Jacques Garcia: Decorating in the French Style

Book Description

A thirty-year career has made Jacques Garcia a worldwide name in interior design in the French tradition. In Paris, chic crowds flock to his celebrated Hétel Costes and Ladurée tearoom, and to his many fin-de-siécle brasseries. Garcia's designs also grace the interiors of the Musée Carnavalet and the Musée de la Vie Romantique-and his most recent tour de force is the restoration of Paris' Hétel Mansart. Garcia's most ambitious project to date, the refurbishment of the Chéteau du Champ de Bataille in Normandy, attracts visitors from across the globe and has become a monument to his art and celebrity. This new edition of the 1999 book is a continuing tribute to the restoration of the chéteau and to its magnificent garderns, seen here for the first time. Sumptuously illustrated and updated to include Garcia's latest creations, this new edition provides the reader with a privileged view of true French style.

Customer Reviews:

Par Excellent.......2006-03-21

I first saw this book at a Baker Furniture showroom which sales the Garcia furniture line. The furniture on display did not capture the genius of Garcia which, on the other hand, the book does. I have not had the opportunity to read but a few lines from this book, as my busy schedule has not permitted. However, from what I have read, I am in for a treat.

I have, however, scanned the pictures. I have stickey notes, every few pages of my favorite decors. This book is nothing short of a visual feast. Garcia, like many gifted individuals, comes from another planet where his talent for his profession could not be learned from a text book or a class room. You either have it or you don't.

I am delighted with this book. Damn that beige color pallet. I truely appreciated his opulent use of the rich coloring of European aristocracy. If I could give it more stars, I would.

A touts les glories de la France.......2006-03-08

Most American designers who would persuade that they present us with so called 'French' design, actually show us American interiors with a few traditional French furniture pieces thrown in the loupe - but this doesn't make them French. (Generally they come across more English country house, really; chintz et al.) Jacques Garcia is very different! He knows the traditional interiors of France as if they are tattooed blueprints on his mind; the panelling, floors, carvings, mantles, proportions, the furniture and accessories, fabrics, architecture and art - but most importantly he has that extremely rare ability to know those idiosyncratic and intangible differences, those transcendent and ethereal distinctions of the French intellect regarding aesthetics. He has found the French soul and is sharing it with you. It is not even slightly American! If you wish to know what France IS see Garcia's book!

French Opulence in Interior Design.......2005-10-22

This stunning book presents the residential and commercial work of the French interior designer Jacques Garcia. The printing quality and paper stock are superb. Though written in a subjective, praising and uncritical style, the book still provides insights into Garcia's background and design philosophy. As one who has visited Champ de Bataille, the book truly captures the beauty and grandeur of the place.

Jacques Garcia Furniture Collection.......2004-09-22

Excellent reading, a must have for your own book collection. His newest furniture collection is now available through Baker Furniture trade showrooms or authorized dealers or you can visit JacquesGarcia.com for more information on his collections.

Book Description

They are known as the Little People, the Beautiful Maidens, the Godmothers, the Blessed, the Ageless Ones...for it is dangerous to say the name "faeries" without good reason. Ruling over earth, air, fire, and water, they protect forests, animals, and children, and in their hands lie the dreamy souls of all creatures.

The faeries rose from the mist long, long ago, in the time of the Golden Age -- well before the creation of gods and men. In their magical fancy they created the singing grasses and the reflection of springs, the music of legends and the far side of the mirror. From the Valkyries of Valhalla to the Babouchka of Russia, Banshees, Dryads, Bogey Beasts, Sirens, and their ilk populate the imaginations and the forests of every culture.

In this comprehensive celebration of the world of faery, renowned French elficologist Pierre Dubois describes the extraordinary richness of the faery kingdom, presenting dozens and dozens of lushly illustrated entries on the most powerful and enchanting denizens of this magical world. Dubois provides readers with authoritative information detailing the customs, habitat, and activities of these Little People. Faery Godmothers, we discover, were originally tall, distinguished, and rather severe; only recently have they taken up the magic wands and cheerful smiles we know them for today. We learn that the favorite foods of the Arthurian faery Viviane are the blackberries that surround Merlin's tomb. And among the customs and activities of the Bogey Beast, the prime goal is indeed to scare little children...if only for their protection.

Dubois's entrancing descriptions are accompanied by Roland and Claudine Sabatier's marvelous illustrations, which depict the appearance of the faeries, the places where they are found, and their familiar objects. Without revealing any faery confidences (which must never be betrayed), Dubois and the Sabatiers have created a comprehensive and utterly enchanting survey of a magical world as old as time.

Customer Reviews:

Fascinating and unique!!.......2007-08-10

If you are looking for a comprehensive guide to the fairy world, you will be hard-pressed to find a better book than this. An encyclopedia is exactly what this book is- an artistic encyclopedia. It provides a thorough description of each mythical being, including its history, characteristics, magical powers, habitat, and even dietary preferences. And all the descriptions are surrounded by beautiful illustrations.

If you are looking for a fairy art book, you'll probably want to look elsewhere. The illustrations are wonderful, but they are not the primary focus of the book- the information is.

Fairies... not what I had in mind.........2007-06-08

This book isn't at all what I had hoped it would be. The stories and descriptions are ok.. they seemed to concentrate more on norse myths... but the illustrations were so disappointing. I am a big Brian Froud fan... and after seeing his magnifican drawings, well.. these just don't even compare. So if you like diversity, this might be ok for you. But if you like the beautiful artwork... I'd pass on this one.

The Encyclopedia Of Faeries.......2007-04-16

My review of this book is that it is just enchanting to me and maybe to other people also it is amazing with all the stories in it. Also this book has facts on creatures that maybe is really around you and others like the light faeries , the dark faeries , and the elemental faeries. Last but not least just as the book page that says about the author in the book that Pierre Dubois is a wonderful author.

Master Elficologist!.......2007-02-04

I am sure that Mr. DuBois is the real thing, an elficologist of the highest sort...artist, philosopher, seer-- a true poet. He has ventured in secret, sacred places and written beautifully about them. He is a child at heart, and a wise one at that. This is the best of all the faery books!

Incredible amount of information.......2006-04-25

Pierre Dubois covers a vast array of different types of faeries. This is more for the serious study of faeries and less on their cute aspects. Contains lots of information from folklore and mythology.

The Encyclopedia of Fantasy and Science Fiction Art Techniques

Average customer rating:

a pioneer and still a strong resource
Encyclopedia is a bit misleading a title.
Books won't do it all
Too comics-heavy
Wonderful Choice !

The Encyclopedia of Fantasy and Science Fiction Art Techniques
John Grant , and Ron Tiner
Manufacturer: Running Press Book Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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

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

General | Drawing | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Art | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books

Literature | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books

Science Fiction & Fantasy | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1561385344

Customer Reviews:

a pioneer and still a strong resource.......2006-11-29

Way back when I was first interested in seriously improving my skills, this book was about the only thing I could find anywhere. Maddening to look through a dozen similar books on watercolor flowers when you wanted to do knights and dragons. Now, at last, there are a lot of books on the subject, but this book is still one of the best. Not just how to, but a collection of inspirational sources for experimenting with.

Encyclopedia is a bit misleading a title........2005-01-10

I would more call this book an overview of fantasy and science fiction art techniques, for it does not have the scope or detail included to merit the title "Encyclopedia". Art tools and materials are covered so superficially as to not really merit inclusion at all. Certain basic drawing techniques such as characterization and perspective are covered briefly in 2-4 pages, but are only really useful to those with some basic drawing skills already.

What this book is perhaps best used for is as a source for inspiration, giving some nice examples of work by many masters of the field such as Jael, Jim Burns, David A. Hardy, and Boris Vallejo. Different subgenres of fantasy art are covered from space art to horror, and it is nice that the images are all reproduced in color (unlike some art books which try to save money and reproduce most images in black and white.)

This volume alone will not turn someone into a master fantasy artist overnight, nor is it one of the better overviews of the field that I have seen. Still, for someone just looking to explore the field of science-fiction/fantasy art in more detail and curious about some of the techniques and styles used, this is not a bad volume to add to your collection.

Books won't do it all.......2004-03-13

Every book has some points or knowledge that will help us do better, but to expect a book by Vallejo or Michael Whelan to turn us into an artist of their caliber is asking a bit much. The most one can expect is to pick up some techniques or helpful hints. This isn't a bad book, it just can't be the book. The Artist's Manual, The Illustrator's Bible, and a variety of good artistic anatomy books are well worth the penny for even people who want to draw or paint in the Science Fiction or Fantasy mode. Keep in mind that good art is just that, good art, regardless of pigeonholing things into categories. A lot of us would like to just get the shortcut to no sweat greatness, but that usually is more of fantasy than anything else. Look at non-specialized technique books as well as ones with Science Fiction or Fantasy on the covers.

Too comics-heavy.......2003-06-19

The authors (artists) give you interesting lesson plans for drawing Fantasy Art in diferent techniques. Unfortunately, a lot of their examples come from comic book art. While I feel that comic books are an art form (probably one of the most difficult ones to master) I wanted more traditional fare, like Frazetta, Boris, pen-and-ink pulp, and like that.
It's still fun to follow the lesson plan. Give it a try.

Wonderful Choice !.......2003-04-21

This is one of my all time favorites. It doesn't take the pencil out of your hand and draw for you, but it gives wonderful examples and descriptions of a variety of sci-fi and fantasy techniques. Sections include Body Language, Distortion of Form, Exaggeration, False Perspective, Human and Humanoid, Illusion of Space and Depth, Alien Landscapes, Lighting, Implausible and Impossible Structures, Juxtaposition. It's really a great book.

Book Description

Jon Agee presents another installment of witty wordplay with Elvis Lives!, a book of over sixty anagrams (words or phrases rearranged to form new words or phrases), each hilariously illustrated by the author.

An IRA-CBC Children's Choice
A Parents' Choice Recommended Book

Customer Reviews:

Funny, clever.......2000-06-26

Agee rearranges the letters in these words and phrases with funny results. For example:

elvis = lives

nudist colony = no untidy clothes

alien forms = life on mars

committees = cost me time

eleven plus two = twelve plus one

In writing they are clever, but with his illustrations they are hilarious.

Average customer rating:
Elvis Lives!: and Other Anagrams (Sunburst Book)
Jon Agee
Manufacturer: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OWWN6S

Book Description

Murder, rape, prostitution, devastating fires, highway fatalities, bank robbers, shootouts, suicides, and high-speed chases are all part of the job. And so are petty politics, negative attitudes, vilification, second guessing, imperious editors and 3 a.m. phone calls. But for the very good police reporters there are moments of glory, great stories, recognition, awards and self-satisfaction. And of course, there is always the excitement and challenge. The conflicts between the press and authorities, the implacable deadlines, and the horror in the eyes of victims are graphically portrayed in a police reporter's coverage, and they are the sum and substance of this book. Most intriguing is the behind-the-scenes view that is quite different from what you read about in the papers.

Book Description

“A haunting account of one man’s determination and the struggles of a people living in a deeply troubled country.”—Booklist

When William Powers went to Liberia as a fresh-faced aid worker in 1999, he was given the mandate to “fight poverty and save the rainforest.” It wasn’t long before Powers saw how many obstacles lay in the way, discovering first-hand how Liberia has become a “black hole in the international system”—poor, environmentally looted, scarred by violence, and barely governed. Blue Clay People is an absorbing blend of humor, compassion, and rigorous moral questioning, arguing convincingly that the fate of endangered places such as Liberia must matter to all of us.

Customer Reviews:

An interesting look into the complicated problems of poverty, corruption, and sustainability in the Third (and Fourth) World........2007-04-24

William Powers writes a compelling story of idealism and reality in the war-torn country of Liberia, where he lived for two years while working for Catholic Relief Services.

What intrigued me the most? How he avoided placing all blame in one corner, but rather shared it amongst all the participants. Relief agencies create too much dependence through simple distributions. Governments fuel violence and bathe themselves in corruption. Americans and others in First World nations demand goods at rates and levels that siphon necessary resources from countries that need them for development. The poor lie, cheat, and steal in order to keep their families fed (thus focusing on the short-term and ignoring the long-term.) All in all, a thought-provking, well written story with an important moral!

Seeking "enough" for all of us.......2006-11-14

In this powerful and compelling account, William Powers helps us all strive toward having "enough". The Liberians have too little. They lack food, water, shelter, and security. But too many westerners have too much. The excessive natural resources consumed by each westerner are obtained at immense cost to the environment and the people of third and fourth world countries. The mahogany of old growth trees clear cut from the Liberian rain forest is sold to Westerners to enrich Charles Taylor and finance war on his own people. Engagement rings made with "conflict diamonds" pay to oppress many poor Africans. But intervention is difficult as William Powers found out as he worked in Liberia to "reduce poverty and dependency while preserving the rain forest". Western ways do not solve fourth world problems; instead they usually add to the problems. Simple, elegant, sustainable solutions, integrated into each unique physical and cultural environment can make a difference. This book is a fascinating invitation to listen to nature, rather than dominate it.

Depressingly predictable, or predictably depressing, if you work in the international development field.......2006-11-05

Blue Clay People: Seasons on Africa's Fragile Edge by William Powers is one of those international environment and development books that makes you wince even if you're not surprised by what you see. Powers (who's doing some work with my wife in the Andes now, which is why I read his book) headed off to Liberia just out of his master's degree to work for Catholic Relief Services, with the grand goals of improving Liberia's health, education, and economic development prospects while stopping deforestation of the country's rainforest. Nice ideas. He arrived at what he thought was the end of a civil war. Instead, he arrived at a temporary halt in the fighting that would shortly end. In the meantime he found an expatriate NGO community living a high life of SUVs, parties with embassy staff, and jazz and beer in the capital city, while in the hinterlands, aid was wasted, corruption was rampant, and the natives were reliant on international handouts rather than developing their own infrastructure. He went in as an idealist, writing eagerly back to his fiancee in the States and espousing a sort of post-sectarian missionary zeal to help the noble Liberian people. He ends up rather soured on the whole experience, even when he does get out into the country, find more responsible economic development models (i.e. building capacity in sustainable agriculture) and finding a Liberian girlfriend when his engagement falls apart. Moral of the story: International development is a dicey business, and living in a developing country is good for introspection and personal growth, but risky for your love life.

Honest and forces you to rethink things..........2006-10-12

This book is a must read for anyone who professes to want to effect a change in the world, specifically when it comes to helping people less fortunate than ourselves, home or abroad.

There are conflicting issues of sustainabilty versus compassion, saving economies versus environmental holocaust and culture imperialism versus saving lives that don't often get brought up. How do we deal with these seemingly impossible concessions? Read it, then make up your own mind.

Powers is also a very stirring writer of narrative, and aside from the larger issues, it's a personal journey that I found so easy to internalize and feel as if I were involved personally.

Worth a read .......2006-07-24

This is non-hero real look into the day to day opperations of foriegn aid work. It presents clear looking to issuse of poverty and enviroment and the history of a unstable area. Worth the time if you are interesting in topic or think of traveling to do aid work.

Blue Clay People Seasons on Africa's Fragile Edge

Average customer rating:

Blue Clay People Seasons on Africa's Fragile Edge
Powers William
Manufacturer: Bloomsbury
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000UILPCY

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