One of Americas most beloved animal illustrators provides 194 gracefully regal drawings mdash; plus expert tips mdash; that will have any feline-loving artist purring with delight. From Angoras to Persians; Cook clearly demonstrates the differences in breeds; and takes a walk on the wild side with big cats like pumas and lions. Additional topics include anatomy; movement; sketching; and materials. Artists at every level; from absolute beginners to the highly experienced; will appreciate this concise guides many insights.
#2263742 in eBooks 2012-08-15 2012-08-15File Name: B00A41VBUS
Review
41 of 43 people found the following review helpful. My least favorite of my mixed media books; instructions lacking/too craftsyBy ChandlerI have purchased stacks of mixed media books lately as my husband is having a new art studio built for me and I am wanting inspiration into new ideas.I have to say this is; unfortunately; my least favorite book of my purchases.First; the instructions are lacking. It might show a photo of a finished piece...Lets say a work that has the same pear but printed out all different ways. The headers; I felt; were more like things I would have said to my class of kids as an art teacher. Such as in this case "Multiply Me: Lets play a game. If you see an individual person walking near you; what do you think? If it was twins would you feel different? What about triplets? Something about seeing multiples piques our interest." (Odd for an adult book; good for a kids book)It then shows a work I like with 6 pears printed differently but overlapping and simply gives the instructions to print out the same image several times; differently; in a photo program.Thats it. I have no idea how it was then compiled; what kind of paper was used; was this adhered to canvas or wood or what? And how? Why do some look like they are on transparent paper? What type of coating would be used over the paper to finish the work? etc.On very complex works; they included a tag you are supposed to scan with your iphone then read the instructions. Now I could get art examples all over the internet but I bought a BOOK because I like to use idea books where I can mark the pages with art that spurs my creativity. I wished the instructions could have been included in the book which they could have had some of the images been made smaller.As it stands; its more a very basic book with examples of their art but little info on how to create ones like them that work for me. In fact; many of the instructions were for things with other artists: Like give a work you are unhappy with to another artist and let them finish it. That doesnt help me in my studio by myself. Also; other instructions were for odd things like doing a project with your used transparency films...They could have taken instructions everyone could use and given an instructional tour through mixed media. I felt it more a book on things they have done in ways that worked for them but might not be workable for most.Heres how one instruction goes: "You will need a background image and an image printed on glass. Put the two together with the glass piece on top and frame."Now how many of us have those two things handy to start this project? It advises youll need to take a printmaking class for that image on glass youll need.And yes thats really the full instruction for the project. Thats what I mean.I didnt mark many pages of this book. Most were very abstract artworks that I felt more arts and crafts than my personal style. I wish they had shown more varieties of styles than they had for further crossover to different art tastes. There is a lot of collage and the rest abstract art. This would be great for a beginner but since the instructions are so lacking; it really is better suited to those already familiar with art and how to finish the works; yet the works are so simplistic and abstract and student-craftsy in my opinion that many may not enjoy it.That said; I would have loved the book to spur ideas when I was a school art teacher. It really would have given me new ideas of things I could try for school projects....like taking a plastic cutting board and cutting it into tiny pieces and ironing it onto a canvas.Note: I just lowered my rating to one star after being informed that you are required to read the authors first two books prior to using this one. Now it makes even less sense.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. I do not recommend this book. It is not what it is cracked up to be.By CustomerI do not recommend this book.The review titled "the least favorite of my mixed media books" nailed it very well..please pretend I copied and pasted that review...and..I was and am extremely confused by the names of their supposedly new ideas...Here are some:forget about itfind your oppositediscover the beatdont mulchchange of lifeseeing doublebackward thinkinggroup funall shook upmultiply meand on and on...they are trying to be too clever and these technique names mean nothing to me that would help me know what the technique is...and the photos and instructions are very very confusing and lacking for sure.I do not have a "smart phone". They refer to their other books if we would like to learn the technique they are using???So; I guess this book is just about giving some ideas as to what can be done with scraps and leftovers and they even do a terrible job at that! (see the confusing titles they use above)...with very sketchy details and artwork that looks nothing like the idea they are telling about I would say pass on this one.Their artwork is not attractive enough to me to warrant having it on my desk for inspiration...This and all of their books are almost useless and I am not sure why they are cranking out these books rehashing everything to death.16 of 17 people found the following review helpful. Not a project idea bookBy CustomerI guess I thought there would be more project ideas and genuinely useful ways to use and reuse your art; but this book really lacked on that front. I think if youre looking for something like that there are other books that could work out much better.