Reviews (3)

Professional Review
Children and Their Art is the most comprehensive textbook available for teaching art education methods.This bestselling textbook covers all aspects of teaching art in the elementary classroom: the basic principles and goals of art education, the characteristics and needs of children as learners, the core principles of art as a subject-aesthetics, principles of design, art history, art media-and all aspects of instruction-curriculum planning, sample lessons, classroom management, and assessment. The seventh edition has been thoroughly updated and includes coverage of the National Standards for Art Education as well as the impact of postmodern thought on the practice of art education. It also provides a concise overview of child development theories and the latest findings on child development and brain research, including Howard Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences.

It was a good condition and fast.
Thank you for a fast delivery and a good condition of the book.

Great Teacher Resource -- for the arts
This is a great book to use in a pre-service teacher education program. However, I am a long-time art educator and I still refer to it because it has a wide range of information on issues we encounter every day. This yearI am teaching the art class for undergraduate elementary teachers and it isproving a very valuable resource.It is written in a readable, highlypractical way with lots of examples that make adding art into an elementarycurriculum not seem so foreign or so daunting. I do feel that there is aneed for other supplemental reading and resources to accompany this text,but it is a great overall art education text, especially for the generalistteacher. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Education / Teaching    3. Elementary    4. General    5. Study & Teaching    6. Art / General    7. Art Forms, Treatments & Subjects    8. Children   

Reviews (5)

good oil book
This book is great.It runs through different painting styles and even has a section on abstract painting, which is rare.I would recommend.

One of the very best introductory oil painting books
The author's deep understanding of art in general shows in this book, and in his work.His paintings are outstanding and his writing style is easy to read.
Everything you wanted to know, but were afraid to ask...
I bought this book to get an introduction to oil painting before i went out and spent my hard earned on brushes, oils etc etc...to be honest I didn't know what I needed to buy! This book solved that initial problem, aswell as giving me heaps of information to ease me into the medium + food for thought and excellent 'down to earth' advice/inspiration. I haven't left it out of my sight and everytime i open it up I encounter something new...Thanks Mister Gorst on a very fine book indeed! The design/layout of the book is also excellent and you won't find a page lacking in wisdom... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Painting    4. Study & Teaching    5. Technique    6. Techniques - Oil Painting   

Reviews (15)

Drawing Lessons from the Great Masters
This is one of the finest books an art student could purchase. It is a treasure. The Great Master paintings are presented which alone is worth it. But Hale has analyzed them in an artistic, not overly anatomical way that makes his lessons sink beneath your skin and pencil. Hale's contribution is priceless.

Great reference!
This book is a great analysis of past masters drawings. It basically breaks down what is good about the masters techniques. Also, there are some really well thought out chapters on drawing basics as they apply to figure drawing. Definitely worthy of having for a serious artist who draws just about anything.
drawing lessons from the great masters
was well written, the pictures could be more clearly printed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anatomy, Artistic    2. Art    3. Art & Art Instruction    4. Drawing    5. Figure drawing    6. Human figure in art    7. Study & Teaching    8. Techniques - Drawing    9. Art techniques & materials    10. Drawing & drawings    11. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles   

Reviews (46)

I liked it
It just didn't motivate me like I wanted it to.... so I sold it.But, it does have some good steps to getting that impressionistic look.I suggest trying out the book by Susan Sarback, Capturing Radiant Color in Oils (Paperback)
awesome
This discussed painting in a way I needed to hear. It was easy to work with and inspired ideas for me to try. Great book

Good source of info!
I learned so much from this book.I started painting about 3 years ago and I just painted a little bit more realistically and now I can actually paint in a more impressionist way!Very informing... satisfied + customer ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Color in art    4. Impressionism (Art)    5. Landscape Painting    6. Light in art    7. Study & Teaching    8. Technique    9. Techniques - General    10. Techniques - Oil Painting    11. Techniques - Painting    12. Techniques - Painting - Specific Subjects    13. Art techniques & materials    14. Hawthorne, Charles Webster    15. Influence    16. Painting & paintings   

Reviews (10)

inspiration
My students find the projects inspirational.The projects can be adapted in many ways.Student's get excited seeing how other students their age solve design problems.

not for MS
the book looks like it has some great ideas.Does not appear to be for middleschoolers though

Outstanding!
This book has really broadened my mind.In my country where Arts and Culture has (thankfully) become a compulsory subject (or learing area) up to age 15, I am trying to assist teachers who are often forced to become Arts and Culture educators with little or no experience.This book has given me more ideas on what to do and how to assist these teachers, while also giving me more possibilities, effectively pushing my own creativity.It is well written and easily accessible: a total feast for the eyes! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity programs    2. Art    3. Art & Art Instruction    4. Art Media (General)    5. Design - General    6. Study & Teaching    7. Study and teaching (Secondary)    8. Techniques - General    9. Art / General    10. Art Forms, Treatments & Subjects    11. BG-ART/PHOTO/ARCH - BG-ART/ARCHITECTURE    12. Industrial / Commercial Art & Design    13. The Arts    14. Theory of art   

Reviews (12)

Marvellous handbook!
I have dabbled with calligraphy and have several books myself, most of them are big and have beautiful pictures and present the same styles; Roman, Uncial, Italic and Gothic styles with some variations. I ordered this book because of the raving reviews and its low price and was greatly, pleasantly surprised!
Caligrapher's Bible
I was able to pick up a few new styles. Not enough help for the lefties.

Calligraphy
The book is very easy to follow, with diagrams showing you the angle to hold your pen and numbers to show you the order for writing each letter.Absolutely excellent; a must-have for true lovers of this art. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Calligraphy    4. Specimens    5. Study & Teaching    6. Techniques - Calligraphy    7. Art / Calligraphy   

Reviews (32)

Best all round book on color & design!
I have been painting for many years and keep on referring back to this book over and over, because the principles therein are so helpful. Clearly presented, basic "truths" about color and design that will lift the caliber of what you produce--why? Because you will paint with knowledge and the confidence that accompanies knowledge. I've read most of the books out there on watercolor, but this one is Queen of them all! Happy painting!

This is One Book You Will Not Want To Lend To A Friend or Foe!
MAKING COLOR SING is a workshop in watercolor. Jeanne Dobie, AWS, is a watercolor master of international fame and recipient of many prestigious awards. From the contents of this book we can also vouch for her generosity for sharing her knowledge and secrets with us.
Making Color Sing by Jeanne Dobie
I have been a student of water color for just over 12 months.
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Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Color In Art Media    4. Color Theory    5. Study & Teaching    6. Techniques - Painting    7. Art techniques & principles    8. Watercolours   

Reviews (6)

Not what it could have been
This is an excellent tutorial in some respects.The instructions are step-by-step, and it is packed with illustrations.However, there is little attempt to address the theme behind the art, to establish the "rules of the form" as, say, Aidan Meehan's books have done for Celtic Art.Bill Holm's classic "Northwest Coast Indian Art: An Analysis of Form" remains the best bet in this field if you are interested in creating original designs in this style.If however, you just want to copy preformed designs and get a feel for the modern trends in this style, this is a good introductory choice.And I do mean modern trends.The other glaring insufficiency in this book is its lack of a classic feel.Many of the designs are not strictly traditional, and though some see this as a sign of vitality, I see it as a blemish on a grand tradition.

If "doing" without understanding is enough...
37 pages of curriculum instruction, 3 pages of history/meanings, 11 pages to teach you how to draw two ovoids one within the other... good beginnings.
This book is an excellent opening into NW Coastal art. It does not address the meanings or legends but mainly how designs are created and build up of elements. Lots of illustrations. Its an excellent reference for the carver or artist wanting to work with the designs (note: no carving techniques etc are discussed; just design but that is enough) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art / Study & Teaching    3. Indians of North America    4. Instruction and study    5. Native American Art    6. Northwest Coast of North Ameri    7. Northwest, Pacific    8. Study & Teaching   

Reviews (12)

Portraits from life in 29 steps
I found it very practical. I felt almost like in a good live art class.
Terrible
I am a serious artist but I've only recently started to paint.Having minimal training in this subject and been frustrated by my current approach I decided to get this book to try to understand a different combination of colors in hopes of gaining confidence and speed.The author/artist is shamelessly promoting his production materials.I had hoped to replicate the colors with the descriptions of the Promix colors.For example, their premixed "halftone 2" is a combo of white, yellow ochre, cad. red lt...ect.But in attempting to mix these colors it is almost impossible to recreate with the colors as listed.I discover as I begin working that the Halftone 2 color on one page is different than the same color on the next...and this error in printing continues throughout the book. And if this is to be a true instructional book it fails because descriptions of what colors to use in certain areas are ommited through various steps.
Value is the Key to Portrait painting
The key value of the book I think is the explanation of the importance of Value and color mixing. The simplified explanation of the use of the Value scale is clear and the examples clarifies this clearly. Furthermore the basic characteristics of color--hue, value, intensity and temperature are well demonstrated with a clear guide to learning how to change and reduce intensity, value and temperature in painting aportrait. Also Sanden gives a convincing demonstration on building a portrait fron the foundation ------great book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Study & Teaching    4. Subjects & Themes - Portraits    5. Techniques - General    6. Techniques - Painting - Specific Subjects    7. Art techniques & materials    8. Oils    9. Portraits in art   

Reviews (19)

Reading Bettween the Lines
I find this book to be very good, but I do agree with other critics on this site that it is not for beginners. My approach to learning from this book has been to study each part of the painting process[which you do not see all of that and that is good]and read bettween the lines. Well that is the thinking part because this is not Bob Ross's "The Joy of Painting". I have only really studied the so-called Titian method in the book. Well to paint in that manner you best understand the difference bettween a valaturas and a glaze. The valaturas are painted on normally in the middle tones and highlights on the flesh, but as you paint towards the shadows you have to start working with a scrub so that the shadows to not get lost--This is the thinking part that the book does not teach. The mediums in the book seem rather dangerous to me, so I would recommend manufactured mediums because Joseph Shepperd admits in the book that no one really knows how the old masters painted. Consequently, I'd use a safe medium. I do not see Joseph Shepperd as being as good a painter as Titian, but in his own way he comes close. A person should Take the usage of this book seriously when they understand the blending of oil paints--Further, drawing well is a good foundation. I would recommend this book to advanced artists.

This -->IS<--- like some old masters
I read a review here from somebody who said this book is NOT the old masters, but that is not true.Ingres painted alot like this and I have seen many examples.I think this method would work great for people who paint realistic images of photos or realistic images in general but that doesn't mean it is any less of an old masters technique.On the other hand, if you are going to make a book about how to paint like "the old masters" it should include all the old masters, or be more specific.Many painters had different approaches, and "old masters" is a generic word.

Great reference for both the aspiring and accomplished portrait artist!!
This book not only makes a great reference book for the artist, but is a wonderful "coffee table" book in its own right.It is a fabulous addition to any library. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 17th-18th centuries    2. Art    3. Art & Art Instruction    4. Painting    5. Painting, Modern    6. Painting, Renaissance    7. Study & Teaching    8. Technique    9. Techniques - Oil Painting    10. Techniques - Painting    11. Art techniques & materials    12. Oils   

Reviews (9)

The Best Drawing Book I've Seen
This is the book that really helped me!The other one I like is the old standard "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain."But for practical, usable exercises that will give you immediate results, this is definitely the book to have!Since I didn't have any of Hammond's previous books, there was no problem for me with repitition of material.I love that she is very specific in naming materials and explaining why she uses certain brands of materials vs. others.If you get only one drawing book, this should be it!

FOR BEGINNER OR REVIEW
THIS BOOK IS BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN AND ILLISTRATED. FOR THE BEGINNER IT IS EASY TO UNDERSTAND AND FUN TO LEARN.I RECOMMEND EVERYONE THAT WOULD LOVE TO DRAW TO GIVE THIS BOOK A TRY.

Wonderful
The book is quite awesome. I bought it just before I started taking a college art class and I find that it helps me more than the teacher does! I'm looking forward to buying more of Lee Hammond's books. I have already purchased her Lifelike Drawing and Drawing Realistic Pets: From Photographs, which are both equally awesome. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Pencil drawing    4. Study & Teaching    5. Technique    6. Techniques - Drawing    7. Techniques - General   

Reviews (4)

Companion to tape series by Robert B. Hale
I purchased the companion tape series from Jo-An Pictures Ltd in NYC (212-532-5003) several years ago. The book and tapes record the lectures given by Robert Beverly Hale at the Art Student's League in NYC. You may never find better instruction on artistic anatomy and drawing the human form! He was without doubt the greatest instructor of this subject! The tapes are almost like attending his classes! You must draw from life as well as study this material to master the subject. If you cannot afford the tapes, at least get this book! You will not find a better investment but you must also make the effort! A valid observation from his lectures: 'You can not draw a form, if you don't know it exists.' If you want to draw figures that will impress other artists, clients with medical training or other sophisticated viewers, then master the lessons in this book!
very comprehensive
I am currently in Figure drawing 2 and this book is a wonderful help. I have few figure drawing books that I feel compleatly happy with and this one is the best. It shows you how the masters worked with simple shapes, line, value, mass, and anatomy to represent the figure. It breaks up the chapters into body parts and each chapter deals with that specific part. By presenting works of master artists and disecting them you understand how the human form works and can be expressed. I would reccomend this book to anyone interested in drawing the figure, especially beginers.

A masterpiece of life drawing tuition
Mr Coyle has done great justice to his old mentor Robert Beverley HALE with this magnificent book. The lessons are based on Mr Hales teachings on the techniques and thinking of the great master drawers, and not only arethe examples all master works, but innovative use of coloured line overlaysmakes sometimes difficult concepts abundantly clear.The real point ofthis book, as with all R.B.Hale books, is that YOU can learn to think inthe same highly visually intelligent way as these greats of the past, andlearn to apply that thinking to your own creations. BRAVO Messrs Hale etCoyle! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Drawing Of Specific Subjects    4. Figure drawing    5. Study & Teaching    6. Technique    7. Techniques - Drawing    8. Techniques - Life Drawing    9. Art techniques & materials    10. Drawing & drawings   

Reviews (1)

An art educators delight.
Learning Through Art is a wonderful teacher tool to expose students to art and artists through fun filled reading, writing, and observational activities. Many students have never visited or explored a museum. Learning Through Art gives students a feeling they have been able to visit a museum to discover and learn about art, art history, and art of many cultures. I share this book with students at the beginning of every school year and they love the activities. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Art    3. Art - General    4. Art appreciation    5. Art, Modern    6. Children's 9-12 - Art & Art Instruction    7. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    8. Creative activities and seat work    9. Juvenile literature    10. New York    11. New York (State)    12. School & Education    13. Study & Teaching    14. Study and teaching    15. Art, fine art, decorative arts    16. Children's stationery & miscellaneous items    17. Hobbies, quizzes & games    18. Life Skills & Personal Awareness, General Studies   

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Study & Teaching    4. Techniques - General    5. Techniques - Painting    6. Art / General    7. Painting & paintings   

Editorial Review

One lovely feature of this volume is that it shows the real material that inspired different faux finishes next to the excellent painted imitations. After extensive coverage of all aspects of getting started (tools and materials, preparation, safety concerns, and design and color considerations), and of working with glazes, there are dozens of detailed recipes for various marble and graining effects. The final chapter, "Professional Practice," explains how to set up your own decorative-painting business, including assembling a portfolio, identifying and reaching your market, financial planning, calculating rates and expenses, preparing samples, organizing the workspace, and working with clients. You'll even find a prototype contract and a checklist of supplies to bring on the job. Those who want to produce spectacular faux-finish results will learn a lot from Read more

Reviews (10)

Not really recommended but OKAY
I was looking forward to this book but was rather disappointed due to the extensive written instructions but the rather sketchy illustrative photos.

The best of the best
I bought this book more than ten years ago, I have an almost complete collection of books on painted finished, especially of wood and marble. The "Professional Painted Finishes" is absolutely the best I have, it is oozing QUALITY throughout. It is not for beginners but is The reference to return to again and again. It is also lovely just to browse through.

Good variety
I liked this book because it contained great illustrations and it also had helpful information about the business side of faux finishing. The text is compact, so each page contains alot of data. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Color decoration and ornament    3. Commercial Interior Design    4. Construction - General    5. Decorating - Painting/Wallpapering    6. Engineering - Chemical & Biochemical    7. Finishes and finishing    8. Home Improvement / Construction    9. Paint materials    10. Painting, Industrial    11. Study & Teaching    12. Technique    13. Art techniques & materials    14. Interior design    15. Painting & paintings    16. Small businesses & self-employed   

Reviews (11)

Watercolor basics/Let's get started
By far the best beginner book I have ever picked up. I have used some of the ideas in this book to teach workshops and have had tremendous success with people that have never picked up a brush. You can"t go wrong

Good, but video instruction is perhaps better
I've purchased quite a few instructional books on both watercolors and oils.While I found this one easy to follow for the absolute beginner, in practice, I found the exercises to be a bit stilted.What I mean by that is in attempting to reproduce his paintings, step by step, I found that it took away the wonder and spontenaity one might experience while sketching and painting a simple still life set up.I understand the theory behind the book, and the value studies are interesting, but I think that simply practicing washes, and also practicing with simple still lifes might be more rewarding.I've watched a few videos on watercolor painting which have been more helpful than any book.
Excellent first watercolor book
After purchasing probably around a dozen books on watercolor, and always seeming to work my way into frustration, I came across this book. It looked very interesting in that it starts with monochromatic flatwashes, and actually leads you step by step through the painting. If your looking for 'basic' this is the one for you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Study & Teaching    4. Technique    5. Techniques - General    6. Techniques - Watercolor Painting    7. Watercolor Painting    8. Art techniques & materials    9. Watercolours   

Reviews (4)

Must have for beginners!!
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
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
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. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Drawing    4. Sketching    5. Study & Teaching    6. Technique    7. Techniques - Drawing    8. Techniques - General   

Reviews (29)

Oil Painting for the Serious Beginner: Basic Lessons in Becoming a Good Painter
Beautiful book.Unfortunatly pages 8 through 25 had been seriously marked and circled by the previous owner.I was really disappointed.I'm sending the book back for a refund.

Martha's review
I painted many years ago and needed a refresher in technique. This book helped me to review what I obviously had forgotten.

one color scheme
As you flip through the pages, you will see only yellows and begin to feel overwhelmed or depressed at the lack of color.One color scheme should not be used to teach beginners, as they may want to explore the world of color. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Oil Painting    4. Painting    5. Study & Teaching    6. Technique    7. Techniques - Oil Painting   

Subjects:  1. Aesthetics    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Art teachers    4. Arts    5. Education    6. History - General    7. New York    8. New York (State)    9. Study & Teaching    10. Study and teaching    11. Teaching Methods & Materials - General    12. Training of    13. Philosophy of education    14. USA   

Reviews (5)

One of the most exhaustive references for artist's animal anatomy
WHOA! An animal-anatomy-for-artists book that I haven't seen before!?? I did a doubletake in the library when I found it. It's a GOOD one, too! Better than most of my animal anatomy books put together! It takes both possible approaches: the first half of the book shows the different bones and muscles part by part, as they exist in most animals, like Bammes's book does; the second half of the book shows the different animal species, bones and muscles and skin, like Adams & Singer's book does. I can tell which steel engravings some of these illustrations were based on, after Ellenberger & Baum. It also has a few species I haven't seen in animal anatomy books before, except maybe in the Zoo Books series, such as the giraffe shown on the cover. As usual, the most attention is given to horses, big cats, and dogs. I'm probably going to need to buy this for reference, since it's not the kind of thing you can just read cover-to-cover from the library, you have to use it just whenever you need it.

Very Informative
This is a very detailed book and a must have for those that need to know more about animal anatomy. This book does layout the skeletal and muscular design of the used animals very well. One thing that it does not give you is a detailed description of exactly how the joints move or muscles work. But overall a must have if you are doing an animal study for sculpture or 3-d modeling.

Features over 500 original drawings and over 70 photos
Artists who plan on focusing on animals had better pick up a copy of Animal Anatomy For Artists: The Elements Of Form: a virtual 'Bible' of animal anatomy, is features over five hundred original drawings and over seventy photos which painters, sculptors, and illustrators can use to understand the underlying anatomy of a range of common and wild animals. Forms created by muscles and bones provide artists with a three-dimensional figure of the final surface of the animal, while Goldfinger provides discussions of how each piece of animal anatomy interacts with another. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anatomy, Artistic    2. Animals in art    3. Art    4. Art & Art Instruction    5. Study & Teaching    6. Techniques - Drawing    7. Techniques - Drawing - Specific Subjects    8. Techniques - General    9. Art & Architecture | Applied Arts    10. Art / Drawing