History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Average customer rating:

Excellent Product & Prompt Delivery
Escher and imagination
Worlds Above the Rest
I'm a big fan.
fun and imaginative!

Sector 7 (Caldecott Honor Book)

Manufacturer: Clarion Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0395746566

Amazon.com

In another wondrous, wordless picture book by Caldecott Medal winner David Wiesner (Tuesday and June 29, 1999), a class visiting the Empire State Building finds complete cloud cover and no visibility. One boy makes friends with a cloud (identifiable in the mists by the red mittens, hat, and scarf and swipes from the boy), and goes AWOL on a wonderful adventure. The cloud whisks him away to the "Sector 7" floating cloud factory, a bizarre sky station that looks like a Victorian design for a submarine.

Hiding behind his new cumulonimbus friend, the boy enters an area resembling Grand Central Station (complete with "Arrivals" and "Departures" boards) and watches officious human types in uniform giving the clouds their weather assignments. When the clouds complain to the boy that their assigned shapes are boring, he, a talented artist, creates new blueprints for them. The stuffy grownups are furious when clouds start emerging in the shape of fantastic fish; they shout at the clouds, tear up the new designs, and escort the boy back to his school group. But the revolt of the clouds is unstoppable now, and in the last few pages the skies over Manhattan suddenly get a lot more interesting. (Click to see a sample spread. Copyright 1999 by David Wiesner. With permission of Clarion Books.) (Ages 2 to 8) --Richard Farr

Book Description

Only the person who gave us Tuesday could have devised this fantastic tale, which begins with a school trip to the Empire State Building. There a boy makes friends with a mischievous little cloud, who whisks him away to the Cloud Dispatch Center for Sector 7 (the region that includes New York City). The clouds are bored with their everyday shapes, so the boy obligingly starts to sketch some new ones. . . . The wordless yet eloquent account of this unparalleled adventure is a funny, touching story about art, friendship, and the weather, as well as a visual tour de force.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Product & Prompt Delivery.......2007-09-15

This item was exactly as described in the item description. It was in the original packaging and is in excellent condition. I am very satisfied and I highly recommend this seller and product to everyone. This is an excellent book by an excellent author!

Escher and imagination.......2007-08-05

Flotsam and Freefall were the first two books I explored by David Wiesner. Sector 7 is not to be missed either. Wiesner's style and creativity are wonderful explorations for all humans(and especially children). M.C. Escher has an honored presence in this book, as he does in Freefall. The theme of flying is present here, as in all of Wiesner's books, and the fanciful creative nature of Wiesner's story and illustrations (paintings?) are not to be missed. Second language learners will immediately have something to say (in their own language) about this book. So will everyone else who reads it. Anyone who has taken the time to sit back and enjoy the show clouds put on will appreciate the ideas within this book. Don't hesitate!

Worlds Above the Rest.......2007-05-07

Wiesner, D. (1999). Sector 7. New York: Clarion Books.

Synopsis: Cloud watching on a lazy day while lying in the grass, is a fun summertime activity for adults and children of all ages. But how are these clouds formed? Who created them? David Wiesner amazes readers once again with another wordless book that tells the incredible adventure of a young boy who goes on a field trip to the Empire State Building. The imaginative and creative young boy yearns to express his creativity meanwhile he is approached by a friendly cloud that takes for a tour of Sector 7 where clouds are created for this portion New York City. Sector 7 resembles an old train station with departure and arrival times posted which provide clouds with their assigned locations. The boy encounters clouds that are bored with their usual shapes. With a wild imagination and skilled artistry, he designs inspiring shapes that excite the clouds. When the staff discovers the changes, they are perturbed by the clouds that stray from their usual and regimented routines. The boy is sent back to his class field trip. However there is no undoing the chaos he has created which begins to spread out across Sector 7.

Evaluation: David Wiesner's Caldecott Honor award winning book allows readers to create the text and interpretations within their minds. Wiesner's wordless tale captures your mind with its full page watercolor illustrations and story board formatted frames. The vivid, yet soft watercolor illustrations provide humor combined with elegance. Readers can create their own individual stories based on their personal experiences. The main character is wildly imaginative with a talent for skilled artistry. Wiesner's tale leaves readers wondering if there are depots like Sector 7 where imaginative clouds are created. Educators will find that this tale allows children to create their own words to this magical adventure. It will encourage struggling writers to utilize their imaginations and picture themselves in the boy's position and be able to write a terrific tale of visiting the place where clouds are made. Children ages 6-10 will love this enchanting journey.

I'm a big fan........2007-02-25

I loved the art in this book. A great story told through pictures.

fun and imaginative!.......2006-11-07

My 5 year old loves this book and wants to read it a couple of times a week. He always asks new questions as he points out things he hadn't discovered last time. Even telling this story (since there are no words) changes each time as you(as the reader) will surely discover more things as well.

Average customer rating:

Mythic and Magical Art
myth and magic
Best Delivery
Does Justice To The Artist
Simply Fantastic

Myth and Magic
John Howe
Manufacturer: HarperCollins Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0007107951

Book Description

For the first time ever, a portfolio of illustrated work from the award-winning artist, John Howe, which reveals the breathtaking vision of one of the foremost fantasy artists in the world. Myth and Magic is arranged into six sections, which looks at the books by J.R.R. Tolkien that have inspired John, as well as a fascinating tour through the paintings that he has produced for some of the finest fantasy authors working today. From the beloved painting of Smaug which decorates The Hobbit, his numerous and bestselling calendar illustrations, the world famous "Gandalf" picture, which is synonymous with the HarperCollins one-volume edition of The Lord of the Rings, this large-format hardback will delight fans of Tolkien, and anyone who has been captured by the imagination of the artist who so brilliantly brings to life the literary vision of J.R.R. Tolkien.

Customer Reviews:

Mythic and Magical Art.......2007-07-16

As one of the foremost fantasy illustrators of the past twenty years Canadian born John Howe has done more to define the look of Tolkien's world than almost any other illustrator apart from Alan Lee. He captures in vibrant and dramatic images the grandeur and majesty of Middle Earth, in calendars and on book covers alike. But he is much more than just a visual interpreter of Tolkien's work, getting his big break in Time Life's: The Enchanted World series in the 1980s his art has graced the covers of some of the bestselling fantasy authors of today. He has illustrated books on myth, legend and fairy tale; he's even written and illustrated several enchanting children's books.

His magical art for the book: A Diversity of Dragons or his book on medieval armour with its complex and detailed illustrations has cemented his already well earned reputation. John Howe also occasionally tries his hand at science fiction illustration, but only when he gets the chance. Though of course and with good reason he is mainly famous for his work exploring fantasy, myth, legend, folklore and fairytale. This book is a stunning portfolio of some of the most significant and beautiful masterpieces that have marked his career thus far, and an exploration of what inspires him (like ravens or horse-shoe crabs) as an artist.

With revealing commentary from some of the people he has collaborated with over the years this insightful volume explains why he is so sought after as a fantasy illustrator. There is even a fascinating chapter on his passion and hobby, creating medieval arms & armour for a re-enactment society in Switzerland, where he also lives. While many of the pictures are a bit on the small side and hence fail to do justice to his art, and I also think the text is a bit thin... one can't really complain. As one of my favourite modern illustrators I was very pleased when this long overdue book was finally published, now for one on Alan Lee!

myth and magic.......2007-05-13

i recommend this book not only to fantasy art lovers but also to tokien fans, since most of the movie costumes and scenery were inspired by john howe's piantings

Best Delivery.......2005-09-06

This book was purchased as a gift for my husband. Thanks for sending it so quickly and without any sort of damage.

Does Justice To The Artist.......2005-01-18

This book shows how it should be done.

If you had to condense decades of brilliant art work into one volume this is about right.

It is obvious that the volume was put together with love. The paper and color are good, and the pictures (why most of us want to buy this book), are many, varied and quite often large.
** (Lesson for "Realms of Tolkien" editor: There are many double and single page spreads, with no white space!)

For the person who wants to know about John Howe, (not just his Tolkien work), there is quite a bit of information, although I would have liked to have seen and read more about the technical side of how he works.

There is quite a bit of his non-Tolkien work, which I found really interesting and just as good, (artistically) as his Tolkien stuff.

If you like the work of John Howe this is the book for you!

The only way to improve it would be to add another volume, (hint to the editor...).

Now if they could just do the same thing for Ted Nasmith...

Simply Fantastic.......2004-03-01

If you haven't got this book yet and you are into fantasy art, don't hesitate and buy it. Trully fantastic artwork. John Howe is without a doubt one of the best illustrators of the world. He was one of the concept artists of Peter Jackson's The Lord Of The Rings movie trilogy.

Floorcloth Magic: How to Paint Canvas Rugs for Decorative Home Use

Average customer rating:

Great book for any level
INSPIRING
Floorcloth Magic

Floorcloth Magic: How to Paint Canvas Rugs for Decorative Home Use
Lisa Curry Mair
Manufacturer: Storey Publishing, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1580174051

Book Description

You're tired of staring at bare hardwood floors, but the Oriental rug you covet is prohibitively expensive. The solution? A floorcloth that you can make yourself for a fraction of the cost of an area rug or carpet. Floorcloths - hand-painted durable canvas rugs - have become popular again because of a renewed interest in Early American decorating techniques. And since the most appropriate place for a floorcloth is on the hardwood floors used in so much of today's interior decoration, they complement today's lifestyle. The design possibilities, from country to contemporary, are endless.

Filled with essential techniques and sensational color variations, FLOORCLOTH MAGIC: HOW TO PAINT CANVAS RUGS FOR DECORATIVE HOME USE is the most comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide to creating beautiful paint-based rugs for your home. It provides basic how-to instruction on every material, tool, and technique, plus recipes for paint finishes, including sponging, stamping, marbling, stenciling, ragging, and more. An introduction to color palettes and pattern development makes this a useful guide for a beginner as well as a valued resource for any craftsperson.

Customer Reviews:

Great book for any level.......2007-03-13

This is the second of 2 books I ordered because I wanted to paint and design a floor cloth.
Easy instructions and some beautiful designs for anyone who does not want to design their own.

INSPIRING.......2007-02-21

The artist does a good job covering all the needed supplies and methods to create such beautiful floor cloths. There is a lot covered in these pages, although I could have skipped the color theory part given its really trial and error and personal design ultimately. There are lots of beautiful floor cloths to admire by this artist and others. Wish there were some substantial patterns to apply in addition to the very basic stripes included. This book helps motivate one to begin and do it right, and the rest is really up to one's imagination which the author gives a good springboard to leap from.

Floorcloth Magic.......2002-08-12

Clearly and concisely written, no confusion or contradictions like some other books on the same subject. Excellent section on contributing artists showing a wide diversity of styles.

Average customer rating:

A Beautiful and Worthwhile Book
Wyeth Review
The Legend of Andrew Wyeth
Andrew Wyeth: Memory & Magic
The Beauty Of Wyeth's Recent Work

Andrew Wyeth: Memory & Magic

Manufacturer: Rizzoli
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0847827712
Release Date: 2005-11-08

Book Description

Prior to the 1960s, Andrew Wyeth enjoyed a stellar reputation as a rising star in the art world. Since then, critics and scholars have largely ignored him. Wyeth, however, who is age 88 at the date of publication, has continued to paint, to the delight of his admirers, collectors, and the art-loving public. Now, in association with the High Museum exhibition, Andrew Wyeth: Memory & Magic takes a fresh look at the work of one of America's most beloved artists.In examining his entire oeuvre, the book celebrates the artist's ongoing love affair with everyday life-domestic, natural, and architectural. Found throughout Wyeth's work, these objects form patterns that illuminate core themes and reveal the artist wrestling with issues of memory, temporality, embodiment, and the metaphysical. Organized chronologically and thematically, the book explores how the artist's approach to these subjects was formed in his early career, and has been revisited in new and surprising ways in recent years.Andrew Wyeth: Memory & Magic comprises 150 tempera paintings and 50 drawings and watercolors-including his most-famous works, but also many published here for the first time.

Customer Reviews:

A Beautiful and Worthwhile Book.......2007-08-09

As a collector of books by and about Andrew Wyeth, I must say this is a tasteful and beautifully produced art book with insightful essays by five excellent writers who know their subject well. Wyeth has been around for a long time and started fading from public consciousness after the "Helga Affair" -- undeservedly so. To my mind he is still one of America's greatest 20th century cultural treasures. The book resulted from a retrospective exhibit of Wyeth's work in 2005/2006. My only reservation about the book is that it shows too many of Wyeth's pieces that are in all the other books about his work. But that may be Wyeth's choice and must be respected.

Wyeth Review.......2007-02-14

The book was well written, interesting, and informative. Color plates depicting Wyeth's paintings were bright and clear. The book arrived timely and in excellent condition. Well satisfied.

The Legend of Andrew Wyeth .......2007-02-07

I've been a long-time, unashamed fan of Andrew Wyeth's remarkable, if not controversial career as a great American artist. This exhibition catalogue illustrates many famous paintings along with some very rarely-seen works done by none other than Andrew Wyeth himself. The essays are freshly written and easily understood. The book is packed with colorful illustrations along with other illustrated pictures of paintings that were not included in the show. Highly recommended for anyone who is intrigued by Wyeth's legendary journey as one of America's most-loved artists.

Andrew Wyeth: Memory & Magic.......2007-01-03

This makes for a fantastic coffee table book if you are a Wyeth fan. To be blunt the only reason I purchased this book is because my favorite Wyeth works are not commercially available. I would shove my grandmother down a flight of stairs to get my hands on Adrift as it is my favorite Wyeth work. But alas, the book does the trick.

The Beauty Of Wyeth's Recent Work.......2006-03-31

Andrew Wyeth is an American master and his works shine with not only an inner light, but an inner glory. Several dozen of his (mostly recent) paintings are to be found in this collection, along with notes, comments, and background histories. A truly great collection by an artist whose talents speak of genius.

Average customer rating:

Easy techniques and great step-by-step illustrations
Beautiful Book and Practical Instruction
It's nice, informative but...
A Must for Anyone Working in the Medium!

Watercolor Pencil Magic
Cathy Johnson
Manufacturer: North Light Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 158180119X

Book Description

Water-soluble colored pencils are portable, versatile and much more forgiving than traditional watercolors, yet many artists have only just begun to tap into this medium's creative potential. This book explores the amazing possibilities of watercolor pencils, providing artists with basic instruction for taking full advantage of them in their artwork. Beginning with an overview of necessary materials and basic techniques, artists will learn from simple mini demos how to mix colors, create washes, layer colors and more. Artists will then see how these painting techniques are employed to capture a variety of popular subjects, including landscapes, flowers, animals, water, people, skies, trees, bridges and buildings. The last chapter of the book demonstrates how to mix watercolor pencils with other mediums to create all kinds of new and interesting effects.

Customer Reviews:

Easy techniques and great step-by-step illustrations.......2007-01-18

I am one of those people who are able to benefit from How To kinds of books. This particular book gives easy broken down steps to watercolor pencil techniques with plenty of room to explore and play with the medium in question. There is also a great balance of text and illustrations.

In my opinion the best part is the listing of different products and how they interact with each other and on different kinds of watercolor papers (it also discusses basic color theory and how to use it). It lists brand names so that you can purchase those products and experiment with them yourself. Most importantly is that it's presented in a fun and casual manner, so it takes away a lot of the fear if you're new at working with watercolor pencils.

Beautiful Book and Practical Instruction.......2006-11-05

What a motivating guide! This has easy-to-understand directives and doesn't seem overwhelming. At the same time, the examples are so wonderful and varied the "student" cannot help but want to practice more and more, allowing it to become an urge to take a pretty scene and turn it into something that can be shared.

I purchased this for my teen daughter (and to enjoy learning along with her) as a rich addition our homeschool curriculum. We enjoy sitting out on the deck and finding inspiration in our many trees, garden, the birds and squirrels, our beagles, etc.

The author is very gifted and conveys her love of nature and capturing a fleeting moment very well. She is also instrumental in showing how to cultivate a reader's individual artistic tendencies, even if they may feel they don't have any. This is preseted in a non-intimidating manner.

Highly recommended!

It's nice, informative but..........2004-06-01

I liked the book, but I wish it had more information or more examples, either by the author or by other artists in the medium. In order for me to really learn about the medium, I have had to buy not only this book but others about the same subject as well... It is not a problem with this book in particular, but a problem with ALL colored pencil books. All of them show a "part" of the what the medium has to offer. I wish there was a "compendium" of several authors about the subject, so we, aspiring artists, would have some sort of "big book" or "bible" about this.

A Must for Anyone Working in the Medium!.......2002-11-22

When I first recieved a box of watercolor pencils as a gift, I had no idea what to make of them... I do passing fair work with colored pencils, but watercolors have always been beyond me. I muddled along, experimenting and tossing the miserable results, until I found this book. Oh, the joy! Finally, information on how to get the most out of my creations! How to balance the use of dry and wet, how to work the pencils to their best use, how to work in multimedia (which I do). This is most certainly a bible of sorts for the watercolor pencil artist!

Capturing the Magic of Children in Your Paintings

Average customer rating:

Great Information!

Capturing the Magic of Children in Your Paintings
Jessica Zemsky
Manufacturer: North Light Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1581802544

Book Description

The irrepressible nature of children makes them charming subjects for paintings, as well as a real challenge to actually paint. In this book, suitable for artists working in all of the most popular mediums, Jessica Zemsky shares the lessons she's learned in her many years of painting children, including: * Nine step-by-step demonstrations that illustrate her personal techniques * Special guidelines for portraying children being themselves--at play, with siblings or pets--rather than in formal portraits * Advice for everything from finding natural poses to rendering the varied textures of children's skin and hair * Tips for working in watercolor, acrylic, gouache, oil and pastel * Plus delightful anecdotes and firsthand lessons

Customer Reviews:

Great Information!.......2001-04-19

Although the cover of this book didn't excite me, the artwork and information inside certainly did. Jessica Zemsky focusses mainly on gouache paintings, but also has a sufficient sample of watercolor, pencil, oil, and pastel work. I especially love the poses she uses for the children's portraits. They are full of life and much different from the traditional "posed" look. The book is full of great ideas, from the expressive color of her gouache and oil painting to the sensitivity and softness of her pencil and pastel work. She includes color recipes for mixing various colors, using combinations you would not normally think of. This is a wonderfully inspirational book for those wishing to paint children.

Capturing The Magic Of Light: In Watercolor

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Book as gift

Capturing The Magic Of Light: In Watercolor
Susan D. Bourdet
Manufacturer: North Light Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1581805837

Book Description

Capturing light is a challenge all watercolorists struggle with. Whether depicting sunlight, backlighting, shadows, or even textures, these artists need the instruction in Capturing the Magic of Light in Watercolor to create realistic-looking paintings. By breaking down the topic into simple concepts, best-selling North Light author Susan D. Bourdet shows watercolor artists at any level how to:

-Take reference photos with exciting light and translate them into a believable composition -Develop their painting skills, including masking, washes, glazing and textures -Use color and light hand-in-hand to build form and shape -Bring light out in a range of subjects, from wildlife and gardens to interiors to everyday objects

With over 20 step-by-step demonstrations, mastering this perennially popular topic has never been easier.

Customer Reviews:

Book as gift.......2007-01-04

This book was purchased as a birthday gift for our daughter-in-law, who is an amateur painter. It arrived just in time and we thank you for the service.

Alan Platt

Stencilling on a Grand Scale : Using Simple Stencils to Create Visual Magic

Average customer rating:

Stencilling on a Grand Scale
Good Technique and Steps IF you like Folk Art type decor
The Best For Beginners
Great for beginners and Experts
Hard Cover Quality In a Paperback

Stencilling on a Grand Scale : Using Simple Stencils to Create Visual Magic
Sandra Buckingham
Manufacturer: Firefly Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Stenciling | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Decorating | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Painting & Wallpapering | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1552091430

Book Description

To make a big impression, says stencilling expert Sandra Buckingham, you don't have to re-create the Sistine Chapel. Start small, she counsels, and the rest will follow.

Buckingham's latest book Stencilling on a Grand Scale leads do-it-yourselfers beyond the realm of decorative borders featured in her best-selling "Stencilling: A Harrowsmith Guide" to a creative canvas whose limits are determined only by space, time and imagination. The key to her strategy is that a large stencilled work -- be it a door, wall, screen or floor -- can be the seamless sum of its parts. In other words, rather than using an expensive, unwieldy, multi-layered stencil to create a life-sized tree, use three 10 inch stencils of leaf clusters, laying and re-laying them to achieve the desired effect. The only limit to the ultimate size of the finished painting is the room you've set aside for it.

Whether you are fashioning a greeting card or a 40-foot mural, Buckingham recommends the same modest techniques. The methods used to faux-finish a wall -- a vine rambling up a corner, windows stencilled onto an actual door, a false shelf with flowerpots stencilled in an alcove -- can likewise be applied to furniture or folding screens and can be used on any scale.

A technical review of traditional and new stencilling tools is followed by a refresher course in basic stencilling methods, including stencil cutting, hard-surface stencilling, stencilling on primed canvas, overlays, registration and special effects, among them shading, shadows, plant detail and painting skies and landscapes. A chapter on freeform stencilling, with and without masks, prepares readers for the larger-scale works that are the book's central objective.

Buckingham advises perfecting your free-form skills on less ambitious projects (lampshades, borders, placemats) before moving to grander subjects. By the later chapters, stencillers will be comfortable tackling everything from picket and wrought iron fences, lattice work, garden gates, French doors, veranda doors and curtains to paving stones, terra-cotta tiles, carpets, mosaic floors, stone columns, balustrades, terraces, garden walls and room dividers. As always, Buckingham's genius lies in inspiration, and Stencilling on a Grand Scale introduces a how-to-world that has no boundaries.

Customer Reviews:

Stencilling on a Grand Scale.......2007-01-04

I have enjoyed thinking about doing some of this. The book gives fine guidance

Good Technique and Steps IF you like Folk Art type decor.......2005-12-02

The projects in this book were well-detailed and gave some good information on composition and layering of stencils. I checked this book out of the library and don't intend on buying it BUT I do recommend it if you like the more folkart type decor. I was looking for something more realistic in floral decor. The trellice project was very cute and would look great with a cottage country look.

The Best For Beginners.......2002-09-20

I came across this book in my local library and loved it so much I bought a copy for myself. Ms. Buckingham manages to create beautiful trompe l'oeil work with simple techniques that are easy for even the absolute beginner. An added bonus is that her stencils are available online...

Great for beginners and Experts.......2001-10-28

I purchased this book 2 years ago. At the time I did not know they sold stencils until I purchased a few stencils on their website along with their video. The book is easy to follow and they give you many ways to incooporate simple stencils. This book encouraged me to create a mural from a small picture and brought out a talent that I never knew existed. Well done. Fantastic pictures with great color which I feel either makes or breaks a simple stencil or a 5 layered stencil. I would highly recommend their book, stencils and their video. If I can learn, anyone can!!!! A+++++

Hard Cover Quality In a Paperback.......2000-09-22

Grab this book without hesitation!

I saw the author on the show, "Home Matters" and was instantly motivated to buy this book. When I saw that it was available in both hard- and soft- cover verrsions, my decision was difficult. Usually saving a few bucks on the paperback version of any book means sacrificing quality; thin paper, fewer illustrations, shortened versions. etc.

Customer Reviews:

Didn't do much for us..........2007-07-25

I read this with my little kids after seeing a fantastic HBO Story - video version. (Wish that were available for sale - NOT.) We have enjoyed other Demi, but this one just didn't generate feeling. It needs a helping hand.

Good, but not Demi's best.......2007-01-11

This is a simple story with beautiful pictures, though it's not particularly engaging. Neither my kids nor I enjoy it as much as our other Demi favorites -- One Grain of Rice, Firebird, and The Empty Pot -- which we adore. These other three not only have superlative pictures but wonderful stories, each in different ways.

A resourceful boy triumphs over evil..........2000-04-22

In this lively tale, a poor boy in China who longs to paint is given a magic paintbrush by a mysterious visitor. Suddenly the boy has the power to bring life to things that he paints. Liang uses this gift for good, until he must use his skill to outsmart an evil emperor who wants to use the magic brush for his own greedy purposes. The ending is a bit troublesome- not as completely fair and peaceful as we might like - but then, the tale is based on an old Chinese legend which, like Grimms' fairy tales, were probably a lot more scary than story books today. Still, the story is wonderful and exciting and the illustrations, though subtle, are lovely --delicate but colorful ink and watercolor drawings with lots of detail.

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