Paint Books

Expensive book with lots of mistakes. Has some useful information but could have been better organized.

David Huss is a master of informal expository writing. In my class, he would get an "A". After years of banging bits (programming) I jumped into graphics and illustration. As a bookworm, I bought several volumes on the subject (much to Amazon's delight) as well as on Photo-Paint and Draw9. Huss's work stands out. He answered questions I was too embarassed to ask, and entertained me along the way. Buy the book. Your money is well invested whether used as a tutor or a reference.

David Huss is Mr. Corel PhotoPaint. He is the recognized expert on this product. This book contains excellent examples, tips $ techniques, and tons of Dave's wisdom...buy it.

Huss obviously knows his stuff. The book uses mostly b&w photos -- not a good idea in a book about graphics. There's a ten page color insert that refers to the appropriate chapters (with their b&w photos). It covers all of the topics, but I learned little beyond what he has already put on the internet for free. It's a good reference and certainly better than the Corel "docs." Buy it, but it won't change your life.
Steve Ber

First off - Irene wasn't in the series yet. She wouldn't show up until the third book (Homework Machine.) It may well be that's why this and Desert Island were first, to get them out of the way.

According to my parents, space flight did indeed seem a hundred years away in 1956. I'll have to take their word on that. But all the same, the way they got the ship to fly doesn't seem all that outlandish (though like Star Trek-style beaming, it would require a LOT of energy) particularly for when it was written.

And like most of the rest of the series (read my review for Smallifying Machine) it did a wonderful job of explaining basic science to its audience. I still remember (my mother had the original hardback from her childhood) the illustration of the ship over Mars - looking at its surface, with Phobos a jagged rock in orbit above it, and being awed by that and other things out in space.

You can forgive the bang-up ending - the authors would get better with time on that. It may be a bit dated now but it offers an interesting perspective.

I read this book in the third grade, and I vividly recall how it opened up the world of literature for me -- it made me realize that books told stories, that they weren't simply these things you had to have for school and carry around. The tale was interesting and imaginative (after all, who DOESN'T want to be able to float around, like you're swimming in the air?), and led me first to the other Danny Dunn books, and then into the wide world of reading. This book saved one little kid (me) from condemnation to eternal television, thus justifying completely the author's efforts.

And after I read this book, I really had to question the conditions I saw in shows such as Lost In Space and Star Trek. How, in the middle of space like that, did their vessels all have gravity? Golly, it's astounding what reading will do for a young person's mind!

Few stories, much less story series, can be remembered as vividly over the years as can the Danny Dunn books - a tribute to the authors and their product. In this story Danny and the usual cast (less Irene, who no doubt was absent due to morality standards of the day) are inadvertently launched into space through the an accident with the wondrous anti-gravity paint. Despite the initial mishap, all seems to be going well until the spacefarers discover that they cannot activate the switch that will return them to Earth! Once again Danny must rise to the occasion and save the day before it is too late.

As with all the Danny Dunn books, readers are painlessly introduced to science concepts while reading an absorbing tale. Although some of the ideas in the story seem a bit dated now, the plot development and characters make this story an excellent selection.

Danny Dunn! One of the best children's book serieses of all time. I guess I'll review all of them that I can remember. They are indeed Hard To Find these days. But I recommend them all, if you can find 'em.

This one is about a trip to space via Anti-Gravity Paint, with Professor Bullfinch, Danny, Joe, and the irascible Dr. Grimes. You sort of feel the lack of Irene to complete the chemistry, but oh well. I love this stuff.

Being of little painting talent I was looking for a book that would show me confidently how I could learn! I love my pets and thought that they would be an easy subject. Susie's book showed me how to look at my pets with a different perspective and I could actually replicate what she showed! This book is a must for all aspiring artists! A truly excellent book and well worth the money!

The explanations are not that good, neither the drawings. Kind of blurry. I don't want to paint my pet like that, I want a book that be more precise and provide clears ideas of how to draw your pet.

This is an excellent book on not only gaining the ability and skill to draw and paint animals, but also on basic techniques for increasing one's ability to create art. The book is laid out in a logical and easy to understand manner and guides the aspiring artist to create what they bought the book for in the first place (drawings and paintings of their pets or other animanls).

The author, Susie Wynne, really seems to love what she does and that shows through in the book. There's no doubt that she, also, loves animals and that the book came about from that love. As such, it makes the book that much more enjoyable as she is in it for the same reasons as someone who is interested in buying her book.

Highly recommended and sure to increase one's skill level and an even greater love for one's pet/s and animals in general.

Susie Wynne has created a delightful and thought provoking work showing her great love and knowledge of her subjects as well as a fine ability to capture their real spirit and character. Her drawings bring to mind Kenneth Graeme's The Wind in the Willows. I gained so much from this book. It should be a standard work in every school art department.

I was very sorry to hear of her passing away. I would have loved to have seen what she was planning to do next. I understand she produced two videos to accompany this title. I am not sure if they have become available on DVD.

My husband carves and he seemed to like the step-by-step instructions, however, this book shows tropical fish only.

This book is the ticket if you have an iterest in carving, and would like to begin carving. The photos are excellent and detailed, and the text informative and simple to follow. watch the fish be carved from the block of wood to the finished product. And at only around 13 dollars, how can you go wrong?

Another great book with step-by-step instructions. Be prepared to learn to airbrush though, because that's how he paints these fish!

Another great book with step-by-step instructions. Be prepared to learn to airbrush though, because that's how he paints these fish!

It was good to get more of the technical details about this type of artwork. Until now I only had the info I received from a one-day workshop and that wasn't as in depth as I really would have liked. I also appreciate the author's talent. There are some fine examples which provide inspiration.

Clearly and concisely written, no confusion or contradictions like some other books on the same subject. Excellent section on contributing artists showing a wide diversity of styles.

This is the second of 2 books I ordered because I wanted to paint and design a floor cloth.
Easy instructions and some beautiful designs for anyone who does not want to design their own.

The artist does a good job covering all the needed supplies and methods to create such beautiful floor cloths. There is a lot covered in these pages, although I could have skipped the color theory part given its really trial and error and personal design ultimately. There are lots of beautiful floor cloths to admire by this artist and others. Wish there were some substantial patterns to apply in addition to the very basic stripes included. This book helps motivate one to begin and do it right, and the rest is really up to one's imagination which the author gives a good springboard to leap from.

This book really accelerated my creativity. I have copied several designs as well as modifying others. Simple, unusual and detailed directions. Utilizing common furniture pieces. Unusual supplies are included to make the projects even more exciting, such as napkins, blueprints,etc. Have Fun!

While all the projects in this book were nice, it did not help me at all. I did not realize until I got the book and opened it that the projects were very specific--not just techniques, but patterns for specific designs. Like silhouettes of birds eating berries; a frog on a plant, etc. They were all very loud and colorful--too much so for my purposes at the moment.Even the ones with checks or squares were very design-specific. I thought that the book was going to show more different techniques to use on furniture instead of definite designs. And like I said, the designs were pretty and unique but if you're not very artistically inclined (as I am not), then it would be hard to adapt them or change them to create new ones for your project. Don't get me wrong, this is not a bad book at all--it is just not useful if you are not looking for odd, very loudly colored patterns for painting furniture. It shows no dragging, flogging, etc. techniques or how to layer colors or anything like that. I didn't use one thing out of the book, so it was a waste of money for me.

I thumb through furniture painting books when I'm at the library - Usually, I can tell right away if there's something in it that will capture my attention. When I first thumbed through this book, I was amazed at how every single feature jumped out at me. The colors used on these pieces of furniture are striking and the designs are beautiful and unique. This book offers something different than all of the rest - it does two things: first, all of the fabulous ideas get you excited and motivated. It makes you want to run right out and find something to paint. Second, each piece of furniture is so uniquely done, you cannot help but want to use your imagination and create your own works of art. Have you ever considered decoupaging tissue paper onto a table? How about napkins? It sounds unusual, but these designs work beautifully. I would purchase this book in an instant - it is one of the best out there, in my opinion.

Wow! Every now and then an artist (or group of artists) comes up with a great artistic book and it actually gets published and has great photography and writing staff. But it's no wonder; the book was done in Asheville, NC, (USA) a mountain tourist town filled with great boutiques, galleries, artsy stores and many talented artists. I borrowed this book from my local library and had no idea I would fall in love so much so that; I had no choice but to purchase my own copy! I am a professional artist and believe me; most books of this kind have prooved to be totally useless to me; but this book was so inspirational, delightful and colorful; I am coming up with numerous designs of my own as a result of the great artists that put together this book. I hope I get to meet these people some day; so I can personnally thank them for their great work!!!!

This book is especially for children. There is no mention of terrorism in this book. Adults will be able to relate to the topic of terrorism. Children will view it as a lesson in kindness, good over bad.
Please visit my site to review the book. tlbennettbook.com
Thank you,
Tammy Lee Bennett

My daughter was concerned with the neighbor. He was covering his home with plastic sheeting. My daughter was very afraid. This book helped her understand fear and how fear effects people. She wanted me to cover our home in plastic. After reading the book, she told me that we didn't need to do that yet. She and I are happy. We haven't had to do that yet!

This book definintely shows the war on terror in a fictional manner in which appeals to children. It is a great book for group reading and discussion.

My children were quite relieved when I read this book to them. It (the book) helped me explain what the war in Iraq was about and what 9/11 was about. Some of us, as parents, have a difficult time explaining such things as this. This book helps. Thank You!

The selection of artists in this book is excellent. I am actually one of the artists featured in their other book: How did you paint that? 100 ways to paint your favorite subjects.
My specialty is clown and circus subject matter. Please view my work at my site: www.clownartist.com.

If you receive International Artist Magazine, and I highly recommend that you subscribe if you haven't already, then you've seen all of these paintings featured in this book before in the magazines. BUT - you do get an expanded view of the artwork, as well as a more in-depth interview with each individual artist, since each artist gets their own page in the book.
The "Find-It-Faster" feature in the book, (pictorial pages of content) is not much more than filler, in my opinion. I would have prefered 17 more featured artists, instead of 17 pages of reduced work of those already in the book. The artwork on the front of the book is indeed shown in more depth on pages 6 and 7, by the way. [see previous reviewer's statement]
The last page titled, "Terms you should know" is an abbreviated list of art terms every artist should already know. Oddly, the list stops at the letter "L" for "lifting." I believe there are other art terms starting with M through Z that are worthy of inclusion. Perhaps the other books have included those letters.
Overall, if you enjoy International Artist Magazine and long for greater details, this book series is for you since you can pick and choose your specific genre: people and figures; landscapes; still life and florals; seascapes, rivers and lakes; favorite subjects; and flowers and gardens.

A hundred different painters explain how they tackled in their paintings one of the most difficult, elusive and rewarding subjects: people. Each painting gets a page long explanation, focused in one of the techniques employed or in some creativity issue relevant to the subject matter. The fact that most artists list the colors they used is definitely a plus. My only qualm with this book are that, being watercolor my medium of choice, I found this books places a lot of attention in oil (and if you're a pastelist or use some other technique, you're in an even worse position). Another minor flaw is the fact that the beautiful picture on the cover is not of those analyzed inside. However, I am being nitpicky, as this book is beatiful and inspiring, and will help anyone seeking to expand his or her creative horizons-

I think the human figure is a tough subject for most of us artist and I am always looking for more tips and pointers. This book is very helpful and has inspired me many times.
Buy it now and study up it may inspire you to be a artist and not some one who used to be an artist.
Barry

As a professional I found this book an excellent addition to my paint book library. Mr. McCloud has used some new approaches to some old techniques. A great read, tremendous pics, very straightforward!!!!!

Soy arquitecta y al leer este libro descubrí mi verdadera vocación, pienso que la decoración es un arte y ahora me dedico a ello! quisiera conocerlo y poder trabajar con él.

If you are striving for excellence and becoming a master, this is the book for you. Recipes for making your own gesso, plasters, etc. are included along with good step by step photos.

This book was a pretty big disappointment. While McCloud does offer a strong presentation of color theory, he does not use realistic examples or materials in a way that someone could take advantage of his color knowledge. As an art historian he seems facinated with the techniques and materials that were used centuries ago. And while McCloud may have plenty of time to travel to France to purchase beautiful, pure, oxidized pigments and then mix them with homemade rabbit glue and curdled-milk concoctions to paint his wall, I for one and happy to have to folks at Lowes mix and shake for me. After all, most of us are just weekenders in this home improvement thing. All said and done, there's not much material about applying "regular" paint to a wall in such a way as to create interesting results. Great pictures, solid color theory (although color theory's been pretty well established for hundreds of years now), lots of info on how to mix paint like they did long ago -- not worth it.

I have read everything by the author Kate Kingsbury. This is one of her books in the "Manor House" series. It takes place during World War Two. The lady of the Manor, and her quirky neighbors ,make this series work.
It was interesting seeing the British and the Americans, and how they got along, or not!

I have enjoyed all 5 in this exciting series! I think most avid readers will like it as much as I did!

This, the fifth in the Manor House series of mysteries, is the best thus far. In this entry, the murder of one of Elizabeth's tenants is not the main focus. More time is spent on the dramas going on in her life as well as the lives of the other inhabitants of fictional Sitting Marsh. I enjoyed this book for that very reason - Kate Kingsbury tends to write better serial fiction than actual mysteries. Usually the mystery parts of her books are quite easy to figure out and I prefer reading about the progress in the various relationships. All in all, this is a quick and light read that makes for a pleasant Sunday afternoon.

Even though her parents were killed in the London bombings and her ex-husband absconded with most of her money Lady Elizabeth Hartleigh Compton is determined to look after her tenants and the villagers of Sitting Marsh. As the lady of the Manor, she feels it is her duty to set an example to the people who look her for guidance during the perilous times of WW II.

When one of her new tenants, artist Basel Thorncraft, is murdered she is told that the local constables are not handling the case. There are rumors in the village of a German spy staying in the area waiting for a pick-up by his masters. Elizabeth thinks that the spy killed the artist but there are so many new faces in the village that she doesn't have a clue as to who the perpetrator is. She starts her own investigation, an action that has always put her in danger in previous homicide investigations.

PAINT BY MURDER is a splendid British historical cozy that gives the reader a feel of what life was like in the small English towns during W.W.II. The heroine is always torn between acting like a proper English lady and giving in to the impulses that always get her in dangerous situations. Kate Kingsbury's Manor House mysteries are simply delightful and her latest work is no exception.

Harriet Klausner