Customer Reviews

Sight & Insight; the Art of Burton Silverman

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(1)
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Sight and Insight! As a painter this book is invaluable to me, as an appreciator of art and a viewer it is an opportunity to view some of the most magnificent and masterfully executed paintings all bound together in a spectacular reproduction of artwork in itself. The execution in his draftsmanship, the use of form and the genius of the use of color by Mr. Silverman is incredible to behold. The narrative is clear and thoughfully written. I have purchased not just one book but two, one for use in my studio as a reference book. The other is a special edition signed by the Master. All who pick up the book have a delightful treat in store for them, for each time one gazes at his art, there are new discoveries to be made. As an artist I am in awe and hold a great deal of admiration and respect for his art, to have this treasure to enjoy and learn from in the form of a book is indeed a feast.

Silverman's book is a spectacular opportunity to look at reproductions of many of his amazing paintings. The book is beautifully arranged. He leads us, focusing on each perfect painting; one can almost hear his voice as he describes the circumstances surrounding each of his exceptional works of art. His drawing is incredible. He has perfect pitch. He reflects a high level of intelligence and sensitivity, both in his work and in his ability to articulate his thinking on art and his vision of life. I love having the book in my home. As a painter, I frequently find myself studying it over and over again, as a reference that strongly influences my own work. It is a book I shall treasure always.

"I purchased Sight & Insight ;the art of Burton Silverman several months ago, but just came across his listing with Amazon. I think it's a beautiful book with some of the best paintings I've seen that uses representational realism. The people depicted are both very real and very arresting in a thoughtful, reflective way. It's like reading a good book and looking up to conjure the image of the character in ones mind only this artist does that for you. He doesn't exclude the viewer though, because there's a lot of ambiguity in his characters that leaves room for ones own speculations as to the meanings of the paintings. The writing, by both Prof. McGrath and Philip Saietta are excellent if sometimes difficult sledding, particularly with the Professor. But it's really a very readable and informative collection of essays. Silverman also writes about his career with compelling honesty. It's a real treat to go through this book and well worth the price, many times over."

Most people who would buy this book are already familiar with Burton Silverman's paintings. The book is no disappointment; the reproductions are large and sensitive to color nuances, on heavy paper, and there are a lot of them. There are short essays by Silverman about each painting which show an honest, contemplative mind at work. It's not a how-to book; there's no pedantic bloviating, just a humble, intelligent man describing the circumstances behind each picture. At first I pegged Silverman as one of those East Coast types who paint their Greenwich Village friends sitting still with expressionless faces and vacant stares. It all seemed too academic, lacking action and vigor, like most modern art. But his understanding of color and composition is undeniable, and the personalities he depicts grow on you. They are of the type of person who can be found in artist's lofts, in front of Folger's coffee cans full of paintbrushes, wearing sweaters and spectacles, New York academics and intellectuals who go to poetry readings, listen to Public Radio, and fret about the fate of the Rosenbergs. He's a world traveller, so he has other types of people, too, but he seems to know all of them personally, and doesn't just paint anonymous models. Though his work is a little tame compared to the kind of entertainment industry stuff I'm interested in, commercial illustrators could learn a lot from Silverman's penetrating eye and calm, balanced judgement.

Burt Silverman's book is a triumph for American painting. His unbridled talent and mastery of paint in capturing both the human form and the formal elements of art and design has an immediate impact. His genius cannot be confined to categorization. His work is stunningly realistic, and yet it also expresses some beautifully abstract ideas of color, shape, texture and line through its translation of the subject onto the canvas. For me the heightened interconnectedness between the sublime and his search to record life accurately and with an economy of means teaches one more about painting than anything else can. Personally, his art has been my inspiration and joy and his accompanying insightful essay underscores his unswerving conviction to painting.

Rarely do I come across an art book with both stunning visual imagery and insight into the state of representational art. The artist provides a clear, beautifully written essay for all of us confused about "modern" art, his paintings statisfy the thirst for imagery that moves and enhances our humanity. BEAUTIFUL book!

The reproductions of Mr. Silverman's artwork are spectactular and his ruminations on the life of an artist and the state of modern art at the end of the 20th century are endlessly fascinating. He is one of the rew remaining masters of the craft of painting. Equally delightful for both newcomers and fans of Silverman's work, I can not recommend the book more highly.

You will have to admire the works of Burt Silverman presented in this well designed compilation of his work. I have followed his work for years and he's just one of those magical craftsmen that makes me just shake my head in wonder when I see what he can do with a paint brush. He is certainly one of the best artist of our age. If you love art in the realist format, you will be well pleased with this book and with Mr. Silverman's work. This one is a "keeper".

I can not get enough of Burton Silverman and this book was just what I needed.
I just flip open a page and study how he pulls it off, great painting that is.
I have not read the whole book, just little bits here and there.
But I sure have looked at all the pretty pictures and so should any one who likes B. Silvermans work.
Barry

Burt Silverman's book is a triumph for American painting. His unbridled talent and mastery of paint in capturing both the human form and the formal elements of art and design has an immediate impact. His genius cannot be confined to categorization. His work is stunningly realistic, and yet it also expresses some beautifully abstract ideas of color, shape, texture and line through its translation of the subject onto the canvas. For me the heightened interconnectedness between the sublime and his search to record life accurately and with an economy of means teaches one more about painting than anything else can. Personally, his art has been my inspiration and joy and his accompanying insightful essay underscores his unswerving conviction to painting.