Product Description
Depict the spidery delicacy of sycamore branches outlined against a brilliant sky. Capture the feeling of dawn creeping over the horizon. Interpret the drama of waves surging toward the shore. The Big Book of Painting Nature in Oil provides 135 stimulating demonstrations in painting trees, skies, and water from beautiful photographs by one of the world’s leading nature photographers. This book will be invaluable to landscape artists. The 600 magnificent illustrations and engaging text cover the entire range of oil painting techniques and give the artist in-depth instruction in painting beautiful images of the natural world in all seasons, weather, geographical variety, and at every time of day. Many of the lessons are followed by assignments designed to help you apply what you have just learned to new situations.

The Big Book of Painting Nature in Oil is a must for everyone who wants to master the techniques for becoming a first-rate landscape painter. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

Great book
I am very happy with this book.It is one that I used to get from the library all the time and then decided that it made sense to buy it and use it as sort of a referance book. I have done many of the paintings from it and have found it very useful.Not all are great but working your way through them you can not help but learn.

Abundant demonstrations
Perhaps the strongest point in this book is repetition of the artist's sequence of steps for each painting. For a novice painter, getting the sequence right saves a lot of frustration later. There are close to 400 pages of color demonstrations, most demos spanning 2-4 pages, organized by trees, skies, and water - along with a bit of everything else that makes up a landscape (hills, cabins, animals, etc.). The many landscape reference photos are well chosen and rather striking, and the demo paintings are pretty accurate representations of the photos, although not detailed enough for realism.Many scenes appear to be taken along the length of the American Rocky Mountains, but also with a fair number from both coasts, southwest, and midwest. Very little of this book is devoted to tools and materials (7 pages), color mixing (5 pages), and brushwork (7 pages), but that's enough for the techniques demonstrated here. For a more comprehensive book on painting techniques, one of my favorites remains The Complete Painting Course: A Guide to Techniques in Oils, Watercolors and Acrylics. See my other reviews for other suggestions.

Great Book
This is a great book. Filled withhundreds of color illustrations. Step by step instructions. Just looking at the way he paint the picture is very helpful. I have only looked through the book (not started to read or follow the instructions) and I have already learned many important things. Probably not for first time painters.

Covers it all!
This book approaches the problems a painter will have with quick, easily understood examples. It presents subjects from simple to complex. A real asset to any hopeful painter's bookshelf.

Worth Owning, Addresses Issues Eencountered in Painting Landscapes
This book explains how to solve problems encountered in painting landscapes. Gives a photo and painting example to show the problem and solution. Schaeffer's problem solving techniques help me capture the beauty of what I see and experience outside and in the studio. No need to copy someone else's work. Great book. It's a keeper. ... Read more

Product Description
Unlock your digital artistic talent with Corel Painter 11, the industry standard for pixel-based drawing and painting. Digital Painting Fundamentals with Corel Painter 11 provides step-by-step instructions for using the basic features of Painter 11 along with a Wacom graphics tablet. Created for artists by artists, Painter 11 realistically emulates the look of traditional painting and drawing in any style you choose. You?ll start with simple sketching exercises immediately, to acquire and sharpen essential skills such as eye-hand coordination and drawing what you see. As you develop familiarity with Painter?s wide array of brushes and art materials, you?ll be introduced to traditional art concepts such as composition, line quality, contrast, and focal points. Projects ranging from still life and landscape studies to portraits and abstract painting will help you practice and master each new skill, and the book is full of images that illustrate every technique as you progress through it. Whether you are a new artist or an experienced artist who wants to apply your skills to the digital medium, this book will help you get the hang of Painter 11?s tools and features, as well as hone and perfect your painting and drawing fundamentals, skills that can be applied to any artistic medium. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

What a cheat....not book...Amazon!
Bought this book thinking how great it would be to use in with my Kindle for PC...bought it and found I could not download it to Kindle for PC only for my Kindle. This is not a book you want to read on the Kindle...I love my Kindle and love reading on it, but it sucks for this kinda book.

I feel really ripped off!

Not what it says
To say I was disappointed with this book is an understatement.If you are looking for a book that has instructions on the basic elements of *drawing* then this book will be fine.However, I purchased this book to get instructions on how to use the tools in the program.That is not what I got. Yes, there are some basic tool explanations but there is nothing that covers the important special features in this program.The majority of this book is an art lesson, not a program guide.There isn't even an explanation of the types of tools/effects (i.e. fundamentals) that this program can do.Honestly, they should change the title of this book to, Corel 11 for people who have never drawn a picture.

a sad excuse for instruction
My guess is that the people who wrote the 5-star reviews, and perhaps even the 4-star reviews, were, like the author of the book, commissioned by Corel to hype the product. The book is all about the glorious properties of Painter 11 brushes and nothing about how to access them. When you launch the application, the brushes are not there, and the book contains not a word about how to get them from your hard disc into the program so you can use them. The writing seems directed at an audience who knows everything about using a computer but nothing about art or painting that a novice doesn't already know. I was very very disappointed with this book, but then, I've been painting for most of may life. Don't throw your money away on this volume of useless, commercially-commissioned hype.

Excellent Book
If you are new to Painter 11, (as I am), this is an excellent book to get you going. It's easy to follow, and provides software how too's as well. Can't go wrong with this intro book.

A great teaching text
Refreshingly, this is not another agonizingly detailed trip through all the menus and buttons of the application. The book is focused on (gasp) actually making paintings. With the furnished data files and friendly writing, Rhoda Grossman walks you through the creation of several paintings, all the while nudging you to add your own personality to the work.

I've bought several Painter books over the years, and this is easily the best. You can learn the mechanics of the program from the help included with Painter. Grossman's book gets you going on the actual creative work--which is probably why you bought Painter to begin with. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

Watercolor instruction
After just 2 lessons, I feel like an artist!This book gives clear instructions that result in your success.I'm loving this book.

Novice to intermediate watercolorist
This book serves as a good guide for those without extensive experience.Since painters frequently work from photographs, it gives guidance in how to approach a photo subject.The photos are also top notch, so that helps.

Excellent Reference to Painting in Watercolor
Truely an art instruction book without cutesy gimmicks and tricks but plenty of serious, usable content.
This book is loaded with reference photos of natural subjects, landscapes, skies, trees and step by step of how to paint them. There is a basic review of materials for painting in watercolor and color theory, a suggested palette, and a review of basic watercolor techniques. It is a big heavy book and the table of contents is descriptive, making images and lessons easy to find. I can't find anything wrong with this volume. There are plenty of valuable lessons, tips and resources inside which I would consider essential for anyone wanting to add to their watercolor painting skills.

Wonderful book.
This is a wonderful book on painting landscapes in watercolor.I went through this book copying each painting that appealed to me and now can paint landscapes, skies, water, trees,weather...everything that please me.I can't explain it.Magic.

The Big Book of Paihnting Nature in Watercolor
The book is informative - very helpful!! I know it will be one book I refer to often. ... Read more

Product Description
*Features birds and flowers--both perennially favorite subjects--in bright colors and stunning settings
*Fine artists, leisure painters, and decorative painters alike love author’s timeless and realistic style
*Teaches all the basic skills from brush loading and blending to creating shape and texture

The follow up to the bestselling Painting Garden Birds, this book is aimed at beginning oil painters but contains vivid examples that will attract even the most advanced artists. Master decorative painter Sherry C. Nelson provides 15 step-by-step projects, each highlighting a specific feature of the songbird, a variety of poses, and tips on capturing the flowers and foliage unique to the bird’s habitat.Included are everyone’s most beloved songbirds: blue jays, sparrows, doves, and more--all accented with lady bugs, butterflies, and other cute insects." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Birds in Art
I bought this book on a whim and it has proved more valuable in the long run.I live in Amarillo, Texas and the author lives in New Mexico.This show many of the birds I see daily and enhances my watercolors.

Painting Songbirds
"Beautiful" another book from this author that has been well thought out, easy to read instructions, the love of what she paints shines through her pictures in this book.Money well spent on this book.

Beautiful results . . .
I purchased this book because of its absolutely beautiful conception of birds.I planned to paint them not in oils or in acrilics like shown, but in watercolors.The results were more than satisfactory and the directions made this painting so enjoyable.Anyone who paints in any medium would enjoy having this book added to the "artist's library" of references!

Another excellent Sherry Nelson Book
I have several Sherry Nelson books and they are the best books in my art library.They are very informative, clear and concise.
I highly recommend the books.

Great author/painter--great book
Sherry C. Nelson has written another great book on painting birds.Her easy to follow instructions enable even a novice to create beautiful works of art. ... Read more

Product Description

Paint a World of Beautiful Butterflies

Delicate, majestic and diverse, the butterfly is an eternal source of inspiration and wonder. Now you can learn to capture the radiant beauty and delicate details of the world’s most spectacular butterfly species in glowing oil paintings. Renowned artist and teacher Sherry C. Nelson takes you on a global expedition featuring more than 50 captivating butterflies for you to paint, study and admire—all in an easy-to-use reference-book format.

You can do it! Sherry makes painting butterflies achievable with simple steps, visual examples, and clear instructions. Starting with the basics, you’ll learn how to transfer designs, select and mix colors, and create a range of harmonious backgrounds. Next, Sherry guides you from start to finish through 54 step-by-step demonstrations for painting butterflies, moths and flowers of all sizes, shapes and colors.

Each butterfly is painted in a vignette featuring flowers and foliage that are part of its native habitat or food source. Sherry also includes crisp reference photos and traceable line drawings that allow you to paint the demos exactly as they are, or you can incorporate them into your own paintings of the natural world. The creative possibilities are up to you. With this guide, you can capture your most beloved butterflies with skill and satisfaction. No net required!

www.artistsnetwork.com

Ideas. Instruction. Inspiration.

Customer Reviews (4)

Butterflies & Blooms
This is a very good and informative book for painting butterflies.The vendor shipped this book very fast.Would buy from them again.

A lovely step-by-step process packed with visual examples and basic directions
Painting Butterflies & Blooms offers a lovely step-by-step process packed with visual examples and basic directions for transferring designs and painting butterflies, flowers and moths of all colors and sizes. Each butterfly is painted showing foliage part of its native habitat and reference photos and design specs abound, making this a top presentation.

Disappointed in the layout of the book - not the content
I have purchased quite a few of Sherry Nelson's other books and found them excellent. This book I found disappointing. The diagrams of the intricate parts of the butterfly body and wing might have been fine for a butterfly anatomy class - but not an art painting book. But I could have ignored that if, on each instruction page, they had put a straight line from the part of the butterfly wing or butterfly body the author was referring to and the text describing how to paint that area.

Unfortunately, they did not do that! Instead, the reader was expected to thumb back to the labeled butterfly diagram in the front of the book, just so you could understand each painting instruction. That was a total turn off for me. I was also disappointed on the size of the butterfly images inside the book. Had they been larger it would have been a lot easier to follow the instructions on how to paint that area. I have enormous respect for Sherry Nelson as an artist and a teacher. I think it is a shame the book was laid out in a way that was not what I would call 'user-friendly'

Appreciating and understandingnature
If you love butterflies and flowers, you will love this book. Sherry will show you how to paint,using easy to understand demos,explaining in detail how to achieve satisfying results.Identifying the different species up-close will bring the reader a better understanding of these lovely creatures. You will agree that her years of painting experience and study of nature has made her an expert because Sherry always goes beyond the obvious. This is a beautiful reference and instuctional manual.







... Read more

Product Description
Masters of Water-Colour Painting is presented here in a high quality paperback edition. This popular classic work by H. M. Cundall is in the English language. If you enjoy the works of H. M. Cundall then we highly recommend this publication for your book collection. ... Read more

Product Description
Mural Painting Secrets for Success will give readers the tools they need to paint fantastic murals following the latest trends, including holographic metallics, 3-D effect paints and stained concrete. In addition to the 23 step-by-step demonstrations, a gallery of more than 20 inspirational photos will serve as idea-starters for readers and their clients. Ambitious readers will be able to follow the author's expert advice on running a successful mural painting business including how to network and market, negotiate contracts and pricing and work effectively with clients. Contributing artists have offered their own advice and testimonials as additional inspiration. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Inspiring
I really enjoy this book because it encompasses both the business and artistic aspects of murals. I find it inspirational because it is filled with advice and techniques from many different successful artists! I wish it was able to dive further into specific materials and techniques, but I understand that they can only share so much!

mural and faux how-tos
Well written book.Not a complete how-to-guide but excellent samples and advice.Definitely recommend.

An Informative Book For Creative Artists
This is the book for artists who already have knowledge in the Fine Arts. The book, 'Mural Painting Secrets For Success', provides facts about specific projects created by working artists. Educated fine artists are able to adapt these techniques to their own creative artwork. Mural painting requires expensive materials. If you are a creative fine artist with education and experience, who is interested in this field, purchase the book. The book is well written. Purchase 'Mural Painting Secrets For Success' if you are an educated, experienced fine artist with an interest in expanding into the field of mural painting.

mural painting has inspiration gallore
I have about every faux and mural painting books that amazon carries, and this is one of my favorites.It's full of refreshing inspiration for the person that is looking for some new direction for their painting and decorating.

Down To Earth Advice
I am a full time mural artist, however, I do not have my business all put together yet. I purchased "Mural Painting: Secrets For Success" because I am trying to get my hands on any information that will help me start and build my business. This book has been an incredible tool for me because it gives insightful words of wisdom from professionals who have been there themselves. I was pleasently surprised to read the humble beginnings of the showcased artists, as well as their down to earth, practical advice. The second half of the book privides useful painting tips and pictures of the artists work. I HIGHLY recomend this book to anyone who is trying to get some good, sound advice on getting started in, or amping up their business of mural painting.
I understand that a second book in in the works, and I can't wait to purchase it as well!
Michele Hopkins ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Watercolor Book
Although this book was listed as in good condition, it actually was in excellent condition. I am very pleased with the condition and the expedience that the book was mailed. This is one of the best sellers out there. Keep up the good work.

One of Reid's Best Books
If you're a Reid fan, than you'll want this book.If your'e not a Reid fan, you'll still want this book. Even though it's a bit older (published in 1987) the material presented is timeless.Reid is a wonderful teacher and provides solid information regarding color, value, drawing, composition, etc.I particularly liked this book because it doesn't waste valuable teaching space discussing paper, brushes and pigments.That information can be found in so many other watercolor books.This book teaches you how to look at your subject, artistically review it, and then translate your visions to paper.Even though Reid has such a distinctive style, his teaching can be used to bring out the best in any artist's personal style.This is not a how to copy Reid book, but a book that was written to help painters express their own visions.

Painting what you want to see
It's really useful book containing plenty of great advice and detail about how to look at a subject.
It's detailed enough to learn stuff but not so that it gets boring. recommended.

A very good painting instruction book
Charles Reid is mostly known for his watercolors.I almost overlooked this book because I am an oil painter.There is a lot of value in his lessons no matter what your medium.

What I learned most from this book is how to group values to create a more pleasing design, to create emphasis and drama.

Reid covers color mixing, use of edges, composition, seeing shapes and a lot more.

There are plenty of color illustrations.There are lessons, and assignments for you to complete.

I recommend this book.I'm sure I will refer to it often.

Book for watercolorists
May be the author wished to speak about painting in general, but the pictures shown are mainly watercolors. So if you are interested in oils... Moreover Reid's oil paintings seem to me like watercolor ones, and his oils are not specially beautiful.

Another important fact about this book is Reid's painting philosophy: "I know I see a spot of (let's say) white color there, but I know the local color of this object is (let's say) blue, so I paint it blue". In my opinion he just paints the tones and values he wants, with no relationship to reality. This is the way the title of this book should be interpreted.

The paintings shown on the book are beautiful (I mean I like them), the explanations are clear (for me) and the examples are illustrative (I find them so). But I don't like the way he changes the light and atmosphere of scenes. ... Read more

Product Description

With the expert instruction of two award-winning artists who specialize in capturing the primal essence of the natural world, anyone can create lifelike and unerringly accurate portraits of plants, flowers, and wildlife. This book offers ideas on finding an inspirational subject, from natural outdoor settings to local zoos and museums; advice on composition; and techniques for using a range of materials. From learning to recreate the subtle shimmer of a fish’s scales to capturing the graceful curve a flower, every step in the creative process is explained through color photographs and illuminating text. 

Customer Reviews (3)

Excellent Resource for Experience Artists
This is a fabulous book if you are already experienced in basic art principles and techniques.It is more useful to an artist looking to see how they can apply their knowledge to nature art.Some basic information is given, but it is expected that one would already know the basics of drawing, painting, and nature sketching.
Wonderful pictures, information on capturing details and lots of inspiration for the artist's eye.This book does NOT offer step by steps, so if that is the sort of thing you like, you will be disappointed.
I particularly liked the way they showed how one subject can look in varying media.There are several nice pages of this type of thing.For instance, there is one of Abalone shells done in watercolor, colored pencil and acrylic.
The chapter on iridescence alone is worth the price of the book.It covers the subject well.
I know this will be a well read and well used book in my studio.

Nothing to help painting eyes
I have both of the earlier Eden books on botanicals and was looking forward to this one.How sad that there was no reference to how to paint eyes in this book - a critical element in bringing alive a subject.I'm sure that particular topic will be included in a future book but I shall not be buying it.

There was too much repetitive information from the previous books (colour wheel etc) and a dearth of illustrations to show the build up to achieving results for the subjects at hand.For pebbles and feathers merely pictures of student work and some text briefly outling how to do it - so much for a picture painting a thousand words.While it is encouraging to see students' work, I want to also learn my techniques from the expert.Disappointed.

Excellent instruction and wonderful exercises
I ordered this book, not knowing what was really inside.I am pleasantly surprised.As an artist for over 40 years, I know that the materials information is excellent.It gives you choices on what to buy, shows you the difference between different brands, tells you how to set up and care for your equipment, even gives you exercises in becoming familiar with the different pencils, brushes and paints.Next, it tells you how to approach a subject, what you should know about the subject and where to find it, even has you list adjectives that you need to keep in mind as you draw a subject, then takes you through an exercise that is really a journey of drawing a subject, the steps from blocking in to refinement to the final shading and highlighting, including texture.It tells how to start a sketchbook and has an exercise, like in all the chapters.The chapter on color theory and mixing is fantastic.It shows you how to mix all the colors you need from the 6 paint colors recommended in the materials chapter, and shows color pages of exercises of allot of color mixes.Every exercise is really wonderful for both the beginner and advanced artist that needs help with natural history painting.It even includes directions and and an exercise in mixing those numerous greens that are so essential in depicting nature accurately.In the chapter on painting, the examples are in watercolor, the most widely used medium of natural history painters.It even illustrates, in color, the most common mistakes on handling your water and gives you exercises for practice on handling water and paint for the best results.There is a nice chapter on examples and exercises on handling texture.Then the author uses the rest of the book to address numerous natural history subjects, each with it's own chapter, i.e. rocks, bird and their feathers, bugs, sea-life and spirals, bones, a great chapter on iridescence, and finishes up with a chapter on display and mimicry.The last chapter encourages you to use your knowledge in lots of other ways, from sculpture and mathematics to applied and fine art to decorating a gorgeous wedding cake through to drawing and painting greeting cards.Anyone interested in natural history would enjoy this book, but for those of us who are fans of natural history books like "Pilgrim at Tinker Creek" by Anne Dillard that have been itching to draw and paint the subjects we find so fascinating, this is a great place to start.You know how it is in studying natural history, the more you know, the more you have to learn.Painting natural history subjects is a great way to learn about them.You don't really know a subject until you are forced to look close at the intricate details and try to depict your subject by drawing, painting, and modeling a sculpture that represents it in realistic art. ... Read more

Product Description
In this unique guide, 11 different oil painting projects show decorative painters how to create bluebirds, cardinals, goldfinches, hummingbirds and more. Each project is explained in more than 20 steps and includes material lists.' ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Very Helpful with great illustrations
I bought this for my mother who is starting to paint [ I'm a professional artist]. The illustrations are very helpful and show how paint can be applied to produce work that looks professional. Before this, my mom filled in areas with random strokes & thin paint - this book teaches how each deliberately produced stoke with a loaded brush adds to the realismof the illustration.

painting garden birds
very impressive book and it will help me create the painted pictures that I truly like.Great details in the pictures and explanations of how to get the wanted effect.

book review
This is a very nice book about painting birds and gives very good directions and pictures on how to do this. There are drawings you can trace on to your canvas or whatever medium you choose and gives detailed instructions on how to do all the intricate details in the paintings.It also gives you the colors to paint each different bird and also the flowers.Very helpful.

Painting Garden Birds with Sherry C. Nelson (Decorative Painting)
I love this book! The pictures are really beautiful! Sherry does such a thorough job giving step by step instructions. If you love birds, this is a great painting book to purchase!

Great book
This book was really helpfull and inspiring, I love the projets in this book and they are really well explained and easy to follow. One of my favourite painting books without any doubt. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (4)

Very enjoyable and practical.
First, you must be able to draw somewhat to do the exercises. This is not a drawing instruction book. It also helps to at least have dabbled in watercolor. If you meet these criteria, this book will be a great deal of fun, and very helpful. I'm thoroughly enjoying the exercises and getting great results. More important, I'm doing them in my own style, while learning what the author is trying to teach. Great combination, hard to find in watercolor textbooks.

Excellent Exercises
If you want easy step by step watercolour exercises to do, then this is the book for you!
It is full of useful information from the introduction to the closing words.
The simple instructions which accompany the 27 exercises enable even a novice to create little masterpieces in their own right.
The instructions are easy to follow and the illustrations are excellent. This is the best book of its kind for ease of use and will help anyone achieve success in watercolour painting.

watercolor tutorial
Paul Talbot- Greaves are wonderful painter and instructor.
The book is easy to understand and full of step-by-step instructions.
I recommend this book to every watercolor lover.

Lovely helpful book
This is a lovely little book with nice illustrations and a lot of helpful information. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (2)

A Delightful Book!
This book really fills a gap for people like me who enjoy Chinese art but have not known what the symbolism is all about. While it is a strenuous read in some parts, it is enlightening.

Good pictures, but don't expect to learn more about reading Chinese Paintings
I bought the soft cover edition of the book. At $16.50 (after discount), I feel it's a good buy. The book is produced in a large format, and the paintings are reproduced superbly on good quality paper. There are 36 works (mostly paintings but also a few calligraphic scrolls) gleaned from The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The earliest work is by Han Gan (active 742-56) and the last by Gong Xian (1619-1689). Most of the artists are represented by a single scroll, with the exceptions of Ni Zan and Zhao Mengfu, who have two and three works on display respectively. The paintings and calligraphy are first presented in its full format, with subsequent reproductions of close-ups to show details.

The text, however, is disappointing. It's written mostly in a dry, academic style, and it hardly points the way to a deeper reading of the works of art. Most of the time it merely describes what's in the picture. Buy the book to feast on its sumptuously reproduced scrolls but look elsewhere to learn how to read Chinese paintings.
... Read more

Product Description
50 all-new flowers from best-selling decorative painting author Donna Dewberry

Includes projects for all skill levels, from beginners looking for an introduction to advanced painters seeking more intricate designs

Features an expanded range of subject matter, including a section on flowering trees and shrubs

Decorative painting queen Donna Dewberry deliversmore of the same great ideas all of her books so successful. Her latest book on painting flowers delivers 50 all-new flower designes andincludes all-new sections on creating backgrounds with bold new colors, faux finishes and textures. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

painting flowers
Dewberry books also helps you to understand how to paint your own different subjects.her products are always a great buy.

Fun Stuff
This is a very good guide for the one stroke painting that Donna is so famous for. She has great instructions and suggestions for color coordination.Quick painting for note cards with the step by step guides.

probably the easiest way to paint distinctive floral designs
Having taken Donna Dewberry's offically sactioned one stroke decorative painting lessons in my hometown, and being one of those people who have never painted a flower in their life beforehand, I can vouch for that quickness and ease of learning that Donna is so famous for. The flowers are not photorealistic but are classic easily recognizable flowers done for decorative purposes. You can easily learn to do any of these flowers in a day or so if you practise, and strictly follow the instructions. Would recommend any of Donna's books or project sheets to anyone that is leary of their ability to be crafty, as long as you are willing to follow her directions. I was amazed what I learned in each lesson when I took the course, and the book is designed much the same way as one of her teachers would teach you in a class.

painting fabulous flowers with Donna Dewberry
RECEIVED BOOK IN EXCELLENT CONDITION, IN REASONABLE TIME AND I AM VERY SATISFIED WITH MY PURCHASE!!

Really Interesting and effective
It is a very good book. It is used by my wife for her paintings. She is very satisfied about the purchase especially for the very quick reaction that made her to be the firstamong all her friends to get a copy of this book that is not easy to find in Italy.In general the book just respectthe promise to give goodindications on howto have a professional approach to very nice realizations

... Read more

Product Description
A guide to creating 30 face-paint designs, including a pirate, a tiger and a butterfly, using simple techniques. It lists the materials needed, provides step-by-step instructions and advises how to make hats and other accessories, and how to set up a face-painting stall at a fund-raising event. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Ok if you only have five minutes
This book is for the mom who is looking for something to get her through a birthday party and not for those seriously looking to get into face painting as a serious hobby or business.The faces are basic and offer little for the imagination.If it were much less expensive it would get better reviews, but at the same cost you can get much better face painting books from the market.Check it out at the library instead.

Fast face painting for kids of all ages
No matter what your kids want to dress up as, this 45 page book will help you get them in disguise in a jiffy. Large color photos are wonderful guide and faces included are: clown,pierrot,masquerade,snow queen, indian brave, flower girl, pirate, lion, tiger, scary faces for halloween, animals and more! Very good book with instructions about the basics with plenty of designs to choose to try for years to come.

Not enough ideas for me
I wanted a good face painting book to use with my three-year-old, but thisbook wasn't much help.It has a good tiger and clown.Other faces in thebook were either too simple to need directions (i.e. paint a flag on thecheek) or too abstract or scary for my little guy. ... Read more

Product Description

Perfect for enjoying or studying, this array of masterpieces by the luminaries of the Impressionist movement is the next best thing to viewing them in person.

Customer Reviews (2)

Gives a great "impression" on impressionism
A great book to give an idea on impressionism. I liked that there was an introduction to explain the main characters - never knew that Manet played such a big role also on the human side - and all the difficulties these painters had to even be recognized as proper artists. Aso liked that there were interesting explanations on each of the 50 paintings. So, easy to read, a joy to look at the paintings, particularly as I have seen quite a number of the originals so can now relate to them even better.

Text is good, pictures are nice
I enjoy reading this book. The introductory text provides useful and interesting information about the works. Pictures are also nice. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review
This volume clearly and thoroughly explains the methods of adorning objects with stylized flowers, fruit, scrolls, and other organic designs. After a full explanation of the preliminaries (color mixing, brush control, basic strokes, surface preparation), Jackie Shaw walks you step by step through all manner of decorative painting motifs, from the simplest comma-stroke leaf to the most elaborate floral sprays. Each motif is covered in three skill levels, which can be mixed and matched; a beginner, for example, can utilize the easy techniques on advanced-level patterns. Projects are many and varied and include wood, tinware, and glass objects. The Big Book of Decorative Painting is a marvelous introduction to the techniques, and accomplished painters will also find much information that is of use. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Outstanding
I really believe this is the "bible" of decorative painting and should be in anyone's library as reference - even those who may art journal, etc.Outstanding

Tole Painting
I really like Jackie Shaw. She has loads of info on how to paint and I'll keep my copy.She is an artist that I have books of hers that are 20yrs plus old. You'll like her teaching.

All Levels
As an artist learning something new I was looking for a basic book explaining all terms and projects showing the author to be truly talented. This is all you need for a complete first course.
There is some disagreement among the various author/artists about the term " float". Other than that they all seem to agree about basic techniques. Beautiful demos and photos.
Greatest thing: The author takes you through several projects which you can do on any paper or wood for practice, and then divides these into three levels so that you can achieve the degree of finesse you desire. So practical! Take it from there!

A Must Have for any Painter or Wannabe Painter!
I have a ceramics business and got tired of plain ol painting and wanted to expand when I found this book.It has taught me so much and my sales are way up!The techniques are explained in precise detail and are easy to follow.It even has practice strokes which I found to be very helpful.There is not a more informative book about painting out there from taking care of your brushes to a beautiful array of advanced technique.This is just a plain wonderful book and I could not say enough good about it!

I've seen plenty and this is the best
Jackie Shaw does an excellent job of showcasing all that is possible in decorative painting. Her examples of stroke work apply across the board for any kind of painting. But, what makes this book work is the way she breaks down each stroke into its individual parts to show how to form them properly. Along the way she imparts words of encouragment and motivation to get you going!

She also gives excellent lessons to practice by and keep you stimulated. It is part of the book'sprogressive learning curve so that as you advancewith one part, there is more to learn in the next section as you move from beginner, to intermediate, to advanced.

I rarely write review of books, but as I pulled out this book once again today to reference, I felt compelled to give Ms. Shaw her props! Thanks Jackie! ... Read more

Product Description
Merging the best of Eastern philosophy with the best of Western technique, the creative process is put into practice through exercises designed to unite body, mind, and spirit in a Zen approach. Illustrated with 100 of the author's lushly colored paintings.Amazon.com Review
Creativity is one of the great mysteries of life. Everyone maypossess it to some degree, but why do some people seem completely intouch with their creative powers while others struggle to connect withit at all? How do you unlock your creative potential--or maximize it,if you're already utilizing some level of it? This inspirationalbook--meant primarily for painters but full of sage advice for othertypes of artists and crafters, too--teaches how to release your museby exploring the basics of the language of art and by applying the Zenprinciples of blending body, mind, and spirit and of following anintuitive rather than purely logical approach. The author's ownlyrical, vividly colored paintings (as well as works by other artists)complement her highly readable discussions of self-awareness,instinct, mandalas, harmony, and mindfulness, as both importantgeneral concepts and as they pertain to landscape, still life, andfigural art. In short, she teaches you how to know yourself as acreator, and to recognize that "creative vision really is your naturalbirthright" and that "art has something to offer everyone ... as ameans of self-knowledge." --Amy Handy ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Zen of Creative Painting
I love this boook and all Jean Carbonetti's books that I own.Very inspiring.

A great book for artists to loosen up rigid frames
Jeanne Carbonetti has produced awonderful book to unleash one's creativity--whether you understand Zen or not---It is not easy to get into Zen, but the illustrations help us to learn something at a deeper level--not just intellectual or academic.I like the play of light and color---in a sense that is what art is all about ---to convey your feelings or even passing moods...Books like these go beyond the 'right brain-left brain' theories that have filled the academic discussion on art training....May be ,one should workout his/her own Zen approach--this book can only point the way---not to imitate but to emulate Jeanne.

BlowAway!!!!
I have recently started doing watercolor paintings since I retired and was lent this book by my teacher. I had to buy it as soon as I opened it. The paintings are absolutely splendid. I think that they are what watercolors should be. And the text sets a mind frame that will enhance any budding artist down the path to great work.

A great way to Watercolor painting Ideas
A must to read to start your own ideas on Watercolor painting, using the Zen method.

Strong art - weaker philosophy
I like Carbonetti's art and this book is full of it. For that reason it is worth buying. She also succeeds in showing the mental aspects of creative art. However, her seeing of Zen is not so successful. She also wrote books like "The Tao of Watercolor" and "The Yoga of Drawing". I would prefer if she simply explained her own position without packaging it into so many commercialy attractive titles. ... Read more