In this stimulating; thought-provoking guide; a noted sculptor and teacher demonstrates how to discover a rich new design source in the abstractions inherent in natural forms. Through systematic study of such properties as line; form; shape; mass; pattern; light and dark; space; proportion; scale; perspective; and color as they appear in nature; students can learn to utilize the infinite variety and diversity of those elements as a wellspring of creative abstraction. The author invites students to learn the necessary techniques through a series of projects devoted to exploring and drawing plants; animals; birds; landscapes; seascapes; skies; and more. Lines of growth and structure; water and liquid forms; weather and atmospheric patterns; luminosity in plants and animals; earth colors and lightning are among the sources of abstraction available to the artist who is aware of them. This book will train you to see and use these elements and many more. An intriguing blend of art; psychology; and the natural sciences; Abstraction in Art and Nature is profusely illustrated with over 370 photographs; scientific illustrations; diagrams; and reproductions of works by the great masters. It not only offers a mind-stretching new way of learning and teaching basic design; but deepens our awareness of the natural environment. In short; Mr. Hales book is an indispensable guide that artists; teachers; and students will want to have close at hand for instruction; inspiration; and practical guidance.
#1399822 in eBooks 2012-06-19 2012-06-19File Name: B00A7352NK
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Should be a comparison/ contrast movie paired with "Evenings with the Orchestra."By Wendy LandersRemember the movie "Julie Julia?" This book would make a good movie if paired with the book; "Evenings with the Orchestra" by Hector Berlioz. The comparison/ contrast of the present with history would work well; and in Glen Bergers favor too. This book is a "good save" for its author. I would have played up the scene where the guy dies right after signing the contract a little more. The author can bury his lead! - This is a great explanation of how the music industry works.8 of 9 people found the following review helpful. An insightful; pleasure to read page-turnerBy HeyaceEveryones heard the story in the press. Heres the story from an insider who saw it all go down.Reasons I enjoyed it:First off; Mr. Berger writes an entertaining story. We already know whats going to happen because we all saw it play out in the press; so he concentrates on the little details that keep you hooked; like a little quip from Bono; or an insightful moment from Taymor; or his own willful disregard of his better instincts. Each one catapults you to the next.Second; he doesnt come off as the hero. Far from it. I think when he "mealymouth"s his support for Plan X (the third or fourth plan to fix the musical from Taymors initial staging) he comes off as the polar opposite of the Tony-winning Taymor who can make snap decisions that are 95% of the time brilliant. He comes off as one of those people who bitch behind the scenes but dont have the courage of their convictions.Third; hes funny. Theres some laugh out loud moments in this book. Its not the content that makes you laugh (unless you find disaster funny) its his style and references. I was thinking how his situation was so like "Bullets Over Broadway" just seconds before he pointed out how his situation was just like Bullets Over Broadway. There were dozens of these moments in the book.Fourth; if youve ever done theatre; at any level; youll appreciate whats going on here. Dictatorial direction; sudden deaths; pushing changes right up to curtain time; egos that run rampant; temperamental actors; yearning for transcendence but not able to transcend; its all here; writ large; as large as it gets. He couldnt have had a bigger canvas; and he covers it all.Fifth; although this may have been his own way of creating sympathy for himself (who knows?) I found his self doubt and introspection a nice counterpoint to the narrative; which moves right along with no breathers. Perhaps this was all in his head; or in retrospect. Doesnt matter; it worked.Finally; the book-long tension on the subject of loyalty was the real prize here. No spoilers; but it plays all the way through the epilogue; so be sure you read it all. If youve ever had the opportunity to work with people who are truly brilliant (like Taymor; Bono; Edge) imagine what would happen when the boat splits in half and you have to figure out where your loyalties lie. Its enough to make you depressed; ill; or worse. To the authors credit; it hurts but it never makes you want to put the book down.Awesome read. Fun subject; great characters; a happy ending (sort of). If youre the kind of person who enjoys watching train wrecks or disaster videos; this is for you. But it also has redemption in it; in a way that isnt simple or compartmentalized or predictable; so theres more depth here than you might expect.Recommended.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Excellent book about theatreBy D. B CarterAn honest; readable account from someone who was part of one of the biggest train wrecks in theatrical history. Glen Berger co-wrote the book to "Spider-man: Turn Off the Dark" and he takes his fair share of the blame; but isnt afraid to hold others accountable for their bad decisions; first and foremost which is this: why on earth would anyone want to do a musical about Spider-man in the first place?. For anyone interested in theatre; this book is an excellent peek behind the curtains.