Art Life is an invitation to take a creative journey - making your own fantastic art along the way. This is a completely original way to unleash your creativity, with an engaging structure based around four distinct categories for exploring ideas - line, book, traces, and marks. For each of these there are numerous projects and accessible methods for creating art, and you are encouraged to try whatever inspires you, without pressure or any preconceptions. Enjoy the element of surprise and satisfaction in creating something that evolves, rather than following a rigid plan. You will be amazed by what you can achieve. Introducing work in every conceivable medium with sensational art and new photos, this book will let you enjoy the creative process, relax, and enjoy the art escape.

Painting and Understanding Abstract Art is a practical book on how to paint abstracts but it also explains how to approach and understand abstract art. It moves the teaching of art from a doing level of painting a certain subject in a particular medium to a thinking level of 'what am I doing when I paint?' and 'what am I trying to say in this painting?' Using practical exercises with explanatory text, John Lowry develops the thinking and doing processes together and leads the reader to a greater understanding and appreciation of this most exciting art genre. Advice on moving from figurative painting towards abstraction Tools to abstraction explained - simplifying and exaggerating; eliminating curves and straights; changing colours, lines and items ; emphasising positive and negative shapes; and using contrast Practical exercises to help develop your own style and understand the techniques of the masters Overview of the lives and times of artists involved in the stage-by-stage evolution from realism to abstraction

Medieval painting was a craft. The anonymous Montpellier Liber diversarum arcium ('Book of various arts') is a handbook prescribing how that craft was to be practiced. It contains over five hundred art-technological instructions or 'recipes' in Latin. Unlike the vast majority of medieval artists' recipe books, this content is highly structured and organised, such as to form a complete handbook or course on painting. This Liber diversarum arcium is probably the most substantial and comprehensive medieval painters' technical recipe book to survive. It summarises the state-of-the art in the European workshops of the fourteenth century. This volume makes the Liber diversarum arcium usable to modern readers for the first time, by restoring the text in over 150 places where its corruption obscures the technical sense, by translating the text into English, and by providing a running commentary to explain the technical processes and technical terminology.

Award-winning comic book letterer, and founder of Blambot.com, NATE PIEKOS, provides you with the most in-depth tips and techniques ever published on the subject of digital comic book lettering . . . from creating your own lettering templates, emotive dialogue, and dynamic sound effects . . . to developing design skills and building a lettering career in the comic industry.

In Pencil Art Workshop, well-known artist and illustrator Matt Rota demonstrates several techniques in graphite, then ties it together with an international gallery of artists for inspiration. The humble pencil is the world's most flexible and forgiving drawing material. Pencil Art Workshop is the platform for artist and educator Matt Rota (author of The Art of Ballpoint) to show you key techniques that every artist should know. Following along with Matt is easy as he explores the pencil's phenomenal, and sometimes surprising, range. Turn to any chapter--Drawing with Line, Drawing with Tone, Drawing Quickly, Photorealism, Adding Color--and you'll discover, through step-by-step instructions and illustrations, how to choose the right pencil for your specific project, and how to use it to its fullest in every drawing style. Each chapter in Pencil Art Workshop also includes a gallery of edgy and inspiring works by contemporary pencil artists to enjoy and to receive inspiration from.

Building on the foundation established with the first book in the series, Framed Perspective 2 guides artists through the challenging tasks of projecting shadows in proper perspective on a variety of environments and working with characters in perspective set in particular situation or setting. Author and artist Marcos Mateu-Mestre reveals the many techniques and mechanics he has used to become proficient in such endeavors, including using anatomy, shadows, and clothing folds to define the shape and volume of characters within an environment. He also shares how to effectively observe a model or object to extract the right amount of information to then translate it into an impactful graphic and visual image, the goal of every visual storyteller.

Learn how to use watercolor to soothe your soul with this beginner's guide to painting for relaxation. This fresh approach looks first at the process of painting as a means to de-stress and unwind. Many people love the idea of painting but hold themselves back from starting because they are worried about not being good enough or not feeling as though as are creative. In this guide for the absolute beginner, artist and teacher Sharone Stevens shows you that watercolor can be accessible to everyone and that just painting very simple lines, patterns and shapes in calming colors, concentrating on each brush stroke, can have a powerful meditative effect, while at the same time allowing you to create beautiful art you can be proud of. She also encourages you to connect more with the world around you, finding inspiration in your every-day life and discovering the beautiful textures found in nature, from tree trunks to fruit and butterflies! The aim of the techniques and projects in this book is to create art that relaxes both the artist and the viewer of the finished piece. Projects range from simple gift tags, bookmarks, cards and small wall pieces to larger art pieces that you never thought possible - all done with a focus on relaxation - which is so important in today's fast-paced, increasingly digital world. Learn how to mix a calming color palette, try simple painting exercises to get into a relaxed flow, and create beautiful artworks that will lift the spirits both during the painting process and beyond, as finished pieces of art. Author Sharone Stevens is an established art teacher and talented artist who is passionate about using art for relaxation and encouraging others to build a regular creative practice. Her gentle lessons and nurturing reassurance will guide even total beginners through the process of making soothing, soulful modern watercolor art.

The Soci t Europ enne de Production de l'avion cole de Combat et d'Appui Tactique (SEPECAT) Jaguar and Hawker Siddeley Harrier played critical ground-attack and tactical reconnaissance roles, including in the latter stages of the Cold War. The Jaguar came into service with the RAF in 1974 and flew with eight operational squadrons and an Operational Conversion Unit before finally being retired in 2007. The unique Harrier entered service with the RAF in 1969.It flew operationally with four squadrons, as well as being deployed in Belize and the Falkland Islands and with an Operational Conversion Unit. The second-generation Harrier was prematurely retired in 2011. With over 180 photographs, both black and white and colour, this book, the third in a series on British combat aircraft of the 1970s and '80s, is an essential addition to the libraries of those who flew or worked on these aircraft, aviation historians and enthusiasts, and modellers alike.

Figure Drawing for Artists: Making Every Mark Count is not a typical drawing instruction book; it explains the two-step process behind juggernauts like DreamWorks, WB and Disney. Though there are many books on drawing the human figure, none teach how to draw a figure from the first few marks of the quick sketch to the last virtuosic stroke of the finished masterpiece, let alone through a convincing, easy-to-understand method. That changes now! In Figure Drawing for Artists: Making Every Mark Count, award-winning fine artist Steve Huston shows beginners and pros alike the two foundational concepts behind the greatest masterpieces in art and how to use them as the basis for their own success. Embark on a drawing journey and discover how these twin pillars of support are behind everything from the Venus De Milo, to Michelangelo's Sibyl, to George Bellow's Stag at Sharkey's, and how they're the fundamental tools for animation studios around the world. Not to mention how the best comic book artists since the beginnings of the art form use them whether they know it or not. Figure Drawing for Artists: Making Every Mark Count sketches out the same two-step method taught to the artists of DreamWorks, Warner Brothers, and Disney Animation, so pick up a pencil and get drawing. The For Artists series expertly guides and instructs artists at all skill levels who want to develop their classical drawing and painting skills and create realistic and representational art.

From skies above to water below, discover the secrets to glorious landscapes

No two elements of the landscape bring the artist greater inspiration--or greater challenge--than sky and water. Get them right and you have magic. Get them wrong and your whole painting is off. In this book, popular pastel artist and teacher Liz Haywood-Sullivan shares her secrets for getting them both right, every time. With her practiced and proven approach, you can experience the joy of painting glowing skies and sparkling water.

Inside you'll find:

• 24 step-by-step demonstrations showing the creation of breathtaking skies and water in pastel.
• Techniques for painting skies, including the various types of clouds and how light changes depending on the season and time of day.
• How to depict water in all its forms, from calm, reflective ponds and meandering rivers to whitewater cascades and ocean waves.
• A clear and simple approach to the puzzling concepts of aerial perspective and the nature of reflections.
• A primer on materials to help novice artists and newcomers get started in pastel.

This guide helps artists learn to draw natural-looking figures. Hart portrays everyday, real-life gestures on human-looking foundation figures: standing, sitting, kneeling and reclining, with arms folded, ankles crossed, hands on hips and more, all shown from various angles. He also explores deeper concepts such as perspective, illusion of depth, casting shadows and foreshortening, and provides step-by-step tutorials that take artists through complete, naturally posed figure drawings from start to finish.

Featuring detailed guides to key tools and techniques from talented expert sculptors, the Beginner's Guide to Sculpting Characters in Clay is vital reading for anyone wanting to explore clay sculpture. Learn which tools are best suited to your needs and how to use them effectively, explore diverse materials and pick up helpful tips from leading professional sculptors as you start your journey into clay sculpture. With meticulous tutorials, a handy glossary of sculpting terms, and copious amounts of inspiration, the Beginner's Guide to Sculpting Characters in Clay is an excellent resource for anyone wanting to try their hand at creating incredible 3D characters.

Interior design is a multidiscipline profession blending spatial, technical and aesthetic knowledge. The skill involved in manipulating these elements to solve specific design problems is intrinsically linked to drawing. Interior Design Drawing explores all aspects of this vital design skill, from sketching to record information, through orthographics and development to analyse the problem, to presentation drawing to communicate the solution. Explore the role of drawing in the design process Understand the main orthographic drawings Use line, tone and colour across 2D and 3D drawings Add texture and atmosphere to drawings Consider aspects of composition and presentation of a set of drawings

Sketchbooks are an essential part of the creative process for artists of all disciplines, ranging from textiles and jewellery to interior design, printmaking and ceramics. The sketchbook is a complete record of the creative process which, it can even be argued, is more important that the finished object at the end of this process. This book is a vital resource for artists of all levels including students, makers and collectors, as it not only gives practical advice about building your own sketchbooks but also provides examples of different artists' working methods. Extraordinary Sketchbooks takes the reader through different themes and functions for sketchbooks, including drawing to collect visual research, course work, developing concepts and suggestions for making simple and quick visuals into exciting images. An inspiring gallery of examples from a range of artists including recent graduates, practising artists and lecturers and working professionals form a variety of art and design industries. A fantastic resource for artists everywhere.

DON'T use comic sans (except ironically!) but DO worship the classic typefaces like Helvetica and Garamond. Graphic Design Rules is a handy guide for professional graphic designers, students, and laymen who incorporate graphic design into their job or small business. Packed with practical advice, this spirited collection of design dos and don'ts takes readers through 365 rules like knowing when to use a modular grid-and when to throw the grid out the window. All designers will appreciate tips and lessons from these highly accomplished authors, who draw on years of experience to help you create good design.

This title helps you learn the classic techniques of painting silk, with creative projects to do at home. There are exciting designs to create, including a Decorative Fan, a Lily Scarf, a Flowery Camisole and a Block-printed Blind. It features a gallery of exquisite silk painting treatments by leading contemporary artists. It includes information about materials, equipment and techniques such as using gutta and marbling. There are 25 original and easy-to-achieve projects presented step by step. It contains over 300 specially commissioned photographs, which clearly demonstrate each stage. This is the definitive approach to a traditional craft. The art of decorating textiles has been popular since ancient times and of all the natural fabrics silk is the most sought after. Increasingly sophisticated dyes have led to new and elaborate decorative techniques, but the real beauty of silk painting is that even simple designs produce outstanding results. This book shows how to create 25 decorative pieces, and contains all the information you need to get started. Types of silk and their suitability for different dyes are discussed, and many basic techniques - including tie-dye, dip-dye, salt scattering, gutta resist, marbling and batik - are explained. Once you have mastered these basics the projects will be easily achieved. The projects vary in complexity so you can start off with a dip-dyed handkerchief before tackling more involved techniques such as the gutta hand-painted parasol. The projects are presented step by step with photographs to take you through the stages. This book is a wonderful introduction to one of the world's most rewarding crafts.

Artists will love this book, the definitive guide to capturing facial expressions. In a carefully organised, easy-to-use format, author Gary Faigin shows readers the expressions created by individual facial muscles, then draws them together in a section devoted to the six basic human emotions: sadness, anger, joy, fear, disgust and surprise. Each emotion is shown in steadily increasing intensity and Faigin's detailed renderings are supplemented by clear explanatory text, additional sketches and finished work. An appendix includes yawning, wincing and other physical reactions. Want to create portraits that capture the real person? Want to draw convincing illustrations? Want to show the range of human emotion in your artwork? Get "The Artist's Complete Guide to Facial Expression"!

*** Take your urban sketching skills to the next level with watercolour. Bestselling author and artist Phil Dean (@shoreditchsketcher) provides a step-by-step guide to creating beautiful urban artworks. Get started with the very basics of depicting cityscapes with a pencil or pen, including tips on perspective, measuring, and mark-making. Then move straight on to the core watercolour techniques you will need to introduce stunning colour and tone to your sketches. With 20 easy-to-follow exercises on everything from negative space to line & wash, Sketch Club: Urban Watercolour is your go-to guide to elevating your urban art. Chapters include: - Loosening Up - Urban Drawing 101 - Getting Started with Watercolour - Taking Your Watercolour Further - Finishing Touches

Deepen your love of the garden with Lorene Edwards Forkner's inspirational advice on gardening, mindfulness, and life-plus easy instructions for capturing favorite botanical colors with a few simple brushstrokes If you love flowers and the rich hues of the garden, Color In and Out of the Garden is for you. Author and garden expert Lorene Edwards Forkner shares her gardening wisdom and life advice in this delightfully useful and addictively readable little book. Along the way, she also demonstrates quick and easy techniques for keeping a garden journal so you can record your favorite plants with just a few simple brushstrokes. Arranged by color, each chapter helps readers be in the moment, sharpen their powers of observation, and capture nature's most lovely hues. Plant profiles, practical advice, and personal reflections mingle with creative prompts for creating a simple watercolor that helps focus one's attention. Color symbolism, such as red representing energy, yellow for memory, and green for growth, is also explored. Illustrated with beautiful photographs, the book invites readers to slow down, look attentively, and to appreciate the world around them. Both a mindfulness exercise for seeing garden colors and an easy guide to reproducing them on the page, Color In and Out of the Garden is as satisfying to read as it is to use. Forkner guides readers through the spectrum with her own watercolors while offering color inspiration and a delightful garden respite from everyday stress.