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February 2024 MBR The Art Shelf
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Midwest Book Review
Feb 19, 2024, 9:34:24 AMFeb 19
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The Art Shelf
Ceramics: An Atlas of Forms
Glenn Barkley
Thames & Hudson, Inc.
www.thamesandhudsonusa.com
9781760763930, $65.00, HC, 320pp
https://www.amazon.com/Ceramics-Atlas-Forms-Glenn-Barkley/dp/1760763934
Synopsis: What can we learn about the Roman Empire from an amphora made in 200 BCE? How can a simple, unadorned cup made in 1945 tell us so much about history? And what will an artwork comprising a vast collection of clay spheres tell our descendants about the act of making?
Once fired, clay has the strength to last for millennia. Practical uses aside, ceramic objects are a testament to the power and innovation of ancient and ongoing cultural traditions. A single piece can tell an invaluable story about its time, the people who made it, how it was collected, or its role within a broader cultural network.
"Ceramics: An Atlas of Forms" by Glenn Barkley is a massive global cultural study told through the lens of ceramics. Organized chronologically and ranging from an Egyptian ceremonial jar made over five thousand years ago to works by twentieth-century luminaries Lucie Rie and Bernard Leach, contemporary artists and entirely unknown makers, this profusely illustrated collection deftly weaves a tale of rich cultural stories through the diverse history of ceramics, honoring the artists who have left their mark on this timeless practice.
Critique: This large format (8.7 x 1.3 x 11.1 inches, 4.01 pounds) hardcover edition of "Ceramics: An Atlas of Forms" from Thames & Hudson is informatively enhanced for the benefit of the reader with 220 color illustrations of chronological arranged ceramic objects, each with its own descriptive commentary that is augmented to include the date, origin, material, size, and history. Of immense value to readers with an interest in ceramic art history, "Ceramics: An Atlas of Forms" is a core and especially recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university library collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.
Editorial Note: Glenn Barkley (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glenn_Barkley) is an artist, writer, curator, and gardener based in Sydney, Australia. Barkley was previously senior curator at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (2008 - 2014) and curator of the University of Wollongong Art Collection (1996 - 2007). His work can be found in most Australian public collections, including the National Gallery of Australia. He is represented by the Mindy Solomon Gallery in the United States.
The Life and Work of Ante Dabro, Australian-Croatian Sculptor
Peter Read
Anthem Press
www.anthempress.com
9781839989926, $49.95, HC, 234pp
https://www.amazon.com/Life-Work-Dabro-Australian-Croatian-Sculptor/dp/1839989920
Synopsis: Why does a highly skilled and highly trained sculptor, the master of every style and technique, insist on working in the style of the Italian Renaissance? The answer is that to Australian/Croatian sculptor Ante Dabro, every sculpture must speak to humanity, which means that it must be an element of humanity. If it does not, the sculptor has failed.
Working with female models throughout his long life, Dabro has sought to portray an essence of femininity, and therefore an essence of humanity. As a sculptor and artist Dabro believes that the ability to see what other people don't see is a real gift. In his own words: 'It's like a star wheeling round the earth, fertilising the imagination as it goes.'
"The Life and Work of Ante Dabro, Australian-Croatian Sculptor: The Midnight Sea in the Blood", Australian historian Peter Read deftly explores the different ways he has liberated an essence of humanity by releasing the soul of a human form from its imprisoning substance, whether it be from wood, marble, stone or plaster.
Critique: A seminal work on the life and accomplishments of sculptor Ante Dabro, "The Life and Work of Ante Dabro, Australian-Croatian Sculptor: The Midnight Sea in the Blood" is informatively enhanced with the inclusion of an Introduction (Making a Mark in Stone), eight pages of Notes, a six page listing of Works Cited, and a four page Index. Comprehensive, definitively informative, thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation -- and readily available for personal/professional reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $42.30), "The Life and Work of Ante Dabro, Australian-Croatian Sculptor: The Midnight Sea in the Blood" will prove to be a valued addition to art school, community and college/university library Sculpture Art History/Biography collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.
Editorial Note: Peter Read (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Read_(historian)) is one of Australia's leading historians. His work encompasses Australian history, Aboriginal history, Chilean history, and place studies.
Cute Creature Art Class
Naomi Lord
Rock Point
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
www.quartoknows.com
9781631069772, $21.99, PB, 160pp
https://www.amazon.com/Cute-Creature-Art-Class-Monsters/dp/1631069772
Synopsis: With the publication of "Cute Creature Art Class: Learn to Draw over 50 Magical Monsters", popular anime artist Naomi Lord shares the secrets to drawing enchanting creatures in her signature style. Through easy-to-follow tutorials, Lord walks you through the techniques she used to create these anime characters, including her personal suggestions when it comes to using colored pencils, markers, digital programs, and more.
Discover the myths of creatures ranging from druids to dragons, including: Land Walkers (such as Kitsune, Yeti, Cerberus, Naga); Air Gliders (such as Manticore, Quetzalcoatl, Pegasus, Fairy); Sea Splashers (such as Kraken, Akhlut, Kelpie, Mermaid); Night Dwellers )such as Cthulhu, Mothman, Wendigo, Medusa) -- and so many more!
Of special note is the bonus section Mythical Combos where the mundane is bred into the mythical. Ever wondered what the hybrid of a raven and a cat looked like? How about a shark and a dog, or (even cuter) an otter and a fish? Aspiring artists and illustrators can see Naomi's creativity bloom, and follow in her footsteps/pencil strokes.
On top of the tutorials, novice and experienced artists alike will find inspiration for personalizing your drawings with different fur textures, hairstyles, facial expressions, fashion, and more!
Critique: Thoroughly 'user friendly' in commentary tone, style, organization and presentation, "Cute Creature Art Class: Learn to Draw over 50 Magical Monsters" is an ideal and highly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and art school library collections. It should be noted for art students and non-specialist general readers with an interest in pastel, pen/ink, and pencil drawing that "Cute Creature Art Class: Learn to Draw over 50 Magical Monsters" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $10.99).
Editorial Note: Naomi Lord is a prolific artist with a strong signature style. Her artwork has attracted a large following on Instagram @naomi_lord and she has made a career of selling her work online and partnering with retailers like Hot Topic. Naomi's creatures are both adorable and imaginative, and include a range of anime and kawaii characters inspired by Dungeons and Dragons, popular anime, Game of Thrones, and Greek mythology, as well as witches, goth characters, and her own creations. (https://www.facebook.com/NaomiLordArt)
Watercolor Textures for Artists
Quarry Books
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
www.quartous.com
9780760383407, $24.99, PB, 136pp
https://www.amazon.com/Watercolor-Textures-Artists-Explore-Techniques/dp/0760383405
Synopsis: It was through experimentation and exploration, Ana Victoria Calderon came to embrace a playful approach to create a wide variety of textures, from organic lines to repeating patterns to spontaneous spatter, unlocking new creative possibilities and expanding artistic horizons with the publication of "Watercolor Textures for Artists: Explore Simple Techniques to Create Amazing Works of Art".
"Watercolor Textures for Artists" covers: Texture swatching (Finding simple step-by-step tutorials for applying beautiful textures to simple shapes); Inspired textures (See how textures in the world around us can serve as inspiration for watercolor textures); Mindful painting (Creating interesting effects using simple circles, dots, brushstrokes, and lines); Mystical landscapes and skyscapes (Learning how to combine textures to create relaxing vistas).
Of special note is the chapter on essential supplies gives an overview of everything you need, and templates make it easy to recreate the images with minimal drawing.
Written for artists of all skill levels, "Watercolor Textures for Artists" reveals how to transform simple painted textures into stunning and meditative works of watercolor art.
Critique: Exceptionally 'art student' friendly in style, organization and presentation, "Watercolor Textures for Artists" is an ideal DIY instructional guide for both novice and experienced watercolor illustrators and artists. Also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $11.99), "Watercolor Textures for Artists" is a solidly recommended pick for personal, professional, community, art class curriculums, and college/university Watercolor Painting instructional reference collections.
Editorial Note: Ana Victoria Calderon is a Mexican - American watercolor artist and teacher with a bachelor's degree in Information Design and continued studies in Fine Arts. Her licensed artwork can be seen in retail outlets throughout the United States and Europe on a wide variety of products. Ana teaches in-person workshops and hosts creative retreats in Tulum, Mexico, as well as summer watercolor retreats throughout Europe. She has taught more than 120,000 students on Skillshare, where she is a Top Teacher, and she also teaches thousands of Spanish-speaking students on Domestika. See more of Ana's work on Instagram (@anavictoriana), YouTube (Ana Victoria Calderon), and Facebook (Ana Victoria Calderon Illustration).
Vibrant Watercolor
Geethu Chandramohan
Walter Foster Publishing
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
www.quartous.com
9780760384879, $22.99, PB, 128pp
https://www.amazon.com/Vibrant-Watercolor-creative-exploration-watercolor/dp/0760384878
Synopsis: With the publication of "Vibrant Watercolor: A creative and colorful exploration into the art of watercolor painting" Geethu Chandramohan (the artist behind the popular Instagram account @colourfulmystique) introduces beginning artists to creating vibrant watercolor artwork.
Each individual projects comprising "Vibrant Watercolor" is presented step by step, with Geethu's own beautiful, bright artwork and photography accompanying each step in an exploration of a variety of subjects in watercolor including: Landscapes, Sunsets, Mountains, Birds; Water in different forms; Cityscapes -- and so much more!
As you create stunning images in watercolor, you will also discover how to use painting as a tool for mindfulness, guided by Geethu's own tips for remaining calm and present. Along the way, you will also learn about: Tools and materials, including the best watercolor paints and papers to work with; Watercolor painting techniques, such as wet-into-wet, wet-on-dry, and blending; Color theory and color mixing; Plein air painting; Composition; Perspective, and more.
Critique: An ideal textbook for beginners, and holding a great deal of informational value for even the more experienced watercolorist, complex-sounding subjects are presented simply and encouragingly, making "Vibrant Watercolor: A creative and colorful exploration into the art of watercolor painting" especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, art class, and college/university library Watercolor Painting instructional reference collections. It should be noted that "Vibrant Watercolor" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $11.99).
Editorial Note: Geethu Chandramohan (https://colourfulmystique.com) is an artist and aerospace engineer based in the United Kingdom. Originally from Kerala, India, she lives with her husband and their young baby boy and comes from an artistic background. A self-taught artist, Geethu teaches online classes and paints daily. Visit her online @colourfulmystique
Watercolor Your Way
Sarah Cray
Quarry Books
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
www.quartous.com
9780760384664, $22.95, PB, 128pp
https://www.amazon.com/Watercolor-Your-Way-Techniques-Palettes/dp/0760384665
Synopsis: Written and illustrated by artist Sarah Cray, co-founder of the art education platform Let's Make Art, "Watercolor Your Way: Techniques, Palettes, and Projects To Fit Your Skill Level and Creative Goals" is designed to inform and guide you an aspiring artist at whatever your current skill level might be.
Each of four chapters focuses on different techniques and supplies, building on each other so you can bring your watercolor art to the next level. Instead of presenting everything about paints, color mixing, and techniques all at once, it's offered in four small installments, with frequently asked questions, pro tips, and projects geared toward where you are on your artistic path, so you can get to the fun part of creating with watercolor faster!
For those just starting out, "Watercolor Your Way" focuses on just three fundamental elements: shape, the wet-on-wet technique, and primary colors. For building confidence and skill, it spotlights creating value and form with watercolor. With respect to finessing and enhancing, Watercolor Your Way" centers on adding detailed lines and backgrounds, and adjusting values by hue. And for finding your own style it presents a process of how to develop a style that's uniquely yours.
With "Watercolor Your Way", you can explore watercolor the way you've always wanted to, with expert instruction on a wide range of exciting techniques, themes, and color palettes that fit your needs as an artist.
Critique: Exceptionally well written, illustrated, organized and presented, "Watercolor Your Way: Techniques, Palettes, and Projects To Fit Your Skill Level and Creative Goals" is an exceptional DIY 'how-to' manual for anyone aspiring to create art using a watercolor medium. While also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $11.99), "Watercolor Your Way" is unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, art school, and college/university library Watercolor Painting collections.
Editorial Note: Sarah Cray (https://www.sarahcray.com) is a watercolor artist, illustrator, and art instructor. She graduated magna cum laude from California State University Sacramento in 2015 with an art studio degree with an emphasis in painting and drawing. She has been creating custom watercolor and acrylic paintings since 2014, and is co-founder of Let's Make Art, a brick-and-mortar and online retail company committed to making art more accessible for all through education and affordable art kits. Let's Make Art, a sister brand of Missouri Star Quilt Company, carries art supplies, art kits, and Let's Make Art branded items. Sarah teaches a variety of watercolor tutorials on the Let's Make Art website and YouTube channel and is the illustrator of several gift books.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
The Midwest Book Review is an organization of volunteers committed to promoting literacy, library usage, and small press publishing. We accept no funds from authors or publishers. Full permission is given to post any of these reviews on thematically appropriate websites, newsgroups, listserves, internet discussion groups, organizational newsletters, or to interested individuals. Please give the Midwest Book Review a credit line when doing so.
The Midwest Book Review publishes the monthly book review magazines "California Bookwatch", "Internet Bookwatch", "Children's Bookwatch", "MBR Bookwatch", "Reviewer's Bookwatch", and "Small Press Bookwatch". All are available for free on the Midwest Book Review website at www (dot) midwestbookreview (dot) com
Anyone wanting to submit books for review consideration can send them to:
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
To submit reviews of any fiction or non-fiction books, email them to Frugalmuse (at) aol (dot) com (Be sure to include the book title, author, publisher, publisher address, publisher website/phone number, 13-digit ISBN number, and list price).
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
Ceramics: An Atlas of Forms
Glenn Barkley
Thames & Hudson, Inc.
www.thamesandhudsonusa.com
9781760763930, $65.00, HC, 320pp
https://www.amazon.com/Ceramics-Atlas-Forms-Glenn-Barkley/dp/1760763934
Synopsis: What can we learn about the Roman Empire from an amphora made in 200 BCE? How can a simple, unadorned cup made in 1945 tell us so much about history? And what will an artwork comprising a vast collection of clay spheres tell our descendants about the act of making?
Once fired, clay has the strength to last for millennia. Practical uses aside, ceramic objects are a testament to the power and innovation of ancient and ongoing cultural traditions. A single piece can tell an invaluable story about its time, the people who made it, how it was collected, or its role within a broader cultural network.
"Ceramics: An Atlas of Forms" by Glenn Barkley is a massive global cultural study told through the lens of ceramics. Organized chronologically and ranging from an Egyptian ceremonial jar made over five thousand years ago to works by twentieth-century luminaries Lucie Rie and Bernard Leach, contemporary artists and entirely unknown makers, this profusely illustrated collection deftly weaves a tale of rich cultural stories through the diverse history of ceramics, honoring the artists who have left their mark on this timeless practice.
Critique: This large format (8.7 x 1.3 x 11.1 inches, 4.01 pounds) hardcover edition of "Ceramics: An Atlas of Forms" from Thames & Hudson is informatively enhanced for the benefit of the reader with 220 color illustrations of chronological arranged ceramic objects, each with its own descriptive commentary that is augmented to include the date, origin, material, size, and history. Of immense value to readers with an interest in ceramic art history, "Ceramics: An Atlas of Forms" is a core and especially recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university library collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.
Editorial Note: Glenn Barkley (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glenn_Barkley) is an artist, writer, curator, and gardener based in Sydney, Australia. Barkley was previously senior curator at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (2008 - 2014) and curator of the University of Wollongong Art Collection (1996 - 2007). His work can be found in most Australian public collections, including the National Gallery of Australia. He is represented by the Mindy Solomon Gallery in the United States.
The Life and Work of Ante Dabro, Australian-Croatian Sculptor
Peter Read
Anthem Press
www.anthempress.com
9781839989926, $49.95, HC, 234pp
https://www.amazon.com/Life-Work-Dabro-Australian-Croatian-Sculptor/dp/1839989920
Synopsis: Why does a highly skilled and highly trained sculptor, the master of every style and technique, insist on working in the style of the Italian Renaissance? The answer is that to Australian/Croatian sculptor Ante Dabro, every sculpture must speak to humanity, which means that it must be an element of humanity. If it does not, the sculptor has failed.
Working with female models throughout his long life, Dabro has sought to portray an essence of femininity, and therefore an essence of humanity. As a sculptor and artist Dabro believes that the ability to see what other people don't see is a real gift. In his own words: 'It's like a star wheeling round the earth, fertilising the imagination as it goes.'
"The Life and Work of Ante Dabro, Australian-Croatian Sculptor: The Midnight Sea in the Blood", Australian historian Peter Read deftly explores the different ways he has liberated an essence of humanity by releasing the soul of a human form from its imprisoning substance, whether it be from wood, marble, stone or plaster.
Critique: A seminal work on the life and accomplishments of sculptor Ante Dabro, "The Life and Work of Ante Dabro, Australian-Croatian Sculptor: The Midnight Sea in the Blood" is informatively enhanced with the inclusion of an Introduction (Making a Mark in Stone), eight pages of Notes, a six page listing of Works Cited, and a four page Index. Comprehensive, definitively informative, thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation -- and readily available for personal/professional reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $42.30), "The Life and Work of Ante Dabro, Australian-Croatian Sculptor: The Midnight Sea in the Blood" will prove to be a valued addition to art school, community and college/university library Sculpture Art History/Biography collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.
Editorial Note: Peter Read (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Read_(historian)) is one of Australia's leading historians. His work encompasses Australian history, Aboriginal history, Chilean history, and place studies.
Cute Creature Art Class
Naomi Lord
Rock Point
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
www.quartoknows.com
9781631069772, $21.99, PB, 160pp
https://www.amazon.com/Cute-Creature-Art-Class-Monsters/dp/1631069772
Synopsis: With the publication of "Cute Creature Art Class: Learn to Draw over 50 Magical Monsters", popular anime artist Naomi Lord shares the secrets to drawing enchanting creatures in her signature style. Through easy-to-follow tutorials, Lord walks you through the techniques she used to create these anime characters, including her personal suggestions when it comes to using colored pencils, markers, digital programs, and more.
Discover the myths of creatures ranging from druids to dragons, including: Land Walkers (such as Kitsune, Yeti, Cerberus, Naga); Air Gliders (such as Manticore, Quetzalcoatl, Pegasus, Fairy); Sea Splashers (such as Kraken, Akhlut, Kelpie, Mermaid); Night Dwellers )such as Cthulhu, Mothman, Wendigo, Medusa) -- and so many more!
Of special note is the bonus section Mythical Combos where the mundane is bred into the mythical. Ever wondered what the hybrid of a raven and a cat looked like? How about a shark and a dog, or (even cuter) an otter and a fish? Aspiring artists and illustrators can see Naomi's creativity bloom, and follow in her footsteps/pencil strokes.
On top of the tutorials, novice and experienced artists alike will find inspiration for personalizing your drawings with different fur textures, hairstyles, facial expressions, fashion, and more!
Critique: Thoroughly 'user friendly' in commentary tone, style, organization and presentation, "Cute Creature Art Class: Learn to Draw over 50 Magical Monsters" is an ideal and highly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and art school library collections. It should be noted for art students and non-specialist general readers with an interest in pastel, pen/ink, and pencil drawing that "Cute Creature Art Class: Learn to Draw over 50 Magical Monsters" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $10.99).
Editorial Note: Naomi Lord is a prolific artist with a strong signature style. Her artwork has attracted a large following on Instagram @naomi_lord and she has made a career of selling her work online and partnering with retailers like Hot Topic. Naomi's creatures are both adorable and imaginative, and include a range of anime and kawaii characters inspired by Dungeons and Dragons, popular anime, Game of Thrones, and Greek mythology, as well as witches, goth characters, and her own creations. (https://www.facebook.com/NaomiLordArt)
Watercolor Textures for Artists
Quarry Books
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
www.quartous.com
9780760383407, $24.99, PB, 136pp
https://www.amazon.com/Watercolor-Textures-Artists-Explore-Techniques/dp/0760383405
Synopsis: It was through experimentation and exploration, Ana Victoria Calderon came to embrace a playful approach to create a wide variety of textures, from organic lines to repeating patterns to spontaneous spatter, unlocking new creative possibilities and expanding artistic horizons with the publication of "Watercolor Textures for Artists: Explore Simple Techniques to Create Amazing Works of Art".
"Watercolor Textures for Artists" covers: Texture swatching (Finding simple step-by-step tutorials for applying beautiful textures to simple shapes); Inspired textures (See how textures in the world around us can serve as inspiration for watercolor textures); Mindful painting (Creating interesting effects using simple circles, dots, brushstrokes, and lines); Mystical landscapes and skyscapes (Learning how to combine textures to create relaxing vistas).
Of special note is the chapter on essential supplies gives an overview of everything you need, and templates make it easy to recreate the images with minimal drawing.
Written for artists of all skill levels, "Watercolor Textures for Artists" reveals how to transform simple painted textures into stunning and meditative works of watercolor art.
Critique: Exceptionally 'art student' friendly in style, organization and presentation, "Watercolor Textures for Artists" is an ideal DIY instructional guide for both novice and experienced watercolor illustrators and artists. Also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $11.99), "Watercolor Textures for Artists" is a solidly recommended pick for personal, professional, community, art class curriculums, and college/university Watercolor Painting instructional reference collections.
Editorial Note: Ana Victoria Calderon is a Mexican - American watercolor artist and teacher with a bachelor's degree in Information Design and continued studies in Fine Arts. Her licensed artwork can be seen in retail outlets throughout the United States and Europe on a wide variety of products. Ana teaches in-person workshops and hosts creative retreats in Tulum, Mexico, as well as summer watercolor retreats throughout Europe. She has taught more than 120,000 students on Skillshare, where she is a Top Teacher, and she also teaches thousands of Spanish-speaking students on Domestika. See more of Ana's work on Instagram (@anavictoriana), YouTube (Ana Victoria Calderon), and Facebook (Ana Victoria Calderon Illustration).
Vibrant Watercolor
Geethu Chandramohan
Walter Foster Publishing
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
www.quartous.com
9780760384879, $22.99, PB, 128pp
https://www.amazon.com/Vibrant-Watercolor-creative-exploration-watercolor/dp/0760384878
Synopsis: With the publication of "Vibrant Watercolor: A creative and colorful exploration into the art of watercolor painting" Geethu Chandramohan (the artist behind the popular Instagram account @colourfulmystique) introduces beginning artists to creating vibrant watercolor artwork.
Each individual projects comprising "Vibrant Watercolor" is presented step by step, with Geethu's own beautiful, bright artwork and photography accompanying each step in an exploration of a variety of subjects in watercolor including: Landscapes, Sunsets, Mountains, Birds; Water in different forms; Cityscapes -- and so much more!
As you create stunning images in watercolor, you will also discover how to use painting as a tool for mindfulness, guided by Geethu's own tips for remaining calm and present. Along the way, you will also learn about: Tools and materials, including the best watercolor paints and papers to work with; Watercolor painting techniques, such as wet-into-wet, wet-on-dry, and blending; Color theory and color mixing; Plein air painting; Composition; Perspective, and more.
Critique: An ideal textbook for beginners, and holding a great deal of informational value for even the more experienced watercolorist, complex-sounding subjects are presented simply and encouragingly, making "Vibrant Watercolor: A creative and colorful exploration into the art of watercolor painting" especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, art class, and college/university library Watercolor Painting instructional reference collections. It should be noted that "Vibrant Watercolor" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $11.99).
Editorial Note: Geethu Chandramohan (https://colourfulmystique.com) is an artist and aerospace engineer based in the United Kingdom. Originally from Kerala, India, she lives with her husband and their young baby boy and comes from an artistic background. A self-taught artist, Geethu teaches online classes and paints daily. Visit her online @colourfulmystique
Watercolor Your Way
Sarah Cray
Quarry Books
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
www.quartous.com
9780760384664, $22.95, PB, 128pp
https://www.amazon.com/Watercolor-Your-Way-Techniques-Palettes/dp/0760384665
Synopsis: Written and illustrated by artist Sarah Cray, co-founder of the art education platform Let's Make Art, "Watercolor Your Way: Techniques, Palettes, and Projects To Fit Your Skill Level and Creative Goals" is designed to inform and guide you an aspiring artist at whatever your current skill level might be.
Each of four chapters focuses on different techniques and supplies, building on each other so you can bring your watercolor art to the next level. Instead of presenting everything about paints, color mixing, and techniques all at once, it's offered in four small installments, with frequently asked questions, pro tips, and projects geared toward where you are on your artistic path, so you can get to the fun part of creating with watercolor faster!
For those just starting out, "Watercolor Your Way" focuses on just three fundamental elements: shape, the wet-on-wet technique, and primary colors. For building confidence and skill, it spotlights creating value and form with watercolor. With respect to finessing and enhancing, Watercolor Your Way" centers on adding detailed lines and backgrounds, and adjusting values by hue. And for finding your own style it presents a process of how to develop a style that's uniquely yours.
With "Watercolor Your Way", you can explore watercolor the way you've always wanted to, with expert instruction on a wide range of exciting techniques, themes, and color palettes that fit your needs as an artist.
Critique: Exceptionally well written, illustrated, organized and presented, "Watercolor Your Way: Techniques, Palettes, and Projects To Fit Your Skill Level and Creative Goals" is an exceptional DIY 'how-to' manual for anyone aspiring to create art using a watercolor medium. While also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $11.99), "Watercolor Your Way" is unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, art school, and college/university library Watercolor Painting collections.
Editorial Note: Sarah Cray (https://www.sarahcray.com) is a watercolor artist, illustrator, and art instructor. She graduated magna cum laude from California State University Sacramento in 2015 with an art studio degree with an emphasis in painting and drawing. She has been creating custom watercolor and acrylic paintings since 2014, and is co-founder of Let's Make Art, a brick-and-mortar and online retail company committed to making art more accessible for all through education and affordable art kits. Let's Make Art, a sister brand of Missouri Star Quilt Company, carries art supplies, art kits, and Let's Make Art branded items. Sarah teaches a variety of watercolor tutorials on the Let's Make Art website and YouTube channel and is the illustrator of several gift books.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
The Midwest Book Review is an organization of volunteers committed to promoting literacy, library usage, and small press publishing. We accept no funds from authors or publishers. Full permission is given to post any of these reviews on thematically appropriate websites, newsgroups, listserves, internet discussion groups, organizational newsletters, or to interested individuals. Please give the Midwest Book Review a credit line when doing so.
The Midwest Book Review publishes the monthly book review magazines "California Bookwatch", "Internet Bookwatch", "Children's Bookwatch", "MBR Bookwatch", "Reviewer's Bookwatch", and "Small Press Bookwatch". All are available for free on the Midwest Book Review website at www (dot) midwestbookreview (dot) com
Anyone wanting to submit books for review consideration can send them to:
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
To submit reviews of any fiction or non-fiction books, email them to Frugalmuse (at) aol (dot) com (Be sure to include the book title, author, publisher, publisher address, publisher website/phone number, 13-digit ISBN number, and list price).
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
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