Extinct worlds live again in palaeoart: artworks of fossil animals, plants and environments carefully reconstructed from palaeontological and geological data. Such artworks are widespread in popular culture, appearing in documentaries, museums, books and magazines, and inspiring depictions of dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals in cinema. This book outlines how fossil animals and environments can be reconstructed from their fossils, explaining how palaeoartists overcome gaps in fossil data and predict 'soft-tissue' anatomies no longer present around fossil bones. It goes on to show how science and art can meet to produce compelling, interesting takes on ancient worlds, and it explores the goals and limitations of this popular but rarely discussed art genre.

The perfect book for budding artists, How to Draw Almost Every Day challenges and inspires you to draw one simple illustration each day of the year. Don't let your artistic aspirations come to an end before they start! Everyone wants to draw stylish, evocative pictures, but between busy schedules, not knowing basic techniques, and simply feeling like their art isn't "good enough," many people quickly give up on learning to draw. This is where How to Draw Almost Every Day comes in! Each image in this technique-driven book is broken down with step-by-step diagrams, making the process of creating the image easy to understand. You'll learn to draw items from everyday life, like food and clothing, as well as seasonal images, including snowmen and pumpkins. We have also included inspiring project photos to show you how to incorporate the doodles into greeting cards, calendars, invitations, gift wrap, and just about anything you can imagine. So stop putting it off and get drawing! Each book in the Almost Everything series offers readers a fun, comprehensive, and charmingly illustrated visual directory of ideas to inspire skill building in their creative endeavors.

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.

An essential little book perfect for the pocket or art bag covering all practical aspects of sketching and drawing. Sketching is a skill that every artist needs to master and this handy book shows you how in a very clear and simple way.

Jackie starts by describing all the different media used for sketching, including pencils, charcoal, coloured pencils, pens, pastels, watercolours and gouache, as well as the different types of sketchbooks. She then looks at the basic techniques of sketching, emphasizing the importance of observation and showing how to make marks, use tone, create 3-D form and portray pattern.

She then covers a wide range of subjects, such as plants and flowers, skies, animals, the urban landscape, and figures and portraits, explaining how to compose your sketches and giving useful tips about sketching on the move. There s also a fascinating section on sketching from the Masters, to provide additional inspiration.

The instruction is clear and concise throughout, providing an ideal resource for artists of all levels to dip into when sketching out on location."

Having an Al Streetman book is liking having your own personal carving instructor sit down on the back porch with you. His easygoing Oklahoma ways and his patient, soothing voice are evident in the simple instructions, as though he were right there with you, carving blade in hand, leading you through the simple step-by-step task of characterization. And that's where the Streetman's true brilliance lies-he is a master of the character, and this book is rich with them. There are 30 patterns, with something for every holiday of the year, in here. Streetman's instructions, clear photos, and meticulously drawn patterns will make an expert of beginners, and offer experts a challenge. Many people simply trace his well-drawn patterns on thin flat board or cardboard and paint them for tree ornaments.

Zentangle[registered] is an easy-to-learn method of pattern drawing that reduces stress while promoting creativity. This book will introduce readers to the basic theory of Zentangle and provide instructions for drawing over 100 tangle patterns from such Certified Zentangle Teachers as Suzanne McNeill, Sandy Steen Bartholomew and Marie Browning. This beautiful book is filled with examples of Zentangle drawings as well as other art projects and compelling stories from those who have improved their well-being through Zentangle.

Since 1898, Model Engineer magazine (originally weekly, now fortnightly) has proved a remarkable source of knowledge for all manner of engineering practices. Its readership has always included many highly experienced engineers, some of considerable eminence, who have answered readers' questions and contributed valuable information in order that everyone the construction and use of machines should be able to extend his scope and skills. The answer to virtually any engineering problem can be found somewhere in its pages, it is said. Many of the magazine's most helpful nuggets of knowledge have appeared in brief notes or articles, often many years ago, and have never been republished. This book offers a selection of fascinating hints and tips culled from the magazine's wide time-scale (from the 1890s to the 1960s) but as relevant today as when they were first printed. They may save the reader time and possibly money; certainly they will interest and instruct anyone who works with metal.

A concise and informative introduction to airbrushing methods for modellers, which contains a number of useful, graded projects which enable the beginner to develop airbrushing skills. There are chapters that cover techniques for use with both scale and non-scale models and even full size custom cars. The book contains a great deal of information on types of airbrushes, sprayguns and their maintenance, plus useful discussions dealing with the different types of compressors used in airbrushing, how to choose or build a compressor and their safe use. Safety is always paramount with the author, with a chapter dedicated to health and safety considerations covering the use of a compressor, types of paint and dope, masks and respirators. He also explains the different materials that can be used in airbrushes and their application. This is a useful resource for a beginner to the art and techniques of airbrushing, providing a complete overview of the subject.

Just when it seems that Tom could not possibly have any more Santa patterns, here are 75 never before seen designs. They reflect Tom's unquenchable creativity, his boundless sense of humor, and his keen eye for caricature. Each pattern is clearly drawn and reproduced at full size. A color gallery is included on the back of the book to use as a paint reference.

Alli Koch has mastered the art of turning simple doodles into beautifully designed floral illustrations. She shares her expertise in this book, a step-by-step guide that teaches everything you need to know about modern florals. You'll learn designs from classic favourites like the rose to today's trendiest florals, as well as succulents and cacti. This book is an introduction, so no experience is needed!

A treasury of textures, this beautiful book and its accompanying Mac and PC Compatible CDs are filled with 114 colorful images of handmade papers, from soft and subtle to deeply marbled and highly textured. These rich papers will enhance any project, from high-tech computer web design to fine arts applications. It will serve as a perpetual treasury of inspiration in adding the unique look of texture to the surface decoration of ceramics, textiles, stationary, and paper projects. Collage and fiber artists, designers, bookbinders, printmakers, calligraphers, and craftspeople will find inspiration and hours of enjoyment exploring the pages of this beautiful book.\nExamples of suggested Adobe Photoshop applications are included along with the ready-to-use high resolution images.

When the proportions are right, the drawing looks right Most artists whose work features the human head and figure don't have the time or opportunity to draw directly from models, so it's essential that they acquire the skills and tools to draw them accurately without using direct reference. Now, thanks to Chris Hart's foolproof method, even beginners can quick-check the proportions of their head and figure drawings, identify errors, and swiftly fix mistakes. Richly illustrated with drawings from various angles, this follow-up to Hart's bestselling "Figure It Out " includes step-by-step demonstrations and lessons that lead readers through the process.

Absolutely the most thorough guide to pastel materials and techniques ever assembled in a single volume, this is the book for anyone working with pastels, from beginners to experienced artists looking to develop more professional skills. Defining the pastel medium broadly-color in stick form to be used for drawing and painting simultaneously-the author creates works of sensuous textures and colors, ranging from subtle to intense. He uses traditional soft and hard pastels, as well as oil pastels and oil sticks, showing the effects produced by each in step-by-step demonstrations. Included are sophisticated ways to combine pastels with water, acrylic, alkyd gels, and oil paint for stunning mixed-media results.

Claire Waite Brown provides all the key techniques such as mixing, blending, scumbling, sgraffito, hatching, and feathering in over 100 visual sequences. There is advice on composing your painting, using colour, adding highlights and shadows and creating textured effects. The step-by-step demonstrations range from landscapes and flowers to portraits and still life. You'll find plenty to inspire you with this captivating medium with beautiful examples in full-colour photography.

The Watercolour Sourcebook is a compilation of four selected titles from the What to Paint series, chosen specially to illustrate the wide range of scenes and subjects that can be captured in watercolour. The works of four master watercolourists - Geoff Kersey, Terry Harrison, Peter Woolley and Wendy Tait - are brought together in a collection of 60 beautiful, detailed projects on the subjects of trees, woodlands and forests; landscapes; hills and mountains and flowers respectively. Each project results in a full painting that is accompanied at the end of the book by a full-size outline that can be copied and applied to the artist's own watercolour paper using tracedown paper and pencil. The Watercolour Sourcebook aims to provide a wealth of inspiration to the painter who struggles to decide upon their subject matter, and arms the artist with everything they need to know about what they're about to paint, from colour palette to useful techniques.

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.

Following the success of their first book, Sculpting Traditional Bowls, Rip and Tammi Mann bring this new book to those who love this ancient craft. With step-by-step, fully illustrated instructions they lead the craftsperson to a beautiful handhewn octagonal bowl. In the gallery are a variety of contemporary bowls that can be made using the same techniques, though some will require the skill that comes from experience. They include octagonal bowls, bowls in the shapes of states, and bowls with natural exteriors. Rip and Tammi use only hand tools, the bowl adze, a bowl shave and a carver's hook. They begin with a blank and conclude with an oil finish process that makes the bowls beautiful and perfectly safe for use with food. Each step is illustrated in color, with a complete description of design and technique concerns. Both the beginner and the experienced woodworker will enjoy the creation of these functional, beautiful pieces.

Anyone wanting to develop their drawing skills, as well as artists, teachers and students, will enjoy the creative challenge of form drawing. Regular practise can help discover what the art of line can mean. Drawing skills are developed through systematic exercises, and can develop self-confidence, balance and tranquillity. Simple form drawing is used in Steiner?Waldorf schools as a companion discipline to handwriting and drawing skills. It offers a healthy antidote to screen culture.

The whys and hows of the various aspects of landscape painting: angles and consequent values, aerial and linear perspective, painting of trees, emotional properties of line and mass in composition, light, unity of tone, plus information on canvas, palette, brushes and other materials and techniques. 34 reproductions of paintings by John Carlson. 58 explanatory diagrams. Index.

Award-winning artist Harriet de Winton shows you how to create contemporary watercolour artworks to treasure and share. Through more than 30 step-by-step projects, discover how to paint individual flowers and foliage, as well as beautiful botanical compositions. Use your new skills to make art for your wall, unique cards, invitations, or simply paint for pleasure.

Painting flowers is a joyful experience - to capture and celebrate the colour, form and beauty of flowers in watercolour is an endlessly exciting pursuit. This book encourages you to experiment and play when you paint, to enjoy the process of creating a painting, and to develop your own style as you observe and render either a single stem or a full floral abstract. By moving from the tight constraints of botanical illustration, it encourages a looser style of floral paining that allows for a more personal and unique interpretation of the subject.

Self-portraiture shows no sign of losing its ability to capture the public imagination. Given our current proclivity to snap and share 'selfies' in seconds, it is unsurprising to find a renewed interest in the genre among general audiences and students. Self-portraits have the power to illuminate a range of universal concerns, from identity, purpose and authenticity, to frailty, futility and mortality. In this volume, curator Natalie Rudd expertly casts fresh light on the self-portrait and its international appeal, exploring the historical contexts within which self-portraits have proliferated and considering the meanings they hold today. With commentaries on works by artists ranging from Jan van Eyck and Artemisia Gentileschi to Francisco Goya, Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo and Jenny Saville, the book explores the emotive and expressive potential of self-portraiture, and its capacities to distance or to demystify. Can self-portraits offer windows into artistic process? Is there ever a singular identity to be captured? Is it necessary for a self-portrait to depict the human form? In her vibrant and timely discussion, Rudd dissects these and other important questions, revealing the shifting faces of individuality and selfhood in an age where we are interrogating notions of personal identity more than ever before. With 97 illustrations in colour

Drawing and painting realistic flowers is achievable! Create a wide variety of blooms and greenery using an easy step-by-step method, then add watercolor for gorgeous effects. In Drawing and Painting Beautiful Flowers, discover how to draw flowers such as cosmos, hibiscus, canola, lily of the valley, hydrangea, foxglove, and more from various angles, and learn about perspective and shading. Once you have the skills to draw a single flower, learn how to draw groupings and wreaths. Mix in leaves and smaller flowers to create a variety of looks. Then, learn simple techniques to add luscious watercolor, using shading, blending, and gradient techniques for eye-catching results. Popular Instagram artist Kyehyun Park shares her secrets for capturing realistic flower, leaf, and plant shapes. Artists of all levels love drawing and painting nature, and with these techniques they'll confidently render lifelike botanicals in an array of lovely palettes. The book also includes: Ideas and techniques for drawing and painting charming potted plants Instructions for drawing and painting smaller flowers, buds, and branches Watercolor techniques showing how to expertly blend colors, use brush strokes and brush pressure to create various shapes, and how to use color to shade and highlight Warm-up exercises that help develop skills Simple methods for understanding perspective and composition, making it effortless to draw flowers from different angles Add these striking florals to sketchbooks, stationery, journals, and more. With Drawing and Painting Beautiful Flowers, creating true-to-life florals and plants is within your reach!

Relax and unwind the creative way! Learn to use drawing as a pathway to relaxation with the creative art exercises and soothing meditations found inside this inspiring book. Anyone who has ever experienced a relaxed, calm state while doodling understands the powerful connection between hand and mind. From flowing one-line designs to calm-inducing repetitive patterns, drawing can put us into a state of flow. And, with this book, you'll return to that feeling repeatedly with the meditative exercises offered. Each exercise includes instructions, a pattern, and a practice area for drawing. Also included are guided meditations in the form of key words to ponder as you draw. Finally, inspirational quotes and short prompts help you put each lesson into practice. A more calm, present, and mindful moment is waiting. A pencil and this book are all that's needed!

From the international bestselling illustrator and Queen of Colouring Johanna Basford comes a lavishly illustrated fable to colour and bring to life - a girl named Ivy stumbles upon a secret door leading to the magical world of Enchantia... 'The colourists have a queen, and her name is Johanna Basford' -- New York Magazine 'Consider trading in your yoga mat for a set of markers and peruse the gorgeous gardens of Basford's imagination' -- The Huffington Post ************************************************************************************************* A charming story that interacts playfully with beautiful, colourable artwork in ink evangelist Johanna Basford's signature style, Ivy and the Inky Butterfly is a one-of-a-kind adventure for the whole family and readers of all ages to customise, colour and cherish. For Ivy and the Inky Butterfly Johanna has picked a crisp ivory paper that accentuates and compliments your chosen colour palette. The smooth, untextured pages allows for beautiful blending or gradient techniques with coloured pencils, or are perfect for pens, allowing the nib to glide evenly over the surface without feathering.