Book Description
If you are anime/manga collector or fan, you have had a burning desire to learn how to draw the popular characters by yourself. However, you may be worried that you cannot draw as well as people in art clubs or in cartoon clubs because drawing is difficult - don't worry, many people feel the same way. This series was written to help those who are interested in drawing, but are worried about the challenges involved with it. If you change the way you look at an object - even just a little, you can succeed.
Customer Reviews:
total waste of money!!!.......2007-04-07
this book was not helpful at all!!!i had just recently got into manga and anime drawing so i thought that this book would be helpful to me you know with the title being "basics for beginners" and all. all it did was show me useless information.all it does is show you characters made out of these weird rectangle type things only and then the finished project (but thats all no hair no clothes no nothing), instead of step-by-step directions on everything. if you are a beginner i would highly reccomend NOT, i repeat NOT getting this book!!! it confused me and didn't actually show me how to draw anything!!!if your a beginner and don't know where to start, your not alone!!! although this is the first book i ever got on the whole anime subject i would suggest some other how to draw manga books but definately not this one. try how to draw manga ultimate manga lessons volumes 1-6 and more how to draw manga volumes 1-4. believe me if you want, if you think diferently and want to try it any way be my guest but in my oppinion it's a total waste of money!!! hope this helped!!!
How to Draw Anime & Game Characters VOL.1 Review.......2007-01-18
I would say pick this book up, because i am not a beginner but i still got alot out of it. If you want to get into drawing anime or game characters or you want to be pick this one up. This book really helped me brush up on my basics.I also fully intend to follow up with all the rest of the books in this sereies.
Nice Book.......2007-01-10
Bought it as a Christmas gift for one of my nieces. I looked through it before I gave it to her. The book looks like it's got alot to offer. Maybe I'll get one for myself in the future.
tasteless.......2006-06-28
This book tasteless. There are comics in the back of the book where there is a pedophilia scene. A young boy is seduced by a older man. It's not very nice. It also shows how to draw seductivley. This book is not appropriate for young people.
It's awesome .......2005-11-06
I would recommend this for all beggining artist in magna, it has helped me alot, now i'm on the search for a magna book that teaches to draw clothing. This will really increase your drawing prowess
Customer Reviews:
I guess it depends on what you mean by serious.......2007-04-08
When she says serious... in the last few pages she tells you about becoming a full time artist, pros and cons kind of thing and options. She gives suggestions of places you can look into to show your work, but does not tell you how, just where to go. She does however say to go to the library to find out more or the internet. I guess most people don't know that, to me it is obvious. But hey, now you know and you didn't have to buy the book!
The artwork in the book sucks. It lacks depth and looks flat. Sure there is color, but it all seems to have the same pressure to it. Some may be better than others, buy my eyes don't want to look at it long. So, a tip that I know in becoming a serious artist is that if you actually want people to buy your work, you will want to create something that captures the attention of the viewer and keeps them there. The more they look at your work or the longer, the more likely they will buy it. The only one in there that looked pretty cool was the monopoly picture.
It's odd, she shows some basic examples of creating the illusion of 3D using tonal values from light to dark as well as discussing form, volume and space... but does not fully carry it through in her own work.
I just think if your going to learn from an artist, you would want to learn from someone who can give a good example. Why not learn it the right way the first time? There are too many other books that could do it better for ya. Check out books by Ann Kullberg, Janie Gildow, Gary Greene, Vera Curnow, or even Bernard Poulin. These artists have books for beginners and advanced, check them out and find the level best for you. They are better examples to follow. And if you want to start selling find a book strickly for that. Though Ann Kullberg, in "colored pencil portraits step-by-step has a section where she explains how she sells her portraits.
Are you kidding?.......2007-03-30
How did this artist ever get this published? The artwork in this book is so amateurish I did not even want to read what he/she had to say. I don't want my pieces to look like theirs. It looked like junior high artwork. The proportions of animals were totally incorrect, color wasn't eye catching, pieces looked like crayon drawings. This must be self published. I returned the book I didn't even care that I lost my shipping costs, I would never look at it or read it again.
Not for beginners.......2007-02-06
I think this may be a fine book for more advanced artists. There was little help for true beginners,even"serious " ones. There was much philosophy and opionion, but little practical help.
THE book on Colored Pencil........2007-01-25
If you can only have one book on colored pencil, let it be this one. I had to buy another one when my professor saw it. It is another book that I read with pen and highlighter in hand. I couldn't just read it I had to study it.
The only book you need.......2006-10-29
If you can only buy one book on the art and craft of colored pencil, buy this one! If you have a hundered books on art, I'd still say: you need this one! Bet Borgeson is well known for her intelligence, wit, humor, and her refusal to "talk down" to the reader or student. Page for page, there is more useful information in this book than in any other art book on my shelves -- and most of it is invaluable for artists working in any medium. From the basics of "getting started," to the philosophy of an artist's life, this book is jam-packed with useful and thought provoking information. Its richness and quality call to mind Richard Schmid's _Alla Prima_ or Rex vicat Cole's _ The Artistic Anatomy of Trees_, two of my other personal favorites. I love this book!
Book Description
Absolute Beginners guides represent a fresh new series of drawing and painting books for budding artists written by professional artist/ teachers. In You Can Sketch, master artist Jackie Simmonds leads the novice by the hand, demonstrating dozens of step-by-step, easy-to-follow techniques using a variety of sketching media. Over 100 clear, full-color illustrations show readers how to sketch the separate elements of simple still life and landscape subjects one by one in pencil, charcoal, colored pencil, pastel pencil, and Conté crayon. Explicit instructions demonstrate how easy it is to combine these different elements to make a finished picture. With You Can Sketch, even the most hesitant artists will gain confidence and start sketching fast!
Customer Reviews:
You Can Sketch: A Step by Step Guide for Absolute Beginners.......2007-01-11
For the size and price of this book it is packed with very usable information. It is easy to read for young and old. The book details various media and materials and composition.
The demonstrations are very nice. I was very surprised at the variety of sketches from small objects to landscapes,animals, people,skies,water,etc.
I would recommend this book for beginners as well as those who have been sketching their own pictures for painting.
Sharon
Must have for beginners!!.......2006-06-15
I absolutely love this book!! Being a beginner wanting to learn basics about drawing everything from landscapes to fruit the book lets you explore the different methods and mediums. It's also a complete confidence builder and I was excited to run out a get a sketch book (which she encourages) to learn to become better. There is something in here for everyone and she makes it so easy to follow her step-by-step examples. You can choose your favorite medium to use, from charcoal to pastel pencils instead of being tied the medium she used in her examples, this is also a great way to see the differences between the textures of each medium. I borrowed this book from the library but I intend to purchase it to refer to as a reference! A must have for beginners and a great source for finding your favorite medium!
Sketching.......2006-02-08
Jackie Simmonds wonderful pastel books have saved me more times than I can count and I can't say enough about those wonderful books so I won't even start. So, when I told my art teacher I'm going to England in the Spring she suggested I take a sketchbook along with my camera. Not having done any sketching beyond a quick thumbnail in class to check composition and value of a still life I felt panic set in. I didn't need to worry, as soon as I found that Ms. Simmonds had a sketch book I knew I'd be fine and she hasn't dissapointed me. This book makes it almost impossible to mess up. You don't have to work page by page through this book, just pick an example you like and with a little time, (as in a few mins!) you will have produced a nice sketch and it will encourage you to do more. This book is really inspiring and confidence building. Now I can't wait to go to England and I'm going to take 2 sketch books! Ms. Simmonds shows you that art doesn't have to be scary and gives you the confidence and inspiration to really surprise yourself with what you can produce.
Sketching as a Hobby.......2002-09-16
I decided to do some sketching as a hobby. This book was perfecto. It is easy to understand and explains basic methods used. Simmonds explains exactly which parts of your subject to focus on and where to start. It also gives a good list of materials to use but simple pencils are all you need. I love this book because it gets me excited about sketching.
Very Basic but a good place to begin.......2002-06-22
The title says it all for this book. The author skillfully takes the reader on a step-by-step tour of basic sketching techniques. Throughout the book each project has detailed illustrations showing how the sketches should look as the reader follows along. It covers several drawing media including pencils, charcoal, pastel pencils, water soluble colored pencils, etc. The instruction covers basic sketching, shading, and composition techniques. Sketching subjects in the lessons include fruits, vegetables, natural forms, plants, flowers, trees, skies, water, landscapes, animals, people, buildings, people and the seaside. If you have had no art training and don't know where to begin or just want to try your hand at sketching then this is an excellent place to start.
Book Description
Based upon the author's own successful workshops, Drawing for the Absolute and Utter Beginner helps new artists create competent, often eloquent drawings. A series of progressive lessons demonstrates such essential skills as recording edges, creating dimension, adding accuracy, developing value, balancing compositional elements, and drawing the human face, both frontal and profile views. Step by step, readers learn how to create a reasonable likeness of an object and give it spatial depth using such simple black-and-white mediums as pens, pencils, charcoal, and graphite wash. Inspirational examples and tips for success from beginning students who have worked on the same material confirm readers' successes, and allow readers to consider the advice and impressions of others at the same level.
Customer Reviews:
Great beginner book.......2007-09-04
I am a novice at drawing. I took a community college drawing class last Winter that whet my appetite for drawing. I checked out all the drawing books at the library and found this jewel. It was exactly what I was looking for. It takes you through the process step by step and explains in detail the techniques you need to learn. The book allows you to go at your own pace! I gain confidence in comparing my work to the students' examples included in the book. I almost feel I am in a class with others as I go through the lessons. I extended my library check out of this book so many times, I figured I might as well buy it. I found this on Amazon and bought it. Amazon is a great place to buy things. Go Amazon!
The title says it all!.......2007-01-06
I've never been able to draw. I've always wanted to draw, but just couldn't do it. So this year I decided I wanted to give it a good shot and learn how to draw. I looked around and this seemed to be reviewed pretty high, so bought the book. I'm so glad that I did. Just over a month later and I'm drawing just about every day. Each evening I draw. It has become a way to wind down after a stressful day. Instead of daunting tasks of drawing complicated scenes, the book eases you into it. You start out with simple but useful exercises. This is truly for the absolute and utter beginner. If you really want to learn how to draw, this is the book.
Drawing for the Absolute and Utter Beginner.......2006-08-27
When I read Mr. Bains earlier review, I was somewhat taken back by his English lesson and focus on wording of the title over content of the text. We are all smart enough to know that titles are a marketing tool. I received the impression that he might feel one should learn to draw simply by reading a book, which of course made me even more curious to read it. What I found is a very straight forward and encouraging approach to drawing that was much easier to follow than another highly esteemed book. In fact, I felt the text matched the title quite closely having read several drawing books and taken more than one day long workshop. I have continued to struggle because it takes practice drawing to learn to draw - time, discipline, desire. Discpline is perhaps the key ingredient over talent. You have to show up at the page. Ms. Garcia's words and assignments build one on the other. They are supportive both of the student (reader) and the subject matter. I teach in another field and find this method highly productive with my own students. The quotes from and examples of student's work make drawing something - anything - very approachable. So approachable I picked up a pencil and started practicing. Writing that motivates action is good writing.
Lack of clear focus produces a poor book for beginners.......2006-04-25
"Drawing for the Absolute and Utter Beginner"
-Claire Watson Garcia
There does not seem to be a reason to recommend this book.
The words "ABSOLUTE & UTTER BEGINNER" can fool you. This not a "pre-beginner" book. This does not offer helpful instruction that other books lack, at an utterly basic level, but the terms ABSOLUTE & UTTER will lead you to think this book is helpful. There is no basic repetition of "absolute & utter" beginning lessons. The terms "absolute" & "utter" do not actually mean that the lessons here might be appropriate for somone discouraged or intimidated by drawing books, who might also buy a book such as:
"Drawing for Dummies" or "Drawing for the Complete Idiot" or "Drawing for the Complete Klutz", and so forth.
I have much sympathy for frustrated students of drawing. Such wording is used to sell books, much like the terms, "complete guide to" or "ultimate guide". In every case where such terms are applied by publishers to DRAWING books, the claims are unjustified. These are marketing gimmicks, and the buyer should beware such terms as "hooks" to draw in the hesitant buyer. Such is the case here.
The scenario reminds me of that Bill Murray movie, "What About Bob" where he becomes fascinated with the idea of taking "BABY STEPS" to improve himself. If only this book was about "BABY STEPS" I would surely recommend it. It is just another drawing book, not on a level with the best.
Moreover, if we keep in mind that some "absolute and utter beginners" are children and adolescents, the lessons would not be a positive inducement for a parent to acquire this book in hopes that the lessons might be simple enough that a child would easily acquire skill.
There might very well be a market for a "pre-beginner" book, and elsewhere I have recommended an ideal beginner book for children. This is not really that kind of book. If I had to buy this book without actually thumbing through the pages, the words "absolute and utter beginner" would make me so trusting that I would buy it with high hopes. I have bought about several hundred books from Amazon in the past 7 years. Boy, would I be angry when the book arrived.
As the title suggests, it's very much for the beginner.......2006-04-24
I got a pile of drawing books out of the library, this one included, after realizing that the books I already owned weren't inspiring me.
The author's approach is aimed toward adults with little or no artistic experience. Her subject matter is not unique to other books: she starts with contour drawing, then goes on to deal with basic shapes, value scale, etc. What I really liked about this book is that each topic is discussed clearly and she explains why the lessons are important. As she introduces the reader to new media (pen and ink, wash, charcoal and then conte), she gives a lot of detail about how to use them, and encourages experimentation.
The book is peppered with student efforts mixed among her own drawings, as well as student quotes. The effect is of being in a beginner's art class. It's useful to observe other's entry level work! She encourages the reader to keep trying, and to work through inevitable setbacks.
She closes the book hoping that she has given the reader a good foundation and enough confidence to continue drawing, and perhaps take a class.
Out of the pile of drawing books, "Drawing for the Absolute and Utter Beginner" was the only one I went on to purchase.
Average customer rating:
- Purple, Green and Yellow childhoods.
- Amusing tale that entertains 4 and 5 year olds.
- Purple, Green, and Yellow - The first review on it that is not the worst or best/nearly best (and the first kid's review on it)
- Colorful+Comedy=Munsch!
- Colorful and funny!
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Purple, Green and Yellow (Classic Munsch)
Robert N. Munsch
Manufacturer: Annick Press
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ASIN: 1550372564 |
Book Description
This is a favorite from Bob Munsch's live storytelling sessions.
Brigid is on the trail of the ultimate felt marker. At first, she's satisfied to be drawing wonderful pictures. But soon she must have the markers that wash off with water. Then she needs the markers that smell.
But she's happiest when she gets the super-indelible-never-comes-off-till-you're-dead markers. She draws brighter-than-real lemons and roses and then goes too far: Brigid draws on herself. Nothing will remove the color, so Brigid reaches deep into the box of markers, finds the people-colored marker, and covers up all the other colors. She looks better than before, too good to be true.
And Brigid is certain that no one will find out her secret. Especially since her father awakes from a nap and looks in the mirror. He looks a bit too good to be true too…
Customer Reviews:
Purple, Green and Yellow childhoods........2007-03-23
I loved this book! It takes me back to the days when I myself would beg my mom for markers / crayons / colored pencils, then promise not to color of things that shouldn't be colored on only to go ahead and color on myself or my brothers. Robert Munsch himself is just a genius with words. When you read one of his books i'ts like you can almost hear him reading it along side you. I was fortunate enough to meet him when he came to my city a few years ago, and ever since when I read one of his books I picture him, with all the voice expressions and facial expressions and it adds more to the meaing of the story.
There is no better way of traveling back in time through all the memories to your childhood then picking up a Robert Munsch book and reading it aloud with someone else.
Amusing tale that entertains 4 and 5 year olds........2006-02-12
I am a prekindergarten teacher. This book is a favorite of all of my students both boys and girls. Although the main character does lack manners when dealing with her mother, the story is very amusing and keeps children on the edge of their seat. My students giggle and luahg throughout the story. At the end of the story, they recognize the importance of following certain rules that their parents have set for them.
Purple, Green, and Yellow - The first review on it that is not the worst or best/nearly best (and the first kid's review on it).......2005-09-05
[...]The story is cute and the illastrations are nice and colorful. One day, Bridgid, a little girl, asks her mom for 500 washable markers. Then 500 good-smelling markers. (Actullay, one of the good smelling markers smells like cow plops.) Then she gets some, uhh, the name is pretty long and sometimes I can't remember it. Something like, "incredible-won't-come-off-and-maybe-even-later markers". Kids will laugh along with the funny story of Bridgid getting carried away with coloring. Now something I don't like: It says her pictures are better then the real thing. I mean, sunsets that look better than sunsets?!? Why, how could it be?!? And definetly not with markers. Paints and colored pencils are the things for the job. The following complaint isn't as big as the cool compliment: Her mom dosen't scold Bridgid for coloring the dad! In fact, she says he looks great! Such a bad mom! It's her own husband and she dosen't scold her child? Blech! Here's what I think overall: Why not buy it? If my complaints bother you a lot, don't, but it is pretty good. Borrow it from the library if you'd like. Signed, StoryMaker. "Gotta trust the kid's review!"
Colorful+Comedy=Munsch!.......2005-06-05
When you read Purple, Green, and Yellow, it is hard to not read it again. The story is original and yet funny, a difficult task for a writer, but Robert Munsch is more than your average writer. Few can write as well as he can. A better-then-best must-read for the whole family!
Colorful and funny!.......2002-05-20
This story begins with young Brigid's desire to have markers like all of her friends. Her anxious mother frets that Brigid will color on walls, floors, and herself. Brigid's plea is victorious when she makes her point for water color markers.
"They wash off with just water...Get me some of those." She gets a box of 500 water color markers. Brigid soon grows bored and makes her case for getting markers that smell, and then finally a box of "super-indelible-never-come-off-till-you're-dead-and-maybe-even-later colouring markers." Then, bored with paper, she starts coloring her fingernails....Brigid is a colorful character who slips into coloring on herself, as many young children do. Adults may fret that this book may encourage children to draw on themselves, but this story is funny because of the unreal solution to the very real problem of children coloring on themselves. The children that I have read this to seem to get that this is the real point to this book. This book is for every child who has ever preferred markers to crayons or colored pencils, and then wandered away from their original purpose.
Book Description
A complete
drawing kit for beginners.
Learning the captivating art of pencil drawing has never been easier! In this comprehensive introductory kit, acclaimed artist Gene Franks walks you through all the essentials, covering basic techniques as well as more complex concepts such as perspective and value.
Pencil Drawing includes nine complete step-by-step drawing lessons to follow and learn. Each project in the book contains clear instructions, helpful tips, and easy-to-follow illustrations. And in addition to the project book, the kit also
includes all the art tools and materials you will need to get started creating impressive works of art right away. Beginners are practically guaranteed successful results!
Hardcover 6.875" x 10.25" case includes a 32-page paperback book, 6 different pencils, sharpener, pencil extender, artist's triangle, sandpaper pad, blending stump, kneaded eraser, and pad of drawing paper.
Customer Reviews:
A Complete Drawing Kit for Beginners.......2005-09-04
This Drawing Kit is a very good starting point for a beginner. In one package you have a good set of lessons, a coordinated set of tools and instructions that are very clear. The drawing results you achieve in each lesson are directly related to your effort put into each lesson.
Gene Franks is an excellent instructor. Try it, you will like this book.
You Can Do Better.......2004-04-13
The very short book has a few nice drawings of varied subjects, broken down into a few stages each. There's little in the way of real instruction, though--certainly little that a true newbie would find of use.
The art materials include a very small sketch pad (just 9.5 x 6.5 inches) and a passable beginner's assortment of pencils and so forth, as described by Amazon. There's one huge problem with the pencils, though: the darkest is a 2B. For many pencil artists, that's the _lightest_ thing they'll often work with. If you want to achieve truly dark areas in a drawing for realistic contrast and shading, you need something more like 6 or 7B and darker (or charcoal pencils or sticks).
You'd be better off buying basic materials at an art supply store and checking out beginner tutorials online, more detailed instructional books, and/or taking a class at your local art center, school, etc. For a newbie, I'd recommend getting a full set of quality art pencils (like 8B-2H hardness) in a case, a kneaded eraser (vital!), vinyl eraser, a couple stumps/tortillons, a small sanding block (or just use a piece of fine-grit sandpaper for carpentry, etc.), a sharpener (any standard one will do), a ruler, a circle template, and a _big_ sketch pad.
Brought out the artist in me.......2002-07-22
Before I got this kit, I never really thought I was that good at art. Once I got it out, I couldn't stop drawing the beautiful pictures he teaches. When I brought my drawings to church, everyone was amazed at how good at art I was. Everyone I showed my pictures to thought they were beautiful. I would highly recommend this book. The instructions are easy to do and understand.
Excellent kit for any drawing enthusiast........2000-11-22
With the basic materials in your hand and an insipiration in your head you are all set to begin Pencil Drawing as a career or as a hobby. The instruction book begins with some small objects and extends upto quite complex drawings. It explains all the drawings step by step.
I would like to suggest one thing. The author here is an expert and the drawings that he has mentioned in the instruction book are quite "life like" and exceptional. DO NOT TRY TO ACHIEVE SAME QUALITY THE FIRST TIME. Though it looks so simple from the steps that author mentions, you might end up with some frustration. INSTEAD TRY TO DRAW THEM TO THE BEST OF YOUR CALIBER or maybe leave them half done. TRY TO GET THE IDEAS BEHIND DRAWING AND SKETCHING and I am sure the whole kit is PRACTICALLY meant for that.........TO GET YOU STARTED!
This kit is also a great gift idea to someone who is interested in drawing and sketching. I bought it two years ago for myself and am buying it again as a gift for someone special in India.
Excellent kit for any drawing enthusiast........2000-11-22
With the basic materials in your hand and an insipiration in your head you are all set to begin Pencil Drawing as a career or as a hobby. The instruction book begins with some small objects and extends upto quite complex drawings. It explains all the drawings step by step.
I would like to suggest one thing. The author here is an expert and the drawings that he has mentioned in the instruction book are quite "life like" and exceptional. DO NOT TRY TO ACHIEVE SAME QUALITY THE FIRST TIME. Though it looks so simple from the steps that author mentions, you might end up with some frustration. INSTEAD TRY TO DRAW THEM TO THE BEST OF YOUR CALIBER or maybe leave them half done. TRY TO GET THE IDEAS BEHIND DRAWING AND SKETCHING and I am sure the whole kit is PRACTICALLY meant for that.........TO GET YOU STARTED!
This kit is also a great gift idea to someone who is interested in drawing and sketching. I bought it two years ago for myself and am buying it again as a gift for someone special in India.
Book Description
The latest entry in the successful Serious Beginner Series. Now the world's leading authority on oil pastel demonstrates, step by step, how you can become a master of this increasingly popular medium! Oil pastels are easy and flexible to work with, offering artists a virtually unlimited treasury of creative potential. They're also considered a safe alternative to soft pastels. Oil Pastel for the Serious Beginner shows both new and veteran artists how to make the most of this fabulous medium. Lessons progress simply and clearly from easy subjects and techniques to the more difficult and complex. First, artists learn how to use oil pastels to create traditional paintings in still life, landscape, and portraiture. Then, they'll discover 12 special, experimental techniques that push the medium of oil pastel to its limits-including impasto, etching, washes, and monoprint; stencil and screen techniques; and even methods for combining oil pastel with soft pastel and mixed media. Whether one is an an amateur artist or experienced veteran, Oil Pastel for the Serious Beginner is the ideal one-stop source for mastering of this popular medium.
Customer Reviews:
Misleading ....Title Implies an Overview.......2006-11-23
I am primarily interested in landscape painting, this artist is an accomplished portrait/figure pastellist but his florals and landscapes as evidenced in this book are so poor,,flowers are bright blobs and his landscapes are uninspired heavily into muddy ugly earth colors and of a quality that if i were offered one of his pics I would not give it wall space, The advice in general is pretty good but in no way is this small tome a source of true inspiration,,,unless you are a figure specialist and even then the details as to what hues/actual colors were used are very scanty (if given at all ) To me a near worthless instruction book,,pass on this one as it promises much more than it delivers,,
good introduction to oil pastels.......2006-09-16
The author is a pioneer and talented artist in oil pastel.He gives very valuable info about this medium--a long forgotten and underrated, even though promoted by Pablo Picasso...The book ,however, is 'sketchy' in details and techniques.The illustrations and art work are excellent, but somewhat repetitive...A good introductory book for enthusiasts of oil pastels and beginners, till a better book is written by someone else---after this medium becomes better used and established in the fine art world.Soft pastels have been with us for many decades, thanks to Degas and Mary Cassatt...Oil pastels are still to be pushed by great masters....Fortunately oil pastels are available at various price ranges for students and professionals...One learns more by trying different brands rather that sticking to just a few brands---Holbein or Sennelier...
With increasing concern for toxic dust particles from Soft pastels, oil pastels would be more widely used and this book would serve the newcomers well.
Good if you are already an artist.......2006-05-23
If you are a painter or illustrator who is looking to move from another medium into oil pastels, then this is the book for you. Mr. Elliot is a really talented artist and knows his subject. You will gain a lot from this book.
However, if you have little-to-no drawing/painting experience or you are an absolute beginner (like me), you will find yourself very, very frustrated by this book. I have found a few helpful things here, but overall, I think that I would need a year's study *before* I could effectively utilize Mr. Elliot's book.
fussy but fair.......2006-05-06
This book is a very good book expressly devoted to oil pastels-but that said, in comparison with the only other book on the subject that I know of, it is a distant second. (There are a couple other obscure ones which I haven't seen) My favorite is "Oil Pastel: Materials & Techniques For Today's Artist", by Kenneth Leslie, 1990, Watson-Guptill Pub. Because it is out of print & only available second hand at inflated prices, unless Amazon can bring it back in print, or you are prepared to pay inflated prices (for something you cannot see & evaluate for yourself in advance), we are left with the book by Elliot.
Elliot covers a moderate (compared with Leslie!) amount of basic info & gives you a look at the oil pastel works of other artists as well--something I consider very important, especially if the author's work doesn't grab you, & also because you get to see how other sensibilities handle the medium. And he gives a taste of the history of oil pastels; he talks about various papers, etc; he mentions only two brands: Sennelier & Holbein (both premier brands) but there are others he does not mention which are evaluated in Kenneth Leslie's book. Leslie gives you a ton of facts & ideas: shows you how to make your own oil pastels if you desire, & how to prepare paper, etc., for receiving oil pastels (whose oil content can deteriorate paper) & lots of other info very useful for anyone wishing to know technical stuff about the medium.
Elliot's book is a good companion to the one by Kenneth Leslie, & I consider myself fortunate to have both. But if you could only choose one, & it were available, I would choose Kenneth Leslie's book!
Oil Pastel a medium worthy of more recognition.......2005-10-11
This book is a dream come true for the lovers of the long under-rated medium of oil pastel. Despite the fact that this worthy artists medium was first commissioned by none less than Pablo Picasso, it has remained at most despised by 'serious' artists, as a tool for students or the kindergarten or regarded as a means for sketching or preliminary working of ideas.
John Elliot demonstrates with unbridled enthusiasm that oil pastel is not only an exciting form of expression but perhaps the medium of the future standing along-side oil, soft pastel and the usurper, acrylic as a real option for artistic expression.
The book is a joy to own and J. Elliot leaves no doubt as to the power and flexibility of this medium.
Everything is covered clearly and the illustrations again demonstrate the full versitality of oil pastel, both wax and the new water-soluble media. Instructions are clear and concise drawing from years of experience.
This book is perhaps the 'Bible' of the oil pastel.
At last oil pastel gets the recognition it desesrves.
Book Description
*Artists of all skill levels will find tips and techniques to help them develop their craft
*17 step-by-step demonstrations make complex techniques easy to understand
*Provides fundamental skills that translate into other mediums
Absolute beginners and those looking for a refresher course will find this book to be a wonderful tool. The authors, Mark and Mary Willenbrink, have created a series of exercises which take the reader from the basic fundamentals of drawing to the complexities of creating landscapes, still lifes, people and much more. With encouraging words and an emphasis on having fun, each exercise is designed to build confidence. Complicated concepts are explained in a clear, understandable manner so that even the novice artist will feel inspired to try. Before long, readers will find themselves drawing with a confidence they never imagined.
Book Description
Sumi-e (Japanese for “ink picture”) captures the spirit of the rock, flower, bird or landscape in bold strokes. Beginners can start mastering this ancient art with an inspiring guide that introduces the essential materials, techniques and brushwork, and a range of projects. Recreate the Orchid, Bamboo, Plum Blossom, and Chrysanthemum—sumi-e’s four foundations.
Customer Reviews:
Really great for beginners.......2006-07-02
Informative, explanatory, detailed and with beautiful images! Definitely a good buy if you would like to start sumi-e.
The best of many western books on this subject.......2003-02-24
I have been teaching and practicing this artform (Chinese Brush Painting) for about 5 years and have found this among the very best of the available books on the subject. Ms. Frame takes us through the basics, with descriptions of the materials and brushstrokes that one can actually follow and put into practice -all the time keeping true to the tradition. She then takes us beyond the basics with lovely projects incorporating colour along with the ink. I would highly recommend this book along with Ning Yeh's instruction books and videos for anyone seriously interested in learning the techniques of this beautiful artform.
Japanese Ink Painting.......2003-01-16
I have done ink brush painting for over 20 years in Japan, China and now in Alabama. Japanese Ink Painting is a clear, beautifully illustrated approach for all experienced or new to the art. It is a valuable resource to everyne who desires to utilize a brush with ink, watercolor, or any medium and be sucessful with it.
Book Description
This step-by-step guide takes you through materials and techniques—soft and hard pastels, pencils, and oil pastels; different papers, canvases, and fabrics; and accessories from craft knives to brushes to fixatives. Experiment with texture, color, and toning, and see how to clean, erase, and fix pastels. An inspiring gallery of modern paintings helps to hone a multitude of skills.
Customer Reviews:
IDEAL FOR BEGINNERS!.......2000-01-12
I received it yesterday,it is full-detailed,great and ideal for beginners.You will love it.
Books:
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- How to Draw What You See (Practical Art Books)
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- It Was Good: Making Art to the Glory of God
- LabVIEW for Everyone: Graphical Programming Made Easy and Fun (3rd Edition) (National Instruments Virtual Instrumentation Series)
- Landscape Painting Inside and Out: Capture the Vitality of Outdoor Painting in Your Studio With Oils
- Learning Spanish Like Crazy Light
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