The Los Angeles House: Decoration And Design In America's 20th Century City (California Architecture and Architects)

Book Description

An authoritative and stylish survey of residential architecture and decoration in Los Angeles, by the premier chronicler of the subject. Street-Porter's beautifully composed photographs bring us into the most beautiful spaces in L.A., and his refreshingly lucid text provides an intelligent explanation of the houses presented. Full-color photographs.

Customer Reviews:

Great Real Estate Read.......2007-07-14

The pictures in this book are fantastic! Unbelievable what these architects were able to accomplish. I was a little disappointed that more movie star history was not part of the book. The author did indicate if there were movie props in the homes-lots from Marie Antionette. Delores del Rio's house and Madonna's were both portrayed. The book is an easy read, however, the beautifully photographed landscapes as well as interiors are worth checking this book out.

Basic Flower Painting Techniques in Watercolor: Techniques in Watercolor (Basic Techniques Series)
Average customer rating:

Excellent Resource

I have many flower books, but this one by far is the best.

Great Reference, But Beginners Beware

Simply one of the best flower painting books ever published

Basic Flower Painting Techniques in Watercolor: Techniques in Watercolor (Basic Techniques Series)

Manufacturer: North Light Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Watercolor Painting | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Painting | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Watercolor | Painting | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Watercolor Basics: Painting Flowers (Watercolor Basics)

The Watercolor Flower Painter's A to Z: An Illustrated Directory of Techniques for Painting 50 Popular Flowers

North Light's Big Book of Painting Watercolor Flowers

Paint Watercolors That Dance With Light

Glorious Garden Flowers in Watercolor

ASIN: 0891347305

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Resource .......2005-11-21

This floral painting book is excellent. Instead of a one-technique collection from a singular artist, this compilation from several fine watercolorists provides a treasure chest of techniques. From basic watercolor daisies to crinkled masa paper pansies, this book gives clear demonstrations and inspiration. There were simple projects that were provided quick success, and more challenging techniques that required some practice.

Some prior basic watercolor experience is necessary. The instructions assume basic level skills such as charging, negative painting, glazing and use of liquid masking. Successful composition suggestions are covered, as well.

I have many flower books, but this one by far is the best........1998-11-13

After purchasing many watercolor books on flowers and realizing they just didn't fit my needs, I was hesitant to purchase another one. But after seing Basic Flower Painting, I succumbed and am thrilled with the instructions and the step by step demos that are the most helpful of all. The price is so reasonable for what is provided in the content, and the colors are as vibrant as in a much more expensive book. I couldn't ask for anything more. I recommend it to any level artist whether beginner or advanced. There's something for everyone in it.

Great Reference, But Beginners Beware.......1998-04-03

Caveat: this title may attract the novice, but "Basic" shouldn't be confused with "Beginning." If you are have a limited palette and are not yet conversant with terms like "charging color," "thirsty brush," and "modeling," the demonstrations may be frustrating.

That being said, the book is a joyful compendium of fine work by accomplished artists. Many examples are featured in the _Splash_ series. Demonstrations are varied, detailed, and challenging (although the section on special effects with cotton swabs is a bit long).

As a reference or idea-generator, the book is excellent. The editor has thoughtfully included sketches for constructing single blossoms, composite flowers, stems, leaves, weeds, and wild grasses. For the adventurous, she also includes articles on techniques with crumpled paper, compositions, acetate, acrylic, and airbrush.

I would recommend this book highly for an advanced beginner who is interested in exploring florals in more depth, or for the more accomplished artist who seeks a comprehensive overview of the subject.

Simply one of the best flower painting books ever published.......1997-10-13

If you really want to learn about flower painting, This is one book you simply cannot do without ! This book REALLY teaches you the basics step-by-step. It is beautifully illustrated and will give you the necessary knowledge in learning how to paint flowers with the help of different artists. There are very few books on flower painting that will give you this much demonstration, tips & techniques plus beautifully painted flowers that are painted so realistically that you can almost smell them.

Watercolor Basics: Painting Flowers (Watercolor Basics)

Average customer rating:

Gauguin meets Okeefe....
This Book Allows Your Talent to Blossom
I would like to paint like Sharon
Book Helps Painters to Relax, See and Enjoy Painting
Color and light explained

Watercolor Basics: Painting Flowers (Watercolor Basics)
Sharon Hinckley
Manufacturer: North Light Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Watercolor Painting | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Painting | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Watercolor | Painting | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Basic Flower Painting Techniques in Watercolor: Techniques in Watercolor (Basic Techniques Series)
Watercolor Basics: Perspective Secrets (Watercolor Basics)
The Watercolor Flower Painter's A to Z: An Illustrated Directory of Techniques for Painting 50 Popular Flowers
Glorious Garden Flowers in Watercolor
Watercolor Basics Color: Color (Watercolor Basics)

ASIN: 0891348948

Book Description

Why stop to just smell the flowers when you can paint them? The instruction in this book makes it fun and easy to create beautiful watercolor daisies, hydrangeas, roses, lilies, poppies . . . all your favorite blooms! You'll find everything you need to get painting right away--from basic exercises in color choice and composition to techniques for painting leaves, backgrounds, arrangements and outdoor scenes. It's all explained in simple language with hands-on exercises, easy-to-follow demonstrations and step-by-step projects!

Customer Reviews:

Gauguin meets Okeefe...........2001-09-30

Different artists depict flowers differently and not all of them appeal to my eye. I am very much attracted to Sharon Hinckley's painting style. I am a fan of the bright colors of Gauguin and the vivid up-close and personal semi-abstract flowers of Georgia O'Keefe, and although they both mostly worked in oils, I think Hinckley has merged elements of both of their styles with her own and produced some wonderful watercolor painting.

Watercolor painting is more difficult than oil painting because you can't really paint over your mistakes without making a mess. Hinckly not only explains how to create flowers step by step (beginning with a discussion of the appropriate supplies and an explanation of color), she shows the reader how to make what she describes as "leaf soup" which forms the basis of the foliage in her watercolors. Hinckly says while many would-be artists can create flowers, most have difficulty with the stuff that grows with flowers, i.e. leaves, stems, and bark. One photo shows Hickley's palette, "leaf soup" mixture.

There are many books on the market offering instruction on "how to" draw-paint flowers, but if you are fond of the "colorist" approach to painting, you may find it hard to beat the techniques described in WATERCOLOR BASICS, PAINTING FLOWERS.

This Book Allows Your Talent to Blossom.......2000-01-22

Ms. Hinckley's book Watercolor Basics: Painting Flowers is a delight to read. At first glance her paintings seem to have been created so effortlessly they can be intimidating (how can I ever paint this well! ). But only for a moment. Her writing is so warm and friendly, and the techniques presented so clearly and sometimes whimsically (check out the painting at the bottom of page 29--one of my favorites) that you've absorbed a host of tricks and tips before you know it. From valuable advice on materials, organization, palette arrangement and mixing strategies to step-by-step demonstrations that culminate in truly breathtaking results (Calla Lilies, pages 118-121, is my absolute favorite for its depth and richness) I have never had an instruction book offer so much helpful information while being such an enjoyable read.

I would like to paint like Sharon.......2000-01-18

Sharon's watercolor illustrations are beautiful, as are her paintings. I love the vibrant colors. Why not learn from the best?

Book Helps Painters to Relax, See and Enjoy Painting.......2000-01-15

Wanting to make watercolor postcards for holiday messages, I picked up Sharon Hinckley's book for pointers. Her teaching approach not only helped me create personal postcards, it nudged me over the hump of over-thinking words too; as a writer, my inner critic often edits my thoughts, sometimes before they are shaped into words. This book is great for students learning to release fear and let the paint flow. Hinckley's approach, plus beautifully clear instructions and illustrations, make Painting Flowers an excellent source for learning and unlearning bad habits that thwart the creative process. Dive IN!

Color and light explained.......1999-12-10

In her book called Watercolor Basics: Painting Flowers, Sharon Hinckley goes far beyond watercolor technique. The author is a phenomenal watercolorist ( the illustrations are worth the price alone ). However, she is also a great teacher, explaining the painter's way of using a specified palette and "sculpting " light and color on paper. The result is a practical and humorous guide (it's like your best friend telling you to relax and enjoy it ! ) that allows me, the painter, to let go and paint. This is what a book like this should do: give "tips", inspire, console, laugh with you, and really mentor beginning and...resuming artists like me.

Average customer rating:

Flowers: Basic Skills (75)
Claude Parson
Manufacturer: Walter Foster Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Watercolor Painting | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Drawing | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Painting | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0929261178

The Complete Guide to Digital Photography, 2nd Edition: Completely Revised and Updated (A Lark Photography Book)
Average customer rating:

Good principle information.

Best book I've seen!

Complicated for a beginner

A good overall guide, well illustrated and with good depth

Absolutely great!

The Complete Guide to Digital Photography, 2nd Edition: Completely Revised and Updated (A Lark Photography Book)
Michael Freeman
Manufacturer: Lark Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Reference | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | How-to | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Digital Photography | Digital Photography & Video | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
General | Reference | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Outdoor and Location Portrait Photography

John Hedgecoe's Complete Photography Course

The Photographer's Handbook (Third Edition, Revised)

Basic Studio Lighting: The Photographer's Complete Guide to Professional Techniques

The Joy of Digital Photography (Lark Photography Book)

ASIN: 157990534X

Book Description

"If crossing the chasm from film to the digital realm has been difficult for you-this book will help."--PhotoSource International

"Beginners and professional photographers alike will benefit from the sound advice. A useful resource while taking the leap to digital."--Photo Industry Review

It's the bestselling, most complete digital guide available--and now it's thoroughly updated to reflect the state of the art. Featuring the latest operating systems and software versions, plus a new section on traveling with your gear, this fully illustrated, total approach to digital will lead you into an exciting new world of image making. An essential round-up of available cameras, computers, scanners, software, and printers--including current online printing services such as photobox and fotango, and the Epson 2000 series of archive printers--offers a plethora of technical possibilities. Detailed text and more than 300 color photographs show exactly how to take and make great portraits, landscapes, action shots, and more. Take advantage of the heightened ability to enhance images; change backgrounds or colors; add reflections; and create artistic effects with collaging, filters, and lighting techniques. Includes easy-to-follow projects for making calendars, business cards, websites, and more.

Customer Reviews:

Good principle information........2005-09-22

It does not ever mention the Sony CD 300 camera pictured on its cover, but does give understanding in the general operation of digitals and some insight on film and its history briefly.

Best book I've seen!.......2004-04-15

This is the best book I have found so far on digital photography. If you know the basics and are looking for some in-depth info, I recommend you buy this book because it covers all aspects of digital photography well. I guess I would describe it as an intermediate guide, since one person complained that it is not a beginging book. Actually, I think that depends on the person and how much you want to learn about the topic. Also, it is easy to understand and unlike many books I have seen it is really well illustrated and the pictures helped me to understand the text--so the illustrations are well thought out. If you are shopping for a book on digital this one should be considered strongly.

Complicated for a beginner.......2002-05-25

I borrowed this from the library. I found it to be complicated. I'm a beginner in serious photography. I don't think it is a good guide for a beginner.

A good overall guide, well illustrated and with good depth.......2002-04-28

If you are already have some introduction to the fundamentals of photography, and are looking to explore digital photography (both technically and creatively) this is a very good book. It has a good discussion of hardware (cameras, etc.) and software (for editing and manipulating images). It also has a good discussion of approaches and techniques to taking photos. The book is extensively illustrated throughout with color photos and drawings, a real strength compared to most other books.

My bias is that most people should focus more on taking good photographs - paying attention to lighting, exposure, composition, etc. - than on technology. It takes a lot of editing to fix a bad shot. So the fact that this is written by a photographer is another big plus (though he appears to do mostly coffee table books, rather than guides).

A better book for some is Steve Bavister's Digital Photography. It's much clearer on the key fundamentals of photography. It has less detail all around, but that is a plus for those who want the main ideas quickly or looking for an accessible introduction. That's the book I bought for my teenage nephew; he's smart, but given his limited experience, I thought it better to give him a book with more emphasis on photography.

Note that Freeman's book discusses technical aspects of hardware and software generically, not specific to any program, which may be a negative for those users looking for a step-by-step guide to their programs or software. Also, if you don't think you'll ever do more than resize or fix red-eye, the technical discussion may not be much use to you. OR, it may open your eyes to what can be done!

Another set of alternatives, for a narrower group of users looking more for specifics on the technical aspects of hardware and software, are books like Long's Complete Digital Photography. But those books don't use photos and illustrations in the text, and are written by technical writers - not photographers. They emphasize the "digital" far more than the "photography," and aren't good as an all-in-one first book.

This is one of many books where the rating really depends on the fit to your needs. My 4 rating assumes that you are a match ... it may be the wrong buy for some.

Absolutely great!.......2001-12-30

My comments refer to the hard-cover version, 224 pages, ISBN: 0-500-54246-5.
I bought this book two days ago... and have already read it (actually the very same night of the afternoon I bought it)... I couldn't let go until I had read the lot. The book is very well written, exciting, fascinating, straight to the point, but still explaining detail where necessary.

The chapters a logically grouped, following the digital flow of the data.

I could claim the book is good because it is so recent, actually it has just been released a few weeks ago. The digital world is progressing at a pace, where related information becomes obsolete the minute it is printed. This is not the case with this book, the information is up-to-date (looking ahead), covering all aspects of digital imaging, combined with the pros and cons of the technology. Yes, cons! Ever wondered why your digital camera has this huge depth of field? This book provides the answer.

Do you hate reading software manuals? I never read them, and usually they are dull. Ever wondered how to get this dark mountain a bit lighter so it matches the bright skies?
Section three of the book "Techniques" will guide you through the steps of image manipulation in a way one can actually understand and follow. Good stuff!

I started with digital photography only three month ago. I started with a DX3900 (now enjoyed by my wife) and got myself a G2, which guided me to the conclusion that film is dead, long live digital photography! ... where I will eventually dispose of my SLR, an EOS 30. I shot 1,400 images in two month (which equals $1,170 of costs -- for film and delopement -- based on the conventional process).
Why am I telling this?

Well, in case you are looking at going digital, this book will open your mind-set pro digital, educating and showing you in a lot of areas what you can actually do and achieve by going digital.

I could brag on for much longer, the point is: this book is brilliant compared to other books I have seen or partially read contemplating this subject.

It is also a very nice crafted book. Colourful, a very good layout, printed on very good quality paper... all-in-all: high quality in word and print... Go for it, it's money well spent!

To get an idea on my stance, you may visit http://max.grenkowitz.net/Photography/

Best regards,
Max

Cartoon Capers: The History of Canadian Animators
Average customer rating:

Loved it

Cartoon Capers: The History of Canadian Animators
Karen Mazurkewich
Manufacturer: McArthur & Company Publishing, Ltd.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1552780937

Customer Reviews:

Loved it.......2007-09-20

This book is the "Of Mice And Magic" of Canadian Animation. It's a great source of inspiration if you are, or ever dreamed of being an independant animator. Often funny and chalk full of history.

Customer Reviews:

A lot of pictures.......2003-07-21

Remembering Jackie is one of Jackie Kennedy's best book.
The biography is complete, you never get bored.
There are a lot of pictures too!
I suggest it to all Kennedy 's fans or for people who want to know about Jackie's life.

Awesome book.......2000-04-11

This book really shows the details of Jacqueline's life: pictures, quotes, not-well-known facts, everithing!

Average customer rating:

Remembering Jackie a Life in Pictures
Editors of Life
Manufacturer: WARNER
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GRM1UE

Average customer rating:

Remembering Jackie: A Life in Pictures
Life Magazine Staff
Manufacturer: Warner Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000WHV9BU

Book Description

Everyone thinks they have the world figured out at 19. Toby Kane was no different. But until 1990, his world had been fairly small. A junior in college, he was happily on his way toward a degree in advertising, had the love and support of his family, and was actively involved in his school and church. It was time to shake things up a bit. He was bored.

In Storm on the Mountain, Kane spends his first summer away from the South Dakota farm he called home. Seeking a retreat of adventure and solitude, he struggles to distinguish right from wrong upon learning that his church camp co-workers do not always share his beliefs. His morality is called into question and his rebellious side is born.

Storm on the Mountain aims at the heart of anyone searching for self-identity. More importantly, it chronicles the humorous antics of youth and explores the challenge of seeking maturity while trying to maintain innocence.

Customer Reviews:

Longing for youth..........2004-01-08

If you missed or miss your youth, long for innocence or are looking for meaning in life, this book has a good message. It's a simple reflection on a 19-year-old's summer away from home that's both whistful and funny. The lessons learned are those of maturing -- growing up, growing with others and growing with God. It's an easy and wortwhile read. -SW/SD

Building Military Dioramas Vol. VI
Average customer rating:

Great Gallery

Building Military Dioramas Vol. VI
Francois Verlinden
Manufacturer: Verlinden Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books
Models | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Home & Garden | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Building Military Dioramas Vol. V

Building Military Dioramas, Vol. VIII

Building Military Dioramas Vol. VII

Building Military Dioramas, Vol. 4

Building Military Dioramas Vol. III

ASIN: 1930607563

Book Description

Soft Cover
48 Pages
90+ Full color photographs

This 6th installment in VPs popular Building Military Dioramas series features 8 new articles covering the art of making military dioramas. Five breathtaking dioramas from the workshop at VP studios include Careless, with some unweary GIs about to be ambushed by Germans, Huey Down and The Recovery featuring impressive scenes out of the Vietnam War, Into the Reich with a Sherman passing an ancient castle ruin, and Under Fire, an action-packed battle scene with a white-washed Tiger II. Greg Cihlar returns with Broken, a fabulous 1/16 scale diorama featuring a damaged StuG III, and VPs own Charlie Pritchett takes aim with Suez Stinger, featuring an impressive Egyptian SA-6 Gainful SAM system from the Yom Kippur War of 1973. Finally, Spanish master-modeler Miguel Jimenez unveils his new product line with Dry Refuelling?, featuring a beautiful German SdKfz 11 half-track with new resin wheels & tarp cover. This latest book promises to whet the appetite of all modelers, as well as military enthusiasts & historians around the world.

Customer Reviews:

Great Gallery.......2007-01-09

This small book has many great works by Verlinden. However, don't buy this book if you're looking for step-by-step instructions on how to build dioramas. But this book does give great ideas to get started on building your own. It was exactly what I was expecting, but the title can be a little deceiving, just call it Military Dioramas Vol. VI.

Average customer rating:

Building Military Dioramas Vol. VI
Francois Verlinden
Manufacturer: NY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000MU6N2W

Book Description

While tribal territory and sovereignty guide the approaches of tribal governments, their ability to govern depends on other factors, such as leadership and economic development.
Through historical and political geography, the author examines how the erosion of tribal territory has affected tribal sovereignty on the Cheyenne River and Lake Traverse Indian Reservations. In particular, the book analyzes the concept of Indian Character as used by the United States Supreme Court in deciding diminishment cases involving the two reservations. The Court concluded that the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation has maintained its Indian Character while the Lake Traverse Indian Reservation has not. On the basis of Indian Character, the Court determined that the Lake Indian Reservation was diminished and, therefore, that the exterior borders of the reservation no longer define the tribe's territorial jurisdiction.
Through a study of the approaches, organizational structures, and services of the two tribal governments, the author explores how the tribal governments have worked through the constraints of their eroded territory and sovereignty to provide effective leadership and governance.

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