Book Description
One of the best-known architects of the 20th century, Antoni Gaudí (1852- 1926) was at the forefront of the Art Nouveau movement in Barcelona where his exuberant and revolutionary organic style led to the creation of some of the city's most notable landmarks. This introduction to all of Gaudí's amazing designs, technological innovations, and building methods is substantial and illuminating, and a delightful companion volume for travelers.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent primer on the life of a unique genius........2004-06-15
This small, well-organized, and beautifully illustrated book is an unexpectedly thorough and complete reference on the productive life of Antoni Gaudí, from his formation and early works to his crowning achievements and untimely death.
Chronologically organized and succinctly written, but without being a mere biography, this book presents a well-researched portrait of the most overlooked, original, expressive and particular genius of all the Catalan architects of the 1900's. Often citing historical sources and quoting entries from the artist's own contemporaries, the author presents an insightful account of Gaudí's works, his views on art, his research on architectural issues, and his most amazing, creative, and visionary achievements. The book gives us a grand tour of Gaudí's surviving works, from his earliest commissions (the lampposts at Barcelona's Plaza Real) to the most dazzling demonstration of his genius (the Park Güell) and his most daring undertakings (the church of the Sagrada Familia, still unfinished). Sprinkled through the book are also anecdotes and little-known facts about his character and personal life that let his peculiar style, his individuality and fantastic imagination virtually come alive in front of the reader.
For those interested in a deeper treatment of the subject, the choice bibliographic reference titled Further Reading and the List of Illustrations, both located at the back of the book, will be of special value.
--Reviewed by Maritza Volmar
Book Description
The next best thing to working with a live model, Virtual Pose(r) 3 provides professional and student artists with an accurate and convenient method of viewing the human form--without needing access to a live model and studio sessions.
Digital artist Mario Henri Chakkour has created a CD-ROM and companion book that features models in 70 high resolution poses, images which can be zoomed in on and rotated 360 degrees. Painters, sculptors, and other artists will welcome the opportunity to study at length each detail and subtlety of the human form, giving them a deeper understanding of shape, form, and gesture.
Customer Reviews:
Better, but still not understanding the artist.......2007-09-05
I am going to be critical, but I'd like to open with saying that this was a really cool and thoughful project for someone to come up with and offer to the artist.
I get quite a chuckle at all the people who are angry about there being airbrushed vulvas and anuses. In your usual life drawing class you are not going to have the model eyeballing you with their privates. Its not like there is a shortage of vulvas and anuses online if that's what you want to draw. And any artist who has developed true capability with the human form can use the suggested form shadow as a base from which to draw a glorious sphincter and beautiful floral labia to make any viewer blush. Until then get over yourselves. The models, used to having a choice of what they want to show the students; are entitled to keep four square inches of themselves private from the world.
Virtual Pose 3 is a good step up form Virtual Pose 2. And I appreciate the creativity of the poses and opportunity to see a pose from all sides. However I am still disappointed that these poses aren't lit properly to describe the form. Generally they are top lit so in standing poses you get some minor indication of core shadow and somewhat overly bright reflections on the skin on they upper torso,and everything below is pure ambient light and this obliterates form. While some poses are better with lighting than others; on the whole, the lighting is uninteresting and lifeless Virtual pose could take some cues on how to light their models by checking out an artistic soft porn site like Met Art. But hey, I suppose you are going to often be faced with the difficult challenge of illustrating people in ambient light. So Virtual Pose 3 will give you a real work out as you figure out how to describe form with even lighting all over!
I'd like to see a Virtual Pose V or VI, but with artistic form light. As with Muybridge what a cool thing to attempt.But it won't be the ultimate reference series for the artist until the lighting loses its sterility.
For practice only.......2007-05-08
I bought VP2 and VP3. At first, it was quite a novel idea, to plug in a disc and "rotate" the model 360" and draw from that. It was actually good practice for figure drawing. One gets a feel for the outlines and general
proportions of the body, and with much practice, this book will help one
improve one's drawing skills.
However, there are some flaws. First, even though the photos are in full-color, the harsh lighting and poor resolution of many of the photographs make any serious, interior study of subtle shadows all but impossible. Look at a master figure drawing, and you'll see that the fine interpretation of shadows is paramount for a good figure study. Otherwise your figure will look "solarized" and crude. I found myself blocking in whole planes with singular, unnatural tone, trying to use my imagination to "figure out" what the tone should be. Worse, the arbitrary and non-dramatic lighting cast sharp secondary shadows on the figure which were quite displeasing. You could leave those out, but then you are left with a single-tone figure with no interior "body" shadows.
Secondly, most of the poses are quite useless for artistic purposes. Unless you paint people doing yoga (see the cover), the poses will be only good for practice in studying the body, that's it. It's too bad, because it actually takes less effort to pose the model in natural sitting or standing poses you can actually use, than it does to pose them like a pretzel, but the author is obviously not a serious artist, and does not realize this. He is only concerned with giving a variety of dynamic-looking poses, most of which are actually quite useless for finished art.
Thirdly, the Quicktime utility the disc comes with is sort of flaky. I wanted to "zoom in" certain areas (like I was able to do on VP 2, although the resolution is even worse in that edition), but VP 3 did not allow me
to zoom in, even though the control was there. That was quite disappointing, because then I had to really lean forward and squint at the computer screen and draw--not very pleasant for a 1 hour figure study!
In all, a decent idea and useful for the artist wishing to get the basics of figure drawing down. But for the serious artist, I suggest working from live models, or pose your friends and photograph them and then paint them, for a more serious, artistic figurative work. Posing the model so that you bring out the art of the interior, subtle shadows, and selecting a suggestive pose is paramount to becoming a good figurative artist. I have since sold both my VP2 and VP3 to a used bookstore, and have no regrets.
Virtual Pose 3.......2007-03-17
This is more than helpful for my art class. This is great!
About Worth The Price -- So Don't Expect Much.......2007-01-08
I was hoping for a little bit more than this. I'll just sum up where I feel it is lacking:
1. No lighting variation. The lighting is the same in every pose and it's not all that neutral a choice even, it's like noon sun where a lot of the anatomy doesn't cast a shadow. I would have liked the same pose with a few differently lit versions - this would teach a LOT about the anatomy.
2. Resolution. It's the digital age and artists want material several times higher res than the public. You won't get any extra detail zooming in which is disappointing for people trying to study a subject better.
Others have complained about the censorship... I didn't notice it for awhile, but it does appear any area very near the anus or vulva visible was covered over digitally. (Penises however, are displayed without any alterations.) Maybe this was necessary to not make the product too controversial or appeal to the wrong crowd... but on the other hand when you buy reference material you expect accuracy not this sort of thing.
So I would say this is a pretty limited product overall, but you could use it as a basic pose reference for some basic poses (mostly sitting or "artistic", almost nothing that looks realistically dynamic).
Overall I would rather pay more in the future to get a much more complete, useful product.
Fantastic resource! Currently the next best thing to a real model.........2006-12-01
Any artist that is working apart from a private or group studio that hires models should seriously consider buying Virtual Pose 3. If you want access to models that never take breaks, never complain about long hours and are readily available 24/7, look no further. I mean where are you going to find subjects (and subjects that are proportionately pleasing to the eye, no less) to study the structure of human anatomy - in the round - at such an unbelievably low price???
If you're confused about zooming to a particular area of the body, read the instructions in the hardback book, and if that's not enough read "dramaqueen"'s review from February 20, 2005 here on Amazon. She will spell it out in detail for you. Very nicely done too, I might add.
Despite having some minor pixelation of the photos at full zoom, I can't find any fault in this resource. This whole "censorship" issue is silly in my opinion. I would rather concentrate on the form itself, instead of particular details that would be more suited to a scientific study/drawing, rather than a work of fine art.
If you're serious about studying the human form, and need a model in your traditional or digital paintbox, check out Virtual Pose 3.
Book Description
Virtual Pose 2 is the second installment in what is fast becoming the ultimate visual reference series for drawing the human figure. For professional and student artists, this series is the next best thing to working with a live model--and the ultimate for amateur artists who have no access to studio sessions.
Each volume includes an interactive CD-ROM with 54 full-figure poses which the artist can rotate 360 degrees. The artist is also able to zoom in on the pose, thus presenting the human form in a way that allows a deeper understanding of shape, form and gesture. Ranging from action to classic poses, standing and reclining, these carefully selected subjects were designed to offer visually pleasing as well as challenging drawing subjects.
Furthermore, there is the choice of male and female models to draw from, music for inspiration, and four drawing tutorial movies, making Virtual Pose 2 an invaluable tool for every artist's reference.
* Features more models in a significantly higher number of poses (54 poses, 1,944 views in all)
Customer Reviews:
nice product, but could be better.......2007-06-27
Great idea, and great to have for the price I suppose. But theres a few things I should give a heads up on to anyone debating on buying VP2.
The image resolution is only so-so. Its not hard to see the pixilation when you expand quicktime to a larger size and even easier when you zoom in. A few of the frames have a pesky blurred/doubled over second edge.
The interface included is pretty small, about 4 inch view space on my monitor. This was remedied by simply opening the QT files directly off the cd rom.
Lastly, Virtual Pose 2 only works with Apple Quicktime.
So, unless you buy or happen to own quicktime pro [$30.00 upgrade], you will be unable to print any of the images on the program, make quicktime go into full/wide screen or shift your view around the image when zooming in [you can only zoom in on the center of the image with normal quicktime].
Virtual Pose 2: The Ultimate Visual Reference Series for Drawing the Human Figure.......2007-03-17
This is more than helpful for my art class. This is great!
virtual pose 2.......2006-08-05
when there is no model to be found i always have my cd. this is the greatest.
Virtual Pose 2.......2006-03-25
Since I am a sculptor it will be very helpful to me in getting different poses and to be aware how the muscles change in a particular pose.
Tools of the Trade.......2006-02-25
This book is a great tool for artists. I frequently use photographic references, and this one is great.
Book Description
*Includes a PC/MAC compatible CD-ROM featuring a total of 1,260 views
*Allows artists to study 2 figures without the use of models (who can be costly and tend to move around when they get tired)
*Great for painters, sculptors and other artist looking to master the human figure
Drawing and painting two or more figures is challenging for the artist because body position changes, the visual weight shifts, shadows change and the psychological relationship develops. Virtual Pose Duo allows the artist to study the relationship more closely without any changes. This, the fifth book in the Virtual Pose series, is the only book of its kind to feature two models posed in contemporary and classical themes. Professional artists and students alike will love the included CD-ROM, which makes studying the figure easy and convenient. Each of the 35 full-figure poses can be rotated 360 degrees for a total of 1,260 views. Each full-color view can be zoomed in on for detail shots. Model combinations vary to include all options: male/female, male/male, and female/female.
Customer Reviews:
very good.......2007-04-26
but i still like # 3 better..takes some getting use to.. works a little different than 3 with the controls
Virtual Pose Duo .......2007-03-17
This is very helpful for me in my art classes. It is more than I expected.
Good product but could be better........2007-02-09
This is a good product for artists interested in the human figure. I do have some issues with it, though.
There are only three sets of models female/male, female/female and male/male. All of the models are white. I would really like to see more models and greater diversity.
One of the male/male models is really not appropriate, imo. He's oddly proportioned with unusually broad shoulders, a small head and tree-trunk thighs. He's really hairy, obscuring the body lines. He's covered in really unfortunate blemishes, including what appears to be a huge hickey on his chest. He has a really flabby body with very little muscle definition. In some poses where his body is twisted there are fat rolls which upset the line of his body. He just is not at all appropriate as an art model. His partner in the poses, on the other hand, is perfect. It's too bad these poses lose some of their usefulness because of this because the poses themselves are actually good.
Despite these flaws it is still a valuable resource for artists.
Finally, How to Draw/Paint Figures Together.......2007-02-06
Virtual Pose Duo, the latest in the Virtual Pose series, takes the next logical step: offering two figures posed together. With couples in every combination (male/female, male/male, female/female), in color photos that can be enlarged with ease and rotated 360 degrees to offer views from every conceivable angle, AND print capability for those artists like me who can't sit and draw from a computer screen for very long without going blind, this new book pushes the envelope in the Virtual Pose series. It's definitely the best one yet.
A master[iece is the new duo.......2007-02-06
This book of poses is masterful in it's concept and in it's exceqution. It stands above any other book of it's kind in the positioning of the partnered models. I found the book exceptionally usefull. They need to come out with a book of looking up and looking down at the models, but then that has already been done by others. I just cannot say enough good about this most excellant book and I have been an artist for aver 50 years. GRG
Book Description
For drawers, painters and sculptors, this latest installment in the popular series is the next best thing to working with a real, clothed junior model.
-A must for illustrators of children's books, as well as professional and student artists without studio access
-Includes a CD-ROM (PC/Mac compatible) with 70 high-resolution poses in QTVR format with 36 views per pose--more than 2,500 total views
-CD-ROM poses can be rotated 360 degrees around the axis and include zoom and print options
For artists who want a better understanding of shape, form and gesture, Virtual Pose Children & Teens is the ultimate visual reference tool.
Customer Reviews:
Virtual Pose Children & Teens.......2007-03-17
This is more than helpful for my art class. This is great!
Great idea, needs more variety........2006-10-16
I'll start by saying this is a fantastic idea. The interface provides an amazing amount of freedom for viewing the models. However, as an illustrator who needs a broad range of children to work from, this collection was lacking. If you're looking for an animated young girl, this will do you fine. The handful of models that follow are less interested. If you need both boys and girls from each age group you're out of luck with this one. Perhaps the sequal will be broader.
Customer Reviews:
Feeling comfortable about nude cubism.......2000-11-24
I walked into my first advanced drawing class and into my first figure drawing class, feeling uncertain of the results I would have. With excelent personal instruction and my own talents I was able to make two very good grades and finish feeling as though I had accomplished a lot. At this point all of my questions were not answered however. My questions about Picasso and Wilhem de Kooning and what method they used to get such superb results with their figure paintings and drawings. Also I soon realized that I wanted as much information about the process of figure drawing that I could find. It is to the adult and serious artist more than just looking at nudity that is part of the evolution of a great drawing. For me, when I discovered Virtual Pose, I had discovered another new path to journey on that has allowed me to expand my own talents while providing a clear and clean base to begin from. Having Virtual Pose for me is like having your own personal model to pose for you 24 hours a day. The music is very creative and the poses are many and well thought out. This book and the Virtual Pose series are worth ten times the price. I found that it is a great reference for me as well. Often, after a class session I can go to my Virtual Pose library and see just that pose that I liked so well in class. Henri Chakkour, is publishing Virtual Pose II in January, I'm reallly looking forward to having it too.
Wondful Merging of Art, Human Figure, & Technology..........2000-07-14
In "Virtual Pose : The Ultimate Visual Reference Series for Drawing the Human Figure" (Book & CD-ROM), Mario H. Chakkour has brilliantly merged the concepts of fine art, the human figure, and multimedia technology into a wonderful tool for artists. Combining his artistic background, technological knowledge, and vision, Chakkour has created a developing artist's dream in this multimedia package which contains a visual library of the classically posed human form captured in the photographic images of exceptional male and female models hand-picked by Chakkour.
Within the pages of the hardback book, the artist will find the series of classical poses with several large images of the models shot from different angles around the horizontal plan which provides the artist with the opportunity to render and study the human form from various angles. However, Chakkour does not stop here; instead, he takes this multimedia package to the next level through the use of computer technology. On the CD-ROM, Chakkour combines several series of photographic images taken from fixed angle rotations around model in a multiple image overlay that allows the artist to rotate the model completely around the horizontal plane (as if the model were posing in the center of a theater in the round and the artist were able to elect to study or render the model from any front row seat around the model). In this manner the developing artist can render and study the anatomical composition and structure of the classically posed model from any vantage point around the horizontal plane. In addition, Chakkour has added a couple of rather nice finishing touches to his multimedia package including several inspirational musical scores which can be played in the background as one works as well as some of his own thoughts on the subject of art and the rendering of the human form.
Virtual Pose is certainly a helpful tool for any artist working with the human figure; however, it is particularly suited for developing artists learning to render the human figure and an invaluable teaching supplement for instructors and their students in any human figure course. I only wish something like this was available throughout the many years this reviewer studied fine art and the human figure. I cannot help but believe that this multimedia package would have made a fine companion to the classic standard among artists "Anatomy for the Artist." It is certainly my hope that this innovative multimedia package is only the first in a series. Virtual Pose is without a doubt a wonderful tool for a developing artist of any skill level who would wish to render and study the human form.
absolutely useless.......2000-06-07
although its a great idea, the CDROM is absolutely useless as a photo reference. this goes for figure drawing and other uses of the figure. the closeups are grainy at best and the navigation nothing more that a novelty without high resolution. the tutorial has some merit for just beginning, but not really useful beyond a very short introduction. i am embarassed to admit that i was lured into buying this book.
Bravo Mario! A must have tool for artists........1999-12-02
Excellent concept well executed. The ability to view the poses from many directions actually creates hundreds of different poses to work with.All Artists can expand their skills by studing the human figure. Mario's project allows artists who may not be able to access life study groups an easy way to begin figurative work.Anyone who works with models will appreciate being able to work from this CD without expense or schedules to deal with. I look forward to the next edition of Virtual Pose I am sure Mario will not disappoint us.
The New Standard.......1999-12-01
I will try to address a couple of issues that seem to be popping up over and over. This book and CD has certainly stirred up some emotion. First, the author clearly states in his editorial review (please check above) how many poses it contains and the number of images and what not. This is an old issue which has been resolved, I think. Second, I think this book is not for everyone. And, my guess is that you will either love it or hate it, mainly because it is more than a mere reference for poses (there are plenty of books on the market that cover a whole range of the pose spectrum...) Artists refer to nudes images in reference books everyday. These books, (like the Pose File Collection, of which I own 6 books) are all grainy and do not show that much detail, let alone display the nudes in a large format. Yet, I use them all the time. Why? For the form and the anatomy. Also, whether the Pose Book collection, or others, from the sheer number of poses to the novelty of the approach, each seems to present a perspective that complements the others. Same with Virtual Pose. I don't think it should be thought of as a replacement, or a remedy...it's the first step in a whole new approach.
So, taking what exists on the market solely from the photographic quality point of view (they all fall short in that department.)...now imagine these pictures rotating around the axis...allowing you to absorb a lot of information easier...now imagine Music and tutorials...now imagine a book that is meant to inspire one to draw. Now, imagine paying less for what you would pay for one class. Yes, it has only 18 poses (each pose offers 36 views, by the way) but, its potential to inspire and teach by "showing" sure makes up for it. And this issue of Zooming...Please...not relevant or necessary to a real artist looking at the pose. I am sure it would be a wonderful gimmick. But, I am sure that would have meant that the files would have needed to be a lot larger and the computational limits of one's system pushed to its limits. The tutorials are a great way to see "how it is done". So, here is who I recommend this book to: everyone who has never experienced the magic of a life drawing class. This will not only inspire you to draw, but will encourage you to actually join a class! It's the best gift you can bestow on an aspiring artist. To those simply looking for a collection of nothing-but-poses, I truly recommend you look elsewhere. This is a lyrical approach and an homage to the art of drawing the nude.
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General
| Architecture
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
Antonio Gaudi: Master Architect (Tiny Fellows)
Gaudi of Barcelona
Antoni Gaudi
Gaudi: A Biography
Barcelona the Great Enchantress (Directions)
