Book Description
Reyner Banham was a pioneer in arguing that technology, human needs, and environmental concerns must be considered an integral part of architecture. No historian before him had so systematically explored the impact of environmental engineering on the design of buildings and on the minds of architects. In this revision of his classic work, Banham has added considerable new material on the use of energy, particularly solar energy, in human environments. Included in the new material are discussions of Indian pueblos and solar architecture, the Centre Pompidou and other high-tech buildings, and the environmental wisdom of many current architectural vernaculars.
Customer Reviews:
An Excellent Book.......2000-07-01
This is an excellent book. I read it in the early 1970's and it has to be a classic as it has stuck with me all this time. By suggesting that the mechanical and electrical apparatus of our modern dwellings is more important than decorative appearance it puts forward the seminal concepts that have driven the architecture of Sirs Norman Foster and Richard Rogers, and today's High-Tech Movement in architecture.
Book Description
With Mark Willenbrink's golden touch, new artists really can have fun while they master the basics of watercolor. This highly visual guide shows absolute beginners how to express their creative sides through painting.
Even people who've never picked up a brush will be amazed at how easy it is to complete their first project. This book walks readers through such essential topics as materials, value, color and composition. There are also helpful demonstrations on proper brush technique and planning a painting.
In the second part of the book, Willenbrink leads budding artists through 15 rewarding projects. Readers are sure to come away with a painting they'd be proud to give as a gift or hang on the wall!
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful book for the beginner.......2006-06-18
I am an absolute beginner and knew nothing before I picked up this book, but found it easy to follow and a lot of fun. I spent as little as possible because it all adds up fast. Among the recommended supplies, I bought 2 round brushes, a bamboo brush, and a 3-inch hake, and got by fine without the others. There are 11 recommended paints for the projects. He describes the different paint grades (professional vs. student), and while professional are typically preferred, they are also more expensive. I was pleased with the results I achieved with the cheaper student grade paints and encouraged by the thought that they might be even better if I invest in better paints. All in all, I would highly recommend this book. You can start it without knowing a thing, and finish it excited about what you've achieved and the possibilities that lie ahead.
Customer Reviews:
Best watercolor book for beginners.......2007-05-20
When I decided to take up watercolors I ended up purchasing a library of books - almost twenty - but the best one of them all for a beginner is this book by Jack Reid. He not only takes you through all the technical details of watercolors - materials, washes, techniques but, before confusing the beginner with mixing and using colors, he first ensures that you have a solid understanding of values. The most brilliant colors in the world will not help a picture where the values are wrong or non-existant. Jack Reid starts the student with monochrome landscapes through most of the book until you really understand and can produce an excellent piece of art using only color in all of its tones and values. Then you reproduce the same picture using one, then two, and working up to five colors. By the time he takes you through a full painting - a step that most watercolor books jumped into at the start - you have a much better mastery of your medium, of planning your landscapes, of being able to work wet into dry or wet into wet. By the time I completed his work I was able to go back to some of the earlier books and now successfully complete their exercises. I could concentrate on the best use of color because I clearly understood how to the apply the tones and shades and values of those colors to enhance the picture. This is an outstanding book for beginners and one I highly recommend.Watercolor Basics: Let's Get Started (Watercolor Basics)
excellent book.......2007-05-13
This book is really really good for the beginner artist learning watercolors..Its easy to follow and understand. I would recommend this book to anyone, even if you already are dabbling in watercolors and want a couple of lessons in it, this is also a great book to help you out.
Great for begners.......2007-02-19
I got this for my nephew. He has really enjoyed it.
Watercolor basics/Let's get started.......2006-03-09
By far the best beginner book I have ever picked up. I have used some of the ideas in this book to teach workshops and have had tremendous success with people that have never picked up a brush. You can"t go wrong
Good, but video instruction is perhaps better.......2006-03-05
I've purchased quite a few instructional books on both watercolors and oils. While I found this one easy to follow for the absolute beginner, in practice, I found the exercises to be a bit stilted. What I mean by that is in attempting to reproduce his paintings, step by step, I found that it took away the wonder and spontenaity one might experience while sketching and painting a simple still life set up. I understand the theory behind the book, and the value studies are interesting, but I think that simply practicing washes, and also practicing with simple still lifes might be more rewarding. I've watched a few videos on watercolor painting which have been more helpful than any book.
Customer Reviews:
expanding the knowlege of watercolor technique.......2007-05-13
This is a good book to learn a variety of techniques in watercolor painting. This was for my teenage daughter who enjoys watercolor painting, so she can expand her level of techniques. She sat for hours going through the book to learn and study what it had to teach her.
Basic Lessons in Becomming a Good Painter.......2007-05-07
Was a welcomed Book in my collection and is extremely helpful in applying new techniques in a new student of watercolor.
LEARNING ABOUT WATERCOLOR PAINTING.......2007-02-25
This makes me want to take my supplies and park myself somewhere beautiful to sketch and paint.
very usefull book.......2006-07-24
I am an adult beginner exploring watercolor painting. This book has really good information about getting started. I especially liked the information on paint characteristics, perspective, color value, and focal point. I have purchased booklets from my local hobbie shop chain that are much more expensive and give less comprehensive explanations. I found this book very helpful.
watercolor.......2005-09-23
I purchased this book based on previous reviews. The book is good, however it's a lot of information for a "beginner." The book is compact, could be a little bigger for better illustration.
Book Description
With a palette of just 6 colors, complete novices will achieve maximum success with minimum frustration as they learn the art of watercolor painting. Organized in a lesson-by-lesson approach, and generously illustrated with color photographs, each chapter focuses on one or two skills. Step by step, painters will learn how to work with color; master washes; and depict landscapes, fruits, flowers and other still life objects.
Customer Reviews:
Step by Step.......2007-07-05
This book was very helpful to me because it is literally step by step. The first step is to buy your materials. Bill tells you which paper and which paints, etc. Then he goes through various exercises, such as creating a wash, mixing colors, painting a tree, painting a landscape, then painting still life. Each exercise is laid out step by step, including which colors to mix together to get the desired effect.
I am taking a class at the same time as reading this book, and I have found that this book has more information than what I am learning in the class. However, you must be patient to go through each exercise. I lost patience when I created a lumpy oak tree. I did create a really nice maple and pine tree, though. I am halfway through this book, and am looking forward to the rest of the exercises.
A wonderful first book in watercolor.......2004-12-29
This book is truly what it claims in the title...the absolute beginning. Whitsett speaks right to the new watercolor student and breaks things down in tiny steps to insure success. He begins with informing the student of the initial products needed. I found a convenient set of Winsor Newton Cotman Watercolors that had the exact colors he suggests. He tells which paper which I also found very reasonably (Canson). Then he starts with the terms, the color wheel and basic watercolor washes and techniques...both strokes and color mixing. An abundance of pictures illustrate each step and then "inspiration pictures" are given to show what the development of each introduced technique can lead to. I am thankful to have stumbled upon this as my first book in my art education. Note: The only step that is assumed is that the student can vaguely sketch.
Thanks Bill.......2003-10-22
I was fortunate enough to view this book and try some of its techniques before publication. The explainations of how to proceed with each step, accompainied by the author's own art, helps one to learn quickly and with great success. I am glad now to see it in print in order to continue with my studies. Bill is not only an excellent teacher but a highly accomplished artist.
Book 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!
Customer Reviews:
Short and not a true watercolor book, but a craft book.......2007-01-12
I was disappointed about this book. It has craft projects that include watercolor, instead of just watercolor techniques.
Book Description
If you’re eager to work in this beautiful and long-lasting medium, begin by getting tips from the experts, and the best techniques for rapidly building up layers of color. Try masking or painting with a knife to give your work an antique appearance. Full-color illustrations on each page, and a sumptuous painters’ gallery will guide your brush strokes!
Customer Reviews:
Passable.......2006-02-21
Your porduct was passable but rather steep a price to pay for a
struggling artist. Delivery was very prompt and all kudos to
Amazon .com for that.
great book.......2001-02-07
This book is great for the begginner in acrylic painting.
Book Description
Watercolor: A Beginner's Guide is intended to demystify the delicate art of watercolor and to serve as a true primer in this art. The reader learns about materialspaints, brushes, and paperand is offered information and advice on setting up a work station; basic techniques, and a comprehensive lesson on color theory. The aspiring watercolorist will build basic skills by developing his 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 to name a few. Unique to this book is an "open-ended approach" intended to encourage the individual reader to implement his or her own creative ideas into the art. Within each chapter, a variety of choices are provided to help stimulate creativity, and exercises are designed to encourage personal thought and interpretation.
Customer Reviews:
Beginners and More.......2006-12-05
I have been painting for 2.5 years and have found that I refer to Ms. Horowitz' book all the time for tips and how to's, especially the chapter that describes the various pigments and their properties and the one dealing with textures. I really like to see the work of her students at the end of each chapter indicating that they have approached the subject matter in so many different ways. I have scribbled notes on many of the page margins, and, like other reviewers, appreciate the spiral binding which allows me to keep the book open while working. As for the author's own work, I really like "Peggy's Breakfast", a painting at the back of the book. I am striving to emulate that quality of light and shadow. This is not just a book for beginners.
Great book for all level painters.......2006-12-05
I've been painting for 10 years and still find this book invaluable. Chock full of color photos, tips, variations and stimulating ideas. The spiral bound allows you to lay the book flat and refer to it while painting. An excellent buy for painters of all levels!
Best watercolor how-to book.......2006-12-04
Horowitz makes the complex subject of watercolor simple. The illustrations and simple text make it easy to follow.The open ended approach is unique in "how to" watercolor books. Horowitz encourages you to master technique, develop your own style while doing your own thing. Chapter 3, Basic Techniques, "ABC'S of Watercolor" was reprinted in American Artists' quarterly magazine, "Watercolor" ... so it must be good. The student art gallery made me feel that I can paint as well as the students and gave me more ideas. The spiral cover opens flat for easy reference while painting and the glossy pages are wipeable. I highly recommend it to beginners, intermediate and advanced artists. It is a great "idea" book for art teachers or students in art schools who want to get into watercolor without drowning. Its the best watercolor, how-to book on the market today! A bargain for all the tips and info. A great xmas gift for a retired senior or shut-in, or anyone who wants to learn to paint in watercolor. Try it, you'll like it.
Book Description
Beginners who want to master the basics of watercolors, acrylics, and oils will find more than 350 color photos to guide them, along with easy-to-follow instructions. More experienced painters can hone their skills using detailed studies of a range of techniques. Each section offers practical information on materials and equipment, a gallery of professional work to inspire creativity, and projects that cover landscapes, still lifes, people, flowers, animals, and buildings.
Book Description
This fascinating guide makes it easy, revealing the secrets of master painters like Durer and Turner, as well as contemporary techniques. Full-color photos on each page display a wide range of techniques, including glazing, backruns, and masking out. Best of all: your very first watercolor will be suitable for framing!
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