Customer Reviews

Reflections of Nature: Paintings by Joseph Raffael

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

REFLECTIONS OF NATURE: Paintings of Joseph Raffael is one of the most elegant monographs on a practicing artist I have had the pleasure of reading. Yes, "reading" is an operative word here. Too often artist monographs are coffee table picture books, lush and lovely to look at, enlightening as to a chronologial path of achievement, and even historically relevant - solely on the basis of the images: the written essays are seldom read and if they are read, they are merely perused. Such is not the case with this warmly informative and evocative collection of the works of this fine realist painter. Authors Amei Wallach and Donald Kuspit write with courage about techniques (use of the photograph as the springboard, method of appropriation form the photo image to the paper or canvas, etc) that would frighten most of our painters today, so revealing of secrets and methods publically scorned as "copying" or NOT "representational". But the real coups in this valuable volume is having the artist talk us through not only his techniques, but is personal history and vulnerabilites.

As for the paintings, there are splendid reproductions of those paintings we all know and love (koi, water, water lilies, flowers) but there are also many examples of Raffael's wildlife images, spiritual images, and those of his wife Lannis seeming to metamorphose out of her garden. This book is a fine standard for future art books that stirve to inform as well as document an artist's work. Even if you don't know Raffael's paintings, I would recommend your adding this volume ot your library - for you eye's AND your soul's sake. Outstanding!

Interesting background information on one of this country's foremost contemporary artists. A somewhat fatuous portrayal of the artist and his lifestyle, but a terrific and - thankfully - colorful exhibit of the recent works of this talented artist. Definitely worth buying.

Well Written and full of wonderful photos and Illustrations. 5 Stars! Totally Satisfied.

Have always admired this artist, Joseph Rafael. Love all the intricate shapes he gets into the backgrounds and the stunning flowers. They just knock me out! Wow! To realize the size of them is amazing. Had been at a low point in my painting but am now greatly inspired to keep at it. I was thinking that I needed to paint more simply, but now realize how much I really love the details and all the strange abstract shapes! I want to retain this 'quivering' quality.

Having purchased hundreds of art books over the last 40 years, I would have to rank this book in my top 10. For over a year I was enthralled and captivated by the illustrations in this book and took the book with me everywhere, in case I had to wait for an appointment or have a cup of coffee at Starbucks. Usually even the best art book is returned to my shelf in a month or two but Raffael's art is so intoxicating. I only wish the reader could see his work in person because of their large size, otherwise, please buy several copies for you and your friends.

This is the most complete book I have ever seen on Raffael's work. As an artist, I can tell you that part of what I try to do is to understand the painter as a way of appreciating his or her work.
This book is stunning and full of information.

Beautifully printed volume on the work of watercolor painter Joseph Raffael. Very comprehensive of his work as a painter through 1998, the year in which the book was published. I'd like to eventually another book showing the work that he's done during the last 9 years.

This book is a visual delight. The paintings are unusually beautiful in so many ways, and the quality of the printing is exceptional. This is watercolour art as I have never seen it. I will look at this book often and be amazed. It was helpful to see what was in the book before I bought it.

My wife gave me this book for Xmas 2010. I studied with Mr. Raffael in the early 70s when he taught at Calif. State University, Sacramento. In fact, Mr. Raffael inspired my master's project. This book is a wonderful account of his life and work. His painting, "Pomo", in the University of California Art Museum is for me one of the most brilliant portraits I have ever seen.

This is the most amazing book, a must have for the aspiring artist as well as a wonderful coffee table book.