Customer Reviews

Arteffects (Practical Art Books)

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

As a rubber stamper & paper arts lover I found this book very useful. It is packed with tons of ideas and numerous color photos inspired me. I would recommend this book to anyone who ever runs out of creative ideas or needs some inspiration.

Included in this book are many techniques for creating stunning & unique backgrounds in almost every media type. Ideas include texturing with sand, freezing or microwaving ink, and using a non-stick spray as a resist.

However, this book is not just for backgrounds. Painting techniques for many mediums are also included. There are original and helpful ideas for using pastels, acrylics, oils, inks, gouache and watercolor.

Finally, to my surprise and delight, it also covered encaustic painting, carving on hardboard & then painting it, impasto effects and many original ideas for batik type work. Get this book and use it!

This is a gem of a book that I find myself referring back to time and time again. The illustrations are lavish and the technique instructions and description of materials are clear and concise. I find new inspiration each time I refer to this book. I have found, however, it's not a good idea to read it at night before going to bed. Invariably it gets me so inspired, I am compelled to get up and start a new creative project in the middle of the night! There is truly a wealth of information and inspiration contained in this book. Many unusual techniques and materials are also covered. Highly recommended!

I must disagree with the reviewer who said this book is not for the true artist. I am an artist and although I know some of the techniques or variations thereof, there are plenty more that I can't wait to try. I feel like a kid in a candy store, not knowing what to do first.

Sure, this is not a book that teaches you how to draw or paint, or how to make good compositions. Its focus is on techniques to achieve certain effects. That's all it says it is and it does that admirably.

A brilliant reference manual for the new, experienced and experimenting artist. The author gives an almost limitless variety of ways to use familiar and unfamiliar mediums, textures, techniques and combinations.

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK! WHAT A WONDERFUL WAY TO GET THE JUICES FLOWING. THERE IS NO WAY TO EVEN THUMB THROUGH THIS WORK WITHOUT FINDING SOMETHING TO INSPIRE YOU NO MATTER HOW DEEP OF A SLUMP YOU FIND YOURSELF IN. THIS BOOK IS EQUALY GOOD FOR THE NOVICE OR THE SEASONED PROFFESIONAL. EVEN KIDS LOVE IT!children must be superviced!!! I ONLY HAVE TWO REGRETS, 1 THERE IS NO SEQUEL& 2 I ONLY HAVE A SOFT COVER EDITION WHICH IS MESSY FROM USE. THE LAST THING I,D LIKE TO MENTION IS THAT NON ARTISTS CAN LOOSE THERE FEAR WITH A BOOK LIKE THIS.

This book is a great aid for art tutors and anyone who wishes to expand theis knowledge of all mediums. it would be a good basis for anyone contemplating expanding their techniques. It is very detailed and the explanations are easy to understand even for someone who is not an experienced painter. It doesn't tell you how to arrive at a finished painting but explains how to start to achieve it. A really good satisfying book and one which could be kept as a manual for many years.

I had the privilege of editing ArtEffects many years ago; Jean Green was an absolute delight to work with. For that reason, perhaps I shouldn't have given this book a rating, and such a high one at that--but then, I learned a lot from her too, so I guess my positive prejudice is somewhat justified.

I'm sad to say that the reason there has never been a sequel is that Jean died some years back. Nonetheless, I am very happy to read such positive reviews of her book and to see that her indomitable spirit continues to live on.

Great book. The effects that the author writes about are do-able with simple products found in your kitchen. My goal is to try every effect listed in the book. The photos are wonderful. Instructions are quite clear. The book is a great addition for anyone who collects art books and who enjoys doing art.

This book is exactly as described. A "visual sampler" of step-by step, demonstrations, to achieve hundreds of different effects in your paintings. Wonderful, colorful illustrations, easy to understand instructions and desriptions as well. Also the layout of the book is very user friendly. There is 208 pages so you get your money's worth in this book. This book is full of ideas to get your creative hands moving. I am very happy to own this book.

If you have ever had a creative block, lacked inspiration or wanted to try something different then purchase this book and let the juices flow. A wonderful book that you will refer to over and over again. You will want to try all the techniques and more. Buy it now and you won't regret it. A++++++++++++