A Proven Strategy for Creating Great Art

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Worth the price, even now

Good insights and a look into a skillful painter's technique

A "MUST HAVE" book!!!

A Strategy for Creating Great Art

OK (but thin) advice, mediocre paintings

A Proven Strategy for Creating Great Art
Dan McCaw
Manufacturer: International Artist Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Reference | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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Customer Reviews:

Worth the price, even now.......2007-08-30

Alright, it's a dumb title. Not everybody is going to be able to make great paintings, there is no proven strategy that works for everyone, and great art is never ever the result of a formula. That said, the book had to have a title, and judging from the text, it seems likely that McCaw himself didn't pick this one. I've had this book since it was first published, and if I lost it, I would pick up another copy immediately even at its current Used and New price. The influence of the Cape Cod School is evident in his faceless beachgoers posed contrejour, as well as in his colorful but never uncontrolled brushwork. The lavish illustrations provide good insight into his techniques, but you have to work for it -- you really have to spend time looking at his pictures, and you will be well rewarded by learning a great deal from him, even if you don't want to paint just like he does. His handling of light on fabric is among the best. I highly recommend this book.

Good insights and a look into a skillful painter's technique.......2006-08-16

I shy away from buying art books, I've been burned by a few. You know the kind, where the artist just writes a book to get his name out and try to get more popular. The kind that are very light on technique yet show full color paintings on every page. I even decided not to buy any more books like that, but everyone kept recommending this one so I thought I'd try it.

I must say, it's not like the average books I was describing above. If you just thumbed through it you'd find a lot of his paintings, but if you take time to read the captions you'll see that he gives his insights and points out specific points related to the text for each one. It's one thing to say "use warm/cool contrast around the focal point", and it's another to demonstrate it with a real painting. The book covers some basics, things I've seen before, but they are presented in the author's unique way which makes them easy to understand. Sometimes I need to see something several times before it makes sense, and many of these theories seemed to make a lot more sense to me after reading the book.

Before reading the book, I wasn't particularly fond of his painting style. But once I read into his strategy and technique, I can honestly say I appreciate his art a lot more. I guess I didn't like it much before the book because I just didn't understand all that was going on. So keep an open mind and don't judge the book by his painting style alone.

The photos of his studio and the last section were extremely interesting. I was asking myself throughout the entire book "What colors does he have on his palette". Fortunately he does tell at the end. I could recognize the phthalo blue in his paintings, which he confirmed at the end. I'm going to try using it a bit more.

Finally, I usually don't refer to other reviews but I think it's unfortunate that two low reviews can distort the rating of this fine book. One gives 2 stars yet seems to approve of the book. And the other is just totally opposite of my experience.

Overall, a great book that I highly recommend to other artists.

A "MUST HAVE" book!!!.......2006-08-10

I own well over 50 art books. Some are instructional, some are just good for studying the great painters. Of all my instructional type books, I would rate this #1!! I love his style and his lessons are terrific. I teach Impressionist oil painting and my students love this book as well! I hope he writes another-I will buy it.

A Strategy for Creating Great Art.......2006-07-29

More than a "how to" book, Dan McCaw's philosophy of "painting from the heart" may be obvious, but it is stated with compelling sincerity.

OK (but thin) advice, mediocre paintings.......2006-05-14

I wonder if the glowing reviews that appear below were written by people who have a financial interest in the success of this book? The advice it contains is pretty simple and middle of the road, but, like a previous reviewer, I found the illustrations chosen to support the advice to be really poor.

Book Description

Russell Chatham's landscapes are inhabited by moving light and shadow, sun-blasted hills and soft rivers, looming mountains and melancholy trees. He belongs to no current movement, lives far from the bicoastal art world, and his paintings consequently defy easy description. This volume, published in conjunction with a retrospective exhibition at the Museum of the Rockies, includes Chatham's early oils from Northern California as well as the Montana paintings that have brought him national acclaim.

Customer Reviews:

not what I expected.......2007-07-09

I discovered Chatham's work through this book. Although the work starts out pretty weak it picks up momentum about half way through and finishes strong. Apart from the Grandpa worship and the "spirit of place" stuff the work is fairly direct and unpretentious. Which is why I was so shocked and disappointed to see his actual work recently at his personal gallery in Livingston, Wyoming. This is work that seems better in reproduction than it does in real life. So I give it 4 stars for getting me to make the journey, and less than 5 for the eventual disappointment.

Mysteriously beautiful landscapes.......2000-04-16

I know taste in art is an individual thing, but these are absolutely wonderful paintings! No knowledge of fancy theories is necessary to understand these landscapes, they just ARE. Using muted (some would say murky) colors, Chatham's work is filled with mystery and wonder, love of the earth, and a luminous atmosphere. You can see the stillness in these paintings... They are full of spirituality and tragic beauty. Chatham's essay on his life is insightful and inspiring. I only wish some examples of artwork by his grandfather, Gottatdo Piazzoni, had been included, since that was the inspiration for Chatham's work. I have a lot of art books, this is the most inspirational. And it has become better over the years! It is not a "how to" book, but a retrospective of this artist's work over the last 30 years.

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Russell Chatham: One HUndred Paintings.
Jim HARRISON
Manufacturer: See notes
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000UZRI8M

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Russell Chatham: One Hundred Paintings
Russell Chatham
Manufacturer: Clark City Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000KV5VZ8

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Family Fun

dance of the chickens

Really Funny

Great read for all ages!

Dance of the Chickens: An Anthology of Light-Hearted Stories
Ben Romero
Manufacturer: Trafford Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Jokes & Riddles | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1412041007
Release Date: 2006-07-06

Customer Reviews:

Family Fun.......2005-02-08

This was my favorite of the two volumes that I own. Great for sharing with younger generations. It provides easy reading, short stories in a family friendly context. The best part of all is the laughter. Thank you, Mr Romero, for sharing your stories and those of others like you.

dance of the chickens.......2005-02-08

the stories in this book are humorous, real to life, easy ready, great to share with family; i reccomend this book to anyone that like family life and real life situations

Really Funny.......2005-02-07

Very Funny stories. Makes you realize what the term "scarred for life" means. I enjoyed every story in the book, it is nice to see that everyone has similar experiences while growing up. I totally recommend reading this book.

Great read for all ages!.......2005-02-06

Hilarious stories. As a parent I really enjoyed them, especially seeing how parents cope with the outrageous, silly, and sometimes annoying things kids do. My kids (ages 13, 12, and 9) really like reading the stories also, and seeing they are not the only ones that do silly and sometimes stupid things. GREAT BOOK!

Customer Reviews:

Christine's review.......2007-07-05

I am a HUGE Bon Jovi fan. I did enjoy this book, but it left me wanting more. I expected more information other than what every Bon Jovi fan already knows. It didn't delve deep into the real solid relationship between the band members. The story is about Jon and how he got started. If you're hoping for information about his marriage and children, you will be disappointed. This book is not a behind the scenes look at the man, but more about life with the band, the struggles and achievements.

Jon Bon Jovi.......2007-03-28

Jon Bon Jovi is great and this is a great book about him.

junk mail!.......2007-01-21

Pass this one up. As a longtime BonJovi fan, I usually enjoy reading anything about the band but this book is just rehash. She's never met or interviewed the boys, she just put together other people's work and called it a book. Don't waste your money.

Have a nice day .......2006-01-11

I did not think I would learn anything new that I did not already know before, but this book was much more informative than I expected. It talks in depth about all the reasons behind everything, about Jon's early inspirations, and how all of the hits ranked on the charts.
Although it was overflowing with endless knowledge, the facts seemed to just be listed off on the page at times. I wish that she wrote it as more of a story so that the reader is drawn in deeper so that they can feel like they were there. So that when the ending comes around, the reader feels like they truly know Jon Bon Jovi. His story is so easy to get caught up in all the emotion and excitement, but she hindered that effect by just laying out the facts. She tried to express his determined personality, great accomplishments, humble beginnings, and drive by using descriptive language. Her choice of words were great, but it didn't flow well and the British slang made one too many appearances.
At parts she would give away what happens further into his life, which might not bother most people, but it bothered me. If Jon didn't know of something at that point in his life, then the reader shouldn't know it at that point in the story either. That way the reader can better connect to Jon and might be able to better understand what he was going through.
She used many quotes by all of the band members of the band to better describe events happening, even though the quotes were from the media. I won't bash her for not interviewing the band because I know that they are very reluctant to give away their inside story. So she did her best in gathering and organizing all of the information she has obtained throughout the years.
Even though this is a biography about Jon, she still talks a great deal about the other members of the band. But she doesn't overdo it so much that it would have to be called a biography on the band Bon Jovi because she doesn't talk about their childhoods or go too in depth about their personal lives, just about their time spent in the band with Jon.

Nothing new/wrong.......2005-06-27

As an old Bon Jovi fan I was completely dissapointed by this book. It is absolutely clear that the content is based just on the info gathered from media and the author haven't even met the band members or other people mentioned in the book. Some of the facts and opinions in the book are very doubtful. I think any Bon Jovi fan could write a better 'biography'. Dont waste money on this one.

Average customer rating:

Jon Jovi - These Days
Bon Jovi
Manufacturer: Hal Leonard Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Songbooks | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Entertainment Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
ASIN: 0793558689

Bon Jovi: Faith and Glory : The Official Story

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MUST HAVE FOR BON JOVI FANS

Bon Jovi: Faith and Glory : The Official Story
Malcolm Dome
Manufacturer: Penguin Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Entertainers | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Entertainment Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
ASIN: 1898141304

Customer Reviews:

MUST HAVE FOR BON JOVI FANS.......2000-03-28

This book gives an in depth history of this legendary band from New Jersey. In talks about the band before they were signed up to 1994. It goes in depth about the bands relationship when it was on the rocks in the early 90's and also dedicates an entire chapter to the dispute between bon jovi and skid row. it is written by someone who has followed the band for years and is a respected hard rock journalist. From their first appearence at the Monsters of Rock in donnington to the moscow peace festival this book has it all. For people interested in illustration, there are plenty of pictures as well. other great books by this author include Motley Crue: Lude Crude and Rude

Bon Jovi (Reading Success Paperback Book)

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Bon Jovi (Reading Success Paperback Book)
Dennis P. Eichhorn
Manufacturer: Turman Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Blaze of Glory
Jon Bon Jovi
Manufacturer: Warner Bros.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000KYCENC

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Jon Bon Jovi / Destination Anywhere
Jon Bon Jovi
Manufacturer: Hal Leonard Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Songbooks | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0711970041

Book Description

Matching folio to the cd by Jon Bon Jovi. Features 13 songs including 'Midnight IN Chelsea', 'Janie, Don't Take Your Love To Town', and 'Queen of New Orleans'. Matching videos to these songs include appearances by Demi Moore, Kevin Bacon, and Whoopi Goldberg. P/V/G format.

Average customer rating:

Jon Bon Jovi Destination Anywhere

Manufacturer: Hal Leonard+music Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0793587778

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Only Lonely
Jon; Bryan, David Bon Jovi
Manufacturer: Famous Music Corp
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000KBMRDC

Star Tracks (New Kids on the Block, Jon Bon Jovi, Debbie Gibson, Candace Cameron, Jasmine Guy, Richard Grieco, D.J. Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, Paula Abdul, Bobby Brown, Fred Savage)

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Star Tracks (New Kids on the Block, Jon Bon Jovi, Debbie Gibson, Candace Cameron, Jasmine Guy, Richard Grieco, D.J. Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, Paula Abdul, Bobby Brown, Fred Savage)

Manufacturer: Publications International
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0881767972

Product Description

Articles on the day's biggest stars aimed at teens.

Blaze Of Glory sheetmusic by Jon Bon Jovi

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Blaze Of Glory sheetmusic by Jon Bon Jovi
Jon Bon Jovi
Manufacturer: Mercury Records
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Sheet music

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000PDDQK8

Product Description

Sheetmusic for the song Blaze of Glory by Jon Bon Jovi

Book Description

This book explores the varied vernacular forms and rich oral traditions which were such a part of popular culture in early modern England. It focuses, in particular, upon dialect speech and proverbial wisdom, 'old wives' tales' and children's lore, historical legends and local customs, scurrilous versifying and scandalous rumour-mongering. Adam Fox argues that while the spoken word provides the most vivid insight into the mental world of the majority in this society, it was by no means untouched by written influences. Even at the beginning of the period, centuries of reciprocal infusion between these complementary media had created a cultural repertoire which had long since ceased to be purely oral. Thereafter, the growth of reading ability together with the proliferation of texts both in manuscript and print saw the rapid acceleration and elaboration of this process. By 1700 popular traditions and modes of expression were the product of a fundamentally literate environment to a much greater extent than has yet been appreciated.

Oral and Literate Culture in England 1500-1700.(Book Review): An article from: Albion

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Oral and Literate Culture in England 1500-1700.(Book Review): An article from: Albion
Jo Ann H. Moran Cruz
Manufacturer: North American Conference on British Studies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Albion, published by North American Conference on British Studies on December 22, 2002. The length of the article is 941 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Oral and Literate Culture in England 1500-1700.(Book Review)
Author: Jo Ann H. Moran Cruz
Publication: Albion (Refereed)
Date: December 22, 2002
Publisher: North American Conference on British Studies
Volume: 34 Issue: 4 Page: 639(2)

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Oral and Literate Culture in England, 1500-1700

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Oral and Literate Culture in England, 1500-1700
Adam Fox
Manufacturer: Oxford Univ Pr on Demand 1/12/2000
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MBUT1W

Oral and Literate Culture in England, 1500-1700 (Oxford Studies in Social History)

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Oral and Literate Culture in England, 1500-1700 (Oxford Studies in Social History)
Adam Fox
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OKYJH6

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Oral and Literate Culture in England, 1500-1700 (Oxford Studies in Social History)
Adam Fox
Manufacturer: NY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MU7HDG

Book Description

Economic development and forest use, with special emphasis on understanding the components of forest degradation and exploitation in developing countries, is the focus of this book. Contributors, mostly from South or Southeast Asia, examine deforestation and tenurial rights, linkages between migration, poverty, and resource exploitation, technology diffusion among poor-subsistence households, fuelwood and energy collection pressures on open-access resources, government and public investments, and household models of labor choice and its impact on resources. Emphasis is on empirical investigation of these problems, though some conceptual material related to resource exploitation, rent distributions, and household economics is presented.

The book is the first to study household resource rent models within a developing-country forestry context. The empirical models are motivated by specifying and formally testing linkages between labor, time, and other input decisions. The book also is the first self-contained study using data from several countries to study a common set of problems such as forest use pressure, the relationship between forest exploitation, household allocation of time, and rents, the adoption of technologies to mitigate exploitation of forest resources, and the importance of population pressure and spatial aspects of deforestation.

The book fills a niche by bringing rigorous economic theories and hypothesis testing to social aspects of resource use. It will be of interest to a range of professionals, from academic economists working in forestry and development to resource policy professionals at international development agencies, especially those struggling with developing incentives to reduce forest degradation.

William F. Hyde is Professor in the Department of Forestry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Gregory S. Amacher is Associate Professor in the Department of Forestry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute.

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