When Shu-li is born, her parents wrap her in a blanket and take her to town. The government says that a family is allowed to have only one child. So they lay Shu-li on the ground beneath a bridge. On her blanket they pin a note that reads THIS IS OUR SHU-LI. PLEASE TAKE CARE OF HER. NO ROOM FOR GIRLS. Fortunately, Shu-li is found and taken to an orphanage. Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, a husband and wife in North America hope to adopt a baby from China.

Awards
Featured in MOSAIC 2007, an annual multicultural literature exhibit hosted by Lincoln (NE) Public Schools Library Media Services. The exhibit featured the best and most current multicultural titles from 2006-2007.

Reviews

"Beautiful double-page watercolor paintings."
—Booklist

"Chen's painterly watercolor spreads are appealing, with realistic depictions of both races. They complement the simple elegance of the text. The author's note offers an explanation of China's policies and traditions that cause parents to prefer boy babies. It is both comprehensive and easy for even young children to understand. ...Its handling of the harsh reality of the abandonment of baby girls in China is both accurate and sensitive."
—School Library Journal

"The cover of this book is a great enticement. The watercolor illustrations by Yong Chen are breathtaking yet realistic. Each page of the book draws you to turn the pages. ...It is a great way to explain the concept of multi-racial adoption to young children."
—Children's Literature

No TV, no friends, and a grandfather struggling with retirement from marine biology — Sarah's sure her stay in the Florida Keys will be the most boring summer of her life.

That is, until she begins to take notice of the unusual-looking fish that visits her grandparents' dock every day. When Sarah discovers she's befriended a baby lemon shark, her fascination with sharks fakes roof. Before long, Sarah and her grandfather are inseparable as they spend hours tracking, observing, and swimming with sharks.

The Florida summer heats up quickly with heart-pounding shark encounters and the daring pursuit of two shark-fin poachers. This is a shark-filled summer Sarah and her grandfather won't soon forget.

From the Publisher
No TV, no friends, and a grandfather struggling with retirement from marine biology—Sarah's sure her stay in the Florida Keys will be the most boring summer of her life.

School Library Journal
Gr 3-6-Ten-year-old Sarah Marshall expects to be totally bored by spending the summer with her grandparents in the Florida Keys until she discovers a baby lemon shark with the other fish she feeds from the dock every day. Using her snorkel, she follows it to its nursery in the shelter of a mangrove swamp. Her interest leads her grandfather, a retired marine biologist, to take her to see sharks in deeper waters. Eventually, she joins him in swimming with grown sharks and tracking them. Together, they pursue fishermen who are illegally capturing and killing sharks to remove their fins, which are highly prized for soup. The message is unmistakable, but youngsters will be so captivated by the snorkeling adventures that they are unlikely to mind the increasingly didactic tone of the book or the wooden characters. Although some of the scenes are a bit unrealistic, the author presents a great deal of information about shark behavior, varieties, and habitats that dispels popular stereotypes. Simple black-and-white illustrations help readers visualize Sarah's activities as well as the underwater life she so admires. A list of groups to contact for further information about these fish and places to see them are appended.-Kathleen Isaacs, Edmund Burke School, Washington, DC Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

From Publishers Weekly
Gritz-Gilbert's quiet, languidly paced first novel takes place in a small beach community, where New Yorker Amy spends the summer with her great-aunt Jenny, who makes dolls from socks and smells "like tangerines and yellowed books." Though Amy is determined to shake her "Mama's girl" image and make new friends, she's homesick for her overprotective mother and greatly misses "not just the feel of Mom's hugs but their smell, like a loaf of oatmeal bread baking." Crystal, the girl next door who feels abandoned by her most recent close friend, exacerbates matters when she rebuffs Amy's attempts to get to know her, remaining "as sharp and cold as the salt water when you first step in." Amy's relationship with a kind, elderly blind man who shows remarkable insight into Amy's feelings provides some warm moments in the narrative. Yet the standoff between the girls grows tiresome, as does the author's heavy-handed, often flowery similes and imagery (e.g., Crystal's voice "made Amy think of lacy, old fashioned dresses"). Even the most poetic-minded young readers may find this tale a bit old-fashioned. Ages 7-10.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Grade 3-5-While Amy's mother is away, the child stays at the beach with her Great-Aunt Jenny. During the summer she hopes to overcome her "Mama's girl" image and become more independent. Crystal, the only other girl her age in the neighborhood, snubs her and Amy soon becomes frustrated. The elderly people in the community witness this, but only blind Mr. Fine understands the problem. He tells Amy that Crystal was hurt when a friend she made last summer did not keep in touch after she left. He also helps Amy deal with her own homesickness by telling her about starfish and their "magical" ability to grow back a lost arm, explaining that the space left in her heart by missing someone can be filled once again. When Amy describes this analogy to Crystal, she reaches out and helps Amy learn to ride a bike. The characters tend to be one dimensional and the story has no surprises. Black-and-white pencil drawings appear throughout. The theme of understanding others from their point of view and finding one's place is better dealt with in Patricia MacLachlan's Arthur, for the Very First Time (Harper, 1980), but Gritz-Gilbert's book is easier reading and will appeal to fans of seashore stories.
Marlene Gawron, Orange County Library, Orlando,
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Publishers Weekly
Debut illustrator Chen makes a shining first impression with cheery, realistic watercolors of old-time country scenes and Sunday clothes. His paintings give a sense of place and community to Milich's inviting tale of an African American family and a surprising Easter miracle. Large-scale pictures emphasize the emotions of the sweet-tempered young narrator, Tandy, who with her jovial Daddy rides all the way into town in their horse-drawn wagon to select a fancy new hat for Mama. The straw bonnet, brighter than everything around it, is resplendent with lace and netting and topped with fruit, flowers and four speckled eggs. This final decoration gives the story a fetching spin and a pleasantly unanticipated ending. Milich (Can't Scare Me!) provides Tandy with a sharp-sighted insouciance: her Daddy has "hands like bread baked too long" and the hat worn by a fellow churchgoer resembles "a flying saucer ready for takeoff." Designed with a small typeface and a number of text-heavy pages, this volume may prove difficult for beginning readers. But its sunny spirit makes it a winning springtime treat. Ages 4-8. (Apr.)

Children's Literature
The birth of baby birds from Fannie Mae's hat becomes an Easter miracle to inspire her congregation and her family. This historical tale centers on a miraculous Easter hat, but it's the unique characters that really bring it alive. The heartwarming family includes a young daughter who so carefully picks out the hat, a father who destroys the hat in by wearing it on his milk route, and a mother who gives up her coveted hat to become a nest when the eggs on it hatch. Despite one noticeable incongruity between the written text and the illustrations, they do provide vibrant details that give the characters and setting a rich and realistic appeal. Read more.

As one of the most sought after workshop instructors, Charles Reid possesses certain skills that set him apart from his students. In Charles Reid's Watercolor Solutions, he shares that knowledge with readers, teaching them how to become better watercolorists. Through before and after photos of various paintings, the author clearly identifies the existing problems in the painting and provides a detailed action plan with solutions to rectify the issue. A variety of topics are covered such as still life, figures, landscapes and more. Readers will appreciate the clear step-by-step format, which makes the solutions easy to understand and implement.

Award-winning artist Nita Engle’s breakthrough approach to watercolor shows readers how to combine spontaneity and control to produce glowing, realistic paintings. Her method begins with action-filled exercises that demonstrate how to play with paint, following no rules. Subsequent step-by-step projects add planning to the mix, demonstrating how to turn loose washes into light-filled watercolors with textural effects achieved by spraying, sprinkling, pouring, squirting, or stamping paint. Engle’s approach, and her results, are dramatic and dynamic; now watercolor artists can create their own exciting paintings with help from How to Make a Watercolor Paint Itself.

This book provides dynamic step-by-step photos of watercolour painting, it also demonstrates essential wet-into-wet techniques with a 50-minute DVD, included.It covers colour, design, value, shapes and shadows.It includes demonstrations of many different flowers and still life subjects as well as 18 mini-demonstrations teaching the techniques needed to be a successful painter.

About the Author
Birgit O’Connor teaches watercolor workshops and has written for several magazines, including Watercolor Magic, The Artist’s Magazine and Artist’s Sketchbook. She has produced 12 of her own watercolor instruction videos. Her award-winning work has been seen in four galleries, numerous private and corporate collections, and dozens of one-woman and group shows. Her website, www.birgitoconnor.com, features her videos and other materials for watercolorists.

With the help of reference photos and field sketches, the author shows how to create realistic and colourful paintings of landscapes, ranging from expansive mountain vistas to more intimate vignettes such as tree-shaded streams and country lanes. To simplify things for the reader: each chapter explores a separate component of landscape painting: skies and clouds, hills and mountains, trees and foliage, rivers, lakes and waterfalls, rocks, flowers, etc.; these components are used in several full-page finished landscape paintings throughout each chapter to give readers a goal to work towards; the tools used to create texture in the paintings are simple and fun to use, such as sponges, scrapers and straws; and, pen and ink is used to enhance the rough and more highly textured areas of the paintings.

American painter Winslow Homer (1836-1910) created some of the most breathtaking and influential watercolours in the history of the medium. This handsome volume provides a comprehensive look at Homer's technical and artistic practice as a watercolourist, and at the experiences that shaped his remarkable development. Focusing on 25 rarely seen watercolours from the Art Institute's collection, along with 75 other related watercolours, gouaches, drawings, and paintings - including many of the artist's characteristic subjects - this book proposes a new understanding of Homer's techniques as they evolved over his career.Accessibly written essays consider each of the featured works in detail, examining the relationship between monochrome drawing and watercolour and the artist's lifelong interest in new optical and colour theories. In particular, they show how his sojourn in England, where he encountered leading British marine watercolourists and the dynamic avant-garde art scene, precipitated an abrupt change in technique and subject matter upon his return home. Conservators address the fragility of these watercolours, which are prone to fading due to light exposure, and demonstrate, through pioneering research on Homer's pigments and computer-assisted imaging, how the works have changed over time. Several of Homer's greatest watercolours are digitally 'restored', providing an exhilarating glimpse of the original impact of Homer's groundbreaking colour experiments.

Elizabeth Kincaid invites readers to follow her proven techniques for painting dazzling scenes drenched in color. Her beautiful flowers, foliage and landscapes will have readers eager to create their own--and they will, using:

Easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions that take the mystery out of composition, color, light and shadow
A practical guide to masking and glazing
Newly trained eyes to visualize before painting and to better perceive abstract form, value, line and color

All levels of watercolorists, as well as color enthusiasts of all mediums, will enjoy using Kincaid's tips to create vivid paintings infused with light!

Everything about the human figure is developed in stages so that the reader can observe how the subtle, gradual applications of paint evolve into a fully realized figure. Building on all the step-by-step lessons in this wonderful "how-to" volume, Charles Reid provides demonstrations of a variety of beautifully rendered figure paintings. -- Midwest Book Review --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

This instructional approaches the figure organically, showing readers how to observe its basic shapes and subtle nuances through practical exercises and lessons in the art of seeing with a painter's eye.

Capturing a figure's unique personality and multifaceted quality in watercolour is challenging - but Stabin demonstrates step-by-step how the new artist can capture the figure by painting simply, directly and with intense focus on the "essence" of a person. He provides tested techniques and hands-on tips for painting portraits, people in an environment and groups of people, as well as for painting people from photographs. Advice is given on design, composition, shape, value, colour and more.

About the Author
Mel Stabinis the author of Watercolor: Simple, Fast, and Focused: 0-8230-5706-2. His paintings have been honoured with national awards, and are in many private and corporate collections. He lives in Park Ridge, New Jersey.

Jean Pedersen teaches how to capture the beauty of the human face and figure. By combining watercolour with other water-friendly mediums, Jean produces rich darks contrasted by extreme lights to create texture-filled paintings that convey the mood and emotion of the subject. Every aspect of painting mixed media portraits will be addressed, including compositional considerations, rendering the figure accurately and successfully combining different mediums.The book contains a special chapter on skin tones and how to create the right one for different ethnicities as well as a section on composition and design so the reader can direct the viewer's eye. 28 fully illustrated mini- and full demonstrations show readers how to paint a variety of people, sexes, races and ages.

Product Description
Learn how easy it is to draw anything you set your mind to - once readers learn the basics taught in this book. With a dash of humour and an encouraging attitude, the Willenbrinks make artists realise that drawing is a fun activity open to everyone. Every step readers take is a successful one, from choosing materials to drawing popular subjects. Each exercise builds on the previous one as readers develop skills, gain confidence and find satisfaction with results.

About the Author
Mark and Mary Willenbrink are also the authors of North Light’s Watercolor for the Absolute Beginner. Mark teaches watercolor classes and is a contributing editor for Watercolor Magic magazine. Mary is a writer, with a Masters Degree in Counseling.

Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: North Light Books (November 2, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1581807899
ISBN-13: 978-1581807899
Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches

Product Description
This book is perfect for anyone who's let fear or frustration keep them away from watercolors. Whether they're decorative painters or complete beginners, readers will find that success comes quickly with the complete step-by-step instructions and patterns in this guide.

It's fun and easy to build skills while painting 10 colorful fruit and floral projects designed especially for beginners, including: -Festive poinsettia on a gift box and coordinating tag -Realistic apples on fabric -Beautiful violets on a memory album cover -A garden scene with morning glories and a trellis

In addition to these gorgeous projects, the book includes an introduction to all the basic materials and techniques for watercolors. There are sections on everything from gathering materials to transferring patterns. Painters and non-painters alike will find everything they need to experience the true joy of watercolors!

About the Author
Bonnie Frederico, CDA, is a talented artist and teacher who gives workshops at conventions around the country. A member of the Society of Decorative Painters, she has contributed articles to The Decorative Painter, Tole World and Craft magazines. She lives in Grafton, Massachusetts.

With this book's no clutter approach, artists will be tackling two of their favourite subjects - watercolour and landscapes - in minutes. Reid's quick-start guide gives beginners a basic overview of materials, terms and exercises to get them off to a good start. Then it's on to tackling more than 25 step-by-step demonstrations that cover all the basic landscape techniques. Readers will learn to paint essential elements, such as water, mountains, buildings and skies, aided further by the guidance of the following contributors: Linda Kemp, author of Watercolor Outside the Lines; Mark Willenbrink, author of Watercolor for the Absolute Beginner; Grant Fuller, Canadian workshop instructor; Brigitte Schreger, Canadian workshop instructor; Each easy-to-follow exercise arms artists with a set of tools, techniques and principles to enrich all their future landscapes. This highly visual guide also includes detailed advice on how to overcome the challenges of painting outdoors and when travelling. It's never been easier or quicker - to have fun painting outdoor scenes.

Watercolour is an exciting and versatile medium. and beautiful waterscapes full of light and atmosphere can be created with loose, transparent washes, or by overlaying colours. In clear, simple-to-understand terms Joe Francis Dowden clearly illustrates all the techniques that are needed to create different types of water. Using a series of practical step-by-step demonstrations, he illustrates how to paint puddles, shallow water, rippling rivers, white water, a seascape and more. Each stage is clearly explained, with helpful tips and a wealth of information on composition, perspective, capturing tone, colour, texture and detail. Before you realise it you will be painting your own beautiful paintings - with this fresh, innovative book.

About the Author
Joe Francis Dowden turned professional in 1982 and has since written many successful books and has been published by David & Charles, Sterling and now Search Press. He has sold out at numerous "one man" shows and has exhibited his work throughout Britain. He lives in Worthing, East Sussex.

The glowing transparency and sponteneity of watercolour makes it an ideal medium for exploring the effects of sunlight, shadows, mist, stormy skies and more. Easy techniques for creating realistic effects are demonstrated in a series of stunning demonstrations. In his enthusiastic and practical manner, Barry Herniman guides you through all the different stages, revealing paintings rich in atmosphere, from tranquil river scenes and misty woodlands to dramatic landscapes and inspiring seascapes. This book is packed with useful tips and easy-to-follow techniques, each accompanied by beautiful paintings to inspire and help improve skills. Artists can learn how to apply these techniques to their own work to create original and unique watercolour paintings that almost spring to life.

About the Author
Barry Herniman became a member of the Chartered Society of Designers in 1986 and formed his own graphics company in 1988. He now travels extensively tutoring workshops and demonstrations and has had exhibitions in England, Canada and the USA. Barry won the Artist of the Year Award for the SAA in 2001 and the Harper Collins Award Patchings 2000.

With dozens of helpful hints and tips, this guide makes the basic technique of painting with watercolors—the wash—easy to do. From simple wash techniques to more complex and rewarding paintings, the methods in this manual help fill paintings with light and color and provide advice for maximizing the effects. Five varied and inspirational step-by-step projects are provided, including a glorious sunset, a peaceful bridge scene, and a romantic evening by a church.

Paperback: 96 pages
Publisher: Search Press (December 1, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1844481484
ISBN-13: 978-1844481484
Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.4 x 0.3 inches

From Library Journal
This exceptional volume combines great instruction, inspiration, and a subject of supreme importance to any watercolor artist. The wash is the most fundamental, most variable, and most characteristic technique in watercolor. Garcia believes that it's not difficult to master, and in this book he makes us believe it as well. He begins with the four basic washes: flat, graduated, wet-into-wet, and streaked. Further demonstrations combine washes and create textures (such as rocks, clouds, and sand). Garcia is particularly good at teaching advanced techniques using salt, a palette knife, sponges, spattering, and lifting. This book belongs in all but the smallest collections, which may want a more general book such as Hazel Harrison's The Encyclopedia of Watercolor Techniques: A Step-by-Step Visual Directory.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description
In watercolor paintings it is the masterful use of washes that creates depth, spontaneity and atmosphere. Joe Garcia provides clear, simple step-by-step instructions that teach the four basic washes: flat, gradated, wet-into-wet and streaked.

Painters will find plenty of guidelines and 33 demonstrations that combine these techniques to create light and shadow effects, as well as a variety of textures for popular subjects, including rocks, clouds and sand. They'll also learn how to develop unique textures and special effects using salt, a palette knife, masking fluid, sponges, dry brushes, spattering and lifting techniques.

Product Description
Now in paperback, Watercolor: A Beginner’s Guide is intended to demystify the delicate art of watercolor and serve as a true primer in this art. The reader learns about materials—paints, brushes, and paper—and is offered information and advice on setting up a work station; basic techniques; and a comprehensive lesson on color theory. Aspiring watercolorists will build basic skills by developing their sense of perspective, composition, and design. This tutorial also discusses patterns, light and shadow, and various techniques for painting popular elements of nature such as trees, skies, and water.

About the Author
Elizabeth Horowitz is a professional artist. Her work can be found in many private collections, museums, and corporations, including Merck, Cosmair-Lâncome, and State Farm insurance. She lives in Montclair, NJ.

From Library Journal
The authors of these two books approach watercolor with radically different philosophies. Smith believes firmly in painting in direct contact with nature: he believes that painters should either complete their work on-site or, at the least, return to the studio with sufficient sketches and color notes. His loose, atmospheric brushwork, limited palette, and carefully described methods are sure to please anyone interested in the traditional British landscape style of painting. This is a good companion to Jack Reid's excellent Watercolor Basics: Let's Get Started (LJ 12/98). Seslar, a contributing editor to the Artist's Magazine, has produced the first comprehensive watercolor book for beginners on working from photographs. The advantage to his method is that it trains the eye to visualize the transition of live objects to luminous paint on paper. He surveys different methods of photography and the uses of grids and pantographsAand, finally, provides 12 nicely varied demonstrations. Highly recommended, perhaps in conjunction with reference works like Bart Rulon's Artist's Photo Reference: Birds (LJ 3/15/99).
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
Although watercolor is the most popular medium for amateur artists, its reputation for difficulty often intimidates beginning and intermediate-level painters. This guide offers a host of inspiring examples, step-by-step instructions, and practical solutions designed to give artists the confidence needed to create attractive watercolors. 185 illustrations & photos. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

This book is the perfect introductory guide for anyone who wants to learn the captivating art of watercolor painting. The book begins with important information about selection and use of art tools and materials, then covers basic techniques, and even includes full-color watercolor lessons to follow and learn. Beginning artists will discover how easy it is to apply a variety of fundamental techniques, resulting in impressive works of art!

Discover the art of watercolor with clear instructional text, helpful tips, and step-by-step illustrations, all of which ensure successful results
Fnd out essential information about watercolor painting techniques, color theory, and color mixing
Explore five complete watercolor lessons that assist the beginning artists in practicing techniques while providing ideas and inspiring creativity
Learn art skill that can be applied for a lifetime--and discover the artist within yourself!

From the Publisher
The Walter Foster/Reeves "Getting Started" Series

Walter Foster Publishing--the leader in art instruction for more than 80 years--has paired up with Reeves--the leading manufacturer of quality art materials for beginners since 1776--to create the "Getting Started" series books. This exciting series gives aspiring artists the knowledge they need to create beautiful drawings and paintings, no matter what previous art experience they've had. Each title provides simple, step-by-step instructions for rendering a variety of subjects, as well as clear, uncomplicated instruction to aid the beginning artist with a specific medium.

Watercolor School offers clear, visual explanations and easy exercises that build up skill and confidence. Eight specially devised demonstrations show how to deal with the most popular subjects from beginning to end.

Hardcover: 176 pages
Publisher: Readers Digest (May 1, 1993)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0895774666
ISBN-13: 978-0895774668
Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.6 x 0.6 inches

The absolute beginner's first strokes can now be fun and rewarding. First Steps offers friendly instruction that is clear, simple and encouraging.

Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: North Light Books; 1st edition (August 15, 1995)
ISBN-10: 0891346163
ISBN-13: 978-0891346166
Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches

From Library Journal
One might reasonably ask, "Why another basic watercolor book in an already packed market?" Simply put, most books fall far short?the beginner's book is perhaps the most difficult to write. Reid has taught more than 10,000 students during his distinguished career and has a unique understanding of how to transmit his knowledge. He neither assumes too much nor condescends. This is among a few such books?Mary Whyte's Watercolor for the Serious Beginner (Watson-Guptill, 1997) is another?that can be highly recommended.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: North Light Books; 1st edition (October 15, 1998)
ISBN-10: 0891348670
ISBN-13: 978-0891348672
Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.2 x 0.5 inches

Product Description
This watercolour painting course takes the beginner from the absolute basics through to a series of carefully graded projects. The book is divided into four sections, starting with an introduction to the materials and how to set up a studio and gives useful advice for painting outdoors. The last section contains a series of painting demonstrations which develop in complexity while gradually introducing new techniques and ideas.

About the Author
Mark Willenbrink writes and illustrates articles for watercolour magazines and teaches courses on drawing and watercolour techniques. He started as a commercial artist, worked as a freelance illustrator and is now a full-time artist.

Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: David & Charles PLC (October 30, 2003)
ISBN-10: 0715313967
ISBN-13: 978-0715313961
Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches

Whether your preferred medium is canvas or paper, wood or stone, this reasonably priced series of books for beginners demonstrates fascinating drawing, painting and design techniques for a variey of surfaces, materials and spaces.

Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: h. f. ullmann; 1 edition (February 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0841601747
ISBN-13: 978-0841601741
Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.4 x 0.4 inches

Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Watson-Guptill (July 1, 1997)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0823056600
ISBN-13: 978-0823056606
Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 6.8 x 0.6 inches

This concise, richly informative text covers materials and basic techniques, and gives step-by-step demonstrations for painting landscapes, still lifes, figures, and portraits.

This useful book may appear out of date but it's packed with information useful to any painter or photographer. For example, a head shot is compared in different lighting. An identical pose is framed and placed differently. The author even provides forms and professional practice advice that would be helpful to any new practitioner. The styles and dress of the pictures are dated, but the content never goes out of date.

This book is not for the beginner who wants to learn how to paint. This is more for intermediate painter or for those who want to start a career in portrait painting. Important business side of portrait is discussed. If you want to become a portrait painter. It has some invaluable information for portrait artists. It shows you how to set up the lighting and studio to optimize your work. It will show you what to do and how to handle the different situations you come across while working as portrait painter.

Most drawing technique books hinge on the approach of one person, but this compelling collection gives readers the chance to learn from more than 100 talented artists. There's page after page of gorgeous drawings selected from over 3,000 contest entries - each accompanied by insightful comments from its creator. Drawing is the foundation of every great piece of art and artists are eager for a book celebrating that fact. This essential guide shows artists at every level how to sharpen their drawing skills.

Introduction to Two-Dimensional Design, Second Edition provides a solid foundation in timeless design principles. With the help of more than 200 revealing illustrations, the book explores both the qualitative and quantitative aspects of 2D design, interweaving historical accounts with penetrating analyses of visual principles and issues found in important contemporary examples. This new edition demonstrates how competing approaches to 2D design--including those based on intuition, play, chance, and empirical research--can be used successfully, either alone or in combination.

A comprehensive introduction to the principles, issues, and uses of two-dimensional design

In Introduction to Two-Dimensional Design, respected designer and educator John Bowers provides a solid foundation in timeless design principles that are immune to fads and trends. With the help of more than 160 revealing illustrations, he explores both the qualitative and quantitative aspects of 2D design, interweaving historical accounts with penetrating analyses of visual principles and issues found in important contemporary examples. He demonstrates how competing approaches to 2D design--including those based on intuition, play, chance, and empirical research--can be used successfully, either alone or in combination.

Understanding the elements of two-dimensional design and the infinite options available in organizing choices made are at the core of this book. Wong surveys all concepts of forms and structures, covering most situations in two-dimensional composition, formal or informal.

This book is full of information, and is really well laid out. I use it frequently in the 2D class I teach, along with two other 2D design books. I like the clarity and the examples. However, there's no getting away from the fact that although this book is loaded with great stuff, that it is also as ugly and cheesy looking as a bad Xerox. That might be okay for a math book, but ummmmm, 2D design?

Martie Zad, The Washington Post- Dec. 19, 1993
Rockwell paintings and their creator are celebrated in this video, which reverently treats this remarkable national treasure and his work.

Product Description
AWARDS:
-The CINE Golden Eagle Award
-The National Educational Film & Video Festival
-Parents Choice Approved

THE ARTIST
Norman Rockwell walked into the offices of The Saturday Evening Post in 1916, a bold young art student with a portfolio of pictures under his arm, and walked out as the new cover artist for America's favorite magazine. So began Rockwell's career and the unique love affair between the artist and the American public-spanning five decades, over 300 covers and many more acclaimed works. In 1993, his place in art history was secured with a museum dedicated to his art.

THE ART
Norman Rockwell's paintings bridge the era from the horse and buggy to the landing of a man on the moon. In his portraits of daily life, he chronicled everyday people while capturing essential truths about human strength and weakness, success and failure. When speaking of a Rockwell painting, one can truly say "a picture is worth a thousand words." In some ways Rockwell painted a better world than really existed, but his is a world that we can dream about, a world we can share.

V.I.E.W Video is proud to present this enhanced DVD version of the PBS special, Norman Rockwell: An American Portrait, narrated by 3-time Emmy Award nominee Mason Adams. This classic pro-gram features the art of Rockwell, commentary and remembrances from art historians, close friends and the artist himself- an entertaining celebration of Norman Rockwell's American Legacy.

LEARN TO PAINT PORTRAITS FROM PHOTOGRAPHS!

LEARN TO MAKE A WORK OF ART USING PHOTOS AS REFERENCES IN 10 EASY STEPS.

Watch Johnnie as she reveals the secrets of transforming a photograph into a painting, while achieving an incredible likeness. She gives you sound advice and specific examples on how to analyze your photographs and create your own value guides using ordinary tools at hand. Everyone can paint their favorite person using these simple techniques.

This DVD set contains three demonstrations with narration and is meant as a supplement to the first Watercolor Portrait Painting set. Does not include color mixing information presented in the first set.

This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply.

This 4 disc DVD set gives introductory instruction for portraiture. This information will help you understand the process, its evolution, why it works and what you can do with it. Single Subject Portrait Photography, another instructional DVD by Zoe, is included in this set.

This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply.

This portrait demonstration was completed on location at the North Port Art Center, North Port, Florida, USA on August 1st, 2008 during a weekly portrait class. During the course of the demonstration, artist and teacher, Ron Sanders, shows a common method for progressively building an oil painting through the following stages: 1.) composition 2.) drawing 3.) value 4.) color 5.) texture and 6.) detail. During the demo, Ron discusses the reasons for this progression and its benefits, use of a temperature based palette, analysis of color by hue, value and chroma, color mixing, brush use, and paint application. This 2-disc set has a total run time of approximately 169 minutes. At the end of disc 2 is a selection of other works by the artist that give the viewer an idea of how the artist applies these techniques to a variety of subjects of various complexities from plein air landscapes to studio figurative paintings. This video was produced to introduce beginning to intermediate oil painters to an easy and systematic approach to painting that allows for seeing the whole, judging relationships, and making changes throughout the painting process.

Oils are perhaps the most versatile of all paint mediums. Yet for many artists oil painting is either shrouded in mystique or considered very difficult. Filled with clear, step-by-step instructions and surefire strategies, The Complete Oil Painter is an essential, one-stop guide to becoming an expert in every aspect of this medium. Artists will discover everything they need to know about materials (pigments, supports, canvases); tools and equipment (palettes, brushes); paint application (wet-into-wet, alla-prima, glazing, impasto); form and color (light and dark, expression, color mixing); exploring themes (still life, portraiture, figure painting); and much more.

About the Author
Brian Gorst studied at the Cheltenham School of Art in the UK and at the New York Academy of Art in New York City. He has published many articles on painting and painting techniques. He lives in Gloucestershire, England.

Priced to reach a broad market, this book offers an inviting introduction to the materials and techniques of oil painting. Allrich begins with an outline of the essential components of good painting, then describes the basic materials and tools of the oil medium. The fundamentals are strongly stressed and lessons on defining concept, toning the canvas, and understaning light sources are covered. 125 color illustrations.

Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Watson-Guptill; Running PR Mini edition (June 1, 1996)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0823032698
ISBN-13: 978-0823032693
Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.9 x 0.5 inches

Offering information on the full scope of oil painting materials and how to use them to derive the best results from the medium, this indispensable encyclopedia compares leading brands of paints; describes mediums, solvents, and varnishes; and discusses brushes, palettes, and other tools. 335 color illustrations.

Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Watson-Guptill (March 1, 1999)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0823032744
ISBN-13: 978-0823032747
Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches

This tutorial identifies the most common trouble spots in oil painting and helps artists to correct and avoid those mistakes.

Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Watson-Guptill (April 1, 1997)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0823040976
ISBN-13: 978-0823040971
Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.2 x 0.6 inches

From Library Journal
North Light's "First Step" series is designed for the absolute beginner. The first book in this series, Cathy Johnson's Sketching and Drawing (LJ 3/15/95), made the mistake of assuming that the neophyte is too paralyzed by fear to learn to draw a straight line. This work gives the student a little more credit while clearly introducing the versatile medium of acrylics. Lord's simple and effective features, like "Composition Dos and Don'ts," help make this an extremely well-done manual. Highly recommended; for more advanced students, see Earl Grenville and Leah Killeen's The North Light Book of Acrylic Painting Techniques (North Light, 1995).
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
The absolute beginner's first strokes in acrylic can now be fun and rewarding. First Steps offers friendly instruction that is clear, simple and encouraging.

Arnold Lowrey presents a lively, inspirational introduction to acrylics which illustrates the versatility and beauty of this wonderful medium. Acrylic paint is easy to use, it dries quickly and many different effects can be created from washes and glazes to exciting textural finishes. It is an ideal medium for anyone starting to paint, but it also offers challenges to the more experienced artist because of its quick drying properties and versatility. Watercolour and oil painting techniques can be used, either on their own, or combined to create paintings full of depth, mood and atmosphere, and there is the added benefit that the paints are watersoluble. Using over 100 step-by-step photographs in a sequence of simple demonstrations, Arnold shows how to paint landscapes, seascapes and buildings, and he also illustrates how to change daylight into night and sunlight into mist using transparent glazing effects. With his help you can create sparkling pictures full of life, atmosphere and depth.

About the Author
Arnold Lowrey has been painting in a variety of media for over 25 years. He paints seascapes. still life, landscapes, portraits and abstracts, and exhibits his paintings in Wales and London. Arnold holds regular weekend workshops and weekly painting courses, residential watercolour courses and demonstrations for Art Societies.

An encyclopaedic reference on acrylics. With its great flexibility, acrylic paint can mimic the appearance of oils, tempera and watercolours in unique ways, and in this volume each method is pictured in a separate step-by-step demonstration. The author examines the use of acrylics with airbrush, sculptural and printing techniques -even three-dimensional relief painting and collagraphy printing methods are included - and several of these different creative processes can be integrated successfully in one composition with ink, pencil, charcoal and pastel. Inspiring examples of representational and abstract subjects are depicted throughout, and a complete survey of acrylic materials covers the best paint brands, painting mediums, supports, varnishes, brushes, knives and palettes.

About the Author
Barclay Sheaks, whose works are in numerous museum, university, and corporate collections, is associate professor at Virginia Wesleyan College in Norfolk. He maintains studios on Chesapeake Bay and in Newport News, Virginia.

Acrylic is a vibrant, versatile medium that is ideal for beginning artists. Its quick drying time and intense, brilliant hues allow you to express a world of possibilities! In this book, two renowned acrylic artists guide you through five colorful step-by-step lessons, providing special tips and techniques along the way.

Discover a collection of beautiful, inspiring acrylic paintings
Learn to paint a variety of subjects--from florals and landscapes to seascapes and still lifes
Find out what materials you'll need to get started painting right away
Create wonderfully rich, brilliantly colored works of art

From the Publisher
The Walter Foster/Reeves "Getting Started" Series

Walter Foster Publishing--the leader in art instruction for more than 80 years--has paired up with Reeves--the leading manufacturer of quality art materials for beginners since 1776--to create the "Getting Started" series books. This exciting series gives aspiring artists the knowledge they need to create beautiful drawings and paintings, no matter what previous art experience they've had. Each title provides simple, step-by-step instructions for rendering a variety of subjects, as well as clear, uncomplicated instruction to aid the beginning artist with a specific medium.

A complete guide to the perfect medium for first-time painters and for artists looking for a new medium. Step-by-step sequences show you how to master the techniques and develop your own style. 9 demonstration projects. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Readers Digest (April 11, 2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0762106425
ISBN-13: 978-0762106424
Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.5 x 0.6 inches