the natural world with creativity and a fresh new perspective.Trade ReviewThis straightforward and easy-to-follow guide starts by keeping one foot firmly rooted in reality - you'll never be in doubt about what you're looking at. It also provides the tools - including 22 individual projects - to truly create some beautiful abstract work. -- The SAA * The SAA Catalogue 19/20 *This is not a new book. In fact, it has been reprinted for the second time. I’m including it because such a lot of people on my Multi-coloured WOW Course have been enjoying the painty parts of the course and I think they’d enjoy this book. Many of the projects in this book work on stretcher frames which can be stitched if the surface is not too thickly encrusted. Also, the multimedia approach lends itself to textiles as well as art-based projects. After a brief dash through inspiration, we arrive at the heart of the book. This comprises step-by-step instructions for completing a series of paintings based on multi-media techniques such as sand, paste, the use of natural materials and much more. Nature provides inspiration and the sections are divided into seasons. It does make you itch to have a go. * Workshop on the Web *Feb 2017 This book (translated from German) that demands a one word summing up and the word that comes to mind is visceral. You may also feel that it shouts at you. Both the content and the presentation are so bright and ther is a constant sensation that you (or it) are standing too close, that a step back might allow you to take in the bigger picture. Take time to get used to this, you'll find a novel and interesting approach. The cover blurb refers to '22 stunning projects' and they're certainly stunning. Using the seasons provides a neat frame work and a narrative, though, and Waltraud's style is more interprative than full on abstraction, providing an easier way in. This won't be for everyone, but does make you think. * The Artist *Inside this book is a liberating, freer approach to depicting nature that draws upon abstract styles and makes use of a lot more than just paint. Using acrylics, watercolors and mixed media the artist shows you how to produce bold, imaginative work that brings the natural world to vibrant life. This is not a book aimed at the beginning artist but to those with experience who want to try something fresh and new. The artist uses a wide variety of materials beyond just the standard paints and brushes including stencils, pressed bark and found objects. Not only acrylics and watercolors are used either; airbrush paints, marble powder, pastes, binders and more are made use of so anybody attempting this type of work might be advised to stock up on more than just the basics. Following on from this is a section on using the various media with plenty of examples and inspiration. The rest of the book contains twenty-two projects, not the usual Search Press type with lots of photographic stages but briefer. These are organized in seasons, with each project covering two pages. There is a page-sized photograph of the finished piece plus a list of what you need and step by step instructions in five to six written stages. Subjects include flowers such as dandelions, ferns, daisies, poppies (several of these), trees, a pond, meadow scene and more. Describing them as abstract stretches the term somewhat as it is easy to see what the paintings depict; rather they are a freer, looser style which gives a vigorous outdoor appearance suitable to the subjects. At the back is a gallery where the author suggests people utilise the pictures as inspiration for their own, concluding a refreshingly different approach to painting nature. * myshelf.com *Dec 16 Abstract Nature by Austrian artist Waltraud Nawratil looks at how to paint the natural world with acrylics, watercolour and mixed media. But rather than simply painting what she sees, Waltraud show us how to capture emotion you feel when looking at a particular scene and translate it into paint. Painting techniques and media are clearly explained before moving on to finding inspiration in the natural world throughout the year, and through the seasons with flowers and trees. The book includes step-by-step demonstrations and plenty of practical advice on abstracting the essence of what you see in the world around you. * The Leisure Painter *If you’re interested in abstraction but unsure of where and how to get started, this is a very good jumping-off point. Each demonstration occupies only 2 or 4 pages and is very straightforward, with a finished result, an enlarged detail, a materials list and a short series of simple steps. There is guidance in the introductory section on basic techniques and what to look for. In truth, this isn’t pure abstraction, and every example is easily recognisable. Rather, it’s more an exploration of the limits of representation, and it’s none the worse for that. Abstraction itself is the culmination of a journey of which this is a part and you should be able to take further steps yourself once you’ve mastered the basic * www.artbookreview.net *The Austrian artist Waltraut Nawratil wants to paint pictures that radiate happiness and are able to transmit the happiness to the observer. In her colourful motifs she combines the softness of watercolour with the strength and dynamism of acrylic painting. In this book you will see the seasonal changes in plants like flowers and trees over the course of a year. In the first chapter Waltraud Nawratil tells something about the materials and tools she uses. For her mixed media technique, she needs brushes as well as unusual things like spatulas, roller and palette knifes. She prefers a mixture of acrylic paints, spray varnish, aquarelle watercolours and airbrush paints. Additional materials like marble powder, paste, acrylic binder, pressed bark or leaves and stencils are other important elements of her pictures. The following chapter gives an overview of the preferred painting techniques and of a lot of examples. Valuable tips from her art studio help to avoid mistakes and give you interesting suggestions for image correction that are easily done with acryl paint. The author searches and finds inspiration in nature. When a painter runs out of ideas he should walk amongst nature. The variety of colours and motifs inspires everyone. Every season has its own flowers and trees. The next section follows the course of the seasons and shows the differences in the motifs and the chosen colours. The chapter "Spring" starts painting with six examples step by step. A full page illustration and a detailed view assist a detailed text description, that also contains a detailed list of materials colours and tools. There are examples for every taste (Flowering dandelion, poppy and wild cumin, ox-eye daisy, birch trees in spring, spring mood in the forest) The other season are discussed equally detailed. The in the beginning shown true-to-nature examples get with new variations progressively more abstracted. At that the artist’s experiments with different passepartouts, which she sprinkles with sand. In the final chapter Waltraud Nawratil shows us a gallery of a few examples of nature in different variations. Conclusion: Abstract Nature is intended for advanced painters, who search ideas and inspiration for their own interpretations of nature studies with the mixed media technic. Not the exact step by step drawing is important, but the reading of informative texts, the observation of expressive, colorful pictures by W. Nawratil and of course the development of a personal abstract style. http://kreativreview.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/abstract-nature-by-waltraud-nawratil.html * Kreative Review *Beautifully presented book, well laid out and with beautiful illustrations. Not as 'abstract' as I thought, more like the mixed media work I teach, but a great book for all that and full of ideas which my (adult) students will find inspirational and one or two ideas of techniques which I've been reminded of myself. Plenty of information and close ups of paintings so you have all you need to try the techniques without it being too didactic. The book is particularly good for those who like to work with acrylic, a book full of colour and covers materials, painting techniques and sources of inspiration as well as showing paintings throughout the seasons. * Sonia Hawes *With its compact format, stunning paintings and individual style, this book should appeal to any lover of painting nature. The book is split into Materials, Techniques, Inspiration, and Seasonal Paintings with loose step by step instructions and tips. The paintings are vivid depictions of trees and flowers with energising brushstrokes. The artist uses acrylic, watercolour, airbrush paints and spray varnish as well as a number of modifiers and additions such as powders and pastes. She discusses her techniques, amply illustrated with examples of work. The subject matter is the natural world. Leaves are attached to the canvas and painted over, delineated whilst backgrounds form an almost uniform haze so as not to detract. She adds texture with sand, bark, tissue or paste. Alternatively, leaves are used for printing. It is an interesting book with unusual depictions of flowers and landscape scenes. As abstract work goes, the subject matter is actually easily distinguishable, an interesting textured style. * YarnsandFabrics.co.uk *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Materials and tools 8 Your painting surface 10 Painting tools and accessories 11 Paints 12 Additional materials 14 PAINTING TECHNIQUES 16 Using mixed media 18 Watercolour painting style 19 Using a spatula 20 Collages and structures 21  Applying plant materials directly  21  Stamp-printing with natural materials  22  Working with paste  24  Experimental techniques  26  Working with spray varnish  28 INSPIRATION 30 SOURCES OF INSPIRATION 32 INSPIRATION THROUGHOUT THE YEAR 34  Flowers  34  Trees  36   In spring 36   In summer 38   In autumn 39   In winter 40 THROUGH THE SEASONS WITH FLOWERS AND TREES   42 Spring 44 Flowering Dandelion 46 Poppy and Wild Cumin 48 Ox-eye Daisy 50 Birch Trees in Spring 52 Spring Mood in the Forest 54 Spring Breeze in the Trees 56 Summer 58 Flowering Suns 60 The Meadow 62 Lily Pond 64 Large Poppies 66 Poppy and Fern 68 Sunny Forest with Fern 70 Summer Tree 72 Autumn 74 Autumn Poppy 76 Abstract Autumn Tree 78 Fiery Autumn Forest 82 Autumn in the Birch Forest 84 Winter 86 Abstract Poppy 88 Poinsettias 90 Winter Abstract 92 Virginia Creeper in Winter 94 Virginia Creeper in a Grey Frame 96 GALLERY AND CLOSING WORDS 100 About the author 110

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Book Synopsis'Kimon Nicolaides' The Natural Way to Draw is a sure bet . . . will improve your technique no end' Artists & Illustrators This essential guide to drawing by renowned art teacher Kimon Nicolaides is valued by both early students of art and accomplished artists alike. Consisting of 64 exercises, The Natural Way to Draw offers in-depth studies to be completed over the course of a year. Extensively illustrated with reproductions of the work of the Old Masters (including Rubens, Titian and Raphael) to the work of Van Gogh and Picasso, as well as the work of his students, these exercises help you begin to look at people and objects in a fresh way that will be the foundation of your drawing. Concentrating on mastering the key concepts of drawing that will make a drawing come alive, Nicolaides teaches how to convey gesture and action, expression and feeling in your work. Regarded as an inspiration to a generation of devoted young artists, The Natural Way to Draw captures Nicolaides' concrete system of art teaching.Trade ReviewRenowned art teacher Kimon Nicolaides (explores) a system for teaching how to draw that anyone can follow . . . Used by thousands of students looking to improve their drawing skills * Times Educational Supplement *Learning to draw is really a matter of learning to see, claims Kimon Nicolaides in his seminal how-to book . . . (a) masterpiece * Camden New Journal *Will improve your technique no end * Artists & Illustrators *Not only the best how-to book on drawing, it is the best how-to book we've seen on any subject * Whole Earth Catalog *

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Book SynopsisSpark your creativity and hone your drawing skills with this comprehensive art book for beginners—which includes interactive lessons and fun practice pages! Join master artists Katy Lipscomb and Tyler Fisher as they guide you step-by-step through the art-making process. Using their Sketching Formula, anyone from beginners to experienced artists can improve their drawing abilities, expand their imagination, and achieve their creative potential. Filled with tips, tricks, and techniques, this interactive workbook guides you through a vast array of artistic approaches while inspiring your unique style. From comprehensive lessons that cover the basics of art theory to unique practice prompts that will get your creative juices flowing, The Artist's Drawing Book will teach you: The fundamentals of art, like perspective, shading, composition, and colour theory—all broken down into easy-to-digest lessons Tips for avoiding common beginner mistakes, so you can confidently sketch any subjects Tricks for realistic texture, blending, and shading, no matter if you're working with professional-grade coloured pencils or a cheap ballpoint pen Techniques for mixing mediums so you can be limitless when creating your artwork How to view the world like a true artist, so you can overcome creative block and find artistic inspiration wherever you go ...and many more invaluable tips and tricks! If you're ready to start drawing as you learn how to develop your artistic abilities, The Artist's Drawing Book will encourage hands-on action to help you bring your artistic dreams to fruition. Also features: Premium 140 gsm paper—perfect for testing out your new art skills A sturdy hardcover with layflat design Interactive activities so you can draw alongside each lesson More than 200 pages of content Over 700 inspiring illustrations Valuable tips, tricks, and insights from the pros Creative prompts, ideas, and inspiration Suitable for all skill levels Trade Review"This new how-to-draw book is an exciting addition to the world of art guides. With new ways to look at step-by-step instructions and a variety of subjects, it's perfect for both beginner and intermediate artists. The book's innovative approach encourages creativity while providing solid foundational techniques, making it a must-have for anyone looking to improve their drawing skills." -Alli Koch, bestselling author, artist, and muralist "Katy and Tyler have created something truly special with The Artist's Drawing Book. It covers such a wealth of knowledge that any beginner or even more seasoned artist would lap up. It's digestible and visually stunning. It makes me so excited to jump in and get creating. Every aspect is beautifully illustrated too, which is the visual person's dream! It truly demonstrated the skill and expertise of the authors. A must-have for artists!" -Jenny Rae Phillips, artist, author, and creativity mentor.

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Book SynopsisIn Creative Watercolor and Mixed Media, popular watercolor artist, instructor, and author Ana Victoria Calderon shares her simple step-by-step techniques for painting exciting and colorful motifs by combining watercolor with a variety of other user-friendly materials. Start with the essentials—paint, paper, and brushes—then learn about the featured mediums for mixing, including masking fluid, gold leaf, bleach, salt, and alcohol Take a step-by-step look at fundamental watercolor techniques Learn to paint a variety of striking organic motifs and surface effects, including stirring skies and clouds, sparkling galaxies, flowing oceans, and dazzling crystals Find great project ideas for stylish gifts and stationery Whether you're new to the medium or are looking to add new techniques to your watercolor practice, go grab a brush, paints, and some easy-to-use materials and take a beautiful creative journey with watercolor! Perfect for all skill levels, the books in the Art for Modern Makers series take a fun, practical approach to learning about and working with paints and other art mediums to create beautiful DIY projects and crafts.Table of ContentsPREFACE Why Watercolors Are So Great to Mix with Other Mediums 1 MIXED MEDIA: WATERCOLOR & MORE WATERCOLOR GOUACHE: Adding Opacity to Translucent Watercolors ALL THAT SHIMMERS: Metallic, Pearlescent & Iridescent Watercolors SPECIALTY WATERCOLORS: Neon, Multi pigmented & Rare Pigments INKS BRUSHES PAPER OTHER TOOLS & SUPPLIES 2 BASIC TECHNIQUES & BEYOND WATERCOLOR PROPERTIES ESSENTIAL WATERCOLOR HOW-TO EXPERIMENTING WITH MIXED MEDIA GALLERY OF MIXED MEDIA EXPERIMENTS 3. HORIZONS PREPARING YOUR SURFACE FOR PAINTING SKIES OPEN SKIES BILLOWING CLOUDS OCEAN SUNRISE LIGHTNING STORM Project: Message Hidden in the Clouds 4. CELESTIAL SKIES PHASES OF THE MOON CONSTELLATIONS & COSMIC TEXTURES SUNS & PLANETS Project: Outer-Space Collage 5. GEMS & CRYSTALS CRYSTAL SHAPES AMETHYST CLUSTER NATURAL EMERALD LOOSE & EXPERIMENTAL HEALING CRYSTALS Project: Birthstone Chart 6. EARTH & SACRED GEOMETRY ANCIENT SHAPES THE SEED OF LIFE PRESSING FLOWERS & LEAVES DECORATING PRESSED BOTANICALS Project: Ultimate Mixed-Media Mandala Masterpiece TEMPLATES RESOURCES/REFERENCES ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ABOUT THE AUTHOR INDEX

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Book SynopsisIn Chibi Art Class, renowned anime artist Yoai teaches you the art of chibi, step by adorable step.Chibi is Japanese slang for “short,” and chibis are mini versions of Japanese anime and manga characters defined by their large heads and tiny bodies, both of which contribute to their kawaii, or cuteness, factor. Now, you too can learn to draw these adorable doll-like characters. Here, you'll learn how to create chibis’ signature bodies, facial features, and props, including dreamy eyes, fun clothes and shoes, vibrant hair, colorful accessories, and lively backgrounds. You'll also learn how to color and shade your vertically challenged characters for optimal cuteness. This book also features: 19 tutorials with simple step-by-step illustrations and instructions for drawing chibis, including a chibi character for every month of the year as well as adorable chibi beasties An inspiration gallery with ideas for eyes, hairstyles, clothing, props and accessories, and ears and tails Blank body bases for you to start your own chibi drawings Uncolored chibis for practicing coloring and shading Thanks to this crash course, soon you will be enhancing your notebooks, stationery, artwork, and more with your own unique chibi world. Chibi Art Class is now in session!

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Book SynopsisAn indispensable guide for anyone keen to learn coloured pencil techniques, or for the experienced artist who would like to build on their existing skills. Filled with information on the basic characteristics and colour ranges of the main kinds of coloured pencil, and step-by-step visual demonstrations of key techniques from blending, blocking in and burning to sgraffito, stippling and impressing. The reader will not only discover how professional artists use imaginative and dynamic styles to interpret a wide range of subjects, but they will also be inspired by the 150-plus full-colour illustrations to create brilliant artworks of their own.Trade ReviewBeing a Lecturer of concept art one of the concepts I teach is how to use artists pencils. This book has given me many ideas and is ideal both for students and teachers (as well as want to be artists). I would highly recommend this book and was actually surprised how informative it was as well as giving drawn examples for the basic techniques in the first section. The second section covers a variety of different types of drawing such as portrait and movement. I would perhaps say this is not for the expert however we can all use a refresh whatever our stage and it could be a nice way for a seasoned professional to go over the basics. This is a book I'd highly recommend. * Marian Carr *This is a new edition of the old classic 'Coloured Pencil Techniques' with a brand new cover. It covers everything you need to know about using coloured pencils. From techniques, themes and ample examples from professional artists, you'll discover the many ways of using this medium. Techniques are explained with step-by-step visual demonstrations. Essential reading for artists wishing to master coloured pencil art. * YarnsandFabrics.co.uk *Anyone new to colour pencil will be nothing but impressed at the extensive range of materials that can be used with them along with the range of ideas and demonstrations given in this book. When beginning on any new journey or extending your knowledge, this book will guide you through. It is direct and easy to follow. I think it is important to read the first half of this book, to familiarize yourself with the different elements that colour pencil can achieve. If you are a beginner make sure you read the initial pages, so you understand that the type of pencil you use and the support it is on is of great importance. Also practise your blending (p.26). If you find the prospect of reading all the different ideas overwhelming, choose one and then experiment with it. Perhaps consider doing a colour chart with your pencils, layering colours ontop of one another to see what happens. The second half of the book then shows you the various subject matter, so you can see how these pencils work and what you can achieve. Colour pencils are one of my favourite materials, you can sketch loose and excitedly or you can produce a detailed piece of work. This book takes you on a colour pencil journey so you can see that you can produce the most beautiful works of art in pencil. * Carole Cawley *The pictures in this book made me stare. It was refreshing to have clear pictures showing so much detail and this applies for techniques, demonstrations and artist pictures. The book has given me ideas to use different coloured paper in the same picture for collage work, sketch using unusual colours and for line work. I liked the dialogue beside pictures by professional artists and the wide range of subjects and styles. Coloured pencils are accessible, convenient and easy to use. It is rewarding to see your art work improve and think this inspirational book will be a winner. * Moya tracey *What instantly strikes me about this book is how beautiful it is from front to back. It’s filled with inspirational and high quality printed photos of pencil colouring, plus absolutely jam-packed with tons of step by step guides on a multitude of techniques, which you can see for yourself on the contents page. The book is split into two main sections, “Techniques” and “Themes”. The “Techniques” section introduction contains a useful overview of extra materials that can be useful for coloured pencil work, such as blending sticks, craft knives, and masking tape, followed by guides on handling pencils and choosing paper types, all of which would be useful for beginners wondering where to start. This section also contains plenty of tutorials to use coloured pencils effectively in a range of manners, from commonly practiced methods like blending and hatching, to perhaps less tried techniques like stippling and burnishing. This is my favourite section of the book! Each tutorial is spread conveniently over one double page, so it can be easily referred to without having to flick back and forth. The book is perfect bound, but will lay flat with some pressing. The tutorials each offer an introduction to a colouring technique, a few examples of the technique and elaboration on how to create it, and lastly, in most cases, a beautiful final image that has been created using the technique. Some tutorials go over and above coloured pencil techniques, offering a more diverse range of possibilities, for example use of solvents for blending, and use of mixed media to create distinct work The “Themes” section comprises the latter half of the book. It’s essentially an art gallery in your hands, showcasing a range of coloured pencil art from a range of themes, from Light and Atmosphere, to Buildings, to Decorative Objects, to Nature. All artists whose images are used are credited by name, which means that whenever you find a piece of art you love (and you will in this title!) you can easily search the artists online to find more of their work. For each picture included, there is a step by step visual demonstration, a tip, or some snippet of information that sheds light on the artistic process that went into creating it. The range of artists, techniques, and subjects included makes this book a very well rounded and in depth introduction to coloured pencil techniques. I’d definitely recommend this to beginner colourists/artists and also to intermediate colourists/artists wanting to expand their knowledge base and try new techniques, mediums or subjects. http://blog.megcowley.com/2016/10/25/book-review-the-encyclopedia-of-coloured-pencil-techniques-video-walkthrough/ * Meg Cowley *The Encyclopedia of Coloured Pencil Techniques by Judy Martin lives up to its name. It is a comprehensive look at the various coloured pencil techniques and skills at an artist’s disposal and serves as a great teaching and reference book for both beginners and those who are more advanced alike. The Book is split into two halves – the first half is techniques and the second is themes. It covers a wide variety of techniques including how to handle pencils, using various types of paper, blending and shading, burnishing, overlaying colours, different ways of mark making such as hatching and pointillism, highlighting, eraser techniques, using solvents, frottage, masking, tracing, squaring up or down and fixing problems. the text is easy to follow and there are plenty of full colour illustrations of both finished artwork and in progress pictures to follow. The second part Themes is further split into Landscape and Townscape, Objects, Nature and People and Portraits. It then goes on to explore shapes and textures, light and atmosphere, groups of objects, table settings, fruit, full length portraits and expressions. If you are looking for a good text book that covers artistic techniques and talks about them from an artistic viewpoint this is a great book. * Creative Colouring With Hazel *This was originally published sufficiently long ago that I’ve never reviewed it here, so let’s have a go at it as a Search Press Classic. The Encyclopedia series, originated by the packager Quarto, was ground-breaking in its day. Innovation often looks stale after a few years, but this still has a vitality that won’t leave you feeling you’ve been left with cast-offs, and the information is still sound. Quarto productions are always design-led and usually work on a spread-by-spread basis, so you can open this more or less at random and find a topic covered as completely as it’s going to be – which is with surprising thoroughness, given the space allocated. Quarto are always good at conveying information efficiently. Information contained covers media, styles, subjects and techniques and there are plenty of illustrations to guide and inspire you. * www.artbookreview.net *Here's something a little different- it's not a colouring book but a coloured pencil bible! This expansive book tells you everything you need to know about coloured pencils in a clear and comprehensive manner, covering a range of techniques and approaches to get the best out of your colouring. Painter Judy Martin lives in Brighton and has written many art books since graduating from Reading University. This book showcases all the knowledge and expertise she has learned in her education and practice over the years, in a way that is accessible and approachable for beginners yet suitably elaborate and thorough for more intermediate artists. This encyclopedia features over 150 full-colour examples of artist's work which show as well as tell the reader which products to use and how to achieve skills. This book is suitable for both colourists and artists who draw & colour from scratch, and is in my opinion an invaluable resource for anyone who uses coloured pencils. I'd expect to pay around £25 for a textbook so exhaustive but surprisingly it's a little over £12 which is a bargain in my eyes! http://www.colourwithclaire.com/blog/the-encyclopedia-of-coloured-pencil-techniques * Colour with Claire *Firstly I must stress that this is a book for those who own the artist’s quality pencils rather than the cheaper alternatives. You can learn how to blend, shade, use with solvents, try out frottage and sgraffito and more but only if your pencils are capable of doing all of this. There is certainly room on the market for a book on how to get the best out of all the budget alternatives but until then the more serious colorist/artist can settle down with this classic. The book is in two halves, the first dealing with techniques and the second with themes. You can learn what you need to buy and the differences between the various types of pencils then get down to finding out what they are capable of. They are surprisingly versatile, and when used the right way can conjure up effects that are the equal of paint and have a special quality of their own too. Find out how they look on different types of paper, when used with other media and all the various effects they can do on their own. Brand names are not mentioned but any good art store or website will stock at least one. The themes section comprises of a gallery of all the many subjects you can choose to depict (from the actual physical world rather than fantasy) and each heading features artwork and descriptive captions explaining method. If you have a mental image of a typical colored pencil drawing think again, as the work here shows they can also resemble paint, ink, pastel or even photographs. This is not a book with staged projects – something else there is room for – but one that shows what you can do and explains how others have done it. I would recommend it for somebody who is either a colorist or an existing artist who wants to explore a new medium. * myshelf.com *

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Book SynopsisExpressive Sketchbooks shares a host of creative ideas and prompts, tools and techniques, methods for working around obstacles and barriers, and tons of visual inspiration to help you grow in your sketchbooking practice. An expressive sketchbook is a place for you to explore, express, and enjoy your own innate creativity on your own terms. It is a safe playground for the imagination—a place to mess about, play, and experiment—and to gain confidence in your abilities as you develop your skills.Expressive Sketchbooks offers techniques and creative exercises that incorporate mark making, watercolor, mixed media, collage, words and text, and more. It unpacks some of the obstacles and barriers that you may face along the way and offers wisdom and encouragement to help you decide why and how to start your sketchbook and how to develop and expand your artistic practice. This book is packed with ideas and exercises, including: Exploratory drawing exercises How to utilize color in your sketchbook How to create dynamic and varied sketchbook pages How to find inspiration in nature and in your everyday life Ways to mix media and art supplies Ways to kickstart your creativity How to find and develop a process that feels personal to you Through this book, you'll find out what lights you up, what makes you curious and fascinated, and what makes you expansive. Discover how to magnify your creativity and enliven your art skills by using an expressive sketchbook as your daily companion.Trade Review"An especially useful, thoroughly art student friendly, and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, art school, community libraries." * Midwest Book Review *Table of ContentsCONTENTS INTRODUCTION: What Is an Expressive Sketchbook? CHAPTER 1: MAGIC AND MOTIVATION CHAPTER 2: GETTING GOING CHAPTER 3: TECHNIQUES FOR EXPLORING AND EXPERIMENTING CHAPTER 4: GROWING YOUR IDEAS CHAPTER 5: PRACTICE AND PROGRESS Acknowledgments About the Author

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Book SynopsisTake your art in a bold new direction—go gouache! In Creative Gouache, artist Ruth Wilshaw shares her step-by-step techniques for creating brilliantly vibrant effects with this easy-to-master medium, a perfect companion for transparent watercolor. In this comprehensive guide to gouache, you’ll: Get an overview of essential materials and surfaces. Learn basic handling and coloring-mixing techniques, including layering, creating blends, and adjusting opacity, plus troubleshooting tips for common challenges, such as dealing with shifts in color and value from wet to dry. Explore how to paint fun, simple motifs, flowers, butterflies, landscapes, and lettering. Discover fun gouache techniques, such as adding texture and painting gradients and blends. Learn how to incorporate other mediums with gouache, including paint pens, colored pencil, and watercolor. Use what you learn to create inspiring projects such as dimensional artwork, clay décor pieces, and cheerful banners. See what you can create with gorgeous, wall-to-wall color with Creative Gouache! Perfect for creative beginners, the books in the Art for Modern Makers series take a fun, practical approach to learning about and working with paints and other art mediums to create beautiful DIY projects and crafts. Table of ContentsIntroduction 1 ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES Types of gouache, paper, brushes, other materials, alternative surfaces, and protecting gouache 2 BASIC TECHNIQUES The unusual properties of gouache, layering, finding the perfect consistency, and blending 3 INSPIRED BY NATURE 4 LANDSCAPES 5 LETTERING 6 GOUACHE AND MIXED MEDIA 7 PROJECTS Bullet Journal Spread Wrapping Paper and Gift Tag Notebook Cover Leaf Triptych Night Garden Dimensional Painting Butterfly Case Campfire Panel Celebration Garland Painted Jewelry Dish TEMPLATES ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ABOUT THE AUTHOR INDEX

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Book SynopsisColour mixing is a key skill for the botanical artist. In this practical guide, Jackie Isard explains how to observe and use colour accurately. She shows artists how to make informed choices when selecting pigments, as well as how to learn about colour mixing and its application. Detailed instruction and advice are given on understanding colour and pigments. The author explains how to 'see' colour and tricky mixes, from greens and reds to the difficult botanical greys. Includes advanced colour application techniques - colour enhancement, shadow colours and colour temperature transition. Finally, step-by-step guides illustrate how to paint with layers, how to use underlaying colours to enhance, and colour and fine detailing.Trade ReviewThe book is illustrated throughout with Jackie’s beautiful watercolours and provides an in-depth look at the way the right colour choices can transform your botanical paintings. * Leisure Painter *

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Book SynopsisHungry for a new drawing challenge? Well, get ready to enter planet cute! In her new collection, artist-author Angela Nguyen turns even the most mundane foods into living, breathing, adorable characters that you will want to draw yourself. As well as cute food-creature fusions such as blueberry kittens and sausage dog hotdogs, in Angela’s captivating world, sleeping cats lounge atop sushi, curl inside donuts, or peek out from pizza crusts. Including beautifully clear and straightforward step-by-step instructions and minimal text, How to Draw Really Cute Food is great for both visual learners and those interested in learning the essential techniques of kawaii. With chapters on appetizers, entrees, desserts, snacks and drinks, these inventive designs are sure to delight and amuse.Trade ReviewSuch a fantastic book! As soon as it arrived, my daughter and I sat down to have a go. It's instructions are simple and easy to understand, we had no problem creating any of these super cute foods. There are so many different designs as well as different expressions to use. We couldn't get enough of it and have created so many cute pictures. It will be a book we will use again and again. -- Jennelee Baxta * Customer review *Arrived in the post for my 12 year old daughter yesterday and she immediately pulled out the sketchbooks and started drawing. She loves it! And it's supercute! She's delighted, I'm chuffed she's off her laptop, it's win-win! -- Helen O'Niell * Customer review *If you have bought the first two titles in this series you will know that kawaii is Japanese for cute. Now you have mastered drawing animals and objects it is the turn of food to get a cute makeover! It is simpler than I realised and these books all end up on my keeper shelf together with my collection on drawing in the manga style. If you find this difficult rest assured that making things look cuter in the Japanese style is a whole lot easier. The first few pages show how to simplify your drawings and looks at what makes something look cute. Then you can start drawing with the simple, staged projects. You only need basic materials such as pencils, pens, paper etc making this an inexpensive way to make your mark. The book is divided into chapters so you can choose from depicting snacks, entrees, desserts and drinks. Main meals are incorporated into entrees for some reason. Each item takes up a double page spread and shows how you can build up a drawing, adding colour and also how to vary it. Popcorn kernels can be shown on their own or in a machine for example. Chocolate can be a bar or in fancy shapes. Helpfully each chapter starts with a page of thumbnail sketches of each item so making your choice of what to draw is easy. There aren’t any projects included but it is not hard to envisage your cute drawings looking great on anything from greetings cards to T-Shirts. I hope there will be more titles in the Draw Cute series. -- Rachel A Hyde * MyShelf.com *During the Summer holidays we were gifted a copy of Kawaii: How to Draw Really Cute Food by Angela Nguyen. I love to try new things and quite fancied trying my hand at kawaii. Have you heard of the word kawaii before? It is Japanese for ‘cute’ and covers everything from food to clothes and toys. Kawaii: How to Draw Really Cute Food I thought I would get a chance to look through this book and try out some of the projects for myself. Sadly my 9 year old took the book as soon as he saw it! My son just loves to draw and learn new things so he set himself up at the table with the book, his favourite coloured pencils and plenty of paper. The book is really well set out with step-by-step instructions and minimal text. It’s great for both visual learners and those interested in learning the essential techniques of kawaii. My son loved reading the book and was soon drawing away. Artist-author Angela Nguyen turns even the most mundane foods into living, breathing, adorable characters that you will want to draw yourself. As well as cute food-creature fusions such as blueberry kittens and sausage dog hotdogs, there are sleeping cats who lounge atop sushi, curl inside donuts, or peek out from pizza crusts. There are chapters on appetizers, entrees, desserts, snacks and drinks. It’s a lovely book and my son has covered the house with his drawings. I’ve even had a go too and it’s fun to see how the characters are created. Kawaii: How to Draw Really Cute Food – Draw Adorable Animal Food Art in the Cutest Style Ever! by Angela Nguyen is published by Search Press. It’s the third in the Kawaii series with Kawaii: How to Draw Really Cute Animals and Kawaii: How to Draw Really Cute Stuff. -- Jenny Kearney * The GingerBread House *Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter One: Getting Started Key drawing techniques Chapter Two: Cute Appetizers Small Plates - soup, devilled eggs, bruschetta, wrapped foods, skewers, stuffed foods, rolls, pastries, fries, corn, bao, leaf-wrapped delicacies. Larger Plates: cheese and bread, salad, chicken wings, chips and dips. Chapter Three: Cute Entrees Bowls - rice bowls, stews, noodles, noodle soups, hot pot, stone pots. Plates - pasta: different pasta types, rice and curry, crepes, dim sum, eggs, sushi, breakfast, party food. Finger Food - burger, sandwich: panini and bagels, mexican food: tacos and burritos, pizza. Chapter Four: Cute Desserts and Snacks Snacks: chips, trail mix, popcorn, candy. Finger Food - macarons, pastries, donuts, cupcakes, s'mores. Plates - ice cream, cake, pie, pudding, waffles, in-a-cup, jello, fruit desserts. Chapter Five: Cute Drinks Milkshake, milk tea with boba, juice boxes, fruit drinks and smoothies, soda, coffee, tea. Index and Credits

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Book SynopsisFollowing on from the hit Painting Happiness, quirky and super-popular Instagram artist Terry Runyan presents a playful follow-up in her same charming, unique style – Painting Cats.Trade Review"Painting Cats is exceptionally 'user friendly' for watercolor artists of all skill levels to embrace techniques and lessons in creative mindfulness." * Midwest Book Review *"A true joy." * GeekDad *"A joyful book will inspire cat-loving creatives to pick up their paint brushes." * Library Journal *Table of ContentsIntroduction Why Cats? Why Watercolor? Supplies Let’s Paint Cats Color Let’s Play with Some Techniques Storytelling with Cats Exploring Further Resources Acknowledgments

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Book SynopsisIn this highly portable mini version of Chibi Art Class, renowned anime artist Yoai teaches you the art of chibi, step by adorable step.Chibi is Japanese slang for “short,” and popular Instagram anime artist Yoai (@yoaihime) shows you how to draw these adorable doll-like characters in Mini Chibi Art Class. Chibis are mini versions of Japanese anime and manga characters and are defined by their large heads and tiny bodies, both of which contribute to their kawaii, or cuteness, factor. Here, you'll learn how to create chibis’ signature bodies, facial features, and props, including dreamy eyes, fun clothes and shoes, vibrant hair, colorful accessories, and lively backgrounds. You'll also learn how to color and shade your vertically challenged characters for optimal cuteness. This book also features 19 chibi tutorials with simplestep-by-step illustrations and instructions, inspiration galleries, blank body bases for you to start your own chibi drawings, and uncolored chibis for practicing coloring and shading. ​Mini Chibi Art Class is part of a series of adorable mini versions of Race Point art reference books that include Mini Kawaii Doodle Class and Mini Kawaii Doodle Cuties. Thanks to this take-anywhere crash course, soon you will be enhancing your notebooks, stationery, artwork, and more with your own unique chibi world. Mini Chibi Art Class is now in session!

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Book SynopsisThe top-selling Sterling Sketchbook series features the popular new Kraft-cover format and includes quality paper and sturdy binding.

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Book SynopsisGet up close to the beauty and detail of nature through the artwork of award-winning UK artist, Julia Trickey. See how ordinary and sometimes overlooked subjects, such as leaves and fading flowers, can be centre stage and come to life in this beautiful showcase of some of Julia's best-loved botanical watercolours. Having been a tutor of botanical art for many years, teaching as far afield as Moscow and New York, Julia loves to help others explore the potential of watercolour and to discover the keys to a good botanical portrait. In this book she shares some of these insights as well as the motivation behind her favourite projects, together with some of the processes and watercolour techniques involved. Take inspiration from these glowing, contemporary watercolours in a book that is both beautiful and useful.

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Book SynopsisPerspective is easy; yet, surprisingly few artists know the simple rules that make it so. Remedy that situation with this simple, step-by-step book, the first devoted entirely to the topic. 256 illustrations.

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of the best-selling art book, Pure Watercolour Painting and guest judge on Channel 5's Watercolour Challenge, Peter Cronin. Sketching is more than just drawing quickly. It is training your eye and hand to work together, to respond immediately and naturally to the scene before you. Starting from a clear, simple method to bring all the senses into play, successful author and acclaimed artist Peter Cronin shows the reader how to bring artistry and economy to their sketching; making for swift and impressive results. Whether sketching as the basis for painting, or simply for pleasure, this book teaches the reader all they need to know. Numerous simple step-by-step exercises as well as larger projects lead the complete beginner through the book, building towards more complex and rewarding artworks. The book teaches how to sketch with a range of media, starting from graphite pencil and including information and exercises on charcoal, pen and ink and others. In the best-selling Absolute Beginner series, this book is suitable for absolutely everybody who wants to take their sketching skills further and become an accomplished artist. Trade ReviewThis is one of the very best books on sketching I have seen. Starting from the basics, Peter introduces techniques, styles, subjects and media and the whole thing is as close to a complete course as you're likely to get. There's a very good chance you'll finish it and feel you don't need any further guides and are ready to strike out on your own. after a brief survey of materials and equipment and some thoughts on what to look for and how to see, you're straight into some reassuringly simple guidance that opens with How to Hold a Pencil and some simple scribbles. This quickly develops into line work and exercises in simple outlines based on real landscapes rather than asbtract shapes - in fact, if you fear pages of circles, rectangles and cones, you won't find them here, and hooray for that. As you progress, you'll be exploring pencil, ink, charcoal, watercolour and a refreshing amount of line & wash. You'll find subjects that include landscapes, buildings, trees, animals, boats and water, as well as different seasons and weather conditions. Techniques includes line work, shading and hatching, giving you an impressive armoury to work with. Everything is accompanied by examples, exercises and demonstrations and the book is every bit as practical as you could hope. The illustrations are clear and excellently reproduced and the while thing has an open and welcoming feel to it. -- Henry Malt * Paint SAA Magazine *Part of Search Press's best-selling Absolute Beginners series, Peter Cronin's Sketching for the Absolute Beginner shows you how to develop your sketching skills, from very first steps to accomplished drawings. Aimed at the complete beginner, Peter uses simple step-by-step exercises and larger projects in a range of media. * Leisure Painter *Peter Cronin tells us that he found drawing in “special” classes at school, having been diagnosed as dyslexic. For him, it was a release from the tyranny of the worded page and an introduction to a world that was all his. All of which is a roundabout way of saying that this book is, as much as anything else, a paean to the joy and freedom that Peter finds in working with drawing materials. Yes, it’s a book of instruction and, yes, it covers all the basic principles, but Peter also manages to convey throughout the joy he feels when working, and he’ll share it with you the reader. So, yes again, it’s a course, but it’s also a journey of discovery. Peter’s drawings are subtle and sensitive, and he works mostly with pencil but also pen & wash. With plenty of examples and short exercises, he introduces line, composition, perspective, form and hatching as well as ways to control the weight of the mark to create values, tone, and shading. There’s a huge amount to get to grips with here and this is a book that you can easily work through or just dip into for advice and inspiration. -- Henry Malt * Artbookreview.net *Although Peter Cronin starts from basics and includes plenty of demonstrations and explanations, this is one of the most complete surveys of drawing materials and practice I have seen. In many ways, it is the sheer clarity of the approach that makes the book so attractive. Within a deceptively simple exterior, there lies a wealth of practical, technical and creative information. Materials include pencil, charcoal, and ink as well as pen and wash and a dip into mixed media. Subjects range from landscapes and buildings to people, animals, boats and harbours. Peter also takes in rain, mist and sunshine as well as composition, hatching, recession and perspective in concise, simple sections that are easy to absorb. This is very much an overview, but all the better for that, as it never dwells too long on any area and carries the reader along, allowing them to work at a sensible pace. -- Henry Malt * The Artist *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Materials 8 The eye, the hand and the heart 18 Making a start 22 Farm in Sunlight – step-by-step 28 Seeing the world 30 Harbour Scene – step-by-step 46 S.E.T. in action 48 Churchyard Scene – step-by-step 56 Types of sketch 60 Beyond the pencil 64 Composition 84 Fixing the Farm – step-by-step 92 Handling complex subject matter 98 Boat Sheds – step-by-step 138 Afterword 142 Index 144

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Book SynopsisCarla Sonheim is an artist and creativity workshop instructor known for her fun and innovative projects and techniques designed to help adult students recover a more child-like, playful approach to creating. Her innovative ideas are now collected and elaborated on in this unique volume. Carla offers a year's worth of assignments, projects, ideas, and techniques that will introduce more creativity and nonsense into your art and life. Drawing Lab offers readers a fun way to learn and gain expertise in drawing through experimentation and play. There is no right or wrong result, yet, the readers gain skills and confidence allowing them to take their work to a new level.

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Book SynopsisIn the latest addition to the Color Mixing Recipes family of books, artist William F. Powell provides instruction on colour mixing as it relates to landscape painting in oil and acrylic. Following the format of the other books in the series, Color Mixing Recipes for Landscapes offers a robust index of landscape subjects that correspond to the featured colour mixing swatches. This useful book also discusses how colour is influenced by the time of day, the angle of the sun, and changing seasons, making it a must-have in every oil and acrylic artist's reference library.

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Book SynopsisA comprehensive course in landscape painting with acrylics by popular author and tutor Charles Evans. Charles' no-nonsense techniques and engaging writing style bring acrylic painting within the grasp of anyone keen to get started in this versatile and popular medium. The book begins with excellent advice for the beginner, including easy drawing for painting, composition, easy perspective, light and shade, colour, and how to use acrylics with different painting styles. There are six full step-by-step painting projects ranging from simple skies to snowy landscapes with horses, each of which is supported by additional exercises and techniques. The step-by-step projects allow aspiring artists to put into practice their new-found skills, and produce six stunning paintings of their own, in a range of styles. A pull-out outline drawing is provided for every project, and Charles shows how to transfer these onto the painting surface. Charles' accessible and irreverent style makes learning to paint with acrylics easy and fun.Trade ReviewFebruary 2018 For those wanting to try acrylics but nervous of starting a new medium, Charles Evan's Acrylics for the Absolute Beginner will be just what you need. Popular artist and tutor, Charles has an engaging style of painting and writing that makes it all seem so easy. There's advice on drawing for painting, composition, perspective, light and shade, colour and different painting styles. The main part of the book comprises six step-by-step projects for you to work through, as well as extra exercises and techniques as appropriate. A pull-out outline drawing for every project is provided, which does the hard work for you so you can simply get on with the painting. * The Leisure Painter *This book begins with an explanation of basic brushstrokes, exercises in simple shapes and hints on working from photographs, moving quickly on to trees, figures, animals and boats. The book is based around a series of 12 pre-printed outlines that provide the basis for complete demonstrations, practising composition, perspective, glazing and texture along the way. -- The SAA * The SAA Catalogue 19/20 *Table of ContentsIntroduction Materials Easy drawing for painting Light and shade Getting started Painting in the watercolour style Step-by-step project: Sunlit field Painting in the oil style Step-by-step project Step-by-step project: Woodland on paper Painting buildings and rocks Step-by-step project: Buildings Painting water Step-by-step project: Waterfall on paper Painting animals Step-by-step project: Horses in snow Index

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Book SynopsisChris Hart has a head for figures - human figures, that is. Not only does he draw them with incredible style and flair, he also has a friendly, accessible teaching style that makes his how-to books super-sellers. In this unique figure-drawing course, Chris avoids the usual anatomy lessons that intimidate aspiring artists and gets right down to the basics young illustrators need to get started. Beginning with heads and facial expressions; he moves on to full figures; male and female, ideal and average, some in fashion poses and others in dynamic action. On every page, his practical advice and clear examples will help readers achieve terrific results - and have fun every step of the way.Trade Review"This entertaining book is aimed at the amateur who simply wants to sketch people. Authored by one of the most prolific and successful cartoon artists, it eschews the bones-and-muscles approach. This should prove popular with the general public." —Library Journal "This entertaining book is aimed at the amateur who simply wants to sketch people. Authored by one of the most prolific and successful cartoon artists, it eschews the bones-and-muscles approach. This should prove popular with the general public." —Library Journal

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Book SynopsisTake your first steps with pastels and learn how to produce modern, lively and colourful artwork with this exciting medium. 'This thorough guide to the rewarding medium of pastel will teach you much more than just the basics and may be the only pastel book you'll ever need!' - The SAA Artist and teacher Rebecca de Mendonça offers the beginner a complete course in using pastels. Easy-to-follow techniques for soft and hard pastels. 8 projects broken down into simple steps. Includes a wealth of finished paintings to provide ideas and inspiration. Step-by-step exercises and longer projects help you to build essential skills and allow you to produce a range of pictures, including landscapes, still life, portraits and animals. Vital drawing skills are explained and demonstrated, along with an easy-to-follow guide to colour theory, and a huge wealth of finished paintings provide ideas and inspiration for your own future pastel work.Trade ReviewThis thorough guide to the rewarding medium of pastel will teach you much more than just the basics and may be the only pastel book you'll ever need! Rebecca introduces new techniques in an eminently practical way, demonstrating detail and loose styles of working, giving you the chance to explore the medium as widely as possible. * The SAA *Although this is a superb introduction to the rewarding medium of pastels, it’s also a whole lot more. Rebecca is a versatile artist whose skills run to just about any subject. Her results are breath-taking and this is one of the most thorough guides I’ve ever seen. I’d even go so far as to say it might be the only book you’ll ever need. After the obligatory introduction to materials and basic techniques, the book immediately starts to get practical and you might be forgiven for thinking you’ve moved on to the exercises and demonstrations. In fact, you’re still practising techniques, shading and textures, just not through the sort of geometric shapes that many books subject you to. Once you’re confident and competent, you’ll move on to full-scale demonstrations that cover landscapes, waterscapes, trees, skies, buildings, animals and people (I told you it was comprehensive!). There are plenty of steps and concise but thorough instructions, as well as hints and tips galore. I really can’t praise this enough. It’s so much more than the title suggests and a must for any pastellist. -- Henry Malt * SAA Paint Magazine *Leisure Painter contributor, Rebecca de Mendoca, introduces pastels to the complete beginner in her new book, Pastels for the Absolute Beginner. Rebecca is an experienced tutor and understands the problems many people face when starting a new medium. Using clear step-by-step exercises she will show you how to begin-from setting up your workspace, and basic pastel techniques-to using colour, composition and adding life to your paintings. The range of subjects covered includes still life, landscapes, portraits and animals, and the many examples of Rebecca's works are sure to inspire you. * Leisure Painter *The idea of an Absolute Beginner series is a good one. Anyone taking up painting, or starting with a new medium needs a sound guide that is well-grounded in the basics and assumes no previous knowledge. The book is certainly thorough. Subjects include landscapes, waterscapes, people and animals, with skies, trees and waves thrown in along the way. Rebecca is primarily a portrait and equestrian artist and this shows – these are easily her strongest subjects. However, she is thoroughly at home with her medium and handles everything well. Her demonstrations and explanations are concise, but easy to follow. They will, I think, be of value to anyone – at whatever level – working with pastel. -- Henry Malt * Art Book Review *This unassuming, but not insubstantial book is a bit of a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Although billed as an introduction it is actually one of the best and most comprehensive books on pastel there has been in a long time – possibly ever. Books on pastel usually either cover landscapes, because that’s the most popular subject and sales volumes matter, or are fairly simple technical introductions that can lack any real sense of creative endeavour. Rebecca de Mendonça, whose first book this is, is an artist of very considerable ability who is up to the task of tackling subjects that range from landscapes and beach scenes to figures, animals and still life’s. There is plenty of technical information, but also demonstrations and exercises a-plenty and so much to get your teeth into that you’ll never be stuck for inspiration or left feeling you want more. -- Henry Malt * The Artist *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Materials 8 Setting up your workspace 12 Starting to draw 16 Pastel techniques 28 Bauble – step by step 36 Teasel – step by step 46 Colour 56 Rolling Fields – step by step 62 Landscapes 70 Rocky Tor – step by step 74 Billowing Clouds – step by step 92 The Birches – step by step 104 Life in your paintings 110 Child with Fishing Net – step by step 120 Toby – step by step 130 Composition 140 Index 144

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Book SynopsisThis extensive guide to figure drawing brings together seven books from the successful Art of Drawing series: Drawing Techniques, Heads and Faces, Sketching People, Understanding Human Form and Structure, The Nude, Drawing Hands and Feet and Clothing on Figures. This is an essential guide for anyone particularly interested in figure drawing, and includes in-depth studies of human anatomy by master artist Civardi. Civardi's technical advice and practical tips, accompanied by his own outstanding drawings, make this an invaluable resource for any portrait artist.Trade ReviewFantastic value for money. Giovanni always delivers with such detail and focus and offers tips and advice to achieve skill in drawing figures. A great resource for any artist with numerous examples of work. Includes anatomical drawing, form, hatching, proportion, structure, perspective, foreshortening, poses, drapery, parts of the body and step-by-step examples. The format is small, the type is small, everything is in black and white and the contents are superb. * YarnsandFabrics.co.uk *I’m not normally a fan of smaller-format bind-ups. The original books were the way they were for a reason and smaller pages and thick spines can make for difficult reading. All too often, they look like the sort of bumper value nonsense someone else would buy for you and which just sits on the shelf taking up space. So, it’s a pleasure to be able to welcome this one. The Giovanni Civardi drawing books are a valuable resource, and there are a lot of them. This compilation includes seven, which would cost you the wrong side of sixty quid to buy individually. £12.99 for a bulk deal is a real bargain, especially as the result is actually usable. I’d like to say that Search Press have taken my previous criticisms of this kind of thing on board, but it’s probably more to do with the happenstance of production. What seems to have happened is that thinner paper and cover card have been used, meaning that the book falls open easily and isn’t too heavy to hold. It’ll even, more or less, lay flat by itself without breaking the spine. The smaller format also adds to the manageability: 440 A4 pages would make for a coffee table book, which this emphatically isn’t. So, what do you get? Well, not Giovanni’s complete output, for sure. However, the selection is nicely thought-out and makes for a book that lives up to its own billing of being the complete guide. Drawing Techniques is a useful introduction. Further chapters are Understanding Human Form & Structure, The Nude, Sketching People, Heads & Faces, Drawing Hands & Feet and Clothing on Figures. It’s worth a complete list to show just how nicely this progresses. If you haven’t already got an extensive collection of the separate volumes, and you’re looking for a good primer on figure drawing, buy this. It’s very reasonably priced and so practical as to be ridiculously good value. * Artbookreview.net *Wow, what more can I say? This is the definitive guide to have with you at all times, regardless of what level you are at in your life drawing/figure drawing career. With hundreds of fantastic images by the artist, illustrating each point he makes-and rather excitingly I thought, there's a complete anatomical drawing section at the beginning of the book-detailing skeletal structure, muscule striations and even naming the areas and showing their thickness beneath the skin! As a former scientist and current art student, I found this blend of anatomy and drawing techniques to be incredibl pleasing. I've only had this book a few days but I have a feeling that I will be using this book again and again throughout my artistic life. I was impressed overall by the reader friendly writing, and the advice given throughout-I could hear my tutors at uni speaking as I read the words '' Get into the habit of always carring a pencil and small sketchbook around". I would recommend this book to other students and artists and anone who has an interest in form or anatomy. * Rachel Kelly * can honestly say, hand on heart, that this is one of the best, if not THE best book, I have ever read on figure drawing. I have just begun a fine art degree, and a big part of the course is figure drawing. Our tutors recommended some books for us to look up, but none of them were as good as this. This book is truly fascinating, it starts with the skeleton, and builds layer upon layer. It covers everything from the skeleton, to muscles, balance, hands and feet, it also has a section on heads and faces and the clothed figure too. With 100`s of illustrations, this book is cram packed with everything you need to know about drawing the human figure. There is a large section on drawing materials, and the different marks you can make using different mediums. This book is very informative, and very easy to understand. I would highly recommend it to anyone. * Sharon Douglas *Table of ContentsDrawing Techniques: Pencil, Charcoal and Ink Understanding Human Form and Structure The Nude: Understanding the elements of life drawing Sketching People: Faces and figures Heads and Faces with character and expression Drawing Hands & Feet: Form, proportions, gestures and actions Clothing on Figures: How to draw folds, fabrics and drapery

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Book SynopsisJake Spicer wants you to learn how to draw. This is his complete course in drawing, suitable for complete beginners as well as experienced artists, and designed to help you fit drawing into your lifestyle. Tried-and-tested exercises, ranging from five-minute sketches to dedicated sessions of an hour or longer, cover every subject and location you could wish for, while accessibly written drawing theory helps you relate the technical concepts to your practice, helping you to hone your craft. Whatever your goals are, expert art tutor Jake Spicer gives you the inspiration and encouragement to draw more - and keep improving.

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Book SynopsisWhat does an idea look like? And where do they come from? Grant Snider's illustrations will motivate you to explore these questions, inspire you to come up with your own answers and, like all Gordian knots, prompt even more questions.Trade Review“...a lighthearted visual examination of the labor behind the creative process.” -- Hyperallergic

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Book SynopsisMaster artist and best-selling author David Bellamy shares with you his techniques, ideas and approach to painting his beloved landscape throughout the year. A revised and expanded edition of David Bellamy's Winter Landscapes in Watercolour, David looks at each season in detail and explores the challenges and surprises they present to the landscape artist. Also covered are learning techniques for seasonal effects such as rendering hoar frost on trees; misty and atmospheric effects; injecting rogue colours to add excitement to your work; how to tackle a variety of tree branches for different species; depicting light branches against dark backgrounds; altering the composition to suit your needs, and so much more.Trade ReviewBuilth Wells artist releases new watercolour book. A highly regarded artist, writer and tutor has released a new book detailing his techniques and ideas for painting his beloved landscape throughout the year. David Bellamy, who lives in Builth Wells, has written Landscapes through the Seasons in Watercolour, published by Search Press. A revised and expanded edition of David Bellamy's Winter Landscapes in Watercolour, David looks at each season in detail and explores the challenges and surprises they present to the landscape artist. In the fully illustrated book, David explores, through painting, the beautiful landscapes across the UK including those in his own area in Powys. David said: "Many of my books include scenes of Powys, and my new book has quite a number.” "Of all the counties in Britain, Powys is probably the least well-known for its outstanding beauty, outside the Brecon Beacons national park boundaries, and it's a great privilege to live here and record its glorious scenery." Through Landscapes through the Seasons, David shares his techniques for creating seasonal effects, such as rendering hoar frost on trees, creating realistic looking foliage, limiting the colour palette to create mood and how to give your painting misty and atmospheric impact. David also lays out what the best materials to use are in a variety of different situations and the varying ways the artist can handle a paint brush to give a desired effect. A full-time artist and author, David has written over 15 books illustrated with his paintings, and eight DVDs on his techniques in watercolour have been produced by APV films. David paints mainly in watercolour, specialising chiefly in mountain, wild coast, Arctic, and desert scenery. He is also currently working on a book about the Middle East. David said: "My sketching adventures have led to encounters with polar bears and walrus, among other creatures in remote fjords, falling over a crocodile in East Africa, taking painting groups into the Himalayas and the Andes, and exploring deep into the Sahara Desert.” “Even though they smell a bit and make rather rude noises, the bull walrus is one of the most considerate models I have ever sketched. In Nepal, one student managed a superb watercolour sketch of Everest only to get it eaten by a yak as it was drying on a wall” “It has been a great privilege to meet so many wonderful people in so many of these wild locations. Powys has also given me many interesting moments, especially when sketching underground in excruciatingly challenging positions." Through his painting and writing, David also hopes to bring about greater awareness of the threats to the natural environment and is particularly active in conserving wild areas. David also occasionally runs painting courses at Caer Beris Manor Hotel in Builth Wells but has not been able to run any this year due to the pandemic. The events usually attract people from many parts of the world including Japan and the USA. Locally, David exhibits paintings at the Ardent Gallery in Brecon. -- Luke Williams * Brecon & Radnor Express *Here the popular artist and best-selling author David Bellamy looks at each season in detail and shares with us how to tackle landscapes when faced with their many challenges. Specific techniques are explained in detail, such as how to create musty effects or render hoar frost on trees, and there's useful advice on composition, making the most of your subject and portraying atmosphere in watercolour. The Moors in Summer, Winter Mountains, After the Spring Shower and a Late Autumn Waterfall are just some of the subjects included in this eminently practical book by a master artist. * Leisure Painter *The paintings were lovely, just looking at the artwork was a pleasure. I found the instructions good, the instructions and serial progress photos should make it possible to produce something satisfactory to even a first time watercolour painter. Overall pleased with this book -- Connie Kiernan * Amazon *The idea of a book about painting the seasons is not new, but rarely has it been handled so well, and with such relevance as here. It is perhaps such an obvious theme that subject matter often becomes second rather than first thought, and previous books have lacked focus as a result. The arrangement of this entrancing guide will come as no surprise, though the start point of summer perhaps points to an intended earlier publication date. The material for winter is adapted from the 2014 David Bellamy's Winter Landscapes in Watercolour, but is integrated nicely, pointing to the care that has gone into the writing and production. There are plenty of examples and demonstrations. David explains how shapes, light, colour and atmosphere all contribute to the look and feel both of the work itself and the ways in which it needs to be approached and presented in a painting. -- Henry Malt * Leisure Painter - January 2021 *This is a book that'll last you all year round. David demonstrates not just the broader vistas, but quiet corners and details such as trees, buildings, waterfalls, animals, trees and flowers. You'll discover how the shapes of natural subjects change with each turn of the season, and David provides examples for everything, as well as full demonstrations that show how images develop in their own individual ways. This is a thorough guide in the company of a popular and experienced teacher who makes working with watercolour a delight. * SAA *This is an expanded version of David’s Winter Landscapes which appeared in 2014. It’s therefore no surprise that this is the season that gets the greatest coverage. Overall, on a back-of-the-envelope calculation, about two-thirds is new material. For a ten quid paperback, that’s not exactly daylight robbery if you have the previous book (which, as one of David’s super-fans, you will). If this is all new to you, be assured that the integration is good and you won’t be able to see the joins. Search Press are very good at this kind of thing and the progress is seamless. The whole thing is sound and well executed, with the demonstrations and overall quality of work fully up to the standard you’d expect from David. So, anyway, this is as thorough a guide to painting outdoors at all times of the year and in all weathers as you could wish. At 96 pages, it’s practically concise, but there’s no wasted space and it feels a lot larger. David isn’t just a great painter, he’s a great distiller of information and the way it’s presented. Do you get the impression I’m telling you to buy this? Good. -- Henry Malt * Artbookreview.net *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Materials 8 Basic brush techniques 12 Summer 14 Lakeland Waterfall 20 Moor in Summer 30 Autumn 36 Late Autumn Waterfall 42 Winter 48 Winter Mountains 56 Farm in Snow 71 Spring 78 After the Spring Shower 82 Planning paintings 88 Further techniques 92 Index 96

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Book SynopsisIn this follow-up to the best-selling The Master Guide to Drawing Anime, manga master Christopher Hart focuses on some of the most popular characters of Japanese anime: the dynamic and beautiful women and girls. Aspiring anime artists will learn all the ins and outs of creating these stunning heroines, schoolgirls and fantasy characters. Basic templates make it easy to draw the head, hairstyles, clothing, body proportions and more. Tutorials on creating scenes and multiple characters take the drawings to the next level. All of these topics and more are covered with Christopher Hart's trademark easy-to-follow steps with helpful techniques and tips.

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Book SynopsisStart with a heart shape . . . and end with a beautiful finished piece of art!You’ll love Jane Davenport’s fabulous, fun, and amazingly easy technique for drawing figures. For aspiring artists, drawing people can be intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be. Over years working as a fashion illustrator, Jane Davenport devised her own method of creating in-proportion figures. Her clever core technique involves using equal-size hearts to build the body’s structure. And Jane’s results have been astounding: her students go from “I can’t draw a stick figure” to producing gorgeous, well-proportioned illustrations. After laying out the basics, her imaginative guide walks you through working with different mediums; drawing the head, face, clothing, hair, and features; and constructing figures inspired by fashion, fantasy, life drawing, and more.

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Book SynopsisThe third title in Christopher Hart’s bestselling Master Guide to Drawing Anime series, Tips & Tricks has over 100 essential drawing techniques for artists who want to fine-tune their anime and manga drawing skills. This is the guide that all anime and manga artists—of any level—need! Chris Hart delves deep into the specifics of drawing anime characters and scenes and explores every aspect of anime forms. He reveals his secrets for composing a complete picture, and discusses rarely covered topics. Entirely new tutorials include instruction on drawing hands and feet in different gestures or positions, arranging characters within the action, and creating nuanced expressions. Fans of the Master Guide to Drawing Anime books will find this anime drawing book to be invaluable in strengthening their drawing skills, while newcomers ready to learn to draw will see this as a perfect introduction to the series.Suitable for all levels, from beginners who are just starting to learn how to draw anime, to advanced users who want to hone their skills, this is the ideal resource for all fans of anime and manga drawing, and can be used on its own or with the other titles in the Master Guide to Drawing Anime series. Drawing books are a perennial present to inspire young artists and a popular gift for teens. There is no greater tool than an art book to spark creativity, develop new artistic skills, and help kids and teens channel their energy towards positive self-expression. Paperback; 144 pages; 9 in W by 10 in H.

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Book SynopsisIn Morpho: Clothing Folds and Creases, artist and teacher Michel Lauricella presents a unique approach to learning to draw clothing. By connecting the underlying anatomy to clothing, as well as considering the body's posture and movement, you can learn to draw accurate and realistic clothing. Whether you're interested in art, animation, or fashion, this book is a great resource for anyone sketching or drawing clothing. Geared toward artists of all levels from beginners through professionals this handy, pocket-sized book will help spark your imagination and creativity. (Publisher's Note: This book features an exposed binding style. This is intentional, as it is designed to help the book lay flat as you draw.) Table of Contents Foreword Introduction Head and Neck Torso and Shoulders Upper Limbs Lower Limbs Resources

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Book SynopsisLearn dynamic sketching and watercolor techniques for creating cityscapes, landscapes, figures and faces, still lifes, and more, enhancing the story you want to tell with form, line, and color. Discover incredible methods and tips for creating dramatic street scenes and vivid landscapes, and capturing dynamic figures and graphic architectural details. Artist Alex Hillkurtz—a top Hollywood storyboard artist, international workshop instructor, and Signature Member of the National Watercolor Society—presents fundamental concepts of sketching with pencil and pen for a number of popular genres. Discover simple ways to jot down spontaneous ideas in pencil, capture rough details in ink, and add watercolor for extra depth and interest. Make sketching more enjoyable by adopting innovative techniques that will make a difference in your practice, and your artwork. No matter your experience or skill level, you’ll benefit from learning: Compositions that draw the eye How to avoid common sketching mistakes Ways to create light and shadow to define shapes and add interest Successful ways to use negative space The importance of perspective in creating depth Easy color washes that create drama Get started today, and fill your sketchbooks with unique drawings and paintings you will be proud of. The For Artists series expertly guides and instructs artists at all skill levels who want to develop their classical drawing and painting skills and create realistic and representational art. Trade Review"An ideal DIY instructional combination of textbook, guide and 'how to' manual, exceptionally 'user friendly' in organization and presentation making it especially and unreservedly recommended ." * Midwest Book Review *"Emphasizes the power of storytelling through drawings, with plentiful tips and suggestions on how to capture mood, energy and narrative." * Artists Magazine *Table of ContentsIntroduction1 MATERIALS AND TOOLS A Personal Choice Pens, Pencils, and Inks Paper and Sketchbooks Brushes Watercolor Paint Miscellaneous Tools2 GENERAL SKETCHING TECHNIQUES Using the Language of Film to Tell a Story Selecting What to Sketch Rendering Light in a Sketch Details3 COMPOSITION Telling a Story The Rule of Thirds Contrast and Detail Thumbnail Sketches4 PERSPECTIVE Basic Bones Linear Perspective The Horizon Line One-Point Perspective Two-Point Perspective Three-Point Perspective Perspective on a Curved Street5 STILL LIFE A Poem Made Visible A New Way to See Objects Rendering Light Adding Color Structure Negative Space6 LANDSCAPES Landscape Composition Sketching Landscapes and Line Weight Atmospheric Perspective7 ARCHITECTURE An Overview of Basic Forms Roofs Doorways and Arches Windows Balconies Awnings Signs Architecture as Character8 FIGURES The Basic Figure Adding Volume Capturing Gesture Drawing Figures in Groups Drawing the Head9 WATERCOLOR Dancing with Watercolor Creating Multiple Effects with One Color Creating Texture: Splatters, Splashes, and Scrapes Color Mixing Warm and Cool Colors Painting with a Limited Palette Stages of a Painting The Color and Consistency of Shadows Contre Jour Conclusion: Keep Going Resources Influences Acknowledgments About the Author Index

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Book SynopsisExplore and create expressive palettes and paintings with Color Harmony for Artists. Watercolor author, artist, and teacher Ana Victoria Calderon guides you through choosing, mixing, and using color with watercolor and mixed media to create the most expressive and appealing combinations and effects for a wide range of moods and subjects. You'll explore a variety of subjects and themes, including flowers, foliage, landscapes, skies, cities, figures, art movements, and historical eras. Begin with a quick overview of the basics of color, color mixing, and mixed media. Explore a variety of color and media combinations, including brilliant brights, muted neutrals, high-contrast complements, and special effects. Find inspiration in evocative photos, abundant palettes, and beautiful paintings. With Color Harmony for Artists, every artist, from beginner to advanced, will be inspired to embrace the creative possibilities of color and paint!Table of ContentsPREFACE HANDS-ON COLOR THEORY The Color Wheel Color Harmonies Color & Temperature Warm & Cool Variations Watercolor Paints for Swatching INSPIRED PALETTES Capturing moods and playing with textures in beautiful swatches of watercolor mixes that reflect a variety of visual inspirations Notable Art Movements Expressive Skies Colorful Cultures Animal Wonders Cities, Towns & Destinations Influential Eras Remarkable Landscapes Florals & Still Life Mineral Riches Human Hues TEMPLATE RESOURCES ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ABOUT THE AUTHOR INDEX

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