Book Description
Digital Character Painting Using Photoshop CS3 is a brilliantly illustrated, full-color book that combines both the fundamentals of character design and the skills of digital painting.Completely updated using Photoshop CS3 as the primary tool, the book details how to create characters that elicit specific emotions and how to beautifully render those characters by applying conventional painting skills to digital tools.Written for both the seasoned professional and aspiring artist alike, Digital Character Painting Using Photoshop CS3 explores the key principles of design and reveals how to enhance traditional skills and apply them to digital art for use in games, film, animation, and other commercial productions.Using practical tutorials, the book covers basic skills such as value, edges, color, texturing, and light, and then moves on to teach in-depth techniques on specific features including eyes, face, clothing, hair, and fur.Whatever your skill level, you will discover practical ideas and techniques to apply to your craft and to help you improve and create masterful works of digital art!Features: - Presents a completely updated, beautiful, full color guide to character design and computer art using Photoshop. - Provides practical insights into how to master Photoshop CS3 as a powerful painting tool, including how to customize the brushes to achieve the best possible results. - Focuses on learning artistic skills that can be applied to a variety of 2D and 3D programs, with an emphasis on Photoshop CS3. - Teaches how to combine traditional artistic values with today's graphics software. - Includes a CD-ROM with the figures and files for the tutorials in the book, along with a QuickTime movie showing how a painting is created. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Photoshop WOW
I fell in love with Photoshop as a digital paint program a number of years ago.The effects available through Photoshop give you the versatility of physical media with no mess and much greater ability to edit your compositions as you work.

This is not a book for someone who just wants to use Photoshop for manipulating existing images.(Though you'd certainly have a chance to pick up a few pointers from this book.)This is definitely for someone who wants to create images "from scratch" using Photoshop's amazing array of tools and effects.As such, it helps if you have some previous art training (though you don't have to be an expert, the author does give intermediate level painting tips.)

It also helps if you have at least a basic working knowledge of Photoshop.However, I do mean basic. This book is so well laid out that if you have ever worked in Photoshop before, you should have little trouble following along. The author takes you through a series of exercises and gives clear step by step instructions and tips.

The author's experience as an art instructor really shows through inthe clarity of the explanations.I was even able to follow the examples while sitting in a chair reading the book - not even opening Photoshop! I can't say that about some other books I've read on this topic.
I strongly recommend this book to artists looking for tips and inspiration for using Photoshop!

I returned this book
I returned this book it was so bad.

The title is misleading. This book looks repurposed from another book by the author with just some new screen shots. The techniques in Photoshop are dated and don't correspond with current recommendations. Instead of using Version Cue or History or Layer Comps or a host of many of the new features, the author recommends lots of saves with different names. As one reviewer said, the CS3 on the title is a joke.

Although there is some useful information for absolute beginners on lighting, chapters detailing the personality and history of the character are not necessary for a book titled Digital Character Painting Using Photoshop CS3. I wanted techniques on painting the textures and creating realistic compositions, not rehashed Photoshop basics or tutorials I could find on the web.

rubbish
waste of time - you will learn more from the web - author spent more time going over literature to make the pages of his book seem fuller - trust me - avoid - the title of CS3 is so misleading - you would expect more from suchabold title.....

Message to the Author - try harder and be truthful to the readers .... over and out

Good Stuff
Great Book. Knowing some things about Photoshop beforehand will help with this book. He does give brief descriptions of the tools but his focus is on digital painting. Which is where this book shines. It is clearly written, shows different techniques and is very informative. One of the best how to books I've bought. It even beats some courses I have taken. If digital painting is what you want to learn more about, this is perfect.
Excellent book.

Digital Character Painting Using Photoshop CS3 (Graphics Series)
This is one of the best books ever, easy to understand,so informative,alot of sound knowledge,a real cut the the chase books,if you ever want to go to the next level"BUY THIS" Thank You for books like this! ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (2)

This book will be helpful
I have not had a chance to completely read this book.I have only been doing watercolors a year and a half.My present teacher is not an abstract painter.I know this book will help me move on and try new and different techniques with my paintings.The prints exciting and I am sure I will use this book in the future to punch up my painting style.Claire Harrigan is an inspiration.

abstract techinques
A lot of narrative so I needed to take the time to read it.Good information and beautiful, colorful pictures. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

Best primer for oil painters
I am taking a beginning oil painting class, where this book
was recommended as the best reference book available.I do
agree with that assessment.It is most helpful with information,
materials, techniques and sources. It's really great.

Excellent!
After almost 30 years I am ready to start painting again.I felt very lost and over whelmed when I went to restock my painting supplies.This book has been tremendously helpful, and I will be keeping it on hand to use as a reference.

Excellent book
This is the book I refer to most for how to actually handle paint. If you want to know about glazing, this is the book.The author goes into that in depth, discussing transparent versus opaque paint and the various mediums and providing examples with descriptions of what he did to achieve the effects. Very good overview of paints on the market, with discussion of the composition of the various brands, and of various mediums--includes alkyds and miscibles. Weak on the discussion of brushes--names the types, but does not go into the pros and cons of the bristle material--sable, mongoose, hog bristle, etc, and there is nothing about brands of brushes. Nothing to speak of about canvas panels, though there is discussion on wood and masonite panels. The author has a pleasant, direct writing style. Overall, this is a terrific book, I refer to it often.

Creevy's Oil Painting Book has Something for Everyone
Bill Creevy's The Oil Painting Book: Materials and Techniques for Today's Artist is really rather good. Very unassuming but really informative, it is pretty encyclopedic, too. It gives an overview and historical synopsis of twenty-two oil paint manufacturers from all over the world that includes each company's mission regarding oil paint manufacturing and strengths. It continues with valuable information on the characteristics of mediums and solvents and trade-products. It then offers rather unpretentious examples of the many differing styles that one may use to paint with oil based paint. The product information is useful for the advanced painter, and the instructional information, meanwhile, is useful for the experimenting beginner without trying to be a "how to paint" book.

Good material explanation; techniques section could be better
The book starts with an extensive explanation about oil painting materials; very complete and understandable.I liked it a lot, but I'm sure that many painters don't have much interest in so much information and theory. The section that describes all the different brands of oil paints is too long and doesn't really add value
The explanation about the techniques is good, but the examples are not really helpful.Bill Creevy has a particular painting style that is not really useful to be used in examples. ... Read more

Book Description
This is the perfect introductory kit for anyone who wants to learn the captivating art of Chinese brush painting. Inside is everything needed to get started, including a full-color project book filled with inspiration and ideas.

The project book begins with information on art tools and materials and then covers the basics, such as drawing techniques, composition, and color mixing. It also includes five complete Chinese brush painting lessons to follow and learn. Each project is accompanied by clear instructions, helpful tips, and step-by-step illustrations, all of which ensure successful results. Beginning artists will discover how easy it is to apply a variety of fundamental techniques, resulting in impressive works of art!

This kit makes an ideal gift because the paints are safe and easy to use, and the book teaches skills that can be applied for a lifetime. Most important, it allows everyone to discover the artist within themselves.

Kit includes:

Step-by-step project book

1 Ink stick

1 Ink stone

1 Brush rest

Two 7" Chinese paintbrushes

One 9" Chinese paintbrush

1 Ceramic water dish

5 Pan watercolor paints

6 Tube watercolor paints

5 Sheets watercolor paper ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Chinese Brush Painting: A Complete Painting Kit for Beginners
The book is very good, but the brushes are of poor quality.Most of the other supplies are good.I will have to replace one or two of the brushes to use this kit.

Everything you need to get started
This kit includes all of the items you need to get started.This kit, along with the book, The Chinese Brush Painting Bible:Over 200 Motifs with Step-by-Step Illustrated Instructions will make you proficient at Chinese Brush Painting.

Everything you need to paint...just add yourself
I was thrilled when I received my kit.It has everything you need to get started and specific details to help you along the way.In painting a flower, it even details how the brush stroke should look, which direction, how much pressure.All you need to complete a beautiful piece of art is yourself and some fun!Definitly recommend for beginners looking for help and ideas.

Can't beat it for the price
This kit is great.I bought it and the Brush Painting for Animals so that my kids (7 and 11) and I could do some art together.The inkstone, ink, paints and brushes are really cool, in the words of the 11 year old.The instructions are good, and all you really need to add is a pad of newsprint paper ($1.59 at Hobby Lobby).As an introductory kit, this is great.

Great stepping stone.
I took a class in Brush Painting years ago.This book is just what I needed to refresh and start painting again.The supplies were not the highest quaility but they get you started and the price is right.Once you start you will get hooked. ... Read more

Book Description
Clear Instruction from an Award-Winning Artist

*No other book provides such clear instruction for putting people into paintings *Watercolor and people is a can't-miss combo--the most popular medium with the most popular subject matter!

A lot of books teach artists how to draw portraits or figures, but this book takes that concept one step further, showing readers how to put those people into realistic scenes. It's never been easier to capture the essence of people, with:

*11 step-by-step watercolor demonstrations, featuring interiors, landscapes, cityscapes and more *Inspirational quotes to keep artists motivated and encourage them to put people they care about into their paintings *A look at all the basics: shapes, values, composition, color and watercolor techniques ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

EXCEPTIONAL Watercolor Instruction Book. BEAUTIFUL!
This book is mainly about watercolor painting.There is a lot of focus on how to simplify the complex, and determining values.It is an absolutely wonderful book to develop skills at value sketches and seeing the light and shadows.It is filled to the brim with valuable information, and it is also filled with stunning artwork by the author.
The teaching style and organization of the material taught is great.

The author/ artist has a talent for simplifying complex information. She also teaches the reader/ student artist how to take a complex scene that you want to paint and learn the methods of simplifying it.Some of this simplicity is based on exercises of being trained to see light and shadow and values.It is a unique book--I highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning to paint.It is not a basic beginner's how-to book, but can be very helpful to all levels of painters--especially in developing better skills at value sketches, and emphasizing light and shadow in your work.

The author's artwork is very inspiring.Her demonstrations are very clear and well-organized.The exercises are exceptionally well-taught, with illustrations that help you understand easily. She teaches you how to take black and white photos of a scene and make value sketches and interpret the light and shadow.The author explains that "figures are patterns of light and shadow". She demonstrates how this light and shadow is then used to put people in paintings, find a center of focus, set mood with color schemes, triads for fleshtones, etc..

I love the author's methods of explaining the painting process:An example is:
A demonstration on watercolor washes are taught in a simplified way called "watercolor laundry method"--basically, as in household laundry, learning to separate lights and darks, (i.e.painting lights first, letting it dry (hairdryer), then doing the darks.She then demonstrates how a series of washes over each other builds up the shadows and creates light.

This book definitely deserves 5 stars--it is one of the best watercolor teaching books that I own!It simplifies the difficult.

Help for the beginner to add figures to their paintings
The author gives good instruction on how to add figures to watercolor, using her own work as examples. The instructions go from basic palettes to value sketches and show demonstrations.

The author's style is quick and loose. This will seem less intimidating to beginners, who could be easily frustrated when they can't achieve some of the luminous and detailed results of a master.

The author's palette has great suggestions, such as transparent red oxide and yellow oxide, which are transparent versions of palette standards like Venetian Red and Yellow Ochre. But she does recommend alizarin crimson, which today is easily replaced by quinacridone rose or violet and which is less likely to fade. A quibble, but I feel alizarin crimson is better replaced by the quinacridone pigments these days. She shows mixing variation with red-yellow-blue, using manganese blue, but you should be aware this will be manganese hue.

The most valuable part of the book for beginners might be how to do value sketches, using black and white photos or rendering in digital software to see the darks and lights. She shows how dark shadows behind figures can be manipulated to add life and light to the painting--washing in a mix of brighter colors that still have the same value as the deep shadow, but are livelier and more pleasing to the eye.

The best paintings are the ones of Hart's father and his peach orchard. The peaches glow and the shadows on the face and under boxes and barrows are interesting. Her style is not tight and photographic, but it gets the message across beautifully. Any beginner who wants to try portraits and figures can benefit from this book.

amateur
The paintings in this book are amateur and uninspiring.It is a good book for a beginning watercolorist, as it offers a lot of the usual paint, paper, brushes advice, but the paintings themselves are less than exciting.

Awesome!
This book was amazing. I loved the pictures and it had very helpful information. I would definately recommend this book to anyone intersted in painting. The paintings were beautiful, this lady knows what she's doing! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (47)

Wonderful addition to any Artists library
I found this book a valuable addition to my library. As an Artist it proved to be a wonderful learning tool, with detailed explainations, examples, and a number of practical step by step learning project. It has added great depth to my paintings. I would recommend it to both experienced artist and beginners. Beautiful colour photos!!!

Excellent Book on Color
This is an excellent book for learning color theory.You can tell she loves teaching because she doesn't hold back.She is really trying to help you learn the concepts.She paints in an impressionist style, but her methods would work no matter what your style is.

I liked it
It just didn't motivate me like I wanted it to.... so I sold it.But, it does have some good steps to getting that impressionistic look.I suggest trying out the book by Susan Sarback, Capturing Radiant Color in Oils (Paperback)
ISBN: 1581800614.I've been on her website, and she has some remarkable paintings as well.

awesome
This discussed painting in a way I needed to hear. It was easy to work with and inspired ideas for me to try. Great book

Good source of info!
I learned so much from this book.I started painting about 3 years ago and I just painted a little bit more realistically and now I can actually paint in a more impressionist way!Very informing... satisfied + customer ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Antone
WOW!This is a book that must be the encaustic paint maker's bible.
Joanne Mattera has produced a book of reference for those artists wanting to explore the ancient art of encaustic painting.Her use of easy to relate reference material like the formulae of encaustic medium to the day to day collection of tools used to produced the art work, makes a newbie to this technique feel secure.
She covers the important issues of studio safety to the equipment.The questions and answers found on the working reference pages are very helpful and guide the reader towards the subject matter covered chapter by chapter.
She shares encaustic paintings from a huge range of contributing artists and this allows the reader to see the wide range of applications that encaustic painting adds to the visual arts.Joanne's vast painting experience shows through as she shares both her experiments along the encaustic journey to her leaving the door open for the new artist to "try new things for themselves."
For the artist trying encaustic painting for the very first time to the experienced encaustic painter, this book offers information for all.

Fantastic book for encaustic artists
I bought this book when I started painting with encaustic. It is FABULOUS. I look forward to her next book.

JD
This is a very comprehensive look at the art of encaustic painting. I recommend it to anyone interested in all aspects of this art form. If you are a beginner, like myself, then buy the book before buying any materials or equipment. It will give you all the information you need to proceed, including inspiration.

Great information.
For someone totally new to encaustic, this book is great!I am interested in encaustic painting and this book gave me tons of technical information regarding materials--wax, pigments, brushes, heat guns, etc.Additionally, it shows many different expressions in encaustic art: abstract paintings, representational paintings, sculptures....This book does not teach one HOW to paint, rather it highlights the materials and examples of encaustic works.This is a very informative, enjoyable book.

Great place to start exploring
This is a great introduction to the medium.I've painted with acrylics for a few years and wanted to experiment with encaustic.Mattera gives a simple but thorough overview of encaustic.After reading this book I felt I had the basic knowledge I needed to start and it has continued to guide and inspire my exploration.I definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in painting with wax. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (26)

Painting Animals On Rocks
I purchased this book for my father who loves to do painting and other art work as hobbies.The pictures and the descriptions are very good.I recommend this book.

Great Book
It is realy an art. I guess practice is what makes this rockslook beautiful.
You must love to paint, plus you need talent. At the end the time and effort is worthy. Get this book if you really feel a passion por painting animals in rocks.

Fun book
Fast shipping. Book smells like mildew.
Lots of good fun with this book.

Rock painting
Love this author. This book is outstanding. Can not wait to get started.

A VERY USEFUL BOOK.NOT MUCH TO NOT LIKE ABOUT THIS ONE!
I enjoyed this work from the moment I opened it.This book is not only "pretty," it is actually useful.The illustrations are perfect and uncomplicated.The text is easy to follow.Even someone with minimum artistic tallent, such as myself, can actually creat something quite pretty and eye catching. The author offers step by step instructions which even includes how to choose your rock.She gives examples of quite simple projects (like lady bugs), to more complex projects.I simply cannot see how you could go wrong owning and using this one.It has given me a lot of pleasure.Highly recommend this one! ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (3)

nice to have for a start painting water
it is good beginning book to start painting water, I am still trying the demos, however the demo about water in motion (like waves etc.) is too weak, it is mostly informative for puddles and still water. The demo of the pic at the cover page is the most I liked.

This is not how I want to paint moving water
I bought this book based on the cover illustration and the one existing review at the time I purchased the book.While evaluation of art and technique is subjective, my sense is that the author is considerably more skilled in painting still water than moving water, such as a seascape.His seacape watercolors seems to have been accomplished in a way that conveys mood but not competency in terms of technique to portray a realistic seacape (the fluidity and rolling of water).My suggestion is that one would be MUCH better served by getting a copy of "The Watercolorist's Essential Notebook- Landscapes" by Gordon MacKenzie (the best watercolor book I have) and looking at the section "Landscape Elements- Water,Sky and Land" beginning on page 59. Now THAT is how to paint water!

"Painting Water"--Refreshing!
As a watercolorist specializing in seascapes/waterscapes, I've read dozens of how-to books. "Painting Water" is the best of the genre and a joy to use. Joe Francis Dowden does an excellent job of presenting techniques and tips in an easy-to-understand, concise style. Where many other authors seem to omit key painting steps, Mr. Dowden is thorough and precise. His color demostrations rank among the best I've ever seen. In a mere 96 pages the author has given us an outstanding guide to the painting water all watercolorists should find invaluable. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

The Usborne Book of Face Painting
My Girl Scouts ages 8-12 had an awesome time practicing the face painting for the haunted house on Oct. 27 & 28 at the VFW Post 10211 in Key Largo, FLA. Thank you so much for offering such a book as the girls has no idea how to face paint and now they are prepared for almost anything!!! Cudos to you !!!!!! We wuld highly reccommend this face painting book to anyone young OR old that needs hints/help in the how-to's of face painting!!

easy to follow
I like the way the book is laid out and how simple the instructions are.

Never received it!
I cannot rate this item. This item was on backorder and I have never received it!

great book for the price!
I did the vampiress and japanese doll faces from this book on my daughter and friend. We made an errand to our local "clown store" and all the entertainers said how great they were. Those were just 2 of the fun face designs out of the book. The wicked reptile & colorful butterfly faces from this book are also very nice. There are over 40 faces!

Usborne Face Painting
Excellent for any birthday party or special event. Simple enough for the beginner but also interesting full face designs. Great book. ... Read more

Book Description
The complete how-to guide for turning faux, mural, and decorative painting skills into a viable, home-based career! Covering everything from the fundamentals of buying supplies to coping with the growing pains of a successful business, this essential sourcebook provides a wealth of tested tips and techniques on such crucial topics as getting referrals, buying insurance, building a portfolio, dealing with supply stores, evaluating job sites, negotiating prices, interviewing clients, and much more! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

***This book delivers on it's Title!***
Is your question, "After reading this book, will I be able to start and run a successful business doing decorative painting"?

My opinion? This book follows through on what it promises! The focus here is learning how to start a business in Faux Painting/ Murals, and make money in the Decorative Arts Trade. This book gives facts, and proven successful business practices and technique, needed by Right Brainers, Artists, and those blessed with Creative Genius. If you need some help with how to go from being a hobby artist, to making real money with your talent, Rebecca has written your instruction manual. This book will save you time, money, and a ton of first time business owner headaches!

Rebecca's book (manual), puts Art and Business together in an easy to read format. It can springboard the Artist/ budding Business-Person into starting a viable business with their artwork.

I found this book easy to understand, well written, clear, and to the point. It will appeal to Artists who want to take their Art to the next level; start a business, market your art, and make money selling it! Don't we all want to do what we love and have the money follow?This book can make it happen for you!

No more starving artists!
I have been painting murals and doing faux finishing, decorative paint, etc. for 11 years myself, and this is the first book that isn't laden with pretty pictures...it has the nuts and bolts of a business.When I started out professionally in this business I was 19 and had no idea how to run a successful business.Sure, I could paint anything I was asked, but that's not how you become a success, alone.Understanding the labor and customer service skills required, the marketing techniques and time management, those are the pitfalls of many artists, like myself. I learned the game as I went, but I made many mistakes.Reading this book gave me some clarity on my own business issues, and gave me some insight on how to tackle them.Most of us looking into purchasing this book are talented artists of some sort, usually people like us aren't the type to run a business too well, until you learn the ropes.Ever heard of a starving artist?WIth this book you will no longer be one!

Amazing!
The first thing I learned from this book is that I'm NOT ready to start my own faux/mural painting business!! This book is chuck full of information from someone that has been there. The author really explains scenarios well, and prepares you for, from what I can tell, every situation. In the back of the book she provides sample forms, and check lists, etc. I really feel that this is a true gift for anyone interested in this field. Even people that have been doing it for a few years might get some good tips here. Great job!

Very good book
I bought this book for my brother who is an artist and he loves the book.

Excellent
I read and re-read this book then handed it over to my sales and marketing manager.A MUST for a faux business owner. ... Read more

Book Description
This is the only title on the market that gives readers a comprehensive look at negative painting. Linda Kemp shows beginning and advanced artists how to harness the power of these often overlooked areas around a painting's focal point.

The book is brimming with easy-to-follow, interactive elements, including:
*Step-by-step techniques, exercises and projects
*Do-it-yourself tests and worksheets
*Troubleshooting suggestions and secrets
*Straightforward diagrams for color and design

Whether they want to paint florals, landscapes or patterns in nature, readers will come away with the skills they need to make their next work more striking than ever! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

A true creative guide
This is truly one of the best tutorial and creative books written on how to paint with watercolors.Linda Kemp is a visionary artist and her work resonates her masterful accomplishments.It's hard to combine the technical aspects of picture making while nurturing the creative elements of painting.Linda shows the reader how to do both. She takes the student on a fundamental learning guide with her work that is understandable and achievable.She does not ignore the importance of composition and color in picture making and the book illustrates many useful design concepts that are important in picture making.Many watercolor books are filled with pretty pictures, Linda Kemp's book is a look into an accomplished body of work as well as a useful reference book for both beginner and experineced painters.A real treasure for the artist's library.

colorful approach to composition
some author/artists have a unique ability to provide the right image and word picture to illustrate a concept.This artist & this book demonstrate that particular talent.It is an inspiring book that will cause your palms to itch with anticipation for an opportunity to try the ideas for yourself.

Wonderful way to paint!
At first I was afraid of negative painting, but now, it is so relaxing and the outcoming is always delightfully surprising!

Really good information!
This book has helped me learn to use more paint, more water, loosen up my paintings, and go back in and paint around "found" interesting things.... I love it!

Great addition
I love Linda Kemp's concepts and have enjoyed trying new techniques.Good pictures and easy guidelines to follow to see your own styles emerge. ... Read more

Book Description
Thread painting adds dimension to quilting that cannot be achieved with fabric and appliqu alone. Thread painting is an exciting avenue for immortalizing these images in a lasting, tangible memory. Plus, it can add texture, character, and a bit of spark to your quilting. It is not necessary to be an accomplished artist or even an advanced embroiderer or quilter to be successful with this technique. Results are effective almost immediately at a beginner level. Through Nancy's tulle sandwich method, a minimal amount of effort and practice is all it takes to achieve lovely results. This technique allows the flexibility to design and create in any size and configuration desired. Not only can it be used in wallhangings, but also on vests and jackets, greeting cards, crazy quilt embellishment, pillows, memory books, and much more. Design elements taken from wallpaper can be transferred to pillowcases, dust ruffles, tablecloths, or napkins. The possibilities are endless. REVIEW: Aie Rossmann's Affairs of the Heart is also a winner for all skills levels. Aie Rossmann's applique, guide blends flowing designs with vivid color schemes and almost 40 blocks linked by a heart motif. Choose this for any loving gift for Valentine's Day presentation, accenting the result with the scrolls and scallops recommended within for border accents. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

A structured approach to thread painting
Nancy Prince is well known for her tutorials in thread painting. This book, in the spiral bound Quilt Savvy series, gives clear instructions on how to do thread painting of both small areas on the quilt, and larger ones, based on tulle and added later. There are five exercises/ mini-quilts you can make to practise all of Nancy's suggested techniques. These tell you exactly what areas to do in which colour threads.

The only thing that would improve it, for me, would be some examples of different amounts or styles of thread painting on the same task, so you could evaluate how much or how little to do.

Good book for the beginner
This is a good,orimer, easy to use.The binding helps to keep the book open next to your machine.

All you need to know...
This book is an excellet reference book and a great place to begin if you have any interest at all in thread painting. It clearly explains each step, has fantastic projects that will quickly build your confidence in this technique! I love the fact it's spiral bound and is such a handy size that it's very practical. With many detailed photos and very clear instructions you can't go wrong with this book!

An excellent book for thread painting
This is an excellent book for someone wanting to learn how to do thread painting
It starts at the very beginning and, using pictures, words, and diagrams, leads
you through the process.It includes four sample projects that are small enough
to be managable, but complex enough to test all the skills described.I recommend
it highly.

Very beautiful!
Interesting, profit to the beginners and the experts,manageable,
good explanations, very beautiful! ... Read more

Book Description
When Lily Brown paints, her world starts to change . . .

trees wear hats and drink tea, people walk upside down, and apples sing all the way home from the store.

It's Lily Brown's world, and it's wondrous.

A little paint and a lot of love bring imagination to life in this captivating picture book. Angela Johnson's lyrical writing compliments E. B. Lewis' delightful watercolors. This book marks a different approach for E. B. Lewis' artwork as his images imitate the great artists, such as Van Gogh and Matisse.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

This story was inspired by the author's own appreciation for art.
Angela Johnson and E.B. Lewis' LILY BROWN'S PAINTINGS tells of Lilly Brown, who paints her world and by doing so, changes it with her fantasy images. From singing apples to trees wearing hats, this story was inspired by the author's own appreciation for art.

LilyCreates
Lily Brown is a happy child living in her small world with her parents and baby brother. Her world expands enormously when she paints pictures, however. She paints stars that come down to earth, trees that drink tea , phone-using alligators, and anything she can conjure from her vivid imagination. While she is painting, she is the true artist for whom reality disappears, butshe always delights in returning to the warm embrace of her family.


The author successfully speaks to young readers about the feelings of all artists when they are in the thrall of creative experience - not an easy theme. The watercolor double-page spreads by the illustrator not only capture the essence of the child's paintings, he playfully pays tribute to the paintings of a number of great artists who have influenced him.Large themes in a beautiful, accessible , different picture book.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

I continue to come back to this book
I bought this book years ago and I continue to come back to this book years later.It's full of good and useful information.Kessler lays out the basics well and provides good solid information for constructing good landscape painting. Her book is a great reference for when I run into problems or am not sure of what I'm seeing when I'm painting.Kessler and John Carlson are the two best books on painting landscapes that I found.

Painting Better Landscapes
On my feedback I had entered the feedback for the wrong book, my apologies, please. This book does have a lot of great information and gives details using great techniques.

Painting better landscapes
Well written text, for advanced artist as well as the beginner. Kessler explains her topics very well. She uses a lot of earth tones in most of her paintings, but any artist can adjust the color range to suit their taste.

ESPECIAL PARA ARTISTAS AVANZADOS - SPECIAL FOR ADVANCED ARTISTS
Este libro es estupendo para mejorar tu pintura, tanto seas novato como avanzado, pero especialmente es útil si llevas tiempo pintando, creo que está orientado especialmente para superarte en lo que ya haces. Te hace ver la técnica a seguir, desde que empiezas a inspirarte en una fotografía y su interpretación, la combinación de colores empleados, la mejor composición, profundidad, la forma de trazar con el pincel, y muchas recomendaciones más para superarte en lo ya llevas haciendo un tiempo atrás, como es mi caso. Recomendable para todos.
AVISO PARA AMAZON.COM: Soy español y hecho de menos que tengais un apartado especial para saber las publicaciones en mi idioma. Todos los libros que he comprado los hubiera disfrutado más si estuvieran traducidos al español.

This book is marvellous to improve your painting, so much be raw as(like) advanced, but specially it is useful if you go time doing(painting), I believe that it is orientated specially to excel yourself in what already you do. It makes you see the technology(skill) to continuing, since you start inspiring by a photography and its interpretation, the combination of used colors, the best composition, depth, the way of planning with the paintbrush, and many recommendations more rides to excel yourself in already doing a time behind, since it is my case. Advisable for all.

I WARN FOR AMAZON.COM: I am Spanish and a fact of less than a special paragraph to know the publications in my language. All the books that I have bought had been enjoyed by me more if they were translated into the Spanish.THANKS.

Paainting Better Landscapes
A very good explanation of design components for landscapes, i.e., what canvas sizes mean, how to set up the composition, nature's colors, etc.She has a "formula", which makes her paintings all look very similar, but the information she reveals is worth the read. I have referred to it again and again, for ideas and help. The only criticism is of her work itself - I found it boring, constantly repeating themes and subjects and styles. But aside from that, it is a great resource, especially for a rookie, who hasn't yet gotten their act together.. ... Read more

Book Description
Modern art, filled with complex themes and subtle characteristics, is a wonder to view, but can be intimidating for the casual observer to comprehend. In this accessible, practical guide, author and instructor Jon Thompson explores more than 200 works, helping readers to unlock each painting’s meaning.

Beginning with the Barbizon school and the Realist movement of the mid-19th century and continuing through the 1980s avant-garde, artists including Bonnard, Basquiat, Van Gogh, Picasso, Degas, Warhol, and Whistler are featured. Thompson describes each artist’s use of media and symbolism and provides insightful biographical information. A natural companion to Abrams’ How to Read a Painting, this book is a vibrant, informative trip through one of art history’s most compelling periods. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Fantastic for art experts and novices!!!
The most entertaining and informative art history book I've ever read. Recommended for those interested in art, history, psychology, even science (looking at questions like 'how do we see?'). For one who already knew and loved visual art, it re-explained the 'modern' era of painting from it's earliest origins. In essentially chronological order, important paintings are "de-constructed", along with the lives of the artists who painted them. Thompson explores the socio-political, philosophical contexts of the times and places where modern art evolved. Also, Thompson reveals the how and why of the techniques and theories (color theory in particular) which drove the modern movement. All this.... and it's really fun. I didn't want it to end!

interesting details
this is a great resource for teachers of art and art history. Thompson digs out some great details that I havent come across elsewhere ... Read more

Book Description
Known for its simplicity and fluidity of line, traditional Chinese watercolors capture the essence of natural objects with a profound, unmatched beauty. Renowned artist Lian Quan Zhen shows newcomers how to paint in this loose, liberating style through a series of basic demonstrations.

Chinese Painting Techniques for Exquisite Watercolors:

* Combines classic Chinese painting principles with Western watercolor methods for breathtaking results

* Features 12 step-by-step mini-demonstrations covering everything from brushstrokes to composition

* Combines the use of ink and watercolor

Following Zhen's unique watercolor methods, artists will learn to paint entire compositions based on classic Chinese watercolor subjects, including flowers, birds and fish. Mini-demos ensure that artists will successfully render every detail, including eyes, scales, feathers, beaks, petals and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Chinese PaintingTechniques...and Love is in the Earth: Laying of stones...
I want to know where is my two (2) books that I bought last month, in 01/07/2008:
1 - Chinese PaintingTechniques for exquesite watercolors
2 - Love is in the Earth: Laying of stones (Crystals and New Age)

A Unique and Exciting Watercolor Book
I really love this book.One of the reasons I like it is that it is so unique.It is not really a book for a beginner watercolorist, but I am somewhat at the beginner level, tried some of the exercises, and had a lot of fun even if they didn't turn out exactly as I had hoped.I also have Zhen's DVD of Painting Animals in Watercolor.His cheerful and unique mannerisms on the DVD helped me enjoy his books even more.One of the exercises I tried in this book involved actually POURING the watercolor paint onto the paper and letting it mix.It didn't turn out exactly perfect, and when I started doing it, I didn't feel like I knew what I was doing, but in the end, I had a beautiful effect and felt that I had a lot of fun that was different from other watercolor books I've learned from.

Zhen has a lot to teach in this book.Some paintings are done on rice paper and some of regular cold press.I really love this beautiful book.The DVD isfabulous also.

A beautiful presentation, but
It wasn't much help beyond some technicalities of brush work and some reproductions of the artist's work.Okay for a pretty intro. and some history.If your goal is to reproduce someone else's paintings, this book does that; but I want to create my own so Chinese Brush Painting: A Beginner's Guideby Pauline Cherrett, actually gives directions: on how to care for your tools, how to compose your own paintings, how to make your paintings vibrant with energy and spirit, with enough "what not to do's" to be truly a useful beginners guide.I don't understand the 5 star ratings on this book.As to technical brush work; Chinese Calligraphy Made Easy: A Structured Course In Creating Beautiful Brush Lettering by Rebecca Yue; gives wonderful step by step directions for brush work that transfers to painting everything else.

Exquisite watercolors?A Simply Excuisite Book!

The title "Chinese Painting Techniques for Exquisite Watercolors" is, by all accounts, an understatement! Of the countless dozens of art technique books I've read over the years, this one is by far the most captivating, beautiful and unique.

Rarely have I ever been this impressed by a book on any topic, let alone one on art techniques, of which I'm generally rather critical. I'm so used to art books that leave too much information lacking, are unoriginal, show sloppy technique, or simply cannot keep my interest, that this book left me salivating for more!It is truly an exception!

The author, Lian Quan Zhen brings to life an interesting blending of Chinese painting techniques and Western watercolor methods to create a style of painting that is simply, well... exquisite!

The author begins by covering the basic tools and techniques of Chinese painting, from materials and supplies, to mounting of completed paintings. He covers the difference between Chinese paints and watercolor paints, painting in ink, and even shows the *correct* way to hold a paint brush!

Zhen goes on to give one of the best explanations of effective painting composition that I've seen yet. He covers everything from linear perspective and establishing the focal point of your painting (which he refers to as 'establishing priority'), to geometric organization of objects in arcs, circles, triangles, rectangles and s-shapes, and provides clear examples of each.

Next, the author beautifully conveys the three basic styles of Chinese painting, which he identifies as "detail-style" (gongbi), "spontaneous" style, and a blending of the two which he simply calls "half-detail, half-spontaneous," and throughout the book he gives many beautiful examples, and techniques for creating each of them.

Through the rest of the book, Zhen shares the creation of many beautiful compositions, not only in Chinese ink, but also in watercolor using many of the techniques he uses in his Chinese paintings, and showing how the two different methods can be used to create very original, beautiful works of art.

I cannot recommend this book more to anyone with an interst in watercolor, but I must warn that once you see this book, its very likely you will be equally drawn to Chinese painting.

As for myself, and my growing addiction to Chinese painting techniques, I've now traded in several hundred dollars for a plethora of Chinese art supplies, and I couldn't be happier!!

Many thanks to Lian Quan Zhen, for sharing his uniquely beautiful approach to painting with the rest of us, and for introducing me to a brand new way of looking at a blank sheet of paper, particularly xuan paper!

Fabulous Book!
I am a beginner watercolorist and I found this book to be a great help! It is so easy to understand and follow. ... Read more

Book Description
Artists constantly tell us that they need guidance for rendering skin tones in their portraiture. This book helps them overcome this elusive challenge by providing a clear set of easy-to-follow principles for painting a variety of skin tones in three major mediums--oil, pastel and watercolor.The first chapter is rooted in the basics, showing artists how to recognize and use the five major elements of painting: drawing, value, color, composition and edges. From there, artists learn how to work with light, shadow and color to effectively capture the beautiful skin tones of various ethnic groups, including Caucasian, Asian, African-American and Hispanic.Next, artists discover how to execute the principles learned, using detailed instruction for color selection, mixing and application. Four mini-demos, three long demos and many examples illustrate the lessons.Artists will benefit from advice on shooting and choosing photographs to paint, how to edit their compositions and work past their limitations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (25)

Found the way
Great work for painters...

The book was ordered to find out what I did wrong in painting portraits in oil. Clearly instructed by the book I now improved my skills dramatically, especially painting eyes... with the look of love.

Not as useful as I had hoped
I happen to think the pictures in this book are beautiful.I wish I could achieve the same level of competence with color.By buying the book, I hoped to improve my ability to quickly make sound color choices, but try as I have, I just can't get the needed information from this book.I have purchased quite a few books on painting, and some have really helped me.The really frustrating thing is that it's obvious she knows what she's doing, but equally obvious she has a hard time communicating it.

If you already understood the topic, I'm sure you would get some comforting reassurance from seeing that which you have grasped reaffirmed. If you are not already a good artist, it's pure misery to try and figure out what she is saying.I have read every word and studied every picture in some cases 3 to 5 times, and I have taken little away.

I'm sure that if she were watching me paint, I would eventually understand what she is teaching, but I was not able to get much from the book.I did enjoy looking at the pictures, but the text is pure torture.

A need for an oil painter.
A very excellent reference book.A must for a novice painter.

Painting Beautiful Skin Tones: One of the Most Misleading Titles Ever
I agree with several of the previous reviewers. I believe that some of the writing on skin tones offers great insight. I also believe that most of the portraits in the book are garish at best. If there were Sears Portrait Studios around before the invention of photography there is no doubt that their portraits would look like these paintings. I would even be okay with that if it weren't for the fact that the book does not even begin to discuss skin tone until halfway through the book. I would say that 1/5 of the book is actually about skin tone. The rest of the book is just like any other beginners How-To. The basics of painting. Unfortunately there is little about skin tone.

Painting Beautiful Skin Tones a must for the portrait painter
This book is excellent. Well written, easy to follow. An abundance of information. Good color information and color wheels. I refer to this book in the planning stage of each portrait. ... Read more

Book Description
This book takes you outside the studio and walks you through the museum of life. This full color book combines traditional texture creation principles with digital texturing techniques to enhance your scenes and animations. In the first half of the book, you will learn about the history of textures in fine art and in the second half, how to apply these principles to your 2D and 3D digital scenes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

What More CG Books Need to Be
As a well-versed member of the "Google Images & Clone Stamp" school of texturing, I know full well that knowing all the technical ins and outs of a program doesn't guarantee good results. A strong grounding in fundamental art principles is needed to make proper use of all the technical bells & whistles.

It can be said that Digital Texturing & Painting is too art-heavy, but it's such a critical aspect of good CG that's either glossed over or omitted in other books. Being able to break down & understand all the many elements of a texture so it can be recreated and controlled is of the utmost importance. And learning how to go beyond photos and start working with the infinitely unique number of real world textures you can find or create adds new levels to your texturing work.

The art-based sections as well as the more technical preparation section are geared toward making you think about every aspect of the work and how best to execute it, rather than creating bland textures that have been done a thousand time before.

Although the specific texturing examples are rather short, the author covers the basics of several texturing methods. NURBS, polygons, using projections, using 3D paint software, tiling textures, using Illustrator, using Photoshop, making & scanning in real world objects or just making things from scratch. And the included CD has the PSD files for you to poke around in a figure out how the maps are put together.

Digital Painting & Texturing has the breadth & depth to be a helpful book for texture artists of all levels.

Excelent
This book really takes texturing to a new level. You'll never walk around looking at the things the same way you did.

It describes intensely how to dissect and evaluate a surface, with interesting practical methods to re-create it.

Must read for people who seriously wants to learn about texturing.

Useful Book, Mostly an Art Book not a CG Book
This is a useful book, written by an experienced artist. Most of the book was really about art itself, how to see and notice details in real life the way an artist would. Only the last chapter really got into specifics about painting textures in Photoshop or specific types of maps.

If you want a book where most of it tells you how to think like an artist, then this is for you. If you wanted a book that went into more detail about how to unwrap UVs on a model or specific texture painting techniques, you'd be dissapointed.

This book is WonderfulA+ + + recommended
I loves this book. It has truly taight me how to see texture and how to bring digital painting to life. This book will help you in all areas of art which can be used in real life painting, digital painting, 3D art and more. I f you need help Understanding how to get your art to that realism point then this book is defintly for you 100%.

You can only gain and loose nothing by reading this book-

3d modeling help
The book brought up some options that I didn't think of before. and help with some of my class work. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (36)

Problem solving for oil painters
An excellent clearly written informative book. Will be much referred to and treasured for many years. Thankyou Mr. Kreutz

Not that great
I wanted a comprehensive book on oil colors this is more about the basics then anything else.

good for basics or beginners
ok for beginners and those who paint in an impressionistic style. could focus a bit more on materials. some good basic tips.

Great Foundational and Advanced Book
I'm a professional in the business and make my living as an artist.This book is a wonderful reference and is always close by on the shelf.The work in it is excellent and the principles are straight forward as well as solving lots of the problems artists and painters encounter.Love it and recommneded it many times over.

Pretty good
He has many good suggestions.I re-read it and got some good ideas from him. ... Read more