This is not a book review but rather a comment about the value of art books for artists. And reflects only my own personal experience as I discover more about the creative process in myself.
Some art education is good and some is counterproductive to the creative process. In art viewers are usually looking for something uniquely enjoyable or provocative. It can be beautiful or not but good art provides an emotional experience welling up from the depths of our souls. Something that we want to take some time with.
An emotional experience like that is not something that can be manufactured. Manufacturing attempts to turn things into a process. It means making 4 million of them. It means understanding and creating a process or recipe that we can repeat over and over again. Whew! I can feel the creative juices drying up at just the though of all that. So what does all that have to do with art education?
I have been painting for nearly 40 years now and attempted to attend my first class almost at the very beginning of my explorations into fine art. I felt intimidated as I watched the instructor move around the room pointing out this and that. Creativity in my mind requires the freedom to do as I wish and education/critiquing is about doing it right.
Is there a right way in art. I think not. There is only the artist's way and if the artist has something important to say it will reach out and attract humans who respond to the statement that the art is making.
Painting for me was an expression of my own self. It comes more from within than anywhere else. The idea of someone critiquing my most personal self bothered me somehow. I was interested in learning technique but the true expresson of my soul is incredibly personal. It takes courage to share that with a world intent on rules, regulations, or what is declared perfect rather than acceptance.
From people I relate to I really appreciate suggestions on colour, design, the way an eye travels through a painting or ideas that might give it a little pizzaz About 1 out of 3 paintings are successful immediately. The other 2 out of 3 need a little pondering before it is possible to complete them.
That is how the book reviews developed. Over the years I accumulated many books from artists who shared their stories and ideas on how to paint. I learned about design, colour, materials and many other bits and pieces that go into getting set up for another painting experience. With all my materials laid out and a sort of subtle consciousness of design ideas in mind I am free to go for it.
Going for it is sometimes humerous, sometimes frustrating and always a pleasure. You will find some wonderful art books here that you might connect with. It is like getting together with like minded souls with great thoughts to share - a wonderful conversation and delightful ideas or tips. But once you have met with another like minded soul and it is time to create the only way to do it is to do it.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Monday, August 9, 2010
Painting the Drama of Wildlife Step by Step by Terry Isaac
We have the pleasure of being able to number Terry Isaac, who moved here a few years ago, among the artists in our small community of Penticton.
Painting the Drama of Wildlife is a wonderful book that shows precisely how Terry achieves those incredible paintings of his.
The title states it succinctly when it says 'step by step'. He goes over some of the necessary information like composition, materials in the getting started section.
Then comes the fun part where he has included 12 demonstrations that help us to get the feel of it.
In another chapter he covers important points about wildlife as a subject and techniques he uses in creating a painting that is true to the animal being portrayed.
In the chapter "Putting It All Together" he gives you another four demonstrations of Isaac magic.
There is lots of good information in this book including a checklist to use to ensure you have created your best painting.
As this book is out of print right now you may have to look for it as a used book or you may be able to get a copy from Terry Isaac himself. His contact information is on his web site. www.TerryIsaacsart.com He also has a excellent DVD out if you prefer that format over a book, or better yet, get both.
Painting the Drama of Wildlife is a wonderful book that shows precisely how Terry achieves those incredible paintings of his.
The title states it succinctly when it says 'step by step'. He goes over some of the necessary information like composition, materials in the getting started section.
Then comes the fun part where he has included 12 demonstrations that help us to get the feel of it.
In another chapter he covers important points about wildlife as a subject and techniques he uses in creating a painting that is true to the animal being portrayed.
In the chapter "Putting It All Together" he gives you another four demonstrations of Isaac magic.
There is lots of good information in this book including a checklist to use to ensure you have created your best painting.
As this book is out of print right now you may have to look for it as a used book or you may be able to get a copy from Terry Isaac himself. His contact information is on his web site. www.TerryIsaacsart.com He also has a excellent DVD out if you prefer that format over a book, or better yet, get both.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Zoltan Szabo's 70 Favorite Watercolor Techniques
This is an old book by a great painter, illustrator and teacher. He came from Hungary to Canada and eventually to the States.
Zoltan's Favorite Techniques is wonderful book for newcomers to watercolors.
I love this man's work. He has a wonderful grasp of design and color and an almost abstract style in his paintings and he knows how to convey this information so that it is understandable and easy to try out yourself.
He has since passed on and must be missed by many just for his work and teaching alone. A marvelous talent and a great teacher if I go just by his books as I never had the pleasure of meeting him in person.
I believe this particular book is still available and a great addition to an artist's selection of resource materials.
I found a link: http://www.zoltanszabo.com/ It seems to be in transition and says all books are out of print at the moment. Maybe the book can be found on Amazon as used. It is worth the search.
There are some images of his paintings on Zoltan Szabo's web site that are worth looking at to see how you feel about his style of painting. Personally I find his work lively and beautiful.
Zoltan's Favorite Techniques is wonderful book for newcomers to watercolors.
I love this man's work. He has a wonderful grasp of design and color and an almost abstract style in his paintings and he knows how to convey this information so that it is understandable and easy to try out yourself.
He has since passed on and must be missed by many just for his work and teaching alone. A marvelous talent and a great teacher if I go just by his books as I never had the pleasure of meeting him in person.
I believe this particular book is still available and a great addition to an artist's selection of resource materials.
I found a link: http://www.zoltanszabo.com/ It seems to be in transition and says all books are out of print at the moment. Maybe the book can be found on Amazon as used. It is worth the search.
There are some images of his paintings on Zoltan Szabo's web site that are worth looking at to see how you feel about his style of painting. Personally I find his work lively and beautiful.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Animating the Looney Tunes Way
I am willing to bet that most artists like to try something totally different now and then. It keeps the ideas flowing to take a little break from the usual routine and is a natural part of being creative.
In need of a little distraction from my routine, I spotted this nifty Walter Foster book on Animation. It teaches character development, has Model Sheets, story process and character animation on the agenda. And guess who the characters are that you will be drawing. Well let me just flip to the Model Sheets.
You will love this. There are too many to list but a quick start is Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Lola Bunny, Sylvester, Tweety, Wile E Coyote and Road Runner. There are lots more, including supporting characters. Bet you can think of a lot of them yourself with no help from me.
This book shows you how to draw the basic walk cycle with Donald Duck and Elmer Fudd including information about how it works. It covers other characters and other cycles, backgrounds and much more.
It is just plain fun and not as easy as I had thought, to draw these guys. So it gave me a bit of a challenge.
If you dream of being an animator and I hear they make really big bucks, then I am sure this book will be a great introduction. It will help you to develop some great skills. It will also provide you with an understanding of the inside lingo in the world of animators.
In need of a little distraction from my routine, I spotted this nifty Walter Foster book on Animation. It teaches character development, has Model Sheets, story process and character animation on the agenda. And guess who the characters are that you will be drawing. Well let me just flip to the Model Sheets.
You will love this. There are too many to list but a quick start is Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Lola Bunny, Sylvester, Tweety, Wile E Coyote and Road Runner. There are lots more, including supporting characters. Bet you can think of a lot of them yourself with no help from me.
This book shows you how to draw the basic walk cycle with Donald Duck and Elmer Fudd including information about how it works. It covers other characters and other cycles, backgrounds and much more.
It is just plain fun and not as easy as I had thought, to draw these guys. So it gave me a bit of a challenge.
If you dream of being an animator and I hear they make really big bucks, then I am sure this book will be a great introduction. It will help you to develop some great skills. It will also provide you with an understanding of the inside lingo in the world of animators.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Artist's & Graphic Designers's Market 2010
I pick up one of these great reference books most years.
Last year or perhaps the year before they began a section on art fairs. Some of these fairs appear to be a good place to sell art but my experience is it pays to be choosy.
The categories of market listings are: Galleries, Magazines, Book Publishers, Greeting Cards (includes gifts etc.), Posters & Prints, Advertising (and related markets), Stock illustration & Clip Art Firms, Syndicates & Cartoon Features, Record Labels, Artists Reps and Art Fairs.
Strangely enough the font size has been increasing the last few years, leaving me to wonder who's eyesite is not as good as it used to be, or if there are fewer listings.
Either way it is still an excellent reference to have and includes articles on selling your art.
Each market listing contains information specific to that particular market. The listings state the market needs and some state what they pay. Each listing also includes contact information. The rest of the information varies a bit from listing to listing so be sure and pick one up and take a look for yourself. Not sure if you want to buy one? Most libraries have the latest one in their reference section.
At $32.99 Canadian or $29.99 US it is a good investment for a working artist.
Last year or perhaps the year before they began a section on art fairs. Some of these fairs appear to be a good place to sell art but my experience is it pays to be choosy.
The categories of market listings are: Galleries, Magazines, Book Publishers, Greeting Cards (includes gifts etc.), Posters & Prints, Advertising (and related markets), Stock illustration & Clip Art Firms, Syndicates & Cartoon Features, Record Labels, Artists Reps and Art Fairs.
Strangely enough the font size has been increasing the last few years, leaving me to wonder who's eyesite is not as good as it used to be, or if there are fewer listings.
Either way it is still an excellent reference to have and includes articles on selling your art.
Each market listing contains information specific to that particular market. The listings state the market needs and some state what they pay. Each listing also includes contact information. The rest of the information varies a bit from listing to listing so be sure and pick one up and take a look for yourself. Not sure if you want to buy one? Most libraries have the latest one in their reference section.
At $32.99 Canadian or $29.99 US it is a good investment for a working artist.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
The Glory Boy by Ted Goodden
I don't normally review fiction but this particular book has a fascinating story of the natural world. The writer is an artist.
It begins with a young man who people think could be more motivated. Gert, the young man, goes to live in a forest which he loves. However, he hasn't made plans for winter. Cold and hungry he is fortunate to be taken in by a woman of the forest.
Once the warm weather comes to the forest, she sends him out to collect gold. Gert is overcome by greed with some unpleasant results.
This delightful story, beautifully illustrated by the author, has a wonderful ending that lends a much needed and unusual appreciation for our world and for bees in particular.
It also, I think, shows Glory Boy like all of us is useful after all in a way that not only is of benefit to him but to everyone.
To purchase this book inquire at Red Tuque Books
I couldn't put it down as it has some unusual and entertaining ways of telling some basic truths.
It begins with a young man who people think could be more motivated. Gert, the young man, goes to live in a forest which he loves. However, he hasn't made plans for winter. Cold and hungry he is fortunate to be taken in by a woman of the forest.
Once the warm weather comes to the forest, she sends him out to collect gold. Gert is overcome by greed with some unpleasant results.
This delightful story, beautifully illustrated by the author, has a wonderful ending that lends a much needed and unusual appreciation for our world and for bees in particular.
It also, I think, shows Glory Boy like all of us is useful after all in a way that not only is of benefit to him but to everyone.
To purchase this book inquire at Red Tuque Books
I couldn't put it down as it has some unusual and entertaining ways of telling some basic truths.
Imaginative Realism by James Gurney
With no end of books to distract with their pretty pictures I found a wonderful book that fascinates with more than just paintings to look at. It is full of great information and joy to read.
James Gurney of Dinotopea fame has written a book for people who choose to create worlds, people and creatures that don't exist called "Imaginative Realism - How to paint what doesn't exist".
He talks about the methods he uses to get those folds in the clothing, shadows and cast shadows and all the possible angles so you can find composition that really tells the story you have for your viewer.
By paying particular attention to details we can create convincing paintings of what is not real.
Gurney dresses up in funny clothes, draws himself in the mirror or gets his wife to take photos as he rolls around on the ground. He visits archeological sites, talks with scientists and just generally has a good time, works hard and produces fabulous art.
There is a lot more to discover than what I am able to tell you here. Gurney has a lot to share with us about his art.
This is one art book that I think would be an excellent reference for artists and an entertaining one.
And he has a blog.s Here is the link gurneyjourney.blogspot.com
James Gurney of Dinotopea fame has written a book for people who choose to create worlds, people and creatures that don't exist called "Imaginative Realism - How to paint what doesn't exist".
He talks about the methods he uses to get those folds in the clothing, shadows and cast shadows and all the possible angles so you can find composition that really tells the story you have for your viewer.
By paying particular attention to details we can create convincing paintings of what is not real.
Gurney dresses up in funny clothes, draws himself in the mirror or gets his wife to take photos as he rolls around on the ground. He visits archeological sites, talks with scientists and just generally has a good time, works hard and produces fabulous art.
There is a lot more to discover than what I am able to tell you here. Gurney has a lot to share with us about his art.
This is one art book that I think would be an excellent reference for artists and an entertaining one.
And he has a blog.s Here is the link gurneyjourney.blogspot.com
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Vanishing Point Perspective for Comics from the Ground Up" by Jason Cheeseman-Meyer
Are there any artists out there who lack perspective? Thought you would appreciate a little humour with your reviews.
I find my perspective could be improved and I have picked up several books on it but to no avail. It is not the most exciting topic for an artist - at least not for this artist. Too much reading and it is not easy to get the right perspective on a lot of things never mind the ones I am drawing.
Well, I found a book that makes perspective fun, interesting and has great pictures, "Vanishing Point Perspective for Comics from the Ground Up" by Jason Cheeseman-Meyer.
Have to wonder what Jason is like in real life because it takes a strange mind to come up with some of this stuff. He looks like a neat kind of guy though and I can highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to get a handle on why their trees look so weird in one picture and great in another.
What is in this book? All the basics including curvilinear perspective which I have never seen anywhere else. He makes a great point when he says that "once our minds develop an intuitive understanding of perspective, we can work not only from observation to image but from concept through construction to image - 'from the ground up'". Vanishing Point is set up to help you develop that intuitive sense in your work.
He shows, describes, explains and includes a 'put it into action' section for you to try it out yourself. Don't know whether I should mention this or not but there is a little section called Homework too with each new concept. Luckily it isn't like school and you can do it or not as you like. I suggest you do to get the most out of this book.
If you are an artist this is a wonderful book to have and if you are a fantasy artist it is a book you have to have.
I find my perspective could be improved and I have picked up several books on it but to no avail. It is not the most exciting topic for an artist - at least not for this artist. Too much reading and it is not easy to get the right perspective on a lot of things never mind the ones I am drawing.
Well, I found a book that makes perspective fun, interesting and has great pictures, "Vanishing Point Perspective for Comics from the Ground Up" by Jason Cheeseman-Meyer.
Have to wonder what Jason is like in real life because it takes a strange mind to come up with some of this stuff. He looks like a neat kind of guy though and I can highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to get a handle on why their trees look so weird in one picture and great in another.
What is in this book? All the basics including curvilinear perspective which I have never seen anywhere else. He makes a great point when he says that "once our minds develop an intuitive understanding of perspective, we can work not only from observation to image but from concept through construction to image - 'from the ground up'". Vanishing Point is set up to help you develop that intuitive sense in your work.
He shows, describes, explains and includes a 'put it into action' section for you to try it out yourself. Don't know whether I should mention this or not but there is a little section called Homework too with each new concept. Luckily it isn't like school and you can do it or not as you like. I suggest you do to get the most out of this book.
If you are an artist this is a wonderful book to have and if you are a fantasy artist it is a book you have to have.
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