Book Description
For more than a decade, Koigu Wool Designs has been a revered source for top-quality handpainted merino yarn and exquisite patterns. Its wools feature a unique and rich palette that’s as gorgeous as a painter’s. Now, the many needleworkers who are positively obsessive about Koigu can make 25 of the company’s best designs and learn more about how owners Maie and Taiu Landru achieve their amazing technicolor results. Over 100 photographs, many shot on location at the Koigu farm, showcase the special wool-dyeing process and fashionable garments, while a special essay discusses the family’s background, Maie’s influences, and Koigu’s day-to-day workings.
Customer Reviews:
A Koigu Must.......2007-06-12
I love Koigu KPPPM. I have made the Charlotte's Web Shawl a number of times and each time I love the enjoyment of the project. I must admit there are a few patterns that I wouldn't dare to make but there are more patterns that I would love to do. The only problem is that KPPPM is not cheap but it is oh so beautiful.
Big Disappointment.......2007-03-19
I was disappointed that on some items the photography doesn't show the color(s) of the item. All the yarns listed in the patterns are identified by numbers so there isn't any way to tell what color family they refer to. There is no description, nor pictures, of the yarns in the back of the book to help out with the deciphering. One shawl looks golden because it was photographed from below against the sun. I saw that shawl at a yarn store and they said they used the colors listed in the pattern and the colors were nothing close to the ones in the picture (and they were appalling). There are some innovative designs in the book, but I can't imagine anyone wearing them (do you wear knitted form-fit multi-colored slacks?).
I don't think this book shows off Koigu yarns very well. The yarns are actually quite lovely. If it weren't for the Oriental Jacket I would have returned the book to Amazon.
Favorites and new patterns included.......2007-03-19
For the past ten years, knitters have delighted in knitting with the yarns produced by the Canadian company, Koigu Wool Designs. Founder and designer Maie Landra is an artist who found her perfect medium--each skein is a miniature work of art. Every batch of Landra's beautiful yarns produces slightly different results due to the hand-painting process, meaning no projects will ever be identical. She believes that "the perfect dyelot must be alive with highlights and depth, not dead and lifeless," and to date has created more than 300 colorways. The designs in Knits from a Painter's Palette: modular masterpieces in handpainted yarn celebrate the beauty of Koigu Painter's Palette Premium Merino, known as KPPPM.
Landra is known for her use of modular or domino knitting and the majority of the patterns in Knits from a Painter's Palette utilize this technique. This collection contains many favorites from the past ten years, including the famous Charlotte's Web Shawl and Landra's first design, the Oriental Jacket. Beginners will find projects such as Basic Squares Scarf, to assist in learning modular knitting techniques, and the Knit Yarn-Over Scarf. Experienced knitters may be inspired by the Magique Cloak, or the Spirit Skirt, which raised quite a stir when originally published in the Fall 2005 Vogue Knitting magazine.
While the majority of the patterns included are oversized, some pieces are quite form-fitting such as the Groovy Dress, Jazz Cardigan or the Patchwork Pants. Several patterns are also provided in children's sizing.
Koigu designs are very colorful and require a certain panache to carry off for everyday wear. At $13/skein, the larger projects requiring upwards of 40 skeins must be viewed as investment pieces, ones which are saved up for or purchased a few skeins at a time.
Armchair Interview says: Knits from a Painter's Palette is sure to please Koigu fanatics and neophytes alike.
Mystical Koigu.......2007-02-19
"Knits From a Painter's Palette: Modular Masterpieces in Hand Painted Yarn" is what I expected from the title of the book, pictures I had seen of it and the reviews I read. I am not one bit sorry I bought it. But I wish it was so much more than it is. Having knit with Painter's Palette, I can attest that the yarn is close to magical, a magic the book does not get across at all.
Charlotte's Web, for example, why would anybody photograph this beauty with the light behind it, focusing on the pattern which is not what the shawl is about at all? I suggest that anyone who wants to understand Charlotte's Web in Painter's Palette google it to see what it really looks like.
Probably the photos of the Butterfly Poncho best convey the beauty of the yarn, but in general, neither the photography nor the modular knitted items do Painter's Palette justice. I realize Maie Landra is an artist and expert knitter, but modular knitting is not new and the results actually appear more restricted than innovative so it's puzzling that she would find it particularly interesting.
Koigu is wonderful, I am grateful to Landra for it, I would never not have bought this book, but can't we have a second one with a few more garments ordinary knitters like me could dream about making or maybe even actually make? And please, please, different art directors, photographers, etc.--in fact, how about a different publisher altogether as this one clearly wasn't up to the job.
Rainbows of color.......2007-02-12
The Koigu wool designs in this book are extraordinary. The komono coat went on my "wish I could afford to make it" list. It requires about 35 skeins of yarn and at the retail yarn price it would cost over $400 to make. Other patterns require much less yarn and the patterns are probably for the advanced beginner to intermediate knitter. I loaned the book to a friend and she keeps it on her desk to show that coat to everyone. If I could only have one pattern book, this wouldn't be it, but the patterns are gorgeous--and maybe next year I'll be able to make that coat.
Amazon.com
Creativity is one of the great mysteries of life. Everyone may possess it to some degree, but why do some people seem completely in touch with their creative powers while others struggle to connect with it at all? How do you unlock your creative potential--or maximize it, if you're already utilizing some level of it? This inspirational book--meant primarily for painters but full of sage advice for other types of artists and crafters, too--teaches how to release your muse by exploring the basics of the language of art and by applying the Zen principles of blending body, mind, and spirit and of following an intuitive rather than purely logical approach. The author's own lyrical, 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 important general concepts and as they pertain to landscape, still life, and figural art. In short, she teaches you how to know yourself as a creator, and to recognize that "creative vision really is your natural birthright" and that "art has something to offer everyone ... as a means of self-knowledge." --Amy Handy
Customer Reviews:
Blow Away!!!!.......2007-05-22
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.......2006-08-21
A must to read to start your own ideas on Watercolor painting, using the Zen method.
Strong art - weaker philosophy.......2004-09-17
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.
elegantdesign.co.nz Book Review.......2004-02-29
The book was very logical yet had many creative aspects. I would recommend it for a mid-range painter.
this book is wonderful.......1999-02-17
for so long art has been has jeanne put it, "left Brained" very logical, in an attempt to teach art so everyone can understand it. but what these artists, teachers, are forgetting is that creativty is a mystery. art is about feelings. even if the piece is very abstract, its still trying to in a sense "say" something. this book gave me a voice on how to explain myself as an artist to teachers who i have had who lean toward a logical kind of art that has shape but no feeling, and does not allow for differeces in style. i love this book, i plan to go into art education and this well definitely be a reference
Customer Reviews:
Velda Newman:A Painter's Approach to Quilt Design.......2004-10-03
Excellent book.. with almost a color picture or quilt on every page.Can't wait to try her workshop and her techniques in this book. Also her 2002 Adding Dimension book is great also you should get both.
Book Description
There's nothing like the joy of decorative painting--transforming an ordinary object into a one-of-a-kind work of art! It all starts with your first stroke. And there's no easier, more enjoyable way to learn that first stroke (and the second and the third ... ) than with this comprehensive visual guide.
Inside, you'll see every basic stroke--from the comma stroke to the S-stroke--broken down into several steps and illustrated in easy-to-follow worksheets. You'll learn proper brush techniques for single-loaded strokes , double-loaded strokes , tipped strokes, side-loaded strokes, and linework. Before you know it, you'll be using what you've learned to paint pretty flowers, beautiful borders, and even complete designs! These strokes are the "building blocks" of virtually every decorative painting style--so once you master them, there's no limit to the decorative magic you can create!
Customer Reviews:
Very good book.......2004-03-04
I never thought that I'll like another one stoke book after Donna Dewberry's books but this book is really good for beginners and professionals.The first 70 pages shows the basics of one stroke painting. Then there are lots of border examples which can be made easily by the beginners. After them,the real painting comes. 6 beautiful projects are shown step by step so you can understand and make the same projects easily. I recommend this book to everyone.
Too technical for my taste.......2003-10-03
You'll like this book if you are:
1. Left-brained and over-analytical
2. Like things written in a technical manner
3. Prefer simple things broken down in many steps.
If you like things written in a simple manner, don't buy this book.
I bought this book and ended up returning it. I found the instructions too technical and tedious. The instructions read more like "the anatomy of a brushstroke," where one brushstroke would be broken down in so many steps that you could get lost. "Angle your brush to the corner, in your minds's eye picture 2 o'clock, at this point put pressure...now curve, lift..." and we have 5 more steps to go. OK, I might be exaggerating but I'm trying to give you the gist of it. There are NO WORKSHEETS, except for 2 pages that look like a ROAD MAP which tell you where your brush should be positioned and where it should end up after you complete the stroke. You really should take a look for yourself to see how confusing this book is.
There are so many better, simplier, more comprehensive and enjoyable (let's not forget that) decorative painting books out there, that I suggest you bypass this one. I gave it 2 stars because someone who is more technically-oriented might find it useful.
Great Book!.......2000-05-17
This is a wonderful book describing basic brushstrokes for Decorative Painter's. There is a good explanation of brushes and their uses. The techniques are well explained and easy to follow. After practicing for a relatively small period of time, I was painting things that I felt comfortable showing other people. And those people knew what I had painted! Actually, they were quite impressed! The only reason I did not give this book 5 stars is that I have seen some Decorative Painting books that are slightly more thorough although they tend to be more expensive. I would recommend this book to a beginning Decorative Painter.
Book Description
The Renaissance Coloring Book includes images of many of the most famous paintings of the Renaissance and will delight and educate children and adults alike.
-45 renderings of Renaissance paintings for you to color
-space on the opposite page for creating your own masterpiece
-informative and educational introduction
Customer Reviews:
Not exactly what I expected.......2007-09-14
I'm an art therapist at a nursing home and was looking for adult coloring pages for my residents. While the attention to detail is beautiful, the images were a little complicated. The contour lines are confusing and unnecessary at times. But if you are an artist who can't draw or want someone else to define the contours than these are you books.
Average customer rating:
- Another textbook masquerading as an art book . . .
- not what I expected
- Excellently
- A great addition for a personal library
- Awesome, comprehensive book - but hard to get from Amazon directly.
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Alphonse Mucha: The Spirit of Art Nouveau
Victor Arwas ,
Jana Brabcova-Orlikova , and
Anna Dvorak
Manufacturer: Yale University Press
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Alphonse Mucha
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Mucha Posters Postcards: 24 Ready-to-Mail Cards (Card Books)
ASIN: 0300074190 |
Book Description
This lavishly illustrated book presents the full spectrum of Alphonse Mucha`s works, from his innovative posters and decorative panels to his architectural designs, jewelry, sculpture, photographs, books, and interiors. The authors discuss Mucha`s years in Paris, his iconography of Sarah Bernhardt, his service to the Czech government, his distinctive style that became nearly synonymous with turn-of-the-century French Art Nouveau, and much more.
Customer Reviews:
Another textbook masquerading as an art book . . ........2007-08-29
If you are looking for an art book, avoid this one. I adore Mucha's work. That being said, I was decidedly underwhelmed with this massive tome. I was really looking forward to this because it seemed like it would be loaded with full color images from Mucha's career.
Half the book is black and white pictures with text. Then comes the 'Catalogue' which I'm finding means code for 'small pictures ahead'.
The entire Slav epic is reproduced, however the images are so tiny you can barely make it out, except for a couple pieces that take up half the page. Even more annoying is the fact that the teeny images occupy what is largely a blank page.Two or three images way down at the bottom and blank space for the rest of it.
I guess it's part of 'negative space' and art or whatever, but it felt like a rip off.
The rest of the 100 or so pages of art is much like this. Small images of most of his work, like 'Seasons' and 'Jewels' with mostly a blank page.
Why wouldn't they use more of the page and blow up the image so the reader can enjoy the works? This large book could have been the definitive book on Mucha for art book lovers. That is why I would rate this as an over hyped textbook. The best Mucha book out there is the one I imported from Prague.
Don't waste your time with this unless you are into a scholarly approach to this fantastic artist. For classroom study at best.
not what I expected.......2007-08-07
this book was more like a text book. I'd say that 2/3 of the book was text, when I expected a book with mainly illustrations/examples of Mucha's work.
this book was made out to be a mainly-illustration book with full color images. the images are mostly in black & white and most are of bad quality.
Excellently.......2007-01-27
The detailed comments written with feeling.
Illustrations reflect all stages of creativity
The book, worthy any collection
A great addition for a personal library.......2007-01-13
I purchased this book from Amazon.com after visiting the Mucha Museum in Prague in September '07. Believe it or not, there were NO English versions of Mucha's life, works, or anything in book form. I was pleased to find this book available here and have enjoyed it greatly. It has good coverage of his life, and his works and a complete section in the back of his works in color. The only drawback is that not all of the colored pages are true to the colors that I saw at the museum, but most are good.
Awesome, comprehensive book - but hard to get from Amazon directly........2005-10-01
This is an extremely handsome volume, beautifully printed and presented. The content is vast: sketches, photographs of models, finished works - if you like Mucha's work, it's a must-have.
However: the review entitled, "Beware Amazon doesn't stock this item" was accurate regarding direct purchase from Amazon - after several months and delays, I cancelled the order and followed Amazon's "used & new available from ..." link to purchase it from one of their affiliates. Once I did that, I had the book within a week!
Book Description
Twenty-eight beautiful quilts and bonus projects, complete how-to instructions in full color, inspired by the art of Diane Phalen.
Book Description
Create beautiful faux finish effects with the Color Shaper, a new painting tool from Forsline & Starr.
Transform your home with lovely malachite, marble, stone finishes, or with the soft patina of grained wood; or choose a fresh look from a collection of fanciful, new faux patterns. In these pages you will find twelve easy projects, along with a host of colorful, creative variations to add drama to your décor.
--Simple, step-by-step instruction, plus dozens of faux finishes to try on furniture, moldings, floorcloths, shutters, tile, borders, and blinds
--Seventeen faux finish "recipes," to decorate any surface you choose
Customer Reviews:
Great easy-to-create projects, neat effects.......2001-04-30
This is a great book for the decorative artist. The effects you can achieve are both stunning and easy to create. They give a unique look to any project.
The book starts out with an overview of wide color shaper types and basic strokes as well as instructions for preparing and finishing surfaces. Then it shows you how to create faux stone, faux wood, fabric looks and fantasy textures. Some projects include a malachite chest, marble table, blue patterned cupboard, kilim floorcloth, damask roller blind and ceramic tile trivet.
Further pattern recipes are in the back. Some of these include lapis lazuli, woven plaid and wavy cross-band design. The instructions for everything are excellent, demonstrated step-by-step with photos. Most projects use latex paints, glazing liquid and a water-base varnish and include a complete materials list.
My only wish for the book was a suppliers list. Wide color shapers can be difficult to find. Buy this book with the color shaper included if you can.
Book Description
Home is more than a simple shelter; home is a sanctuary. Sophisticated Surfaces illustrates how to enhance simple shelters by applying paint imaginatively to create aesthetically pleasing home environments. Rooted in traditions that date to the Italian Renaissance in seventeenth-century Europe, decorative artists use contemporary tools and materials to interpret age-old techniques—marbleizing, graining, and glazing furniture, walls, and ceilings. Inspired by early masters, these same artists go on to create new finishes—cracked linens and textured wall surfaces among them.
This book is divided into three categories: Faux Finishes, Painted Furniture, and Murals. Each section focuses on works by decorative artists who excel in translating precisely executed techniques into exquisitely painted surfaces. Beauty and harmony are vital to our psychological health and well-being. Sophisticated Surfaces is designed to inspire readers to view ordinary living space in new, innovative, and creative ways.
Customer Reviews:
Kinda Boring!.......2005-08-22
Unfortunately I wasn't very impressed with the artwork. Out of all of the featured artists maybe two actually impressed me. Not that the others weren't talented (the artists themselves probably are, just the artwork they chose to feature was plain and ordinary). If you're looking for something to go wow over I suggest The Art Of Trompe L'oeil Murals by Yves Lanthier or The Painted House by Graham Rust.
Artistic Finishes LLC of Milwaukee recommendation.......2004-10-29
Interesting suggestions for a variety of wall and object painting techniques. Easy to follow steps using paint & plasters for the beginner to the experienced faux finisher.
Excellent idea book and great for Professionals.......2001-12-05
This is NOT a step-by-step or "how to" book, which is part of it's charm. This is definately written for the professional decorator or painter, but the beautiful finishes can be appreciated by the novice too. Excellent read and great coffee table book in one.
Wonderful interior design "coffee table" book.......2001-09-05
This is a great idea book for anyone interested in home décor or interior design. It also makes a great "coffee table" art book for anyone who appreciates fine decorative painting. It features a variety of surfaces created by eighteen different artists.
The book is divided into three sections: faux and fantasy, painted surfaces, and murals and Trompe l'oeil. Each artist has a gallery showing numerous photos of their work as well as a brief biography and description of their techniques. Captions contain information on how each individual example was created.
I loved a whimsical little girl's room painted from floor to ceiling with pastels by John Parsons. All the furniture by Fischer is just awesome. My favorite was an iridescent pastel chair with a woman's face on it. I enjoyed the bathroom where Entner achieves an awesome texture by using visible brushstrokes and a goldfish pond floorcloth by Dale Wade. I was also very impressed with the Drywall columns painted to look like Italian marble and a garden like octagonal room with lattice work up the walls.
Although most of us may not be able to emulate the artistic skill displayed in this book, it is still a great source of ideas and inspiration for anyone interested in incorporating decorative painting into their décor. There is contact information included for all of the artists and photographers represented. I know I will use ideas from this in my own home.
Trompe l'oeil and Faux at it's finest !.......2000-01-09
This book provieds beautiful pictures of some of the finest faux and trompe l'oeil finishes I have ever seen. However this book is NOT a step-by-step guide for the do it your selfer. I would however highly recommend this book to any Decorative artist looking for new ideas.
Book Description
Donna's back with fresh new projects featuring her easy and fun one-stroke technique. Designed to ensure success even for the most basic beginner, this guide takes the guesswork out of getting started with step-by-step instructions and projects that guarantee great results right away.
As Donna demonstrates, it's all in the stroke. Following her clear, close-up photos, readers will quickly learn to master her simple brush loading techniques to create one-stroke flowers, buds, vines, fruits, leaves and more. They will then apply their new skills to 12 fabulous and functional projects, featuring a range of themes and colors. This complete guide includes:
-Projects of all kinds, from table settings and purses to floorcloths, tile trays, wall cabinets and more
-Directions for painting effectively on all surfaces, including glass, tile, china, paper, metal and wood
-The basics of good design principles, including examples and quick tips
-Techniques for lettering, candle painting, sponging, pouncing and more
This is the largest and most complete one-stroke painting guide ever. Featuring today's most popular subjects, colors and projects, it has everything crafters and painters are looking for.
Customer Reviews:
All New???.......2006-03-24
I bought this book thinking I would finally learn some new techniques, such as how get a 3-D effect using one-stroke. But like most of Donna's books, there is a lot of repeated material, so "all new" is misleading. The only "new" part of the book is a few projects that you can do -- once you buy the new Plaid products required! So, there's very little to learn from in this book. And, one problem I have with Donna: her step-by-step directions on how to do things often do not lead to the finished product displayed. I'm wondering if there's anyone out there who can provide some better one-stroke instruction.
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