Customer Reviews:
not for an advanced artist.......2006-01-23
While Leslie writes beautifully, the only real information I learned from this book was which pastels held the best lightfastness rating and one technique of scratching I hadn't yet considered. Other than that, this book is geared very much towards beginners of oil pastel. All of the beautifully colored pieces he has pictures tend to lean towards abstract and illustrative ideas and expressions vs. more realistic interpretations of things. Additionally as a result there's really no other meathod to learn from in this book. He brushes against the ability to make realistic pictures via one artist, but goes into no detail as to how she accomplishes this task. The other great disappointment to me was Leslie's work itself. All of his works shown throughout could have been created by a High school student. He shows no real ability or understanding of how this medium can be worked. I would not recommend this book at it's original price of $32 and especially would not recommend spending double that for a used out of print copy. Save your money and check it out at the library or look for more informationon the internet.
Oil Pastel: Materials and Techniques for Today's Artist.......2000-03-28
This is an unusually thorough book. If you can get your hands on a copy, you should do so. Unfortunately, it is out of print. The publisher is Watson-Guptill and the book was originally published in 1990. The ISBN No. is 0-8230-3310-4. Here's why the book wins my vote:
It has a ton of pictures of finished art works done in oil pastel and in mixed media, using oil pastel and other media. There is a section which tells of the lightfastness of different brands of oil pastel currently on the market so readers can see actual pictures of brands exposed to sunlight for 3 months and how the sunlight does/doesn't alter the colors. There is also a "nitty-gritty" section describing the characteristics of each major brand available on the market currently, as of 1990 when the book was written, but these are the same brands available today (creaminess, hardness and what you can do with each). There are detailed diagrams of different methods of using oil pastels, broken down into steps, so readers have step by step directions of how to use oil pastels in a variety of ways. There are many ideas for composition using oil pastels. The author, Kenneth Leslie, makes it a point to tell readers exactly how each of the many works shown were developed in oil pastel (e.g., by direct observation of objects such as in a still-life, or by using photographs or collage, etc.) and on what kind of supports (e.g. which grounds to use on paper, museum board, masonite, wood, etc.) There are just lots and lots of pointers about using the medium of oil pastel. Many ideas of using oil pastels in concert with other media serve as a springboard for individual ideas. For example, I read a section of explanation and then, quite easily, I could mentally figure out how to apply the techniques shown to my own work. This will be my bible for doing oil pastel painting.
Customer Reviews:
Easy and fun.......2007-05-13
This book is cute to look at, easy to follow, and the colorful, fun pictures are wonderful. We have this for my son, but all of his friends (girls and boys, 6 years old) want to draw everything from every page and they can do it very well. Steps are simple to master for ages as young as 4, and the book helps build confidence because the kids can really draw what is shown. Variations are easy too. Perfect book to have laying around to encourage children to try drawing. Great gift idea!
amazing!!!.......2007-04-22
The instruction is simple and easy to follow and all makes sense. The minute I saw it I knew it'd work. The minute my 6 years old daughter laid her eyes on it she fell in love with it. Not only can she draw a lot better than before, even I could use some help from this book when requested by my 2 years old son to draw a truck. Is there any more book like this?
6 Year old girl loves it!.......2007-01-10
It's been two weeks since we gave our six year old girl this book. Last night she still was using it to draw a rocket ship. She loves it.
Helped turn my non-artist into a VanGogh!.......2006-07-17
This product, and the others like it "I Can Draw Animals" and "I Can Draw People" are incredible! Just a year ago, I was able to pick my son's artwork out of his entire class: It was the unfinished or poorly executed one. Then, he started bringing some wonderful drawings home from Kindergarten. I asked him who drew them, and he said he did. I was shocked. Then, I found out his teacher has this series of books. The teacher told me that my son eagerly thumbed through the books when given a drawing assignment for ways to construct characters. My son - the one who was drawing stick figures a few short months ago! I quickly ordered the entire series and now we have a "super silly art gallery" in our home. He loves to draw now. I realized that he just didn't know how to get started before. He even lent the books to his older cousin that needed to draw a wizard for a school project. Now that he's more skilled, he is able to draw great things even without referencing the books. I am amazed and so very pleased.
Great for elementary school.......2006-06-04
I just got through my first year of teaching and this book was really fun for some of my kids who lack confidence in drawing. They were able to have great success with the ideas in this book.
Book Description
An ingeniously simple drawing approach that joins traditional hand drawing techniques with modern technology
Start creating top-quality drawings faster and more effectively-with Drawing Shortcuts. This book presents practical techniques and applications that will improve your drawing skills and help you produce more accurate sketches by incorporating traditional hand drawing methods with today's technology. Easy-to-follow instructions cover every aspect from the basics of drawing-such as composition, color, shading, shadow, and perspective-up to the most current applications of cameras, copiers, and computers to create and reproduce your work.
This book's step-by-step approach will sharpen and streamline your techniques whether you draw for pleasure or for your profession. Generously enriched with detailed process drawings, examples, and more than 300 full-color images, it features:
- Detailed outlines of drawing methods, from "storyboarding" to the "overlay and trace" method
- Timesaving, end-of-chapter "QuickTips" for easy reference
- Guidelines for building a portfolio
- Pointers on selecting materials and maximizing color potential
Customer Reviews:
Excellant for all levels.......2005-08-09
I got this book after participating in a Web Seminar with Mr. Leggitt. I think this is a very good source for anyone that would like to hone their quick drawing skills or look for different approaches for doing presentation drawings from all levels of detail. It might even give you a few ideas about using technology to your advantage to produce quick drawings. I would definately recommend this book to a beginner or students in architecture school. I know that students are always looking for ways to product great looking drawings in a minimal amount of time.
This book was just painful !!!!!!!.......2004-07-15
Very dissapointed in this book...especially since he is an advocate of Sketchup (which is why I anxiously wanted this book). I think some of his shortcuts are ok, but I found the book very, very repetitive (almost painfully) and the authors rendering style is just simply BRUTAL! I mean, it seems as if every one of his renderings include happy,smiley 1980's rocky mountain-type scale figures and all of the scale children hold teddy bears! His library of projects lack any pizzazz and there's just no sophistication to his rendering style. The most tedious read of the year for me.
Why the hype?.......2002-12-17
I was left with the feeling from the other reviews that this book would be great for architects, which it is not. It is more for an art student. If you want a better book on architecture drawing get "Color Drawing: Design Drawing Skills and Techniques for Architects, Landscape Architects, and Interior Designers, 2nd Edition" by Michael E. Doyle
Great Book.......2002-11-25
I am an architecture student. The content of this book isn't by any means revolutionary, but it is smart. Basically the whole argument revolves around tracing as a basis for developing drawings, a concept I kind of thought of as cheating before reading this book. That sounds simple enough, but it is worth buying the book to find out all of the interesting ways he is able to develop a traced framework - ways I would never have thought of. He could have gotten everything he wanted to get across in half the pages, but then the book wouldn't look very serious.
Buy this book: the quality of your drawings may or may not increase from reading it, but you'll be able to produce twice as many in the same time.
Better than chocolate!.......2002-08-28
The only way Jim Leggitt could make this book better would be to package it with a quarter pound of really good chocolates. I've chosen to overlook that omission since this book is exactly what I wanted to use in my rendering classes at the Savannah College of Art & Design. This is a twenty-first century handbook for rendering in color.
Thirty-one students (two classes) proved to me this summer that Drawing Shortcuts works for learning how to make and render drawings in color quickly, effectively and relatively economically. The final projects reflect ten weeks of increasingly stronger skills and confidence in drawing/rendering abilities. Both graduate and undergraduate students with varied levels of computer expertise found value in the Drawing Shortcuts approach of "Let Technology Do Your Dirty Work".
Bottom line: a relaxed learning atmosphere in studio, fearless renderers willing to experiment with color media and striking final projects. The studio professors are commenting on the improvement in rendered drawings in their classes, too. Leggitt's methods are weaning students from a dependence on computer-generated images. The enhanced freehand drawing skills complement the computer drawing skills. Students now have many options for graphic expression which reflect their individual needs and desires.
I teach rendering classes for interior design students in the School of Building Arts at SCAD. We'll be using this book every quarter. Thanks, Jim Leggitt. But think about the chocolates with the second edition of the book!
Amazon.com
Popular demand for this clear-sighted compendium of information about the rebirth of Pagan religions hasn't waned since its initial publication in 1979. Distinguished by the journalism of National Public Radio columnist Margot Adler, Drawing Down the Moon explains this diverse and burgeoning religion's philosophies and activities while dispelling stereotypes that have long been associated with it. Most people don't realize that pagan simply refers to pre-Christian polytheistic nature religions, such as the various Native American creeds, Japanese Shinto, Celtic Druid, and Western European Wicca. Originally, the word pagan meant "country dweller" and was a derogatory term in Rome in the third century A.D., not unlike calling someone a hick today. If you find yourself feeling queasy when you hear the words witch or pagan, a healthy dose of reeducation via Drawing Down the Moon could be the cure. --P. Randall Cohan
Book Description
Now fully revised—the classic study of Neo-Paganism
Almost thirty years since its original publication, Drawing Down the Moon continues to be the only detailed history of the burgeoning but still widely misunderstood Neo-Pagan subculture. Margot Adler attended ritual gatherings and interviewed a diverse, colorful gallery of people across the United States, people who find inspiration in ancient deities, nature, myth, even science fiction. In this new edition featuring an updated resource guide of newsletters, journals, books, groups, and festivals, Margot Adler takes a fascinating and honest look at the religious experiences, beliefs, and lifestyles of modern America's Pagan groups.
Customer Reviews:
Still the best.......2007-08-13
Margot Adler's Drawing Down the Moon is still the best coverage of the contemporary Western pagan community in America. With substantial revisions and additions, Adler has surveyed the changes that have occurred since the original publication and its subsequent revision. Always written in a clear, lucid and easily digestible style, this work remains a pleasure to read.
A Must read..........2007-07-13
I felt a sense of accomplishment when I finished this book. Yes, some of the material was dated or rather dry, but it is so full of important information that it's one book that every Wiccan should read. These book really explains the diffrent traditions and sects, and gives an honest look at our history. I loved the updated section at the end that listed pagan publications and organizations. This isn't a book for the total newbie, but it can definilty be appreciated from the novice to the high priestess.
A must-read for anyone new to Paganism!.......2007-05-23
Adler has updated this book throughout the years to keep up with developments in the American Pagan community. Her latest update was in 2006, so be sure to read the most current as much has changed since it was first published.
Drawing Down the Moon is objective and informative. Adler gives us "the big picture" in this book. She does a great job explaining the differences between the traditions and introduces us to the most influential people involved in this movement. I recommend anyone considering a Pagan path read this book...and the sooner the better since doing so will help one decide which direction to go in.
An Important Examination of a Worldview.......2007-02-12
First let me explain something that might be, or maybe not be, depending on various factors I guess, a surprise. I am a Christian who has had a background in paganism. I was a practitioner of paganism (solitary paganism) for several years before coming to Christ. I come to this book and I recommend this book not because I agree with the theology that is expressed by the Pagan/Wiccan/etc movement, but because I believe that being informed is better than being ignorant. Let me explain. When trying to tell people of my background, I usually find that people tend to jump into Hollywood/Stephen Kingesque views toward witchcraft/paganism/etc. They think of the woman with a wart on her nose living off in the woods. That, or they think of some chap wearing a hockey mask running around chasing teens. When actually Wiccans and Pagans et cetera are lawyers, nurses, teachers, police officers, soldiers, to name a few. These are people with families, with jobs, who pay taxes, who deal with mortgage payments, who have good days and who inevitably have bad days. Thus the reason why I like this book so much, it offers a realistic (at least in my humble opinion) view of who pagans/etc are and what the pagan movement is about. It isn't the best book, simply because when dealing with such an eclectic movement as paganism is, one source is not always "the" source. Still, this book helps people to understand what background I have and, as I express my coming to Christ, what I may agree (still) and what I may disagree with the pagan movement of my background adult years (from around 89-2002 give or take ). Of course I disagree with the main (generalized, again because there's so many various views and expressions of pagan faith) theological output of paganism, nor am I one of those chaps who says "it's all the same," still I have respect for those though I differ in belief with them. For me, when I explain my life, I believe in having a clear and presenting a clear and in-depth understanding of worldviews, in this case paganism. If you wish to have a generalized introduction to the movements within paganism (from Solitary Wicca to Feminist Goddess Worship Paganism) this is the book. Adler has an intrinsic explanation of the movements, of the reasons behind said movements, of what is done, of what ISN'T done (by pagans). Her views are her own views, of course, we all have views, but still Adler goes deep into explaining and examining. Thus when an open-minded Christian who wishes to know the realistic worldview that I had before becoming to Christ, this is the book I strive to point to.
Not a light read but informative.......2007-01-19
It's considered part of the standard literature in the study of Wicca.
Customer Reviews:
Great Book.......2007-07-23
I started drawing in Pen & ink back in high school-- IMHO it is one of the most versitile mediums out there. I found this book to be a great resource and one that I use often as a source of reference and inspiration before I begin a drawing. While some of the images may be a little dark--I think if you look at the technique used in creating them you can gain a whole new understanding of the medium. The section on the different types of materials is useful. If you have dabbled in pen & ink and have become addicted to it--then I highly recommend this book. If you are someone that has never tried inking and you want to learn this book might not be for you.
Excellent reference and procedures.......2007-02-21
This book presents procedures you can try at home to better your technique no matter what level you're at. The author generously shares his accumulation of knowledge. Very modern and contemporary. The illustrations are inspiring, you'll want to drop everything and start your own drawings!
Borrow this book from the library.......2005-09-18
I bought this book because it was part of the class list of a course I signed up for. The class was cancelled for lack of registration, and I am now stuck with it.
The most interesting part is a listing of materials used in pen and ink drawing. As for the actual instructions, they are fairly confusing and far from sufficient.They assume you already know what you are doing. This is not a book for beginners, as pen and ink drawing is definitely not for beginners in drawing. This medium requires a great deal of control. There is not much room for corrections or second thoughts. In this regard, it's similar to sumi-e (oriental brush and ink painting).
There are no step-by-step pictures. I would have liked to see how ink washes are done, for example. There are practically no drawings of landscapes. Most of the illustrations are the author's work, and I must admit I found many of them very disturbing and dark. This is not an enjoyable book to leaf through. It might give you nightmares!
I purchased this book used, at the lowest price I could find. I would not recommend buying it at all.
Good for int/adv, great materials explination, inpirational.......2001-06-12
The is a wonderful book for intermediate to advanced pen and ink artists looking for a thorough explanation of materials and a great discussion of the methodology of creating fantastic pen and ink artwork. It is packed with a wide variety of examples that are sure to inspire you.
The book starts out with a large (almost 50 pages) and excellent overview of materials and tools. I love it that the author takes the time to discuss numerous brands of pens, inks and papers instead of just generalizing them.
The following section focuses on ink drawing techniques. There is a good discussion of gray tones, parallel lines, value changes, hatching, cross-hatching and patterns. Then there are a few demonstrations of brush techniques such as laying a wash and using white on toned paper. Mixed media demos mixing wax crayons and acrylic with ink are also here as well as scratchboard and practice exercises.
The basic elements of drawing follow, including things like texture, shape, volume, color, rhythm and scale. Next, drawing strategies are covered. There are no projects or any step-by-step techniques per se. Rather, the author shows you examples of his artwork with advice on his approach, concepts and techniques. I recommend this book for those with some pen & ink drawing experience seeking ideas, tips and inspiration. There is a good list of suppliers in the back.
Smith's surreal images and mastery of a variety of styles make this a book to enjoy for the artwork it contains as well as the instruction it provides.
pen and ink for the elite.......2000-09-01
Most art technique books are either entirely for the sunday painter or they are so elitist, you need to be a phd to understand them. This book works on different levels so everyone can enjoy it. The sections cover materials and drawing techniques. My one qualm is some rather lame examples of art. A little too conzervative for my tastes. This is ART, not woolworths!
Book Description
This is the first textbook for architectural drawing with the computer that is based on understanding how digital drawing fundamentally differs from drawing with lead pencils on drafting boards. Cinemetrics: Architectural Drawing Today demonstrates a cinematically-inspired, cybernetically imaged, architectural drawing system for thinking about architecture as embedded in relationships within the world at large. It opens up the possibility of inventing new ways of building as framing flowing matter in order to live a philosophy of ‘newness’. The authors, who have for fifteen years collaborated in teaching architectural students, link the architectural drawing text with research in the expanded field of architecture, which includes neurology, biology, ecology, physics, sustainability and philosophy. The book is written in an accessible and direct tone. Providing both an understanding of the visual perception behind drawing and practical exercises, it is set to become the key text book on the subject at both undergraduate and graduate level. It is highly illustrated with black and white diagrams and drawings.
Praise for Cinemetrics
Sulan Kolatan, Max Fisher Visiting Professor at University of Michigan and Partner in KOL/MAC LLC, and William Mac Donald, Professor and Chair of Graduate Architecture and Urban Design at School of Architecture, Pratt Institute, and Partner in KOL/MAC LLC:
'By progressively positioning their architectural research on "digital drawing" as contemporary cultural practice, Brian Mc Grath and Jean Gardner demonstrate not only a unique lateral intelligence but – to paraphrase George Lang's declaration that tradition is a conspiracy often used to keep the future from happening-– ensure that the future is happening.now. This daringly analytical book precisely and effectively delineates heretofore hidden systems of emergent relations between ideology, methodology, representation, and production.’
Joan Ockman
,
Director of the Temple Hoyne Buell Center for the Study of American Architecture, Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation
,
Columbia University:
‘With this engaging, mind-expanding, and original guide to contemporary modalities of visualizing and representing architecture, the authors usher the not-yet-initiated into the digital design age.’
Mark Robbins, Dean and Professor, Syracuse University School of Architecture
‘Cinemetrics extends the parameters of representation by drawing on aspects of media, film and video. This book is an addition to the lineage of expanding the pictorial field - the Nude Descending a Staircase meeting the battleship Potempkin. The digital drawing methodology produces an explosive shattering of architectural space and reflects the understanding of multiple vantage points and the simultaneity of events in the manner of postmodern literature and filmmakers such as Godard. These drawings have the power to communicate as seductively as the moving image how architecture, space, inhabitation, perception and experience unfold over time. The book offers new ways to analyze space and more importantly new ways of generating it.’
Professor Neil Spiller, Professor of Architecture and Digital Theory, Vice Dean, Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London:
‘In a world of change, fluctuating points of view, duration and virtuality, it is vital for designers to reassess the representation of their work in new and non-orthogonal ways, This book addresses this most fundamental of design questions and explains various representational protocols for the designer at the cusp of the twenty-first century. A must have book.’
Susan S Szenasy, Editor in Chief, Metropolis Magazine:
‘A new generation of architects and designers has turned form the drafting table to computer drafting and design, seemingly seamlessly and without much turmoil. But, in reality, a whole new way of thinking about architecture has developed--the computer is changing way designers see the physical world. Cinemetrics: Architectural Drawing Today discusses the theory and practice of design in the digital age.
Kim Tanzer, Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) President 2007-08; Professor of Architect, University of Florida
‘Five hundred years from now architects may look at Cinemetrics the way today’s architects look at Alberti’s On Painting--as a critical point of disciplinary redirection. In fact, if architecture is still being built 500 years from now it may well be a result of the cognitive shift McGrath and Gardner propose, asking us to “lose perspective and find duration.” In the process of laying out a concrete set of design strategies, this book makes original connections between theory and ecology, science and art, technology and touch.’
Karen Van Lengen
Dean and Edward E Elson Professor of School of Architecture, University of Virginia:
‘This is a serious and timely book that proposes new methods of representation for designers working in the digital age. The “moving drawing system” celebrates the designer as a multidimensional thinker, a networked thinker, a flux conductor in search of new relationships and possibilities for cultural and environmental design. This book, with its stunning and sophisticated visual documentation, is destined to be an essential resource for the next generation of designers.’
Michael Weinstock, Academic Head and Master of Technical Studies, Architectural Association School of Architecture: 'The presentation of a drawing system based on a cinematic understanding of the dynamics of architectural space is admirably clear, and the system has the potential to generate new spaces.’
Book Description
Absolutely the most thorough guide to pastel materials and techniques ever assembled in a single volume, this is the book for anyone working with pastels, from beginners to experienced artists looking to develop more professional skills. 450 color illustrations.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent reference........2007-07-28
Very very helpful book to browse if you are getting started. It helps one better understand which types of pastels do what, oil, soft, hard etc.
An excellent book for those just beginning in pastel work.......2007-03-21
I found this book to be a terrific reference for any artist beginning to explore pastels. There are lots of charming paintings by the author, and demo photos of how the paintings came into being. There is also a WONDERFUL section on supplies: what and where to get them, how they're priced, and if they're worth it. Yet, I do wish that the author had spent a little more time on showing and explaining works that were JUST done in pastels and less on mixed media with pastels. But that's just my opinion. It's a great book and worth buying, regardless of how much of a purist you may be.
A great introduction and referrence for pastel painting. .......2007-03-14
I bought this book a number of years ago and find myself referring to it over and over. The author covers a lot of ground and does so in an even handed manner, not stressing his own preferences to the detriment of other artists' points of view, e.g. using fixative. (He shows the same fairness in his book on oil painting by the way.)
However, this is not a "step by step" book on how to make set example paintings. Those who are looking for specific by the numbers instruction and hand holding may be disappointed. There are a number of works available that do this, but they do not have nearly the depth and breadth of this book.
The only problem I have with this work is that it needs updating especially in the materials area. Time for a new edition!
painting lessons.......2007-02-11
Wondeful!
The Amazon art books in two words:
inexpensive and carefully selected.
great overview.......2007-01-18
I found this book to be very helpful as a reference for pastel materials and techniques. As a beginner pastel artist, the world of pastels and papers can be very overwhelming, and here he provided a wonderful breakdown of the characteristics of each well-known brand.
Customer Reviews:
If you're ready to experiment:.......2002-10-19
Then this is a great book. No comprehensive instruction here, but a vast variety of techniques and materials: pencil, pen, watercolor pencils, oil bars, pastel and pastel pencils, charcoal, hatching, stippling, dry wash, landscapes, still-life and more. 50 pages of materials and tools. Weak on clothed figures - no nudes.
Average customer rating:
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Latin American Drawings Today
Manufacturer: San Diego Museum of Art
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ASIN: 029597107X |
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