The Artist's Giclee Handbook - essential reading.
931571
Susan Fader has written a very accessible text for those artists who are interested in the digital fine art reproduction process. I think this book is essential reading for all those who are intending to have digital reproductions produced of their work. I am sure that many will not appreciate the potential pitfalls of using a print maker who cannot do justice to their work with the result that they end up with sub-standard prints. The book is not over-technical but focuses on the key areas involved in the process from image capture, to printing, even down to the practicalities of packing and shipping the finished prints. Having read this book you will be well prepared to ask the right questions of a print making service and enter into a meaningful dialogue so that the process is a collaborative one between artist and printer. The modest investment in this book could repay itself many times over in terms of money and time because it should steer you away from printers who will never be able to provide a satisfactory service.
917171
This is one of the best books I have ever purchased for helping me understand the aspects of setting up my art work prior to painting. The author, Tony Couch, easily explains the importance of principles and elements, shapes and sizes, lines and direction, texture, color, value and many other informative items to be considered when designing a piece of artwork. It has become my right hand referral book and I could easily read it over and over many times to incorporate the importance of all the design principles. I am so grateful that my art instructor recommended this book which, by the way, I purchased thru Amazon's used book services. I highly recommend that you give the used book area a try for purchases. I decided to order from the "used - like new" section and am extremely happy with the outcome.
1234445
As an art student, I am fascinated by the way artists put media to paper, in the most basic way, and draw. In this book, 'Jim Dine: Drawings from the Glyptotech' we are shown the true art of drawing. By taking a pretty straightforward model, e.g. a statue, Dine renders something quite unique. How can one artist lay open the heart and soul of something so static as a statue? But, surprisingly, he does this with economy of line and media. The drawings show strength and depth and you are left with a knowledge of real people and their lives, in a two-dimensional sense. The text is concise and you immediately understand the points Dine is making in relation to his drawings. The reproductions of his drawings are exceptional. This book should be in every art students' (and artists, for that matter) bookcase as an essential reference point from where to start drawing. I have learnt so much from Jim Dine in this book that I just want to spend years exploring the art of putting down good lines on paper.
1741339
This book is beautiful and useful.  It contains the basic building blocks of painting landscapes and then shows how those concepts work in a variety of wonderful art works. This is a great addition to the budding artists' bookshelf.
3247944
This is a beautiful, informative book for those interested in creating unique art.  The pictures are absolutely stunning. The author teaches the artist (or even the non-artist) the way to produce this art form, as well as the way to run a business selling it.  Refreshingly, she stresses the importance of being professional and trustworthy at all times.  A great book!
2520887
Great book for anyone interested in art - from the beginner to the expert.  An excellent mix of science (particularly chemistry) and the creation of art itself. Very informative and easy to read.  I look forward to purchasing and reading the follow-on edition.
4452214
It is with utmost sincerity and enthusiasm that I recommend Lois Gibson's book Forensic Art Essentials to all those interested in identification techniques for forensic art. Whether you are a beginner or an established forensic artist this book is absolutely essential for anyone in the field! Lois' book contains a wealth of information that is presented in a clear, concise manner.

Lois' book gives a complete and comprehensive "how to" for composite drawings. She begins with a detailed description of basic materials, references materials and a step by step guide to help draw individual features. Lois then goes into depth about almost every possible situation a forensic artist might face in their career of composite drawings. I find her insights thoroughly accurate and very reassuring. In a field where most artists work essentially in a vacuum (without another artist's guidance or assistance on a day-to-day basis) Lois' life experiences (which she shares so readily and with great detail) will help alleviate any questions, fears or self doubts the working forensic artist might have.

Not only does Forensic Art Essentials explain issues and techniques regarding composite sketches, but it also introduces the artist to the important concepts and techniques used in post-mortem drawings, two-dimensional, and three-dimensional skull reconstructions. You'll be taken, step by step, through these processes and given professional advice as to determining the best way to approach unique situations. If your a forensic artist, Forensic Art Essentials will make for great study and reference!
4131873
This is the definitive book for landscape artists, or artist period. It may not be an entertaining read, but it is filled with gems in every sentence. To be studied and read over again, this book will be a gem on any book shelf. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn the important things to consider for painting good landscapes.
3289574
This is a fascinating overview of an artist's life and work.  Not only does it illustrate the artist's style and how it changed from time to time, it also helps the reader understand the philosophy of the artist.  I loaned my copy to a retired art professor.  He couldn't say enough positive things about how the book helped him better understand an artist that he knew only tangentially before reading this marvelous book.  Another special feature of the book is that it demonstrates how macular degeneration impacted Armand Merizon's work.
3494255
Mr. Pavelec's book is an excellent resource for anyone in (or interested in) the fantasy art niche (though, the lessons is just as valid for any type of art, I believe).  Though the book is loaded with all sorts of tips about making convincing and interesting creatures, I'd say the underlying focus is on the composition of a figure.  Jim displays in many examples how to focus on the primary action or energy of a pose, even if the pose isn't inherently dynamic.  The viewer gets to see many paintings evolve from thumbnail sketch to a completed illustration, along with a side commentary about why he makes his choices.

When I was starting out, I would have begged. borrowed or stolen to get my grubby paws on this book.  Even as a reasonably seasoned professional, there are still a number of pearls residing between the covers.
495749
This is a very good book written by an artist for artists. It is packed with hard to find information on the painting methods and techniques of 16 different painters (Constable, Turner, Manet, Courbet, Monet, Renoir, Pissaro, Degas, Cezanne etc.) I hope it becomes available again some time.

My only question after reading this book: what is the title of the book by English painter Charles Sims that Bernard Dunstan keeps quoting from?

Highly recommended.
3888808
I  selected this artbook because I really like what I saw of Peter Wileman's painting style - bold, loose and full of colour. I'm a water-colour painter, but find ideas for compositions and expressive painting style in other media as well. Wileman's style appeals to me very much.

The structure of his book with chapters on choosing a subject, exploring light, changing seasons and changing light, and painting en plein air and in the studio are all large enough topics for any artist in any medium to find value in reading.

Wileman is a fine artist and has provided us with a valuable resource with this book.
3251914
The book arrived promptly and in good condition.  I have found it interesting and useful.  It is a soft cover book, and not a very thick one but the contents are of quality.  It was recommended by the Artist magazine published in the UK.
160447
Title:  Photo Retouching with Photoshop - A Designer's Notebook

Author: Demonstrated by Leading French Artists

Translated: Marie-Laure Clec'h,

Publisher: O'Reilly

ISBN:  0-596-00860-0

Reviewer: Bruce Frank

Rating:  5 out of 5 stars

This Designer Notebook is but one in a series, and having experienced this one first, it has piqued my interest in discovering the rest.

My Inner Geek (OK, I admit it, I wear my Geekness like my heart on my sleeve) enjoyed the inclusion of not only the software used to create certain effects and images, but the hardware as well. There's something satisfying in knowing one of the designers profiled probably took great pleasure in revealing the minutiae that they use a Gretagmacbeth Eye-one spectrophotometer to calibrate their display weekly. And I curse them, for now I must have one.

Emphasizing certain aspects of the artists' craft are simulated Post-It notes (do I use the "registered trademark" superscript here? - I think not - this is a local SIG, not the New York Times! - the Post-It attorneys may feel differently), an effective device that not only drives home a point, but enhances the casual yet sophisticated nature of the page layouts.

What sets this book apart from most is the multidisciplinary approach. Some authors are photographers, some retouchers, some designers - all are very talented, and present their methodologies in clear and cogent fashion. An immensely appealing concept, well-executed. I will definitely seek out additional Designer's Notebooks. As soon as my Gretagmacbeth comes in. I just love saying that.
2626887
The quarterly magazine "Watercolor Magic" features well-known artists such as George Gibson, Carolyn Lord, Stephen Quiller, and Janet Fish, who share their inspiration and techniques with the readers.  There's always something in each issue for both beginning and advanced watercolorists.  The magazine is packed with color photographs--even the advertisements are interesting.  I only wish it were published more than four times a year.
One of my favorite features is the "Swipe File" where readers share tips and techniques, such as how to apply frisket with a feather, transforming plastic Christmas light separators into brush holders, and constructing a mini-sketch kit.
Here are examples of some of the features, taken from tenth anniversary February, 2003 issue:
"Ten Tales of Passage: Past and Future Perfect" - Ten artists talk about their careers:  how they started, where they're going, how to connect with people who might enjoy their art.  Paintings from each artist illustrate this article.
"Freedom of Choice: The Best Paintings of 2002" - artists honored by various watercolor societies, along with photos of the winning pictures
"Ten Tips for Mixing Media" - artist Stephen Quiller discusses the use of acrylics, casein, gouache, etc. in watercolor paintings.
"Painting Snow Scenes" - step-by-step instructions for painting a winter landscape.
"Watercolor Magic" also lists upcoming shows and museum exhibits across the United States.
4173589
Excellent reference. Well written and valuable for any 3D artist.
2915680
The Artist's Magazine is full of advice and ideas for anyone studying or teaching art; from its first monthly department, "Dialogue", which is a question and answer column from readers, to the final page "Master Class", which gives the history and analysis of a famous work, you will get articles that cover many techniques and media, as well as guidelines on the business side of art.
Taking the March 2003 issue as an example, the cover story is on the exquisite gouache paintings of Daniel K. Tennant. One of the four works pictured is broken down and shown in six stages, from the initial layout to the final delicate details.
Artist Joseph Frassetta explains his technique in "Reining it In", and tells us what materials and tools he uses to create his realistic portraiture and animal studies.
There is another article on landscape painting through the four seasons, and others on doing a self-portrait, mixing the use of colored pencils, and so much more. Some favorite monthly articles are "Art Clinic" and "Technical Q&A", which always have useful tips.
The back of the magazine has classified listings of art related opportunities, workshops, etc., and even the ads can be an informative resource.
The Artist's Magazine also sponsors a yearly competition, with many categories, including a student/beginner division.
The magazine has medium weight paper, good color reproduction, and  teachers and students, especially of a traditional style of art, will find much to enjoy and learn in every issue.