Art and Rock collide in this HUGE great book.
591471
This book is great. As a fan of both art and rock music this does not disppoint. There is an extensive history of how most of the now famous artists got started such as Kozik and Coop. The book itself is rather large so you can really appreciate the detail and work put into the pieces highlighted. I would recommend this to anyone with a taste for modern or lowbrow art.
3766261
I got a lot out of Johnsens previous book, Heaven is a Garden, so I must say that I had high expectations for The Spirit of Stone. My initial reaction is that I wish she had finished it sooner. I completed several design contracts last year that involved extensive stone work, and there is information in this book that would have helped each of them.

Johnsens greatest talents as a designer are her ability to immediately recognize the innate purpose of a given space and her incomparable vocabulary of various design elements, both living and innate. And every one of her designs that I have visited features exceptional stonework. But what makes her an incredibly successful practicing designer is her ability to explain form and function in ways that the uninitiated can easily grasp.  All of these are products of decades of experience and a deep seated passion for garden design as an art form. They are also what make her classes and lectures so popular with those looking at a career in landscape design. And with those who just want to make sense of their own back yard. I would recommend The Spirit of Stone to either group.

I related to Johnsen speaking of having a soft spot for hard rock. So do I.  Her latest book is packed with information -practical, informative, and sometimes just interesting. From detailing the pros and cons of various types of stone and gravel materials, to new suggestions on how to use them, to fascinating  asides on specific individual or famous stones and the work of world-class artists and designers, her passion for the subject matter is contagious. Hundreds of beautiful photos (a fair percentage from her own work), charts and diagrams shed further light on each topic.

 I have no doubt that after reading this I will be using more stone in my own design practice. After reading this book, you will too. Its that good. Its that comprehensive. Its that fun to read. And, if you love working with stone in the garden or if youd like to its the ideal handbook on the subject.
3101418
This is an amazingly wonderful book! It features excellent color photos, both full-size and detail, of dozens of circa 19th century Plains Indian works of leather, including shirts, leggings, robes, and other practical artwork. Beadwork, quillwork adn paint adorn these works of buffalo deer, elk, antelope and bighorn sheep hides, and the author selected some astoundingly lovely pieces.

The text that accompanies each one goes into the source, the components, and the cultural significance of both the objects themselves and their adornment, as well as interesting bits of information about certain details, such as a particular type of bead or feather used, or the importance of the piece in its culture. The tribal origins of each entry are also discussed, including cases where the author disagreed with the museum or collection that held the piece, and details explaining why (ie, this detail resembles this tribe instead of that tribe).

Overall, it is a really nicely done work. However, one question is left unasked. We've seen the pretty artwork and have learned its immense importance. Now can we please return these to the people to whom they are so very important?
4722809
Andy Goldsworthy's art is so inspiring.  In this book, the art pieces focus on, as the title says, stone.  It's unbelievable.  He just unveils so much magic in the world with his brilliant thinking.  "Otherworldly" is surely the word to describe how much of the art in this book feels.  I keep thinking it couldn't possibly be this planet, but I suppose it's not even a planet anymore; it's the mind of the artist.  Time also plays a significant role in this art.  He builds pieces with the intent to photograph it when the day moves & the light hits it a certain way.  Or he builds things that the incoming tide tears apart.  In a piece I love in this book, he gathered ice from a lake & put it on the shade side of a rock.  The ice gradually melted & was shed.  I wish I could have listened & watched.  Something that adds so wonderfully to this book's beauty made from such simple natural materials is that he also accompanies photographs with very Haiku-like, very poetic, short descriptions of the art pieces & how they existed in time & in the act of his making them.
4194108
A completely wonderful book filled with beautiful images and even better content. The book displays a variety of artwork from various artists, the backstories of these artists, and their methods of teaching/learning in a way that will have you flipping through this book more than once. I know I did.
1554850
This is a short, sweet introduction to ancient indigenous rock art of Britain, and Ireland. Beautifully illustrated, with an aged look, this volume represents the ancient art, and the Wooden series quite admirably. Now, how much you like this book will probably depend on how much you like mystery, as much is not known about these enigmatic engravings, and no foreseeable revelations seem to be forthcoming.

The table of contents are a listing (basically) of the different styles, shapes, patterns and locations of this prehistoric art. I love this book, and all the mystery within, and any furthur (intentional misspell, ode to the Prankster bus) research into this subject will reveal more mystery and speculation as to the meaning of these curious carvings. A great value to the collector of the series, art appreciator, and of course those who love a timeless, continuing mystery.
2307670
Certain kinds of books, it seems, all too soon go out of print and become "unavailable." Why in the world would "Looking at Art: An Introduction to Enjoying the Great Paintings of the World" become a corpse, too, is beyond my understanding. Originally, it was the bulk of volume 1 of the "Random House Library of Painting and Sculpture" (also available, as a set or individual volumes, from independent sellers with Amazon).

There are many history of art books in print. I speak in amazement regarding print status because of the content and quality of this definitively representative book. "Looking at Art" approaches art differently from its history, although history is incorporated in the separate sections.

David Piper, the major contributor, sets up the book in four parts:
1. Variations on Twelve Themes (a sort of introduction to famous paintings of the world, with themes like the Human Face, Life and Leisure, Landscape, Still Life, Images of Divinity, the Inward Eye, and so on),

2. The Language of Paintings (space, perspective, line, pattern, texture, edge qualities, abstraction, etc.)

3. Materials and Methods of Painting (tempura, wall-painting, watercolor, gouache, oil, mixed media, and others, with each having subdivisions),

And now that the reader/viewer has background understanding, he/she is ready for "looking at art":
4. Looking at Paintings (famous paintings from around the world, e.g. "The Arnolfini Marriage" by Van Eyck, the Sistine Chapel Ceiling by Michelangelo, "The Ambassadors" by Holbein, etc.).

A small book would not do justice to the art contained, so the volume is 14 inches high and 10 inches wide (actually in fractions). The color reproduction is good with most of the paintings shown in color; some are shown in black and white, and in varying sizes (mostly for lay-out purposes).

The accompanying essays for each section and subsection are outstanding. Here is an excerpt from the Subsection "The Inward Eye" concerning Rothko's "Black on Maroon, 1958" (78-79). Rothko's canvas's are huge; this one is 12 feet wide. "Nebulous, sombrely glowing, the colour gives the impression that the paint is generating its own light, as in the embers of a fire" writes Piper.

One example of examination of a masterpiece is Caravaggio's "The Conversion of Paul, 1600-01." This is what Piper says in a condensed summary: "The picture is a masterpiece of simple, forcefully stark, concentrated drama. The unbalanced composition, in which the massive, unmoved figure of the horse fills almost the entire canvas, makes all the more emphatic the prostrate Saul's shock. He falls back thunderstruck almost out of the picture frame, involving the viewer as witness" (174).

In the main essay, Piper writes: "The source of light is not shown; but the violent, even awkward foreshortening of the figure hurled down expresses an impact of huge energy, and the outflung arms embroil the whole in the vortex of a blinding miracle" (174). I love writing like that!

This book is listed several times on Amazon, but I selected this particular entry because several sellers are listed and most of their prices are right. "Looking at Art" is a book to keep handy, to pick up at spare moments to read, look, learn, and in doing so, expand your world. Highly recommended!
1596232
This book is huge, heavy, amazing, and an instant classic. Buy it while you still can since according to Marc's studio, it is already out of print so whatever number of copies that are left are the only ones that will be available. Amazon seemed to have a hard time getting it in the first place and I couldn't believe I got it until I've held it in my hands. There are a few copies in stock as of the date of writing this review. The price on amazon is a bargain compared to what you would pay if you buy it from Mendo in the Netherlands. The images, paper, and print quality are top notch. The binding is superb. You might wanna shelf it horizontally since the weight of the pages can put a great strain on the binding overtime. The contents of the book is pretty much most of Marc Lagrange's work up to 2011 or 2012. There will be some overlap content wise between this book and his Diamonds and Pearls book. However, this book is much bigger so the other images more than makeup for any duplicate content so buying it along with the Diamonds and Pearls book is a must have for fans of Marc's work and fine art nudity fans in general.
3542542
What a fascinating effort this book is, over 300 large size pages full of extremely rare photographs and fascinating behind the scenes stories of Rock's life.  As the author says, this book is an "Un-Corrected Proof," meaning there are typos and mis-spellings (i.e., Bette Midler's name is spelled "Middler") but that's part of the charm.  This is obviously a labor of love.  The author was an insider in Rock's life for a long period of time.  He knows, and tells, what really went on, and illustrates the text with rare photos and memorabilia he inherited from Rock himself.  As paperback books go, it's pricy, but worth it.  You just don't see books like this.  It must have a fairly limited print run and the color printing on so many pages couldn't have been cheap.  If you're interested at all in Rock Hudson or Hollywood inside stories this book is a must-have and probably will become a collector's item.
2495955
I was very happy to get a review copy of this book from the publisher (via Netgalley) because I paint on rocks myself and have been doing so for more than 10 years!

The artist has quite a big following on Facebook and garners thousands of likes" with each of her photos. I never fail to pause and admire her bright and striking painted stones!

The Art of Stone Painting is very beautiful and very colourful and is a joy to look through.  It presents a chance for aspiring artists to learn how to paint intricate stones with all colours of the rainbow.

She provides a photo of each finished project, and shows the step by step process on how to achieve the same results.  It will take patience but  with lots of practice, you can only get better at it.

 If you are looking into painting 3D such as those that wrap around the whole rock, there are other more suitable books. Her projects are all 2D paintings on flat rocks, except for the frog, and the template on that one is not as helpful.

Be warned, painting on rocks can become highly addictive. But when you hold your own completed rock in your hand and marvel at how you could possibly have painted it, the joy and satisfaction is beyond compare!

Highly recommended.
3159097
Amazing book!! I can't stop looking at it!! There's so much in it. So much to take in. It has also introduced me to artists I've never come across before. I love animals and art and I can't recommend this enough. Just get it,you won't be disappointed. Beautiful and inspiring book!! I would love a physical copy to pour over.
2017191
When I got this book I spent the first week enjoying the photographs.  I'm glad I devoted some undivided attention for these images.  They express a personal involvement with, and a command of the subject matter.  They would make a wonderful, gallery show.  I was not in a hurry to get to the text, though, probably because I thought I already got the gist of the book from the excerpt in "My California" (Angel City Press), or that it was going to be a bit of a travel log.

What was I thinking!?!  I clearly forgot who I was dealing with.  This is the author that cracked wide open my emotions with her story of the heroic power of a young woman in the same desert ("Twentynine Palms").

Besides the blind side assault on my status quo, this volume, as most of what Ms. Stillman writes, performs well on several levels.  Geology, botany, zoology, humor, history, and politics are woven together with autobiographical anthropology.  And, despite the nonfiction genre, the book subtly tracks the opening, conflict, climax, and resolution of a play or novel.

Much of my enjoyment in reading her work is my perception of the recurring theme of putting Pop-Culture, Americana, and civilization in context.  A kind of Grand Unification Theory.  All political debate prompted by the biting, well supported commentary seems welcome in this Big Picture.  And, Baseball is more than just a metaphor.

This book does satisfy the nature enthusiast's desire for the must see, and might see highlights of the Park, but moreover, it's well crafted, moving, and much larger than it's size suggests.
1545145
My wife bought this book for me for my birthday this summer, direct from Taschen. Taschen always has superb art books with great color photography, and this one is as good as any I have ever seen. I was unfamiliar with the work of Ando Tadao, and I am now pleased to say that as a result of this book, I have become a fan. Ando's blending of interior and exterior space (walk through a central courtyard, with a tree, to get from one part of the home to another), plus his use of concrete to create calm surfaces, have me wishing to see his buildings in person. The book has text in English, German, and French, and features both photos from multiple angles and also reproductions of his orginal drawings so that you can study the transition from plan to reality.

Great book. Fascinating architecture.
3835397
As an artist, I've read dozens and dozens of books and monographs about artists.  This book stands out from the vast majority.  You are 'there', transported to the artist's world as surely as if you'd lived down the street from him.  The discussion of individual works of art is scholarly - the great works I saw many years ago in churches and museums, I saw again, with greater insight  - and no-less-excitement.  Story-telling and art appreciation at their finest.
1216225
This is a wonderful story for anyone in the fine art or commercial art business, and for American history or art history buffs. Those without an art education or knowledge may have difficulty understanding some of Jim's references. I absolutely could not put it down after I read the first chapter. I'm a voracious reader, and I can say this is one of the best art books I have ever purchased. Jim was one of the rock stars of the art world during the 1970's when I was in art school. He began his career during one of the most interesting periods in America's history. His no-nonsense mid-western style of explaining what it was like in the visual arts business at that time is refreshing and insightful. If I was going to put together a list of books for students of American history or art history to read a hundred years from now,this would certainly be on it. Congratulations to Mr. Rosenquist for presenting this masterpiece.
4914452
This rock and roll collage is so cool, perfect for all rock music lovers. The creator of this spent 27 years making it. It's an unparalleled collection of rock's visual history from magazine clippings throughout the years. This a visual history of the artists behind some of the greatest rock legends out there. I notice something new every time I look at it, a new little detail or face I haven't noticed before. There must be a thousand different things going on here. But it all kind of works together with great tone and color to create an awesome piece that evokes feelings of really great tunes and great people. Looks way better in real life than the photo, I recommend getting the large print, guests over your house will be spending like 10 minutes or more staring at it looking for the hidden easter eggs and other rock and roll goodies.
4373486
The British Museum of Natural History has outdone themselves with this series, IMAGES OF NATURE.  And this book on India is substantially more expansive than the book (also by Judith Magee) which details the famous and important REEVES COLLECTION.  There are many illustrations in this new book which have never before been published, and they are important to those who enjoy the art of the Age of Discovery and the Age of Exploration--one of the greatest periods of human advancement in history.  Those who love the art of natural history will enjoy this book.