January 2024 MBR The Art Shelf

The Art Shelf

The Darby School of Art
Mark W. Sullivan
Brookline Books
c/o Casemate Publishers
www.casematepublishers.com
9781955041256, $29.95, HC, 200pp

https://www.amazon.com/Darby-School-Art-Forgotten-Impressionist/dp/1955041253

Synopsis: With the publication of "The Darby School of Art: A Forgotten Chapter in the History of American Impressionist and Modern Painting", Professor Mark W. Sullivan presents the first full-length account of the Darby School of Art and overturns Philadelphia's long-held unwarranted reputation as artistically stodgy (unwilling and unable to embrace Impressionism, post-Impressionist, and abstract art) and demonstrates that Philadelphia was more avant-garde in the early twentieth century than previously thought.

This is the history and story of an almost completely forgotten summer art school that flourished first in Darby, PA, and then in Fort Washington, PA, between 1898 and 1918. The Darby School of Art was founded and operated by Thomas Anshutz and Hugh Breckenridge, two artists who taught during the academic year at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.

Anshutz and Breckenridge brought a lot of new ideas about painting back to Philadelphia after their European sojourns, and introduced those ideas to a public that was initially not very responsive to Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, and semi-abstract art. But an appreciation for modern styles of painting began to slowly grow among Philadelphia artists and collectors, and Anshutz and Breckenridge were in the forefront of this development.

They also sympathized with what some have called the "New Woman" movement, which backed women who wanted to pursue careers outside of the home.

"The Darby School of Art: A Forgotten Chapter in the History of American Impressionist and Modern Painting" is new history in which art historian and academician Mark Sullivan argues that the Philadelphia area was a genuine hub of avant-garde painting in the early twentieth century, even though it has earned the reputation of lagging far behind New York City in its openness to new styles of painting. This erudite history also discusses how the Darby School should be recognized as an institution that got behind the idea of women as professional artists at a time when that concept was quite radical.

Critique: Enhanced for the reader with the inclusion of a major section of full color illustrations, "The Darby School of Art: A Forgotten Chapter in the History of American Impressionist and Modern Painting" is an eloquent, informative, and exceptional contribution to personal, professional, community, and college/university library American Art History collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted for students, academia, art historians, and non- specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "The Darby School of Art" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $13.49).

Editorial Note: Mark W. Sullivan earned a Ph. D. in art history from Bryn Mawr College, and taught at Rutgers University and Rosemont College (PA), before landing a full-time position at Villanova University. He spent 37 years at Villanova, and was the co-founder and director of its art history program. He specializes in the history of American painting, and has written and lectured extensively on the art and architecture of the Philadelphia area.

Manga Art Fashion Secrets
Dalia Sharawna
Search Press Ltd.
https://www.searchpress.com
9781800921573, $19.95, PB, 128pp

https://www.amazon.com/Manga-Art-Fashion-Secrets-Ultimate/dp/1800921578

Synopsis: Clothes and accessories are the perfect way to give your manga characters energy and develop their unique identities. From on-trend streetwear to traditional and formal clothing, the way that your character is dressed is an instant way to tell a story.

With the publication of "Manga Art Fashion Secrets: The Ultimate Guide to Making Stylish Artwork in the Manga Style" aspiring manga artists can join with manga art expert Dalia Sharawna and her thousands of fans and learn how to draw fashionable manga clothes that show personality, character, and mood. Packed with everything you need to know to draw a huge variety of cool clothes and accessories in the manga style, this detailed guide covers a range of styles and looks to take your manga characters to the next level.

"Manga Art Fashion Secrets" is packed from cover to cover with step-by-step drawings for formal and casual outfits, sportswear, and accessories. Learn how to give your work personality and style with Dalia Sharawna's tutorials for a huge variety of on-trend looks to dress your characters in. At the end of each chapter is a series of practice exercises where you're encouraged to trace or freehand draw subjects from earlier on. You'll end up with a portfolio of sketches charting your artistic development. Five contemporary artists take up residence on these pages, sharing their manga fashion secrets and showcasing their own art.

With clear step-by-step instructions and insider secrets that manga artist Dalia Sharawna has learned on her drawing journey, all that is needed is a pencil and paper to draw any clothing style you desire.

Critique: An extraordinary, comprehensive, and unique DIY course of Manga Art instruction, "Manga Art Fashion Secrets: The Ultimate Guide to Making Stylish Artwork in the Manga Style" is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, art school, and college/university library Manga Art instruction collections. It should be noted for art students and Manga art enthusiasts that "Manga Art Fashion Secrets: The Ultimate Guide to Making Stylish Artwork in the Manga Style" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $17.99).

Editorial Note: Based in Hebron in Palestine, Dalia Sharawna has been drawing manga for 10 years, fired by her passion for watching anime since she was a kid. Find more of her art and join her 171k followers on Instagram @drawing_dalia

Kawaii Doodle Cafe
Faith Varvara
Rock Point
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
www.quartoknows.com
9781631069598, $19.99, PB, 144pp

https://www.amazon.com/Kawaii-Doodle-Caf%C3%A9-Adorable-Desserts/dp/1631069594

Synopsis: "Kawaii Doodle Cafe: Learn to Draw Adorable Desserts, Snacks, Drinks & More" is an ideal 'how to' guide in which popular kawaii artist Faith Varvara shows how to draw over 100 cute and tasty foods from around the world in an easy-to-follow, simple style, including breakfast, lunch, snacks, a la carte items, pastries, desserts, and drinks, along with tableware.

With "Kawaii Doodle Cafe", even the most novice of artists can create mouthwatering foods, such as the Eclair; Macaron; Lemon Meringue Pie; Tiramisu; Creme Brulee; Strawberry Parfait; Avocado Toast; Breakfast Burrito; Japanese Omurice; Bubble Tea -- and so much more!

Along with the step-by-step tutorials, Faith shares tips for drawing and coloring drawings of foods, along with a fun introduction about the cozy cafe and its talented staff, and pages to color. And once you have the basic shapes down, the options to customize the foods are endless to create your own feast for the eyes.

Critique: Published in a large (8 x 0.36 x 10 inches, 1.25 pounds) paperback format) "Kawaii Doodle Cafe: Learn to Draw Adorable Desserts, Snacks, Drinks & More" is specially recommended for art students of all ages. It should be noted that "Kawaii Doodle Cafe: Learn to Draw Adorable Desserts, Snacks, Drinks & More" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Editorial Note 1: Faith Varvara (https://faithvarvara.artstation.com) is a full-time kawaii artist based in Calgary, Canada, and is the creator of the whimsical world of Bumbleberry Hollows. Her work has been featured on food packaging and displayed in a gallery in Japan. She has launched multiple successful Kickstarter campaigns for a tarot deck, plushies, and clothing.

Editorial Note #2: The fun 'how-to' art instruction books comprising the Kawaii Doodle series includes: Kawaii Doodle Class, Mini Kawaii Doodle Class, Kawaii Doodle Cuties, Mini Kawaii Doodle Cuties, Kawaii Doodle World, Kawaii Kitties, and Kawaii Doggies.

Loose and Lively Animals in Watercolour, Inks & Mixed Media
Jo Allsopp
Search Press Ltd.
https://www.searchpress.com
9781782219958, $25.95, PB, 144pp

https://www.amazon.com/Loose-Lively-Animals-Watercolour-Mixed/dp/1782219951

Synopsis: Animals are a perennial favorite amongst artists, but many struggle with capturing their form and character in a way that reflects the true spirit of the animal. Jo's genuine passion for wildlife is reflected in her art, and her skill at painting animals in a loose, lively and dynamic style is one that many wish to emulate.

Including a broad range of animals from around the world: red squirrels, to peacocks, lions and housecats; water voles and red squirrels, to Atlantic puffins -- "Loose and Lively Animals in Watercolour, Inks & Mixed Media" by Jo Allsoop will appeal to both hobby artists and more advanced artists who wish to loosen up their style and take a more experimental approach to their watercolor painting.

Jo uses an exciting range of art media and techniques in her work, and this will be fully explored in a structured way through "Loose and Lively Animals in Watercolour, Inks & Mixed Media", beginning with pure watercolor and progressing through various other media to show the effects that can be achieved, and when and how to use them.

Jo's main medium is watercolor, but to this she adds ink plus other media, including: Alcohol;
Water-soluble and permanent pens; Gold, silver and bronze leaf; Daler-Rowney acrylic inks.

Her technique is very wet into wet, with lots of blooms, vivid colors, and striking contrasts and texture achieved by the addition of wax resist, salt, spatter and scratching out. Jo's animal paintings are stunning, and "Loose and Lively Animals in Watercolour, Inks & Mixed Media" will both inspire and instruct artists on how to recreate Jo's style and her stunning animal paintings in a loose, fresh style.

Critique: Thoroughly 'user friendly' in style, organization and presentation, "Loose and Lively Animals in Watercolour, Inks & Mixed Media" is an ideal DIY 'how-to' instructional guide that will prove to be an immediately and enduringly valued addition to personal, professional, community, art school, and college/university library Watercolor and Mixed Media Plant/Animal art instruction collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted for art students and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "Loose and Lively Animals in Watercolour, Inks & Mixed Media" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $24.65).

Editorial Note: Jo Allsopp set up Sable Studio Gallery in the grounds of Moira Furnace Museum. From her gallery space she sells her watercolor paintings, mosaics, cards, jewelry and gift ware. Her spacious studio enables her to teach regular painting and drawing classes plus weekend workshops in a variety of media. Jo is an experienced demonstrator and teacher and her worhsops are extremely popular. Jo also regularly features in the Society of All Artist's magazine Paint. In 2019 Jo was chosen to appear on the UK's BBC One on the TV series Home Is Where The Art Is with presenter Nick Knowles.

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