The Art Shelf

The Art of Fantasy
S. Elizabeth
Francis Lincoln
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
100 Cummings Center, Suite 265D, Beverly, MA 01915
www.quartoknows.com
9780711279957, $30.00, HC, 240pp

https://www.amazon.com/Art-Fantasy-visual-sourcebook-Margins/dp/0711279950

Synopsis: Throughout history, artists have explored imaginary worlds and fa= ntastical creatures for centuries, expressing the unreal and impossible, th=
e mystical and mythical, via the medium of paint.

But what draws them to the imaginary, the uncharted and the unknown? Is it = merely an escape from reality? Or are they seeking a greater understanding =
of the human experience, or perhaps the very meaning of life itself? With m= yriad styles and methods of expression, what links artists through the ages=
? And how have these visual flights of fancy and imagination changed over t=
he course of time?

"The Art of Fantasy: A Visual Sourcebook of All That is Unreal" by S. Elisa= beth is a visual sourcebook of all that is fantastical, ranging from fine a=
rt to illustration, and from surrealists and symbolists. to the creatives w= orking in undefined territories. While the artists in our history books (su=
ch as Blake, Goya, Dali, Magritte, Ernst) first brought fantasy art to the = galleries, it was the twentieth century artists who brought it to the masse=
s.

It is in "The Art of Fantasy" from the British publishing company of Franci=
s Lincoln, that, for the first time, they are united and equally weighted, = presenting a mesmerising and thoughtful curation of the best fantasy artwor=
k out there.

Critique: Profusely illustrated with museum quality, full color artwork, "T=
he Art of Fantasy: A Visual Sourcebook of All That is Unreal" is an impress= ively informative, and truly inspiring collection that is specifically and = unreserved recommended for personal, professional, community, and academic = library Art History collections and supplemental Pop Culture Art curriculum=
studies lists. It should be noted for dedicated fans of myth, magic, fanta=
sy and art history, that "The Art of Fantasy" is also available in a digita=
l book format (Kindle, $14.99).

Editorial Note: S. Elizabeth (aka Mlle Ghoul) is a Florida-based writer spe= cialising in art, the macabre and the supernatural. She is a staff writer a=
t Haute Macabre and has written for Coilhouse, Dirge and the blog Death & t=
he Maiden. S. Elizabeth was also the co-creator of The Occult Activity Book=
(vol 1 and 2) and runs two successful blogs: Ghoul Next Door (ghoulnextdoo= r.tumblr.com) and These Unquiet Things (www.unquietthings.com).

The History of Western Art
Janetta Rebold Benton
Thames & Hudson, Inc.
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110-0017
www.thamesandhudsonusa.com
9780500296653, $16.95, PB, 176pp

https://www.amazon.com/History-Western-Art-Essentials/dp/0500296650

Synopsis: Acknowledging how architecture, painting, sculpture, and the deco= rative arts reflect the culture and society of their time, "The History of = Western Art" by Professor Janetta Rebold Benton is latest addition to the A=
rt Essentials series and invites the reader to experience and appreciate th=
e entirety of Western art from prehistory to today.

Focusing on the history in art history, each of "The History of Western Art=
" is comprised of twelve chapters, opening with a question to ponder, and f= ollowed by a summary of the major historical developments of the period, to= uching on social structure, political organization, migration, race, belief=
s, scientific advances, and customs.

An exploration of these themes in the visual arts reveals how art and archi= tecture from the Great Pyramids and Hagia Sophia, as well as pieces by arti= sts such as Peter Paul Rubens, Andy Goldsworthy, Guerrilla Girls, and Faith=
Ringgold simultaneously shape, reflect, and document the culture of the ti=
me and place they were created. A secondary focus explores the constantly e= volving aesthetic preferences that swing between naturalism and abstraction=
, with each era and style either rebelling against the previous or seeking =
to improve it.

Richly illustrated with 117 color illustrations, "The History of Western Ar=
t" is an introductory survey by expert art historian and museum lecturer wh=
o offers a succinct and engaging introduction to some of the most important=
works of architecture, sculpture, and painting in the Western tradition, r= einterpreted for a twenty-first-century audience.

Critique: A brilliant course of instruction for academic and non-specialist=
general readers to the legacy and diversity of Western Art, "The History o=
f Western Art" by art history professor Janetta Rebold Benton is impressive=
ly informative, exceptionally well written, very nicely organized, and thor= oughly 'reader friendly' in presentation. This edition of "The History of W= estern Art" from Thames & Hudson is particularly and especially recommended=
for personal, professional, community, college, and university library Art=
History collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.

Editorial Note: Janetta Rebold Benton (http://janettareboldbenton.com) is t=
he Distinguished Professor of Art History at Pace University, New York, and=
the author of several books and articles on art including How to Understan=
d Art in the Art Essentials series. She is the recipient of two Fulbright S= cholar Awards as visiting professor to China and Russia, respectively, and = lectures at the Smithsonian Institution, 92nd Street Y, and previously at t=
he Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Drawing Digital
Lisa Bardot
Walter Foster Publishing
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
100 Cummings Center, Suite 265D, Beverly, MA 01915
www.quartoknows.com
9780760385326, $24.99, PB, 160pp

https://www.amazon.com/Drawing-Digital-complete-guide-learning/dp/076038532=
7

Synopsis: With the publication of "Drawing Digital: The complete guide for = learning to draw & paint on your iPad", artist and teacher Lisa Bardot, (th=
e expert behind @Bardot Brush), introduces the art of digital drawing. Usin=
g your tablet and Procreate, or another favorite drawing app, you can leave=
behind your pencil and paper and make art anywhere and at any time.

Lisa gets you started with a range of easy-to-follow projects, including: A=
still life; A snake plant; Cacti in the desert; Flowers; A dog; A school o=
f fish; Self-portraits; Characters; City scenes -- and so much more!

Accompanying each project are complete step-by-step instructions and Lisa B= ardot's signature, vibrant artwork. "Drawing Digitally" also includes: Tips=
for finding creative inspiration; Information on tools; App basics; How to=
draw and paint lines and shapes; Instructions for layering, duplicating, e= xporting, and more; and A review that promises to help you draw anything.

Critique: As an accomplished artist, Lisa Bardot works in Procreate; howeve=
r, her instructions comprising "Drawing Digital: The complete guide for lea= rning to draw & paint on your iPad" apply to any digital drawing app, so yo=
u can use whatever you have on hand. The projects, tips, and techniques off=
er the ideal starting point if you're a beginner to digital drawing, but if=
you're an expert, you are still certain to learn plenty from Lisa's expert=
advice, Exceptionally well written with an accompanying wealth of full col=
or images and illustrations, "Drawing Digital" is an ideal DIY instructiona=
l guide and manual. While a highly recommended pick for personal, professio= nal, community, college, and university library Design, Illustration, and G= raphics collections, and supplemental Digital Art curriculum studies lists,=
it should be noted that "Drawing Digital" is also readily available in a d= igital book format (Kindle, $11.99).

Editorial Note: Lisa Bardot (https://bardotbrush.com/about-lisa-bardot) is =
an illustration artist, a teacher, and an all-around creative person based =
in California. With the iPad and Procreate as her tools of choice, she crea= tes educational tutorials, industry-leading digital brushes, and art-making=
resources to help beginners and experienced artists alike find joy in crea= ting. Her educational videos about drawing and illustration have been viewe=
d millions of times, and she receives high praise for her thorough, concise=
, and fun teaching style. Additionally, she runs the Making Art Everyday ar= tistic prompt challenge, followed by thousands of participants worldwide. C= heck out more of Lisa's work on Instagram at @lisabardot, @bardotbrush, or =
on the Bardot Brush YouTube channel.

The Perspective Drawing Guide
Spencer Nugent
Rocky Nook
1010 B Street, Ste 350, San Rafael, CA 94901
https://rockynook.com
9781681989037, $24.95, PB, 168pp

https://www.amazon.com/Perspective-Drawing-Guide-Spencer-Nugent/dp/16819890=
34

Synopsis: Perspective drawing is the foundation for creating art that pops = off the page. With the publication of "The Perspective Drawing Guide: Simpl=
e Techniques for Mastering Every Angle" by designer and teacher Spencer Nug= ent presents the ultimate DIY guide to helping aspiring artists seeking to = understand and develop techniques to draw confidently using the power of pe= rspective.

While mastering perspective can take years, "The Perspective Drawing Guide"=
will provide understanding of why things look the way they do and how to d= raw them accurately and confidently.

In "The Perspective Drawing Guide", Nugent takes a fundamental approach and=
provides detailed tips, tricks, and techniques that will enable aspiring a= rtists to draw more confidently by breaking down objects into easier to dra=
w shapes, showing the mechanics of perspective, and demonstrating how to ma=
ke drawings presentation ready.

"The Perspective Drawing Guide" is guide is perfect for beginning artists l= ooking to develop their perspective drawing abilities or even seasoned arti= sts wanting to sharpen their skills.

Critique: This large format (8.5 x 0.5 x 11 inches, 1.3 pounds) paperback e= dition of "The Perspective Drawing Guide: Simple Techniques for Mastering E= very Angle" is exceptionally 'user friendly' in organization and presentati= on, making it an ideal DIY instructional reference and guide. While also av= ailable in a digital book format (Kindle, $11.99), "The Perspective Drawing=
Guide" is a high value addition to personal, professional, community, coll= ege, and university Pencil/Pen/Ink Drawing collections, as well as a supple= mental textbook for art class, art school curriculum studies lists.

Editorial Note: Spencer Nugent (https://advdes.org/spencer-nugent) is the f= ounder of Sketch-A-Day.com and has been providing free, high-quality online=
design sketching tutorial content and on-site sketch workshops since 2008.=
He has created an extensive online network and following within the Indust= rial Design community and continues to connect with students and design pro= fessionals via his online properties. With his daily YouTube streams, he co= ntinues to share his passion for creating and drawing on "Sketch-A-Day LIVE=
" as well as the sketch-a-day Instagram and TikTok. Spencer was awarded the=
Industrial Design Society of America's individual achievement award for hi=
s consistent work and passion related to industrial design education relate=
d to producing online educational content.

Painting Cats
Terry Runyan
Leaping Hare Press
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
100 Cummings Center, Suite 265D, Beverly, MA 01915
www.quartoknows.com
9780711285347, $20.00, PB, 144pp

https://www.amazon.com/Painting-Cats-Curious-free-spirited-watercolors/dp/0= 711285349

Synopsis: Perfect for cat loving watercolor artists of all skill levels fro=
m the absolute beginner to the more experienced, with the publication of "P= ainting Cats: Curious, Mindful & Free-spirited Watercolors". Artist Terry R= unyan teaches you how to go from blob of paint to a beautiful portrait of y= our fluffy friends.

Drawing on art therapy techniques that emphasize fun and freedom in creativ= ity over technical perfection, Runyan guides you step by step through the p= rocess of adding details to loosely painted shapes to create your own uniqu=
e and distinct cats!

"Painting Cats" is joyful and instructional DIY guide brimming with inspiri=
ng watercolor artwork and encouragement. It includes: Playing and experimen=
t with watercolour, exploring the ways in which the medium invites us to be=
present in the moment; Finding projects, tips, and techniques to help you = develop your painting, creating a myriad of beautiful portraits along the w= ay; Exploring the art of storytelling with cats; Enjoying the scientificall=
y proven mental-health benefits of making art

Critique: "Painting Cats: Curious, Mindful & Free-spirited Watercolors" is = exceptionally 'user friendly' for watercolor artists of all skill levels to=
embrace techniques and lessons in creative mindfulness. Profusely illustra= ted throughout and while a very highly recommended addition to personal, pr= ofessional, community, and art school Watercolor Painting collections and s= upplemental curriculum studies lists, it should be noted that "Painting Cat=
s" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Editorial Note: Terry Runyan (www.terryrunyan.com) is a visual artist and c= reative encourager. After a long career as an in-house illustrator for Hall= mark, Terry now runs her own business, creating art and videos, and leading=
classes at Skillshare to help others explore their creativity. She loves p= ainting cats, cats on heads, big hair, and encouraging imperfectly perfect = watercolour. She lives in Leawood, Kansas with her two creative cats, Tucke=
r and Riley. You can learn more about Terry and her work on: Instagram: @te= rryrunyan, YouTube: Terry Runyan, Facebook: @terryrunyancreative, and the D= aily Creating Group on Facebook: @dailycreating

Draw Kawaii Style
Ilaria Ranauro
Quarry Books
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
400 First Avenue North, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1722
www.quartous.com
9780760382448, $19.99, PB, 128pp

https://www.amazon.com/Draw-Kawaii-Style-Step-Step/dp/0760382441

Synopsis: With the publication of "Draw Kawaii Style: A Beginner's Step-by-= Step Guide for Drawing Super-Cute Creatures, Whimsical People, and Fun Litt=
le Things - 62 Lessons: Basics, Characters, Special Effects", artist and on= line art teacher Ilaria Ranauro (aka Ilariapops) shares her approach to cre= ating kawaii art, starting with the fundamentals, then illustrating how to = create a wide variety of characters by following her easy step-by-step tuto= rials.

Kawaii Essentials. The first seven lessons teach solid drawing techniques t= hat demonstrate how to draw kawaii characters from the ground up and will h= elp you build the skills you need to create the characters of your dreams.

Kawaii Characters, Step by Step. Through step-by-step tutorials, from rough=
sketch to finish, discover the drawing process for 55 characters (animals,=
people, food, and objects) including an alpaca and a panda, a superhero an=
d a snowman, a ramen noodle bowl and a watermelon slice, and a teapot and a=
rainbow, each presented in a different pose.

Critique: Exceptionally 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, w= hether you are just beginning to draw, or trying your hand at drawing Japan= ese style kawaii for the first time, or looking for ideas and guidance for = bringing your own characters to life, "Draw Kawaii Style: A Beginner's Step= -by-Step Guide for Drawing Super-Cute Creatures, Whimsical People, and Fun = Little Things - 62 Lessons: Basics, Characters, Special Effects" by Ilaria = Ranauro is the essential DIY instructional guide, 'how to' manual, and visu=
al reference. While recommended as a very special addition to personal, pro= fessional, community, and art school collections, it should be noted tht "D= raw Kawaii Style' is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.9= 9).

Editorial Note: Kawaii illustrator Ilaria Ranauro (https://ilariaranauro.co=
m) sells stickers, washi tape, prints, and other products adorned with her = fun images on her popular Etsy shop. She also teaches a class on how to cre= ate kawaii characters on Domestika and has illustrated children's books for=
Penguin Random House Mexico. A native of Italy, Ilaria is based in Berlin.=
To see more of her work follow her at @ilariapops on Instagram, Etsy, and = YouTube.

The Beginner's Guide to Decorating Pottery
Emily Reinhardt
Quarry Books
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
400 First Avenue North, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1722
www.quartous.com
9780760381397, $24.99, PB, 160pp

https://www.amazon.com/Beginners-Guide-Decorating-Pottery-Introduction/dp/0= 760381399

Synopsis: With an emphasis on learning new skills, having fun, and embracin=
g imperfection, "The Beginner's Guide to Decorating Pottery: An Introductio=
n to Glazes, Patterns, Inlay, Luster, and Dimensional Designs" supports you=
r creative process as you explore:

1. Basic information on working with clays as well as materials used for de= corating.
2. Tutorials on color theory, combining form and function, and the importan=
ce of keeping a sketchbook.
3. Beginner-friendly projects that show how to apply surface-design techniq= ues to simple pieces such as coasters, a cheeseboard, a wall hanging, plate=
s, tumblers, vases, planters, and more.

Throughout "The Beginner's Guide to Decorating Pottery", skill-building is = front and center, with tips and tricks to help you crack the code and make = pieces you're proud of. Gallery work from some of today's top ceramics arti= sts is sure to inspire potters of all levels. What will you make first?

For beginners and those returning to ceramics, the Essential Ceramics Skill=
s series from Quarry Books offer the fundamentals along with fresh, contemp= orary, and simple projects that build skills progressively.

Critique: Profusely illustrated throughout with color photographs, "The Beg= inner's Guide to Decorating Pottery: An Introduction to Glazes, Patterns, I= nlay, Luster, and Dimensional Designs" is an ideal DIY combination of instr= uctional guide and 'how to' manual, providing thoroughly 'user friendly ste= p-by-step instructions that will turn the most novice of potters into seaso= ned experts. Fun and informative, "The Beginner's Gujide to Decorating Pott= ery" is specifically recommended for community and art school Pottery Makin=
g collections. This ideal 'how-to' guide and manual is also easily availabl=
e for personal reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $11.99).

Editorial Note: Emily Reinhardt (https://www.theobjectenthusiast.com/pages/= about) is a ceramic artist and designer whose work focuses on beautiful, fu= nctional ceramic objects for the home. In her studio in the Crossroads Arts=
district of Kansas City, Missouri, Emily designs and builds by hand a vari= ety of one-of-a-kind objects, including plates, vases, wall hangings, tumbl= ers, mugs, goblets, and trays. Her modern, unfussy aesthetic features perfe= ctly imperfect shapes and stunning surface design techniques, such as strik= ing glazes, touches of gold luster, bold patterns, texture, and raised effe= cts. Emily founded The Object Enthusiast in 2011 and continues to grow a lo= yal community of customers and students, teaching classes online through Sk= illshare as well as in-person at her studio. She is also the co-founder of = her shop, Duet, and of The Ekru Project, an art gallery and curatorial proj= ect, both of which share space with her Crossroads studio. Emily lives in K= ansas City, Missouri. You can see more of her work using @theobjectenthusia=
st on Instagram, Facebook, and Skillshare.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

The Midwest Book Review is an organization of volunteers committed to promo= ting literacy, library usage, and small press publishing. We accept no fund=
s from authors or publishers. Full permission is given to post any of these=
reviews on thematically appropriate websites, newsgroups, listserves, inte= rnet discussion groups, organizational newsletters, or to interested indivi= duals. Please give the Midwest Book Review a credit line when doing so.

The Midwest Book Review publishes the monthly book review magazines "Califo= rnia Bookwatch", "Internet Bookwatch", "Children's Bookwatch", "MBR Bookwat= ch", "Reviewer's Bookwatch", and "Small Press Bookwatch". All are available=
for free on the Midwest Book Review website at www (dot) midwestbookreview=
(dot) com

Anyone wanting to submit books for review consideration can send them to:

James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129

To submit reviews of any fiction or non-fiction books, email them to Frugal= muse (at) aol (dot) com (Be sure to include the book title, author, publish= er, publisher address, publisher website/phone number, 13-digit ISBN number=
, and list price).

James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review

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