Vision and Art: The Biology of Seeing

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What is it that makes the work of Monet, van Gogh, da Vinci, and Warhol so visually arresting? How do our eyes and brains coordinate to perceive line and color?

Neurobiologist Margaret Livingstone addresses these and many other questions in Vision and Art, a lively look at the science underlying art. She writes accessibly, but with plenty of technical depth, on such matters as the nature of light and the visible spectrum, the organization of visual-image processing, the structure of the vertebrate eye and brain, and individual and culturally conditioned perceptions of color. Using well-known works of art as case studies, she offers fascinating bits of trivia (on, for instance, how pastels are made and why purple dyes are so rare) alongside practical information for artists (for example, how high-contrast contours and evenly distributed luminance attract the eye).

The result is a literate, lucid blend of art and science that will appeal to artists and connoisseurs alike. --Gregory McNamee

Customer Reviews:

Vision and Photography.......2005-10-17

This is a book that every teacher of photography and serious photographer should read and study and re-read. Although the book contains no photographic examples, there are plenty of examples in famous paintings to support the visual research Dr. Livingtson so clearly writes about. The examples in paintings are easily transferable
to a number of familiar and famous photographs.
Ever wonder what Ansel Adams and Edward Weston were so successful with the black-and-white photographs but not with their color photographs? I have, and her book has provided me with insights into this and other photographic practices.

Outstanding.......2005-03-16

After reading it, you'll want to keep it close to you. That way, you'll never forget how important art and science are in your life.

Shows you how you see and how you paint.......2004-01-17

Margaret Livingstone has produced a book so very useful to visual artists that it may, in its density of ideas, seem definitive rather than evocative. But evocative it is. As we learn from studying it, Livingstone's book offers implications that may be developed by any artist who reads it in almost any direction. One might take as an example the very rich Chapter 8, with its notions of luminance as a balance for the salience, or pushiness of certain colors - how Leonardo handled it, how Ingres handled it, and how today's painter or digital image maker might go even further. The size and shape of the book allow for illustrations that work on the eye at the right scale. And there is an overall visual loudness to the book that is jarring and satisfying.

The author gets to the structure of our visual systems, makes them very clear, and tells us things that are lasting and verifiable. Her spirit of personal experimentation shows in the book, and makes us think that looking inquisitively at the world will pay off.

Fascinating Science of Visual Art.......2003-06-09

Some teasers on the back cover:

"Why do Claude Monet's fields of flowers seem to wave in the breeze?"

"What is the secret of Mona Lisa's smile?"

The first two chapters cover some scientific fundamentals- how light and the human vision works. While this is all very scientific, every effort is made to make it understandable, with plenty of full-color diagrams illustrating the concepts. While these 2 chapters are not the easiest to read, they're not rocket science either, and provide a valuable foundation for the rest of the book. Not essential but VERY useful.

Things start to get interesting toward the end of the 2nd chapter, when we start to understand what a red/green colorblind person sees. But the best stuff starts to come in the third chapter ("Luminance and Night Vision"). Plenty of interesting illustrations are provided in this chapter (like red cherries in a blue bowl, where the cherries appear brighter or darker than the bowl depending on the ambient light, or flickering polkadots), and continues until the rest of a book, making it a truly fascinating read.

Oh, and the explanation on Mona Lisa's enigmatic smile is very convincing.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in both visual art and science.
I also recommend it to anyone who's interested in science and how things work- you'll appreciate some art pieces a lot more after reading this book.

Worth a Look.......2003-01-30

This volume is very good at covering how the human visual system operates and how that affects the artist and art viewer. It's not too dense with abstruse scientific detail and it contains lots of good examples and demonstrations. The writing style and
organisation of the book are also clear.

On the whole, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the visual arts, although the scope of the book is not large.

Customer Reviews:

A reader from Laredo, Texas.......2003-04-26

I really enjoyed the book, especially the portrait on page 132, since it is me in the painting. It brought me a lot of happiness to see my portrait in this magnificent book. Special thanks to the artist, my very good friend Tom Joyce. I hope you read this message so you will know that you are very special and talented person...love, Cristina

After a more careful review, I now rate it 3+ stars!.......1999-03-31

My other review was too harsh. I'm afraid I initially expected a book geared to painters of portraits rather than viewers of portraits. I've since had an opportunity to spend some time with the book and it wears well. Sorry painters and editor.

A better title would be "Mediocre Portrait Painting".......1999-03-13

The book is a disappointment. The paintings are well reproduced, but for the most part they are undistinguished, pedestrian pictures by new and [one hopes] developing artists. Not master of the genre is represented. No Kinstler, no Sanden, no David Green, no Gordon Wetmore, no Jack Beal, nobody. Sorry, there are better coffee tables books available. No John Singer Sargeants here.

"The spirit of '76" ..... an American portrait: America's best known painting, least known artist

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"The spirit of '76" ..... an American portrait: America's best known painting, least known artist
Willard F Gordon
Manufacturer: Aero Publishers : distributed by Quail Hill Associates
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Painting | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0006COC4W

"The Spirit of '76" ..... An American Portrait: America's Best Known Painting, L

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"The Spirit of '76" ..... An American Portrait: America's Best Known Painting, L
Willard F. Gordon
Manufacturer: Quail Hill Associates
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000LH6IK8

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Corporate Photography Showcase

Manufacturer: American Showcase
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Professional | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0931144140

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Corporate Photography Showcase
tennyson schad
Manufacturer: AMERICAN SHOWCASE
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000FMOZOA

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Corporate Photography Showcase One
Am Showcas
Manufacturer: Robert Silver Assoc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0931144132

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Corporate Showcase
Ira Shapiro
Manufacturer: Rizzoli International Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Graphic Design | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books | Airbrush | Animation | Books | Calligraphy | Clip Art | Commercial | Graphic Arts | Lithography | Pop Culture | Printmaking | Silk Screen & Batik | Typography
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ASIN: 0931144752

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Corporate Showcase #12, Photography, Illustration Graphic Design

Manufacturer: American Showcase
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000H0DVF4

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Corporate Showcase (Creative Options for Business and Annual Reports)
American Showcase Inc
Manufacturer: Watson-Guptill Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Annuals | Commercial | Graphic Design | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0823063631

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Corporate Showcase - Photography, Illustration & Graphic Design 13
Ira Shapiro
Manufacturer: American Showcase, Inc.
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Binding: Hardcover
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Corporate Showcase 10
American Showcase Inc
Manufacturer: Watson-Guptill Publications
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Binding: Paperback

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General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0823061930

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Corporate Showcase 10 {Photography, Illustraion & Graphic Design}

Manufacturer: American Showcase, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 093114468X

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Corporate Showcase 12 : Photography, Illustration and Graphic Design
American Showcase. Inc. Staff
Manufacturer: American Showcase Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000ONP7E2

Book Description

The third in the popular series collects the entire Entropy Dreaming series and the one-shot special Retro-Mix into one action-packed volume! Long time and first time readers will enjoy the continuing exploits of Loo, Pascal, Filthy Jake, and the rest of the cast. Plus, a "who's who" of hot artist contributions.

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A riveting account of the Holocaust seen through the eyes of a small, Jewish, French boy. From beginning to end, it takes the reader on a see-saw ride of emotions, from laughter to tears, and from peaceful scenes to hellish, graphic dramas. This is a very powerful book, where hope and wherewithal play a key role. An extremely well-written, uplifting book, well worth reading. From a very peaceful scene, the action changes into a suspense-filled, high-tension, dramatic scene, and the reader will be rooting for that innocent child enmeshed in a worldwide conflict. Expect a phenomenal blow to your solar plexus because you will not be able to put this book down once you start reading. It is a no-nonsense look at life and the world around us; a true story lived by a very sensitive child who shares his soul with the reader.

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This instruction book for beginning lap dulcimer in DAD tuning is unique in two ways. First, it instructs the beginning student in the increasingly popular DAD tuning. Secondly, the author, a classroom music teacher, has carefully and systematically layered the lessons to guide the student through familiar songs while teaching skills and musical concepts. This not only enables the student to enjoy the lap dulcimer but also enhances total music understanding and participation. The accompanying CD provides instructional dialogue and demonstrations of the techniques and songs included in the book. Additional hints and exercises are presented in an inviting and encouraging conversational text.

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Mel Bay First Lessons Hammered Dulcimer
Linda Thomas
Manufacturer: Mel Bay Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

ASIN: 0786662905

Book Description

First Lessons Hammered Dulcimer is designed to instruct beginning players on the instrument. The melodies in this collection include a variety of hymns, holiday music and fiddle tunes written in standard notation, with instructions on how to read the notation. Lyrics and suggested chords for accompanying instruments are also included. The accompanying CD offers two tracks for each selection: a performance track with rhythm guitar and an instructional track with detailed phrase-by-phrase demonstration. The guided audio instruction at a slow tempo will prove invaluable for the "by ear" player. This method provides a "private lesson" approach for success on the hammered dulcimer.

How to Play the Dulcimer with performance CD

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How to Play the Dulcimer with performance CD
Larry McCabe
Manufacturer: Santorella Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1585600733

Product Description

Easy to read tablature lessons no note reading required! Lead sheets for note readers. Solos and chords, fun and relaxing to play. Performance CD included!

Book Description

Puff, the Magic Dragon is simply one of the most beloved songs of all time—a classic that’s become as much a part of the childhood experience as Mother Goose and fairy tales. Yet singer/songwriter Peter Yarrow and co-composer Lenny Lipton have never allowed a picture book adaptation of this magical tale…until now. With Yarrow’s and Lipton’s blessing, Puff, Jackie Paper, and the land of Honalee finally live on the page. The exquisite package includes a cloth case with a tipped-in illustration and an embossed jacket with foil touches, as well as an exclusive CD featuring not only Puff, but several other songs performed by Yarrow, his daughter Bethany, and cellist Rufus Cappadocia. This is a publishing event sure to attract broad attention and please Puff’s many fans.

In richly-hued paintings of the deepest sea blues and greens, Puff and his friend Jackie Paper frolic in the land of Honalee—traveling in a fantastic boat with billowed sails, climbing red castle stairs onto a balcony to meet with noble kings and princes, and watching pirate ships lower their flags for the roaring dragon. Artist Eric Puybaret has brought an entire magical world into being with enthralling landscapes, color, and characters. And everyone will love the way the art cleverly turns the song’s end, which at first seemed so sad, into a surprising and joyful moment.
Best of all—this is only the first of many more collaborations with Peter Yarrow to come!

Customer Reviews:

Breathraking!!!!.......2007-09-28

Absolutely beautiful. I love the illustrations. The CD is a bonus and I will be reading this book to my grandchild while the CD plays in the background. This song has always brought tears to my eyes and I treasure this book.

Absolutly gorgeous!.......2007-09-17

This book came quickly, and it is sooo beautiful. The CD is such a nice bonus. I couldnt be more pleased.

Gorgeous.......2007-09-13

I looked for this book specifically because my 2-year-old son loves books that can be sung to him. It arrived two days ago, and I could not be more pleased! The text is simply the lyrics, no more, no less----perfect! And the illustrations are elegant and enchanting, simple, clear and inviting! I must add that I was especially pleased that the illustrator gave the rather sad ending to the lyrics a very hopeful, touching, and I believe true-to-the-spirit of the song, twist! Lovely! I will say that the CD with the book is only fair---I recommend the Peter, Paul & Mommy edition (also available through Amazon, I believe). Enjoy!

Timeless.......2007-09-12

My son just received this book for his birthday and I have to admit I was a little more excited than him about the tale. He had never heard about Puff but once he started flipping through the pages so beautifully illustrated, he was excited to read it.

I decided for his first reading we'd follow along with the song. When I was a child it was a favorite in my house, but it has been a while since I visited Honalee and I was anxious to do so. The music is wonderful and Peter and his daughter Bethany make a fabulous singing duet. I sang a long with the song and turned the pages while watching my son's face light up with the words and the pictures. It was fun to see him enjoy something so much that I did when I was his age. This book is already a favorite in our house.

The only draw back for me was forgetting how the song ended. That part always made me cry when I was little and unfortunately I found out it still does. However, because the book continues where the song leaves off, giving Puff a happier ending, my son didn't shed the tears that I did.

On the CD is another fun song and then the instrumental version of Puff the Magic Dragon. This is a classic tale given new life with wonderful paintings. I think it would make a wonderful gift for any child.

A gorgeous volume, and our kids love it!.......2007-09-11

The quality of this book is incredible. The authors, illustrator, and publisher were obviously invested in making this a special book for children. The cover is thick and cloth-covered, the pages are made of high-quality sturdy paper, and the cd included at the end has beautiful versions of three folk songs (Puff, Froggie Went A-Courtin', Jimmy Crack Corn, and an instrumental version of Puff). No one cut corners in the making of this book or cd--every detail is beautifully done. Even the CD case (built INTO the back of the book) is well-done!

There are several things I like about the story itself. One, the illustrations are beautiful. I will definitely be looking for more of Puybaret's work. The colors he uses, the way he adds touching (and funny!) detail to his simple landscapes, and most of all--the emotion he conveys by the way he draws Puff's eyes (!)...he is a very accomplished illustrator.

Also, I like that the book ends happily. Though the original lyrics are preserved (and no lyrical information is given that Puff finds happiness again), the illustrations show otherwise. Puff's friends (the pirates, the trees and flowers) comfort him during his sadness, and in the end they bring him a little girl to play with. Also, it seems that on the last page an older boy (or man) is looking at Puff and the little girl with a smile--is that the grown Jackie Paper? In any case, I'm glad that the sad ending to the song is appropriately handled for very young children.

As for the "drug" references--other than the words "Puff" and "Paper" and the fact that this is a fantasy book, I don't see any connections to drugs. This is a lovely illustrated song, and my children (5 and 1) adore this book. It is definitely a treasure in our collection.

Puff the Magic Dragon and 54 Other All-Time Children's Favorites (Big-Note Piano)

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Puff the Magic Dragon and 54 Other All-Time Children's Favorites (Big-Note Piano)

Manufacturer: Cherry Lane Music
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Songbooks | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 157560146X

Book Description

Features big-note arrangements of 55 timeless songs enjoyed by generations of kids, and sure to be favorites for years to come. Includes: A-Tisket A-Tasket * Alouette * Eensy Weensy Spider * The Farmer in the Dell * Fur Elise * I've Been Working on the Railroad * If You're Happy and You Know It * Joy to the World * Michael Finnegan * Oh Where, Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone * Silent Night * Skip to My Lou * This Old Man * and many more, with optional accompaniment for adults.

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puff the magic dragon

Puff the Magic Dragon
Romeo Muller
Manufacturer: Avon Books (Mm)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Baby-3 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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Puff the Magic Dragon

ASIN: 0380458071

Customer Reviews:

puff the magic dragon.......2000-04-21

This is a book suitable for preschool/early primary children. It is about a lonely boy who befriends a magic dragon, therefore finding friendship, loyalty and the great rewards of a loving relationship.

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Children's Greatest Hits (Volume 2)
Tom Glazer
Manufacturer: CMS Records
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette

General | Books on Cassette | Audiobooks | Formats | Books

General | Baby-3 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000P7Z2RO

Product Description

Includes the songs: Come on and Join in the game, I know a Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, Michael row the boat ashore, Dunderbeck, The Bus song, David Crockett, The Fox, and Puff the Magic Dragon.

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Puff the Magic Dragon
Peter and Leonard Lipton Yarrow
Manufacturer: Warner Bros. Music
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000TB0NLG

Puff the Magic Dragon (Read and Hear; A Little Wonder Book and 45RPM Record)

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Puff the Magic Dragon (Read and Hear; A Little Wonder Book and 45RPM Record)
Arthur Witt
Manufacturer: Hudson Productions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000JKLXYS

Product Description

Paul Newman reads this classic story on a 45 RPM record album while your child reads along.

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Puff The Magic Dragon
Paul
Manufacturer: Unknown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000RC0LBY

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Puff the Magic Dragon
Muller
Manufacturer: Weekly Reader
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000KAXXB8

Puff the Magic Dragon - An Anthology (Based on the works of Peter Yarrow and Leonard Lipton)

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Puff the Magic Dragon - An Anthology (Based on the works of Peter Yarrow and Leonard Lipton)
The Dragon Lovers' Association
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Product Description

A beautiful anthology based on the works of Peter Yarrow and Leonard Lipton.

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Puff the Magic Dragon Wonder Books 1965
Paul Newman
Manufacturer: Wonder Books, NY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000RSPE56

Product Description

A Classic! Puff the Magic Dragon and little Johnny Paper. Copyright 1965 by Trio Concerts. 29-cent price on front cover. 8 1/4" x 6 1/2" hardcover. Condition: Good. Spine intact but loose and missing outer cover and wear on spine edges. 2" x 1 1/2" missing piece of cover on back exterior (shows white). Interior pages yellowing mostly around edges. Still a good and delightful copy of this scarce book.

Book Description

The study of European labor relations has traditionally been divided between two major theoretical perspectives. Descriptive nation-studies and case studies of specific developments have dominated the European continent. In contrast, the Anglo-Saxon approach has been more explicitly comparative and theoretical in its orientation. As a consequence of their unique advantages and common disadvantage of a focus on national developments to the exclusion of general trends, Europe remains a patchwork of different nations with respect to labor relations. Hans Slomp offers this book as an effort to complement this national perspective with a European view. He provides a general introduction to European labor relations, offering comparative material from a range of countries. Each chapter covers a specific period; the division into periods is based on important changes in economic and political conditions common to most of Europe. In accordance with the continental approach, attention is devoted not just to the form, but also to the content of labor relations. The survey covers the issues of labor relations as practiced by employers or employers' associations and trade unions rather than as an academic discipline. For the general reader, Slomp's work provides a much-needed survey of European labor relations. For the labor relations scholar, it facilitates the distinction between what is truly specific for one country and what is a variation from a European trend.

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