Product Description
Dedicated mailing and e-mail campaign to targeted art related media & organisations. This title features: techniques & methods; historical aspects; tips from the experts; practical advice; and, more. Designed for those who already have a basic knowledge of drawing and painting, this is the ideal book for anyone looking to improve their mastery of still life. This no-nonsense volume begins with a review of the techniques of some of great still life artists from the past, before moving on to provide practical and painter-friendly advice on how to improve your own technique. Each volume is dedicated to a single medium (oil, watercolour, pastels, etc) or to a single theme (landscape, human figure, etc) and provides an authoritative guide to all aspects of the medium or theme in question, as well as expert opinion. ... Read more

Product Description
Acupuncture patients who want the nitty-gritty of such needling techniques as depth, placement, and needle type should read The Art of Acupuncture Techniques. It's unique historical perspective preserves theoretical concepts that haven't been taught in China since the Cultural Revolution. If you really want to know what's going on during treatment, whether you're seeking relief from a skin condition, angina, or infertility, it's right on target.Amazon.com Review
Acupuncture patients who want the nitty-gritty of suchneedling techniques as depth, placement, and needle type should readThe Art of Acupuncture Techniques. It's unique historicalperspective preserves theoretical concepts that haven't been taught inChina since the Cultural Revolution.The book could stand a glossary,as the Chinese terms for ailments can be a bit confusing, but if youreally want to know what's going on during treatment, whether you'reseeking relief from a skin condition, angina, or infertility, it'sright on target. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Great book!
I loved this book, since it really teaches the techniquesl, which I have not read about in any other book, in this field.
It is one of my favorites.

Good introduction reading
I am enjoying this book, but it could use a bit more "how to" and illustrations.

a must have
This is one of the best written books on acupuncture I have come across to date...highly recommended!!!!

Not a self-help book
Be forewarned--this book doesn't contain a single illustration!If you were looking to learn about acupressure points to relieve some of your own ailments, you'd probably prefer Acupressure's Potent Points by Michael Reed Gach.That's what I got instead after returning this book.

Please Re-Read Pericardium-6, "The Wild Card"
This is the clearest text I have found on Chinese Medicine.So many of the large volume texts require an experienced eye to sift through and discern what is clinically useful and what is merely interesting information of no clinical use.In Art of Acupuncture Techniques everything appears to be useful.Although the book is not large in size, it is large in the author's knowledge of medicine, reflected in its comprehensible use of language and succinct presentation, containing more clinically applicable concepts than many other books.

After reading the comment from Robert Chu's student (see other reviews), I decided to reread the chapter on Neiguan, "the wild card".It seems that this was an off the cuff remark, clearly made by someone who heard the title, but had not read the chapter, and consequently the comment was not explored with an open mind by the student. The chapter begins by explaining how and why and the circumstances in which Neiguan may be referred to as a wild card.Then clearly explains the dynamic this point plays in acupuncture prescriptions.Clear-cut physiological links are mapped out, showing how and why adding this point can affect countless conditions. Also, the numerous relationships Neiguan has with other organs, meridians, and systems are included.Having a chapter dedicated to this point demonstrates its importance.The chapter ends with 58 prescriptions that include Neiguan.Intelligibly demonstrating a deep understanding of Neiguan's Physiologic Dynamic.I have tried many of these and have been amazed by my patients' feedback.The results continue to be remarkable.

I recommend this book to anyone studying and/or practicing acupuncture.As for me, I keep coming back to it, discovering new ideas and deepening those I have already explored.Additionally, the writing style seems to induce a certain way of thinking that expands my understanding in all areas of Chinese medicine, but most importantly in the clinic when I'm standing over a patient about to insert a needle (when it really matters).Thank-You for this outstanding text! ... Read more

Product Description

Assuming no prior knowledge of counseling techniques, this highly interactive text takes students step by step through the acquisition of the skills and techniques for effectively helping their future clients. The author's straightforward writing style, clearly stated instructions, and numerous practice exercises prepare students to use assessment information, plan treatment, and implement helping strategies. Coverage encompasses the full complement of commonly used techniques, from basic "building block" skills to more advanced therapeutic skills.

Unique Features

• Stop and Reflect exercises ask readers to consider their reactions to real cases and situations.
•  Group Exercises offer opportunities for critical thinking and class discussion.
• Journal Starters encourage readers to test new ideas and reflect on conflicts and challenges as they develop as helpers.
• New! Video Exercises ask readers to watch unscripted, unrehearsed counseling sessions on the enclosed DVD and answer critical-thinking questions based on specific observations and skills. 

Praise for Learning the Art of Helping

“Young’s long experience as a therapist and training mentor is evident throughout as he leads the novitiate into the essentials of helping….the inclusion of structured reflection opportunities permits the learner to become a participant/observer along the route the author has taken.”

                                                                         – Deborah J. Youngman, Boston University

“[The text] stands out as a result of the nice flow between the chapters [which] actually mirrors the students’ learning process, the dialogue style that addresses the reader directly, the numerous [opportunities for] self-assessment, [and its] liberal use of client-helper dialogue with examples of good and bad responses.  It is a one-stop shop for the beginning helper.”

                                    – Brigitte Matthies, California State University, Los Angeles

Customer Reviews (5)

happy
This book is an excellent book. It was in pretty good condition when i received it. The shipping was close to the date as well.

Thank you !
I recieved the book in brand new condition, however, I wished that the seller had disclosed the fact that the text book came with a work book.Had I known, I would have purchased both, even though my instructor stated that they should have been sold as a unit.Unfortunately for me, that was after the fact. I would purchase from the seller again, as the book was new and sent speedily. Next time I will double check so I won't miss a thing. Thank you to the seller.

General Counseling Book
This book is a general overview of the world of counseling. It gives you the basic knowledge to decide if you want to pursue a career as a professional counselor.

It also is helpful if you are going into counseling to find out if the counselor you are choosing is right for you. The knowledge you will gain will allow you to get the most out of each counseling session.

Great for first-year counseling/psychology students
This book gets down to the very basics of therapy. It is a good read for beginners in the counseling field.

Amazing book
Great book - Explanations given in a very easy manner. The book is very helpfull to those that are in the counselor area, helping find your counselor voice. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (8)

A Book For Those Who Are Serious About Pastry
If the thought homemade buttercream or pastry dough makes you break into a sweat, then//The Fundamental Techniques of Classic Pastry Arts//is probably not the book for you. If, however, you consider yourself to be a somewhat skilled baker and have a basic grasp of pastry terminology and techniques, a well equipped kitchen, a reliable scale, and a penchant for detail, then this book may become your new best friend.

Leading you through the basic curriculum taught at the renowned French Culinary Institute in New York, this book covers topics from food handling and sanitation to equipment, ingredients, and food science. It also, of course, provides a thorough collection of classic confectionary recipes from tarts to custards, cakes to sweet breads, and much more. The recipes are clearly written and packed with enough detail, instructive photos, and last minute tips to ensure that all of your pastry endeavors are successful.

This book is a fantastic reference for anyone with an interest in baking and at least a little bit of experience. Whether looking for new recipes, trouble shooting those that don't work or just brushing up on technique, this is a book that you will likely return to frequently.

A Lot of Assumptions
I received this book and have tried two of the recipes.My experience has been similar to one of the reviews I read.There are typos.Typos that could easily lead one to do things wrong and therefore requires one to read the recipes several times and very carefully, knowing that all is not there that one needs for success.

I am not a professional, but I do have quite a bit of experience.

I tried the Frazier Victoria (FV).This recipe requires Creme Moussiline (CM) which is Creme Patissiere (CP) with butter incorporated after completing the CP.The recipe never specifically explains that a double batch of the CP recipe is needed to properly make the CP (and complete the two cakes the FV recipe makes).I figured this out while assembling the cakes and being able to complete only one cake (and later realizing I had made the CM with twice the butter!)!I went back and checked the yield required for the CM and then saw that the yield for the CP needed to be doubled to obtain the final yield of the CM.Pretty obscure way to do it, but maybe a pro would know this........although, the CM yield is shown in grams and pounds; the CP yield is shown in liters ~ thank you very much!

Although there are a lot of pictures, there are more recipes without than with.Some of those with, don't show the completed pastry (if unfamiliar with that particular one, how do you do it!?!).Also, written instructions do not always sync with the pictures shown.

My impression of the book is that the FCI chefs contributed recipes, but no one ever checked them for the "not" professional Pastry Chef and no one went through the book so they were presented in a consistent, step-by-step manner to increase one's success rate.

If there is a second printing, and I think there should be (and hope there will be), they should take the time to re-work the book and send everyone that bought the first printing new one, at no charge!!!

Some amazing recipes...and some problems
I've made several of the desserts in this book -- and most of them were amazing. Seriously, amazing. You haven't had a cheese Danish until you've had one straight out of the oven. It was fantastic. Hot brioche, the same. And the tarts, and the cookies...oh my. My roommates and coworkers alike are now hovering every weekend and Monday morning to see what I've made/brought to work. My dessert game has been elevated.

Keep in mind that the ingredients are listed in grams and ounces -- you'll need a kitchen scale. It's easy to get used to, but if you don't have one you can't even begin.

I do have one big complaint. As another reviewer mentioned, there are ERRORS in the recipes. (At the end of the genoise recipe, in the "tips" section, it says that for a 6-inch cake you use x amount of flour and an 8-inch cake, y amount...but shouldn't that be in the ingredients section? And if not there, shouldn't it say, in the ingredients section, "see page z for flour amounts"? I would think so.) An example is the lemon cake recipe. In the body it mentions adding sugar twice, but it's only listed once. I worried I'd get a sickeningly sweet cake if I added too much, so I only put in the amount listed...and got a blah, boring cake. (Though the light-as-a-cloud texture was delightful. Too bad it wasn't tasty, too.) And then sometimes equipment is in the ingredients section...line breaks are off... there are pictures of the execution of recipes that contradict the directions in the recipe... I found it very strange.

For an art that is as exacting as French pastries are, it's all the more striking that there are so many errors in the book. Most of the final products are AMAZING. But I wish they had paid as much attention to detail in the editing as you need to do to make pastries.

Love it!
I'm just a home baker. This book has such details, which is perfect for me. The visual aids, pictures, are superb. See for yourself.

As a Gift
Bought this book as a birthday gift for a friend who loves to bake, and she loved it.She said the info was great and the recipes have worked, of the recipes she has done. ... Read more

Product Description
Challenging tutorials, 35 imaginative projects to complete, and tips from professional artists introduce beginning students to the building blocks of art. This profusely illustrated book teaches serious beginners the fundamental skills of graphic design as an introduction to their formal study in fine art, illustration, computer game design, interior design, animation, and virtually all other avenues in the visual arts. The author advises on setting up a proper workspace and assembling the needed materials--everything from sketchpads and paints to affordable computer software. Chapters that follow present themes and related projects that instruct readers in

Product Description
Originally published in 1923, this book will teach you how to create fabulous 1920s waved styles. Marcel Grateau evented his technique in 1882, but it grabbed attention for him when he waved the hair of actress Jane Hading and she wore her newly waved hair for all to see in her play "Le Maitres Des Forges" in 1885. The Marcel Waving technique uses a heated iron to wave the hair. With similar results as finger waving techniques used in the 1920s, the Marcel technique created more lasting results because a hot iron was used to create the wave. Hairdressing tools have evolved and today's curling iron barrels range in size from small to large, allowing you to choose the right curling iron to use for your waving style. This book details the six steps necessary to Marcel Wave. The steps are actually coordinated "movements" made with the iron, comb and hand to create the desired waving effect. The author details each step with both illustrations and text descriptions. After the movements are mastered, you then learn how to join the waves, direct the left and right wave, and drop a wave -- all techniques used to create the hairstyles that follow. Over 45 additional illustrations show you how to create 15 hairstyles including the straight back marcel wave, wave with dip on forehead, horseshoe wave, waving for a center part, wave for a high part, short center parting with bangs, center parting wave for high forehead, waving and curling for a bob, wave for cross parting coiffure, horseshoe wave with bang, wave for a short low parting, waved evening coiffure, wave for a bob effect, side wave arrangement, and evening coiffure with waved wathe. Sample hairstyles and illustration images are shown at the top of this page. ==== FOR MORE FANTASTIC 1920s and 1930s BEAUTY BOOKS please see "Make-Up -- 1930s Beauty Instruction and Technique" and "Art of Finger Waving -- Recreating Vintage 1920s and 1930s Hairstyles." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Basic Technique for Creating Marcel Waves and a Selection of 1920s Hairstyles.
"Technique & Art of Marcel Waving" by William F. Zentler was originally published in 1923 to aid hairdressing students in mastering the skill of Marcel waving. The Marcel wave iron was invented by French hairstylist Francois Marcel (aka Marcel Grateau) in 1872 to create a side-to-side waving of the hair. Originally intended for longer, Victorian-era hair that would be pulled up, by the 1920s Marcel waving had become the height of fashion for bobbed and short hairstyles. This book has 4 chapters (74 pages) of history, instructions, and illustrations. The hairstyles are generally for hair that is just below the jaw line in length. It would be not be possible to do most of these styles on yourself, as you could only wave the sides of your own hair.

The first chapter offers a brief history of curly hair fashion up until the "modern" method of creating Marcel waves. The beginner might have more control using the old finger method to guide the hair instead of a comb, but you do risk burning your fingers. Chapter 2 introduces the implements you will need and how to handle them. You need a Marcel wave iron and a fine-tooth comb. Thankfully, we no longer have to "temper" the iron or heat it on a stove. A traditional curling iron might work, but I found that the barrel on mine was too short, and it didn't get hot enough. A Marcel iron resembles a spring curling iron, but it clamps straight down (no spring), the handle can rotate, and it has no cool tip (watch out!). Like all professional curling irons, it has adjustable heat. Whichever iron you choose, the waves are supposed to be about the size of a silver half-dollar, which requires a 3/4-inch barrel.

Chapter 3 explains the waving technique in 6 easy steps. Maybe not so easy. It takes a lot of practice. Creating the ridges is easy enough, but getting the wave to look nice is the hard part. You use the curling/wave iron with the barrel on top, clamp on bottom, because you're trying to create a ridge, not a smooth wave. Between the ridges, you want the hair to undulate to the left and then the right, then left, then right, etc. The comb (or fingers) guide the hair in the correct direction. You're supposed to do this with sections of hair that are 1-2 inches wide. This requires a barrel that is fairly long. Then you have to match the wave to the next section of hair. Instructions are for a right-handed person, so reverse if you are left-handed.

The last and longest chapter tells you how to apply the technique to creating a coiffure, once you have mastered it. Fifteen hairstyles are explained. They are all slight variations on a head full of waves but differ in where you part the hair, bangs, bobs, and some for evening wear. For each style, illustrations show you where to divide the hair in sections for waving, what direction the waves should go, and how to pull the style together. These styles are for hair no longer than just below the jaw, but you can also wave only the top and sides and pull the hair into an updo. There is one step in the technique that I still don't understand the purpose of, but the mystery of how to create Marcel waves has been cleared up for me. ... Read more

Product Description
Until now, the techniques used to create great abstract paintings were surrounded by a veil of mystery.Abstract Painting: Concepts and Techniques lifts that veil to reveal the exact methods behind the masterworks.Now students and professional artists can stop guessing and start building on the techniques of the great abstract artists to create their own innovative new work.Two clear, comprehensible sections let artists focus quickly on their specific areas of interest.The first section, on Traditional Painterly Abstraction, using brush and easel, looks at pictorial space, brushwork, paint quality, and collage.The second section, on Post-Painterly Modern Abstraction, considers options ranging from the pour-and-spatter techniques of Jackson Pollock to the staining, scraping, and abrading of modern acrylic artists.Step-by-step recipes for key approaches show artists how to get the best aesthetic results, freeing them to move forward philosophically. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (25)

Very disappointed
This book was on my wish list for quite a few months...but I am very sorry to have spent the money after receiving it! As a professional artist I like to read other artists work and techniques...well, no techniques at all here. Very poor reading material. Do not recomend at all.

Not the best book for beginners !
As an artist who has never worked on abstract art, this book was a difficult to navigate and comprehend. It does faithfully deal with conceptual aspects of abstract art but I was disappointed with the limited attention paid to the technique aspect. Having said that, I am sure it would be a great book for a moderate or advanced painter who have worked their way through the basic nuances of abstract art.

Conceptually Decent, But Not Much on Technique
I bought this book to help with my abstract formulation in painting. For basic concept, it's good, but a little bit elementary for anyone with a moderate foundation in art. The interesting parts of the book are in the last 15 pages or so, but the entire book does have nice abstract imagery examples throught it. I think the authors assembled this without the end-goal in mind. Even the preface starts by discussing what a daunting task it was to assemble this many abstract pieces and make them fit together in a book. What I think they might have done better is to write the book and THEN find abstract examples of the concepts. This book tries to be all things painting, but fails to delve seriously into the subject it purports to discuss - abstract.

Extremely Helpful
I only wish I had seen this book before I started painting. It would have saved me time and money.Lots of great creative ideas and techniques. I recommend this book to beginners, like me.

Great book!
This is a great book!It goes into the philosophy of abstract painting, methods, materials, composition, etc.The book also emphasizes each artist's creativity.The artist's interpretation and creativity is what art is all about, and even more so with abstract art, as abstract artists aren't painting something easily recognizable (i.e. a barn).The author did a great job in this book! ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (22)

Inspiring!
Lisa kettell makes an amazing job at inspiring you to create beautiful Marie Antoinette style altered art.
I love this book a lot!
Finally a craft book with products that are not out of fashion, outdated, or with companies that are out of buisness! It's a NOW book for today's crafter!

Nothing that special
I have tons of these kinds of art books.In my humble opinion, although the subject matter is appealing (circus and dolls, etc) there is nothing in this book that is unusual, nor is there any information that you probably don't already have in another one of your books.The pictures were ok, but if you can figure out how to make what you want by looking at picture on the cover of the book (which most of us can) then why buy the book.

an inspiration
What I look for in a book is not always necessarily the content, but that it inspires in me. This book was full of both; inspiration, techniques, and even resources. I had to opportunity to take a class from this lovely artist and found her to be sincere and genuinely excited about art, not only hers, but others. I highly recommend this book, it never get's boring. When I am feeling stuck. I just pick it up and I am instantly inspired!

Thank you Lisa

My guilty pleasure!!
OMG! So this is my favorite altered art/mixed media book yet! I have bought several ALTERED ART CIRCUS books over the last 6 months for other glittered girls and they also have been in awe!! I just recently met Lisa and she is as wonderful as her glittered filled circus characters! The book is fabulous, the directions are easy to understand and thorough... plus she gives you the "room" you need to add your own twist on items... LOVE IT!! The entire book is filled with a fantasy land that will captivate you for hours... the author, Lisa, is just as colorful as her book... meeting her made the book even better for me! BUY IT!!! LOVE IT!!!

Art Filled Magic!
Altered Art Circus is the result of Lisa's journey into the world of art world, and I am honored to own it. Each page is filled with projects, easy to follow instructions, techniques and facts, along with stories which appear throughout that set the mood of the project and add to the magic of the whole book that Lisa has created for all of us to be inspired by and to re-create for ourselves.

I highly recommend this book to all, from the artist, designer and crafter to the person looking to add a little extra artful magic into their daily lives. ... Read more

Product Description
A guide for amateur painters to using pen and ink watercolour techniques to produce detailed, textured results. Materials are examined, from technical pens to liquid acrylics, and different techniques are shown, such as blotting and spattering, together with various mixtures for special effects. ... Read more

Product Description
This is the first comprehensive A-Z guide to science fiction and fantasy art techniques. It also includes an inspirational gallery of finished works. This title includes professional tips and techniques and clear step- by-step instructions for a variety of popular styles -- from horror to heroic fantasy, from creatures to characterisation. An A-to-Z technique section provides a detailed look at all major media -- acrylics, airbrush, animation software, computer software, and pen and ink -- and explains how to apply each one. Also included are special "brainstorming" sections to let you see how an initial idea is developed to produce the final artwork. This creative resource also contains a gallery of works by some of the most innovative and renowned fantasy artists, including Chris Achilleos, Paul Bartlett, Jim Burns, Judith Clute, Danny Flynn, Brian Frowd, David A. Hardy, Jael, Peter Jones, Ian Miller, Dan Seagrave, Ron Tiner and Boris Vallejo. Whether you're a student or a professional artist, you'll discover that The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and Fantasy Art Techniques is an invaluable reference for expressing your artistic imagination and polishing your technical skills. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Perfect reference, at any time...
When you first look at the book, you think that it would be a disappointment... However, this book is a great reference about many aspects of fantasy art with very nice tricks... It also has a section about different media you may use... Also the visual examples are very well explained and helpful...

Unless you are a professional, this book is an always-reliable reference...

a pioneer and still a strong resource
Way back when I was first interested in seriously improving my skills, this book was about the only thing I could find anywhere.Maddening to look through a dozen similar books on watercolor flowers when you wanted to do knights and dragons.Now, at last, there are a lot of books on the subject, but this book is still one of the best.Not just how to, but a collection of inspirational sources for experimenting with.

Encyclopedia is a bit misleading a title.
I would more call this book an overview of fantasy and science fiction art techniques, for it does not have the scope or detail included to merit the title "Encyclopedia". Art tools and materials are covered so superficially as to not really merit inclusion at all. Certain basic drawing techniques such as characterization and perspective are covered briefly in 2-4 pages, but are only really useful to those with some basic drawing skills already.

What this book is perhaps best used for is as a source for inspiration, giving some nice examples of work by many masters of the field such as Jael, Jim Burns, David A. Hardy, and Boris Vallejo. Different subgenres of fantasy art are covered from space art to horror, and it is nice that the images are all reproduced in color (unlike some art books which try to save money and reproduce most images in black and white.)

This volume alone will not turn someone into a master fantasy artist overnight, nor is it one of the better overviews of the field that I have seen. Still, for someone just looking to explore the field of science-fiction/fantasy art in more detail and curious about some of the techniques and styles used, this is not a bad volume to add to your collection.

Books won't do it all
Every book has some points or knowledge that will help us do better, but to expect a book by Vallejo or Michael Whelan to turn us into an artist of their caliber is asking a bit much. The most one can expect is to pick up some techniques or helpful hints. This isn't a bad book, it just can't be the book. The Artist's Manual, The Illustrator's Bible, and a variety of good artistic anatomy books are well worth the penny for even people who want to draw or paint in the Science Fiction or Fantasy mode. Keep in mind that good art is just that, good art, regardless of pigeonholing things into categories. A lot of us would like to just get the shortcut to no sweat greatness, but that usually is more of fantasy than anything else. Look at non-specialized technique books as well as ones with Science Fiction or Fantasy on the covers.

Too comics-heavy
The authors (artists) give you interesting lesson plans for drawing Fantasy Art in diferent techniques. Unfortunately, a lot of their examples come from comic book art. While I feel that comic books are an art form (probably one of the most difficult ones to master) I wanted more traditional fare, like Frazetta, Boris, pen-and-ink pulp, and like that.
It's still fun to follow the lesson plan. Give it a try. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
Beginning art students as well as experienced practicing artists constantly seek information and advice on materials and equipment to help them expand on their skills and further develop their various techniques. Here is a big one-volume directory that shows and describes virtually everything for every graphic artistÂ--from simple charcoal pencils to easels and canvas-stretching equipment. All items are illustrated in color photos, and examples of how all materials are used are shown in drawings and reproduced paintings. Cataloged in this book areÂ--

• charcoal and colored pencils•sanguine chalks and pencils • charcoal sticks•crayons•pastel chalks• inks and pens • paint brushes of all shapes and sizes•palettes and palette knives• dry pigments •oil paints • watercolors and gouache paints • acrylics• varnishes and paint solvents•papers of different textures • drawing pads for different media•canvases and stretching frames• easels• cutting tools•sponges•brush and equipment cleaners

The bookÂ's final section shows examples of how to use these many different materials in finished paintings and drawings. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Packed With Artistic Knowledge
I thought that I had my favorite art book, until I received Materials and Techniques. This book covers all mediums with explanations and a lot of direction. What materials to get and how to use them, and what paper and or canvas to paint on........I basicly love this book so much that I brought another for a fellow artist friend and they love it also. Thankyou so much.;-) ... Read more

Product Description
An introduction to the essential techniques of oil painting in a full range of media. It provides fully annotated, photographic sequences to guide the reader from the first strokes to the final composition, and full-size reproductions allow closer inspections of great masterworks. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

I Know Now!!
Before I got this book "Introduction to Oil Painting", I knew nothing except how to stretch the canvas. If you know how to understand what you read, you to will know how to paint with oils. It was scarey at first but this book makes it simple for beginners, and if you already know how then its' packed full of tips and ideas for instruction. I like this book very much. Thanks!

A great book for beginners!
I enjoyed this book.It spent two pages on every topic that's important to beginning artists.It never rambled on about useless, trivial information.The author focused in on clear definitions and illustrations. This reader was never confused by the book's precise method in handlingcomplicated exercises.These exercises not only explained the material,but also led to completed works of art.The book also had a small, butvital glossary.The glossary helped to reiterate important concepts, suchas scumbling, aerial perspective, fat-over-leanpainting and high-keycolors(just to name a few).Reading this book is like taking an artclass.It focuses in on the most important concepts; and, it explains themin a brief, succinct manner.

Nice idea spoiled by carelessness
My soft-cover version of this highly-attractive book has plenty of nice features. The overall concept is sound, (although a little cursory in places, even for a book aimed at beginners); the instructional andinformational content is generally useful and interesting; theillustrations and reproductions are excellent. There are even some healthand safety tips that were very welcome.

So, what's the problem? The lowrating I gave this book falls squarely at the feet of the editor(s). Simplyput, there are far too many mistakes for a book of this size!

Completelywrong labels on a graph of oil content in paints makes for total confusion,especially if you're trying to come to terms with the "fat overlean" concept or similar technical ideas. Page cross-references thatare incorrect are frustrating, but tolerable, in a monthly magazine ordaily newspaper, but not in a textbook! There are numerous other littlelabelling, spelling, word-usage and grammatical errors, as well as a coupleof invented words ("sawned off" is going to stick in my memoryfor a long time!) and a few "explanations" that don't explainanything.

I'm not sorry I bought the book, but it would be so much easierfor my wife, who is just starting out in oil painting, and who is not anative user of English, if the information were a bit more reliable.

Ipurchased another Ray Smith book [Portraits, hardcover] and have no realcriticisms of that book. I would consider buying others in the series, butthis one is a little disappointing. A very beautiful book spoiled by sloppyediting. It's really a shame!

Really lays out the basics well
This is the kind of book that organizes the information you need to know in a logical and straight-forward manner.A great place to start for any aspiring artist. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (11)

A lot of good insights and great photos
I found this book full of insightful comments and inspirational shots.So why the four starts instead of five?One reason is I don't enjoy the author's heavy use of warm-up filters at times...I simply *don't like* a number of the photographs.A number of the ones I do like are absolutely top notch in my opinion and the book is worth getting to see them.This is not, mind you, a book for an absolute beginner...I didn't like it at all until I had been through another book twice and taken almost 7,000 shots (digital, of course).THEN I had some data to hang the author's insights on and could make sense of what he was saying. I know I will refer back to this volume again and again as I (hopefully) mature as a photographer.

Great book - beautiful and instructional as well
This is one of the better books on photography that I have read. As one other reviewer wrote, one of my favorite things about the book is where Charlie makes recommendations about things that could have improved in the pictures...he suggests certain cropping that might help, or certain items that could have been left out of a picture to improve it. Equally helpful are the little touches that he mentions that really "make" a picture.He'll suggest covering up a small section of the picture with your hand, and he's right...without the highlight here or the rock there, the picture isn't as strong.It helped me think a little differently about the importance of seemingly minor things in the composition.
One other small thing I like is that he includes not just the focal length of the lenses used in each picture, but also the types of filters used, shutter speed and aperture.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and look forward to reading more of his others.

An Excellent Resource
This book has helped me immeasurably in deciding how to take certain photographs. His advice on the use of light and framing of the photographs is excellent. If you've been seriously into landscapes for a while, this probably won't have anything new for you aside maybe from some inspiration. If you are just starting out or unsure of your work in anyway, this book is a great reference. Either way, a well-written book with beautiful photographs in it.

Average
Just an average book on landscape photography. Not much on technical aspects but lots of nice photos to look at. If you want to learn something about taking landscape photos, don't bother with this book.

Magic ! ! ! This book captures you !
I have this book since around 4 years, and I always refer back to it. The notes are simple and straight to the point, and the photos are excellent. Full photographic details are there for each shot (aperture, shutter, film iso, lenses...).

This book is a must for every serious Landscape photographer. ... Read more

Product Description
Focusing solely on the bride, this wedding portraiture book provides methods for pre-wedding shots, on-location photographs, and studio sessions. Included are ways to achieve proper exposure and contrast, tips for orchestrating props, and lighting and posing techniques to minimize and conceal flaws. Accompanied by stunning full-color photographs and accompanying technical tips, this guide also includes a complete listing of all the details and preparation work that will ensure a smooth shoot, including pre-wedding appointments and ways to eliminate distracting background elements. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Bridal Photography
The book was in great shape and came to my house fast. The reading material was just not what I was expecting the information seemed a little out of date. The seller did their part very well the book just wasn't what I wanted.

Bridal portraits simplified
An in-depth book outlining how to be successful in bridal portrait photography.This is accomplished by guiding you through the process of obtaining consistant results in exposure every time.Lighting set ups are illustrated in diagrams for both studio and on location.Finally, posing techniques for optimum dynamic is given.There is even a section on building comfortable relationships with clients to optimize the experience of creating artful portraits.

Good book!
Inspiration on every page! Technical details for how on each page! Just what the dr ordered for a person wanting to add an additional $500 - $1000 to every wedding! Get these techniques and you have better images to show to the next client that will be compelled to purchase your services!

Wish I Never Bought It.
I am always looking for fresh new ideas for photographing brides and weddings...needless to say, these ideas were not found in this book.Most of the photos had to have been taken in the 80's, with big puffy sleeved dresses and bad hair.Too much soft lens work and WAY too posed...save your money.

Very average ideas
We have been in business for over 15 years and are looking for new ideas.This book is the same old stuff.There must be a book out there with fresh new poses?This book is plain boring! ... Read more

Product Description
Since 1940, when it was originally published, The Artist's Handbook has become indispensable for thousands of practicing artists and art students. The book has remained continually in print through many editions and has sold more than a quarter of a million copies. A detailed index makes a wealth of information readily available. Charts and line drawings throughout. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (29)

Out of Date
I felt the book was a bit out of date, and as a result at least half of the book could be edited out.There is valuable information in the book, but there is a lot of material to sift through to find it.

AS PROMISED
I was afraid to get an old-edition book online because i wanted
to give it to a friend as a present for his birthday.I was afraid
to fall on a torn book/cover with missing pages... It turned out to be
in an EXCELLENT CONDITION!!The delivery was 1 day late but it was ok.The Artist's Handbook of Materials and Techniques: Fifth Edition, Revised and Updated (Reference)

Great book- great service
I ordered this used book and it arrived quickly and in pristine condition.Couldn't be happier!

What every artist needs!!
It was just what I was looking for. The condition of the book was great at a very low price. Thank you!

AWESOME
The item arrived on time, in fact it was one of the first books to arrive that I had ordered. The book was in brand new shape even though I paid for it used!! The book is perfect, I am in a beginning painting class and we reference this book along with another all the time. It's great if you want to learn the technical side to painting as well. Id recommend this seller and this book to anyone! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

motivation that make sense
This book doesn't attempt to tell how good exercise is for you. It assumes corretly, that you already know that. What it does is point out that "Reasons, (why you don't exercise), don't matter, results do" and that if you ARE commited, you'll work around the reasons. ... Read more