Book Description
*Chinese brush painting appeals to both the watercolor and acrylic painter who wants to try working in a simplistic looser, yet representational style
*Contains the most motifs one can find in the Chinese brush painting style, which continues to be popular
*Features an easy-to-use lay flat binding
Over 200 different motifs in an easy-to-use encased spiral format make this the perfect resource for Chinese brush painting. Each motif is accompanied by an explanation of its symbolic meaning, a color palette and step-by-step instruction that includes the order, direction and type of brushstroke needed to complete the image. Clear graphic icons provide detailed brush instruction on how much pressure to apply and what part (tip, heel or whole) of the brush to use. The reader will find advice on composing and combining images to create perfectly balanced, harmonious paintings and ideas for using and displaying their finished art.
Customer Reviews:
Everything you need to know about Chinese brush painting.......2007-07-03
This truly is the Chinese brush painting Bible; an awesome tutorial and guide to learning this art.
Beautiful book!.......2007-05-29
I was looking for a book on Chinese brush paintings that not only showed you how to to the painting technique, but also had a lot of different design motifs. well this is the book. It is a step-by-step book and has over 200 motifs that are beautifully illustrated. It shows you the finished painted motif and the steps to achieve it and each page has a sidebar of the paint colors you will need that not only tell you the color in words, such as pink, but has a small circle of the paint color too (great for a beginner) as well as the brushes that you will need for that particular motif.
The best feature of the book is that it is spiral bound, so that it opens flat and stays flat while you are referring to it. It is a small book height (about the height of a hardback novel), but loaded with great illustrations and beautifully laid out.
Book Description
For more than a thousand years, Eastern Christians have used their hands and hearts to create icons, proclaiming God's reality in a visible-and breathtakingly beautiful-way. This ancient art is enjoying a renewed interest in the West, as people of faith create icons and use them to meditate on mysteries for which there are no words.
A Brush With God is a guide to painting icons and using them in prayer. Written with warmth and energy, it describes the history of icons and examines why they've been a spiritual tool for so many centuries. Written from a uniquely Western perspective, the book guides artists-from novices to professionals-through the process of icon painting, using traditional techniques but employing contemporary materials. Included are eight full-color plates of the artist's icons.
Customer Reviews:
Nicely done.......2007-08-22
I love this book! I created the icon of St. Nicholas using the books instructions, and got positive feed back on it from my "extremely honest" family and friends. The materials required are readily available and the directions are clear. Most importantly, the spiritual experience during the process was incredible. I can't wait to do the other two icons in the book. However, I do believe you need to be confident in your artistic skills to be successful and avoid frustration. My only criticism is the lack of pictorial examples. I had to refer to another book to understand the difference between the Greek and Russian style.
A history and how to of icons.......2007-04-05
A background about icon painting and projects to get you started.
Well done.......2007-03-17
This nice little volume gives enough background to get you started on both creating and appreciating icons. Whether you just want a deeper appreciation for the artistic aspects or a deeper appreciation of the spiritual disciplines associated with icons, this is wonderful place to start. It includes several colorful plates in the center to provide good examples or starting points for you own artistic exploration.
The text is well written, concise, and clear. Chapters are arranged to first give you an appreciation of the spiritual connection icons can help fulfill. It is a brief introduction to a vast topic but one you will want to gain deeper understanding of their purpose. Then the author briefly describes some of the artistic nuances and differences in Russian, Greek, and Coptic styles that will give you more to ponder as an artist. With that brief overview of background information, the author then takes you through the technical aspects of creating several icons youself. The instructions are clear and step-by-step so they are easy to follow. Ultimately, practice will yield results. You will not likely create a priceless gem on your first try but the instructions are enough to give you a good start. And the more practice, the better you will be.
There are several little tidbits of added information in the Appendixes for further study and appreciation. All of this in so few pages might seem impossible. However, this thin little book is loaded with a broad view that does not sacrifice too much in depth. It is a perfect introduction to the topic and very well done. The author clearly loves the topic and conveys that passion in an infectious manner. An enjoyable read even if you never pick up a brush. The understanding of the spiritual, artistic, and technical aspects will provide greater appreciation of this art form enriching your life with beauty.
Modernist catholic using acrylic.......2007-01-17
I own this book but this book is not that good.
The first thing I have to say is that the author is not Orthodox christian, but catholic of the latin rite born and former benedictine monk. The book suggest you to use Acrylic paint and say nothing about Egg Tempera! Well, if I am going to use acrylic paint, why hand painting? I would prefer an inkjet printer! If you have only this book then you will have to buy one about egg tempera.
In page 11 he says that his first teacher recommended (just!!) abstinece from meat and alcohol but then he complete change the meaning of fasting.
Say nothing about the use of Holy water and natural hair brushes, his brushes are acrylic as well.
Just what I expected.......2007-01-11
I was pleased to receive the book in a timely manner, new, and exactly as I had expected it to be.
Book Description
Featuring a range of brushes, this guide explores various painting techniques and reveals how to capture atmosphere, texture, and detail. Example projects include beautiful landscapes, seascapes, and buildings—all of which show how to apply color to produce stunning pictures of atmospheric skies, mist covered rivers, vibrant fields of flowers, rustic buildings, calm estuaries and more. With many hot tips and a wealth of practical advice, the handbook presents an inspiring sequence of step-by-step demonstrations that aim to build up skills and encourage artists to create their own original paintings.
Customer Reviews:
Brush with Acrylics: Painting the Easy Way.......2007-01-03
Is inspirational but much like the watercolor book
Book Description
Teaching by example through vivid writing, Professor Mencher shows students the fundamentals of reporting and writing news in this new edition of a classic text.
Customer Reviews:
Melvin Mencher's News Reporting & Writing - 10th Edition.......2007-09-24
I was required to buy this book for a journalism class I am taking. I found the book fascinating after only the first couple of chapters. It is well written. Definitely not your typical bland, boring text book. The style and format of the book makes the subject matter interesting and holds your attention. Although I am still new to journalism, I foresee using this book as a reference for my entire career.
A LifeSaver.......2007-02-23
I purchased this book on-line for my niece who is attending junior college. She told me that Amazon is amazing and the book was in EXCELLENT condition. She also, appreciated how quickly it arrived!!
Customer Reviews:
Not for non-watercolor painters.......2006-03-26
Chinese brush painting is difficult if you lack enough experience with watercolor painting (I have painted with acrylics mainly). The pictures in the book are beautiful and the book is good as just a coffee table book to look at if you are a curious person and wonder how Chinese (or Japanese)painting is done.
Capturing the Spirit of Chinese Brush Painting.......2004-03-27
What a delightful treat for painters of all stages!!! Nan Rae's book is a very lively and spiritual work that draws you to her obvious passion for her art. I'm a beginning painter and have bought several brush painting books. The Ch'i of the Brush is a very dedicated book with beautiful illustrations that are easy to follow-her directions and explanations make you feel that she were giving you the lessons right in your own home!! This book gives you an exciting confidence and enthusiasm for the art that makes you want to learn all that you can do. The histories and works included are very appreciating and thorough--very interesting to read. Plus, the most beautiful part--Nan Rae's wonderful illustrations and paintings are displayed page after page and her happy spirit lifts right off of those pages!! If you could pick only one book on Chinese Brush painting, this is definitely the one to have.
Lacks the True Spirit of Chinese Painting & Culture.......2003-12-09
Being a collector of traditional and contemporary Chinese paintings for over 25 years, I am also very interested in the variety of techniques different Chinese painters use. This book covers the basics of Chinese brush painting, ideas and concepts taught for hundreds of years so there nothing new in this book. Not seeing Nan Rae's work prior to purchasing this book, I was very surprised by the mediocre level of her paintings. Her paintings have a western influence but her ability to merge the two cultures just doesn't work. For myself and other fellow collectors, her paintings in no way capture the essence of what true Chinese culture and its painting is all about. Another disappointment about her work (from this book and website) is that many of her paintings are copied (and not very well at that) from older Chinese paintings and famous artists works. If your really interested in Chinese painting techniques, find books by true Chinese painting masters such as the Chinese painting series by the Asian based publisher Art Book Co. (with English text) and not someone who paints as if it were a casual hobby. Buy this book if you're interested in "reading" about simple Chinese brush techniques but once your actually begin painting, find some reference paintings created by actual Chinese artists who capture the true spirit of Chinese painting and the culture.
A Must Have Book! A Real Treasure!.......2003-11-04
This is a book filled with beautiful art. From the helpful detailed instructions for the beginner to the inspirational techniques and compositions for the experienced artist, this is the one book you must have on oriental brush painting. I teach brush painting and every student lights up when they look through this book. This book goes to every class I teach and every student wants a copy to take home. I have many books on brush painting but this is one I will always treasure.
Exquisite Eloquence: The Art of Explaining Art.......2003-09-22
The first thing that struck me as I thumbed through this graceful publication was how visually beautiful it was. I thought perhaps I had purchased a lovely coffee table book! Ms. Rae's work is beautifully reproduced on its pages and alone is reason enough to buy this book. As I dug deeper, I have discovered the author writes as eloquently as she paints. Her explanations are clear and concise and the illustations are very helpful. But more importantly, perhaps, woven throughout the book is an underlying sense of encouragement. This author doesn't just want to show you "how-to," she wants to inspire you. And I must say, she succeeds. I also suggest checking out her website. She is a prolific and exuberant artist!
Book Description
He was a pale, skinny boy with thick glasses, but Norman Perceval Rockwell knew that he could draw.
Beverly Gherman shows us how this awkward boy grew up to become a famous illustrator. As a boy, he sketched the characters from Charles Dickens's novels at the kitchen table. And although his mother discouraged him from pursuing a career in art, Norman knew early on that he could not ignore his talent. He dropped out of school at age fourteen to study art and begin the career that would eventually capture the heart of his entire nation.
The experiences of Rockwell's life became part of his paintings: a childhood trip to the country, his son's departure for the Air Force, the fire that destroyed his studio. He also depicted world events and people of his time: Charles Lindbergh's flight across the Atlantic Ocean, the soldiers of World War II, and the children involved in school integration, as well as more intimate American scenes, such as a family dinner or a trip to the doctor's office.
Beverly Gherman paints a colorful and engaging portrait of Norman Rockwell's life, enhanced by full-color reproductions of the artist's own paintings, which tell both his story and their own.
Customer Reviews:
An introduction to America's most beloved illustrator.......2004-06-26
My first thought when I picked up "Norman Rockwell: Storyteller With a Brush" was why Beverly Gherman had selected "The Soda Jerk," the painting that appeared on the August 22, 1953 cover of the "Saturday Evening Post" for the cover of her book. Part of it has to do with Gherman's emphasis on Rockwell's art depicting kids throughout this book for young readers, but then I noticed that the painting on the back cover is "Norman Painting 'The Soda Jerk,'" also from 1953.
Normal Rockwell was the premier American illustrator of the 20th century and it is hard to think that in this century where computers have been added into the mix along with photography that anybody is ever going to replace Rockwell in the pantheon of American artists. Certainly no one will be more identified with Americana than the man who painted the "Four Freedoms" series and all those "Saturday Evening Post" covers. But Gherman goes beyond those famous works to include those illustrations Rockwell did for editions of Mark Twain's "Tom Sawyer" and "Huckleberry Finn." Opposite the book's first chapter is Rockwell's "Triple Self-Portrait" (1960), which has to be one of the two most famous ones ever done (and the artist includes the other, of Vincent Van Gogh, tacked on the canvas he paints himself doing).
Gherman tells how an awkward boy grew up to become a famous illustrator. Young artists can identify with a boy who starts off sketching characters from Charles Dickens' novels (substituting J.K. Rowling of course). Still, dropping out of school at the age of fourteen to study art and begin a career that ends up capturing the heart of an entire nation mean something different a century ago when Rockwell did it. Gherman traces how Rockwell's experiences in life became parts of paintings as well as how he went on to paint some of he most people of his time, but that above all it was his more intimate American scenes that make his work so memorable.
There are over two dozens examples of Rockwell's paintings included in "Storyteller With a Brush," along with photographs showing the artist at work and some of his models. The final painting, which Gherman deals with at some length, is "The Problem We All Live With," a 1964 work for "Look" magazine showing Ruby Bridges, an eight-year-old black girl, being escorted to a New Orleans school by four federal marshals. The choice is a particularly fine tribute to Rockwell's true vision of the American spirit and the nice thing is that when young readers go through this book it is just their introduction to Rockwell's body of work, because there are so many more great paintings out there to be discovered.
Rockwell The Man: An Inspiration For All Ages.......2000-03-23
To her string of biographies of famous people, Beverly Gherman has added another winner with Norman Rockwell, Storyteller With A Brush. While it is written for and marketed to young readers, this easy read will inform, delight and inspire anyone of any age with a curiosity about what makes great people tick, and how they got to be great. A passion for his art is an added bonus, as the book is sprinkled generously with Rockwell illustrations. It's also a walk down memory lane for history buffs, for Rockwell did indeed capture the story of American culture and history from the first World War into the late sixties.
Gherman does a great job getting behind the scenes. We learn about Rockwell's childhood in New York City and, in summers, on a farm, and his very early realization that he loved to draw, and had a gift. She treats us to photographs of Rockwell at work, whether in a drawing class sketching a model or working in his own studio. What jumps out is not just Rockwell's innate talent but his tremendously hard work to improve his craft. Equally tenacious was his initiative in bringing his work to market, or, one might say, creating a market for his work. We can feel his powerful ambition as a young illustrator to break into the big times - of which the cover of the Saturday Evening Post was the epitome. We can feel his nervousness and anticipation as he waits in the lobby of that magazine's head office in Philadelphia for an art editor to review the three paintings he had brought with him from New York. Finally, we imagine his joy when they buy his work on the spot and commission additional covers, starting a nearly half century long relationship and the seemingly endless series that became his hallmark.
It is difficult to imagine an artist, throughout his career, spending more time on understanding his subjects than Rockwell. Gherman tells the story of his exploration in 1935 of Mark Twain's hometown, Hannibal, Missouri, to help him prepare to illustrate Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. He even bought worn clothes from farmers for pants and overalls, then hired models to wear them while he painted.
We watch as Rockwell decides to leave the Post in 1963, after almost fifty years, to try something new at nearly seventy years of age. He reveled in painting more contemporary, as opposed to historical subjects, now for Look Magazine. Thus we are the beneficiaries of another stream of his sketches and paintings, this one documenting the space program, integration, the fight against poverty and other social issues and developments.
Finally, we respect the admiration his hometown expresses with a parade only a couple of years before his death, and his determination to continue painting as long as possible; and we puzzle at the relative lack of contemporary acclaim art critics bestowed.
Gherman has done reading audiences a great service in presenting the life of this fascinating artist in such a compelling format.
Book Description
In celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Ryman Program for Young Artists, The Ryman-Carroll Foundation is proud to present a book of extraordinary insight into the magical worlds of Disney and its quintessential artist Herbert Dickens Ryman.
A Brush with Disney is the story in 252 pages of color illustrations of artist Herbert Ryman's personal journeys around the world and through the "world of Walt".
Told through the marvelous illustrations of the artist and his own personal notes and thoughts on a 50-year journey, this rare compilation (many never-before-seen works) is edited by Bruce Gordon and David Mumford, with research by Irene Naoum.
Customer Reviews:
Good, but misleading.......2007-04-11
I found A Brush With Disney to be an overall good book. It looks great on the coffee table and shelf, has a beautiful cover, and clear, quality illustrations. That being said, if you think this is a book full of Disney concept art (as I did) you'll be disappointed. The book is not about Disney, but about the artist and his life and work. His work at Disney takes up only about a fourth of the book. I also thought it would feature concept work for different rides, parks, etc. In actuality it only had concept work for the parks and a few of the "lands" in Disneyland (Frontierland, New Orleans Square, Sleeping Beauty's Castle, etc.) I felt a bit cheated after paying $65 because it's as if the artist is selling himself under the Disney name for publicity and name recognition. Anyone heard of Herbert Dickens Ryman before? I sure haven't. I didn't give it a one simply because the content is good, it's just not about what is advertised and promoted on cover.
Not much concept art of early golden Disney animation period.......2005-08-04
It is a great book when you want to learn about collors and style in Disney park design, but not much on the period of Dumbo animation and other early disney design and concept art for animation in the golden period of disney animation. Still great paintings and Aquarels (study the techniques) from traveling and the design paintings, for the disney world themeparks. It gave me the Idear of buying a sketchbook for my world traveling.
Jan Reijmerink Drontywood ART
Not enough Disney.......2001-12-03
I hate to sound like an ingrate writing this review: Herb Ryman has done some great illustrations. Unfortunately, this book spends too much time showcasing Herb Ryman's non-Disney art--which is pretty mediocre--and not enough space showcasing his Disney work. The highlight of the book--Ryman's first illustration of the soon-to-be-built Disneyland--is spread across two pages, but the page break makes it nearly impossible to decipher what's in the middle of the drawing. (It should have perhaps been on a fold-out, or at least on a single, uninterrupted page.) Other great illustrations, especially early renderings of Tomorrowland, are printed in extremely small 3" images, making them very hard to read. All in all, I'd say don't bother with this book. Ryman's best drawings are already showcased in many other books.
Not so much for Disney historians..........2001-10-15
As a general book about the person Herb Ryman, it is very pretty and well made, and deserves 5 stars.
But as a source of info for the Disney historian, all I can say is: get the public library near you to buy a copy.
Personally, I feel I should have waited to buy it until I had the chance to have a look at the contents... [added later:] I would have bought it, anyway.
A Must Have.......2001-06-19
I will admit that it was strange at first reading this in the first person (I was under the impression that Mr. Ryman had passed away some time ago....If I'm mistaken...Sorry!). Other than that, the book was great.
I think the general public doesn't give a thought to the fact that Imagineers are highly trained/skilled artists. This book really demonstrates this nicely. Who better than Herb Ryman as an example of the fine artistry Disney has cultivated over the years.
Don't expect to see lots of pictures of Mickey and Disney stuff. Sure, it's there, but the book focusses on Ryman, as it should. We can see why Herb was great at his job with Disney because of the wealth of life experiences he had and therefore painted.
Good stuff. Great book!
Book Description
Portraiture is a unique genre that is common ground both for American art history and for history told through the biographies of the people who shaped it. Offering 78 wide-ranging examples from the incomparable National Portrait Gallery's collection, A Brush with History showcases the American portrait tradition from the country's beginnings to the present.
The book contains essays by the museum's Deputy Director Carolyn Kinder Carr and by Curator of Painting and Sculpture Ellen G. Miles. The full-page color portraits display such works as John Singleton Copley's Self-Portrait, Henry Inman's Sequoyah, Edgar Degas's Mary Cassatt, and Thomas Hart Benton's Self-Portrait with Rita. This handsomely designed volume also includes a foreword by Alan Fern, Director Emeritus of the National Portrait Gallery, and an essay by the Gallery's Research Historian Margaret Christman on the history of the National Portrait Gallery.
Book Description
Former-forger turned faux-finisher Annie Kincaid hopes that if she can help return an alleged masterpiece to Italy, her sketchy reputation will finally be redeemed. But when a sexy art thief-and murder-enter the picture, Annie realizes that it won't be so easy to put things to rest.
Customer Reviews:
Addiction.......2007-09-29
All of the books in the series are extremely addicting! When I pick one up, I cannot put it down; these works are the cause of many a sleepless night for me...The latest installment lands Annie into a plethora of problems as she struggles to solve a murder, locate a masterpiece, and balance the ever-present love triangle in her life, all while trying to save her grandfather's forger fugitive hide from the FBI. Kudos for another fantastic mystery! Please keep them coming!
Brush With Death: An Art Lover's Mystery.......2007-08-19
This is the third book in the series. I hope they continue, as these books are entertaining and a lot of fun to read! If you love mysteries, irresistable characters, and you like to laugh out loud and have a good time along with a good story, then this book is definitely for you.
Another great entry in a fantastic series.......2007-08-14
Annie Kincaid returns in this latest installment in the "Art Lovers series", which proves every bit as entertaining as the first two books. Here, Kincaid is still grappling with romantic commitment to the various men in her life, in addition to tangling with evil developers, graveyard ghouls, and an Italian hell-bent on locking up her grandfather if she can't produce the original of a famous painting by Raphael. The familiar cast of characters appear to provide lots of humorous mishaps and support. A fun read.
Felt like I was reading an art history book.......2007-08-11
I loved the first book in this series. The relationship between Annie and Michael X Johnson was funny and wonderful. I liked the second book, but it seemed as if they were phasing Michael out. This third installment was good, but even less of Michael and way too much art history. I did like the way that it ended, making me think that the story will go back to the funny, entertaining relationship between those two. Very colorful, cute characters.
The best yet! .......2007-07-20
This is a wonderful series, along the lines of Evanovich's Stephanie Plum novels. But Annie Kincaid is a smarter, savvier, more multi-faceted protagonist, and I love watching her change and develop over time. The surrounding quirky characters are honestly captivating and endearing. Plus, I always learn something about art, history, and San Francisco.
The promise of new developments at the end made me salivate for book number four...more more more!
Books:
- The Chinese Brush Painting Bible: Over 200 Motifs With Step-by-Step Illustrated Instructions
- The Complete Guide to Coloured Pencil Techniques
- The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition
- The Graphic Standards Guide to Architectural Finishes: Using MASTERSPEC to Evaluate, Select, and Specify Materials
- The Literature of Music Bibliography
- The No Asshole Rule: Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn't
- The Photoshop Anthology: 101 Web Design Tips, Tricks & Techniques
- The Real Story of Stone Soup
- The Secret Life of Houdini: The Making of America's First Superhero
- The Stained Glass Garden: Projects & Patterns
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The Fine Art of Chinese Brush Painting
Chinese Brush Painting: A Complete Painting Kit for Beginners
Snow Painting: Chinese Brush Painting
Traditional and Contemporary Chinese Brush Painting: Using Ink and Water-Soluble Media
Chinese Painting Techniques for Exquisite Watercolors
