The Art of Rivalry: Four Friendships, Betrayals, and Breakthroughs in Modern Art


Sebastian Smee - 2016
    The Art of Rivalry follows eight celebrated artists, each linked to a counterpart by friendship, admiration, envy, and ambition. All eight are household names today. But to achieve what they did, each needed the influence of a contemporary--one who was equally ambitious but possessed sharply contrasting strengths and weaknesses.Edouard Manet and Edgar Degas were close associates whose personal bond frayed after Degas painted a portrait of Manet and his wife. Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso swapped paintings, ideas, and influences as they jostled for the support of collectors like Leo and Gertrude Stein and vied for the leadership of a new avant-garde. Jackson Pollock's uninhibited style of "action painting" triggered a breakthrough in the work of his older rival, Willem de Kooning. After Pollock's sudden death in a car crash, de Kooning assumed Pollock's mantle and became romantically involved with his late friend's mistress. Lucian Freud and Francis Bacon met in the early 1950s, when Bacon was being hailed as Britain's most exciting new painter and Freud was working in relative obscurity. Their intense but asymmetrical friendship came to a head when Freud painted a portrait of Bacon, which was later stolen.Each of these relationships culminated in an early flashpoint, a rupture in a budding intimacy that was both a betrayal and a trigger for great innovation. Writing with the same exuberant wit and psychological insight that earned him a Pulitzer Prize for art criticism, Sebastian Smee explores here the way that coming into one's own as an artist--finding one's voice--almost always involves willfully breaking away from some intimate's expectations of who you are or ought to be.Praise for The Art of Rivalry"Gripping . . . Mr. Smee's skills as a critic are evident throughout. He is persuasive and vivid. . . . You leave this book both nourished and hungry for more about the art, its creators and patrons, and the relationships that seed the ground for moments spent at the canvas."--The New York Times"With novella-like detail and incisiveness [Sebastian Smee] opens up the worlds of four pairs of renowned artists. . . . Each of his portraits is a biographical gem. . . . The Art of Rivalry is a pure, informative delight, written with canny authority."--The Boston Globe"Bacon liked to say his portraiture aimed to capture 'the pulsations of a person.' Revealing these rare creators as the invaluable catalysts they also were, Smee conveys exactly that on page after page. . . . His brilliant group biography is one of a kind." --The Atlantic "Perceptive . . . Smee is onto something important. His book may bring us as close as we'll ever get to understanding the connections between these bristly bonds and brilliance."--The Christian Science Monitor"In this intriguing work of art history and psychology, The Boston Globe's art critic looks at the competitive friendships of Matisse and Picasso, Manet and Degas, Pollock and de Kooning, and Freud and Bacon. All four relationships illuminate the creative process--both its imaginative breakthroughs and its frustrating blocks."--Newsday

Mastering Manga with Mark Crilley: 30 Drawing Lessons from the Creator of Akiko


Mark Crilley - 2012
    In these action-packed pages, graphic novelist Mark Crilley shows you step-by-step how to achieve an authentic manga style—from drawing faces and figures to laying out awesome, high-drama spreads. You'll learn how a few basic lines will help you place facial features in their proper locations and simple tricks for getting body proportions right. Plus, you'll find inspiration for infusing your work with expression, attitude and action.This is the book fans have been requesting for years, packed with expert tips on everything from hairstyles and clothing to word bubbles and sound effects, delivered in the same friendly, easy-to-follow style that has made Mark Crilley one of the "25 Most Subscribed to Gurus on YouTube." Take this opportunity to turn the characters and stories in your head into professional-quality art on the page!Packed with everything you need to make your first (or your best-ever) manga stories!30 step-by-step demonstrations showing how to draw faces and figures for a variety of ages and body typesInspirational galleries featuring 101 eyes, 50 ways to draw hands, 40 hairstyles, 12 common expressions, 30 classic poses and more!Tutorials to create a variety of realistic settingsAdvanced lessons on backgrounds, inking, sequencing and layout options

The Art of Enameling: Techniques, Projects, Inspiration


Linda Darty - 2004
    Written with clarity and passion by a leader in the field, it covers all the popular techniques, the fundamentals of setting up a studio, and 14 fabulous projects. The various styles range from traditional cloisonné, champlevé, and plique-à-jour to experimental techniques such as firing enamel onto mesh forms. Even more creative possibilities await in the firing: use copper oxide to create cool color variations or try raku firing for unique effects. All the well-photographed projects, from a vibrantly toned flower ring to an elegant set of buttons with a delicate leaf pattern, encourage novices to use their skills and imagination.

How to Draw Avatar: The Last Airbender


Shane L. Johnson - 2007
    Now anyone can enter into the world of "benders" and learn to draw Aang, the last Avatar, and his friends with ease. From Appa the flying bison and Momo the pet lemur to Fire Lord Ozai and his son Prince Zuko, everyone's favorite characters are featured inside. Each drawing step begins with a line of action, so it's easy for artists of all skill levels to get started. Then simple shapes and techniques are used to add details and definition. Plus, each new step appears in blue, so artists know exactly what to draw next. And as they learn to draw, kids will be doubly entertained by the helpful tips and fun facts about each character.

The Art Teacher's Book of Lists


Helen D. Hume - 1997
    For easy use, the lists are organized into ten sections, given here with a sample from each: All About Art ("Elements of Art") ... Art History ("Timelines of Art History") ... For the Art Teacher ("The National Visual Arts Standards") ... Art Materials ("Things to Do with Collage") ... Painting, Drawing & Printmaking ("All About Color Pigment") ... Sculpture ("Master Sculptors & Their Work")... Architecture ("Great Architects of the World")... Fine Arts & Folk Art ("African American Crafts") ... Technology & Art ("The Evolution of Photography") ... Museums ("Museums Devoted to the Work of One Artist").

The Power of Positive Life: Powerful Thinking, Powerful Life


Andrian Teodoro - 2016
    You will know specific steps to make yourself happy, fulfilled, optimistic, calm, and peaceful every day. You will learn various tools and techniques successful people do every day, such as: how to really think positively, how to gain confidence and increase self esteem, the “top secret” morning habits of successful people, how to get motivated in life everyday, how to unlock the power of prayer to achieve what you want in life, how forgiveness can catapult you to more blessings in your life, how the benefits of attitude of gratitude can dramatically increase the quality of your life, the top secret characteristics and qualities of highly successful people, and how to really live a happy life every single day. Want to know more all of these things in “one place”? Get all these wisdom from this Amazon’s BestSelling book “The Power of Positive Life”. Download your copy now, by scrolling to the top of the page, and select the orange “buy” button. tags: positive thinking, the power of positive thinking, the power of positive life, the power of positive living, positive living, positive life, positive discipline, positive psychology, positive energy, positive affirmations, the power of positive affirmations, the power of positive discipline, positive habits, the power of positive habits, positive imaging, the power of positive imaging, positive mind, the power of positive mind, positive prayer, the power of positive prayer, positive praying, the power of positive praying, positive reading, the power of positive reading,the power of God, the power of faith, the power of forgiveness, the power of gratitude, the power of motivation, the power of personal development, positive words, the power of positive words, The Power of Positive Life, powerful thinking, powerful life, turn negative life into happier, positive thinking, personal growth, self improvement, self development, improve your life, become positive, ultimate guide, powerful techniques, effective ways, secrets, tips, advice, motivational books

The Elements of Drawing


John Ruskin - 1857
    The exercises become more difficult, developing greater and greater skills until Ruskin feels his reader is ready for watercolors and finally composition, which he treats in detail as to the laws of principality, repetition, continuity, curvature, radiation, contrast, interchange, consistency, and harmony. All along the way, Ruskin explains, in plain, clear language, the artistic and craftsmanlike reasons behind his practical advice — underlying which, of course, is Ruskin's brilliant philosophy of honest, naturally observed art which has so much affected our aesthetic. Three full-page plates and 48 woodcuts and diagrams (the latter from drawings by the author) show the student what the text describes. An appendix devotes many pages to the art works which may be studied with profit.

The Cloth Paper Scissors Book: Techniques and Inspiration for Creating Mixed-Media Art


Barbara Delaney - 2011
    Editor Barbara Delaney has assembled a gold mine of hands-on inspiration and ideas for mixed-media artists of all types. Explore the exciting worlds of collage, journaling, encaustic, printing, assemblage, and more. Learn how to make interesting surface designs with Beryl Taylor, how to keep a uniquely-you sketchbook with Jane LaFazio, and how to transform a basic photograph into a whimsical wonder with Kelly Nina Perkins. The only rule in this mixed-media guide is that there are no rules.In addition to the tips and techniques, the experts elaborate on their favorite tools and mediums, including paintbrushes, adhesives, papers, waxes, found objects, and more, taking the guesswork out of achieving tricky effects. Perfect for all skill levels, The Cloth Paper Scissors Book showcases inspiring projects for both those who are new to the world of mixed media and those who already love mixed media and are looking for exciting new ideas.

Creating Life-Like Animals in Polymer Clay


Katherine Dewey - 2000
    With the friendly medium of polymer clay and the step-by-step instructions in this book, you can achieve the same magical results! Inside, Katherine leads you through then utterly charming projects, such as a sweet little bluebird, a basset hound and a white-tailed fawn. And that's just the start! The "Making Changes" chapter will help you create your own original animal creations by changing poses, making realistic bases, and even modeling your animals to look like bronze, fade and other materials.

The Prop Builder's Molding & Casting Handbook


Thurston James - 1989
    The author demonstrates the techniques involved in using more than thirty different materials ranging from papier-mache to breakaway glass.While the use of some materials-plaster and polyester resins, for example-is covered to some extent in other publications, information on the selection and use of rubber materials (latex, neoprene, silicone, and the urethanes) and the procedure for making breakaway windows and bottles is available only in The Prop Builder's Molding & Casting Handbook.Written in an easy, conversational style, the book will be useful to anyone involved with theater properties, puppetry, and costuming (as professionals or amateurs). It will also serve admirably the needs of students taking classes in those subjects.Completing the book is a special section on designing and building a vacuum forming machine suitable for use in constructing theater props. More than 450 photographs illustrate the step-by-step procedures explained throughout the entire text.

Tony Northrup's DSLR Book: How to Create Stunning Digital Photography


Tony Northrup - 2011
    First, you will master these basic concepts:* Composition* Exposure* Shutter speed* Aperture* Depth-of-field* ISO* Natural light* Flash* Posing* Troubleshooting bad pictures* Using raw files* Studio lighting* Night photography* HDR* Macro/close-up photographyThen, you will learn the pro's secrets for photographing these subjects:* People (candid, casual, formal, and underwater portraits)* Weddings* Pets* Wildlife (mammals, birds, insects, fish, and more)* Landscapes* Cityscapes* Sunrises and sunsets* Flowers* Forests, waterfalls, and rivers* Fireworks* Stars

Watercolor Painting: A Comprehensive Approach to Mastering the Medium


Tom Hoffmann - 1979
    However, the very features that define the beauty of the medium can make it difficult to master. This complete guide to understanding the relationships between color, value, wetness, and composition unravels the mysteries of watercolor to help your practice evolve.  Experienced teacher and acclaimed artist Tom Hoffmann offers a unique, inquiry-based approach that shows you how to translate any subject into the language of watercolor. With Hoffmann as your guide, you’ll learn the key questions to ask yourself at every turn and time-tested methods to help you reach solutions.  Hoffmann’s thorough explanations and step-by-step demonstrations delineate the process of composing a painting in watercolor, while art from more than thirty-five past and present masters, including John Singer Sargent, Ogden Pleissner, George Post, Emil Kosa, Jr., Mary Whyte, Trevor Chamberlain, Lars Lerin, Torgeir Schjølberg, Piet Lap, Leslie Frontz, and Alvaro Castagnet serve to illustrate and inspire. Whether you’re a serious beginner or a seasoned practitioner, this book will guide you toward the all-important balance between restraint and risk-taking that every watercolorist seeks.

The Watercolorist's Essential Notebook - Landscapes


Gordon MacKenzie - 2006
    You choose whether to let the sun blaze or the rain pour, to move a maple tree here or make the trail wind over there, to subdue a hillside with quiet greens or make a forest glow with dazzling golds and reds. It's not only a matter of what to paint, but how to go about painting it.This book examines, one at a time, the three major elements of landscape painting: water, sky and land. You will be encouraged to try numerous ways of painting each one. Then you can choose the methods that best express how the outdoors speaks to you.Let this reliable collection of tips, techniques, ideas and lessons be your companion on a sure path to creative fulfillment and better watercolor landscapes.

Figure Drawing Without a Model


Ron Tiner - 1992
    Illustrated with the author's own work, it is designed to encourage artists of all levels of ability, including cartoonists and graphic artists.

Learn Tunisian Crochet: Beginner Stitch Guide & 6 Easy Potholder Patterns (Tiger Road Crafts Book 2)


Tara Cousins - 2014
    The "Getting Started" section will give you a great overview and help explain some things for the very beginner. Next, learn some easy stitch patterns in the section "Basic Stitches." When you're ready to try your first project, take a look at the "Potholder Patterns" section, but make sure to read the "Pattern Information & Notes" first for some important stuff that pertains to all the patterns. The ebook is also filled with photos to help you along your way.Why Potholders?Potholders are a great project to work with Tunisian crochet because:• The back/wrong side is hidden between the two layers• Tunisian crochet makes a very thick final product• Working square shapes is easy for the beginnerHave fun, and happy hooking to you!