February 2024 MBR The Art Shelf

The Art Shelf

Ceramics: An Atlas of Forms
Glenn Barkley
Thames & Hudson, Inc.
www.thamesandhudsonusa.com
9781760763930, $65.00, HC, 320pp

https://www.amazon.com/Ceramics-Atlas-Forms-Glenn-Barkley/dp/1760763934

Synopsis: What can we learn about the Roman Empire from an amphora made in =
200 BCE? How can a simple, unadorned cup made in 1945 tell us so much about=
 history? And what will an artwork comprising a vast collection of clay sph=
eres tell our descendants about the act of making?

Once fired, clay has the strength to last for millennia. Practical uses asi=
de, ceramic objects are a testament to the power and innovation of ancient =
and ongoing cultural traditions. A single piece can tell an invaluable stor=
y about its time, the people who made it, how it was collected, or its role=
 within a broader cultural network.

"Ceramics: An Atlas of Forms" by Glenn Barkley is a massive global cultural=
 study told through the lens of ceramics. Organized chronologically and ran=
ging from an Egyptian ceremonial jar made over five thousand years ago to w=
orks by twentieth-century luminaries Lucie Rie and Bernard Leach, contempor=
ary artists and entirely unknown makers, this profusely illustrated collect=
ion deftly weaves a tale of rich cultural stories through the diverse histo=
ry of ceramics, honoring the artists who have left their mark on this timel=
ess practice.

Critique: This large format (8.7 x 1.3 x 11.1 inches, 4.01 pounds) hardcove=
r edition of "Ceramics: An Atlas of Forms" from Thames & Hudson is informat=
ively enhanced for the benefit of the reader with 220 color illustrations o=
f chronological arranged ceramic objects, each with its own descriptive com=
mentary that is augmented to include the date, origin, material, size, and =
history. Of immense value to readers with an interest in ceramic art histor=
y, "Ceramics: An Atlas of Forms" is a core and especially recommended addit=
ion to personal, professional, community, and college/university library co=
llections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.

Editorial Note: Glenn Barkley (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glenn_Barkley)=
 is an artist, writer, curator, and gardener based in Sydney, Australia. Ba=
rkley was previously senior curator at the Museum of Contemporary Art Austr=
alia (2008 - 2014) and curator of the University of Wollongong Art Collecti=
on (1996 - 2007). His work can be found in most Australian public collectio=
ns, including the National Gallery of Australia. He is represented by the M=
indy Solomon Gallery in the United States.

The Life and Work of Ante Dabro, Australian-Croatian Sculptor
Peter Read
Anthem Press
www.anthempress.com
9781839989926, $49.95, HC, 234pp

https://www.amazon.com/Life-Work-Dabro-Australian-Croatian-Sculptor/dp/1839=
989920

Synopsis: Why does a highly skilled and highly trained sculptor, the master=
 of every style and technique, insist on working in the style of the Italia=
n Renaissance? The answer is that to Australian/Croatian sculptor Ante Dabr=
o, every sculpture must speak to humanity, which means that it must be an e=
lement of humanity. If it does not, the sculptor has failed.

Working with female models throughout his long life, Dabro has sought to po=
rtray an essence of femininity, and therefore an essence of humanity. As a =
sculptor and artist Dabro believes that the ability to see what other peopl=
e don't see is a real gift. In his own words: 'It's like a star wheeling ro=
und the earth, fertilising the imagination as it goes.'

"The Life and Work of Ante Dabro, Australian-Croatian Sculptor: The Midnigh=
t Sea in the Blood", Australian historian Peter Read deftly explores the di=
fferent ways he has liberated an essence of humanity by releasing the soul =
of a human form from its imprisoning substance, whether it be from wood, ma=
rble, stone or plaster.

Critique: A seminal work on the life and accomplishments of sculptor Ante D=
abro, "The Life and Work of Ante Dabro, Australian-Croatian Sculptor: The M=
idnight Sea in the Blood" is informatively enhanced with the inclusion of a=
n Introduction (Making a Mark in Stone), eight pages of Notes, a six page l=
isting of Works Cited, and a four page Index. Comprehensive, definitively i=
nformative, thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation -=
- and readily available for personal/professional reading lists in a digita=
l book format (Kindle, $42.30), "The Life and Work of Ante Dabro, Australia=
n-Croatian Sculptor: The Midnight Sea in the Blood" will prove to be a valu=
ed addition to art school, community and college/university library Sculptu=
re Art History/Biography collections and supplemental curriculum studies li=
sts.

Editorial Note: Peter Read (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Read_(histo=
rian)) is one of Australia's leading historians. His work encompasses Austr=
alian history, Aboriginal history, Chilean history, and place studies.

Cute Creature Art Class
Naomi Lord
Rock Point
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
www.quartoknows.com
9781631069772, $21.99, PB, 160pp

https://www.amazon.com/Cute-Creature-Art-Class-Monsters/dp/1631069772

Synopsis: With the publication of "Cute Creature Art Class: Learn to Draw o=
ver 50 Magical Monsters", popular anime artist Naomi Lord shares the secret=
s to drawing enchanting creatures in her signature style. Through easy-to-f=
ollow tutorials, Lord walks you through the techniques she used to create t=
hese anime characters, including her personal suggestions when it comes to =
using colored pencils, markers, digital programs, and more.

Discover the myths of creatures ranging from druids to dragons, including: =
Land Walkers (such as Kitsune, Yeti, Cerberus, Naga); Air Gliders (such as =
Manticore, Quetzalcoatl, Pegasus, Fairy); Sea Splashers (such as Kraken, Ak=
hlut, Kelpie, Mermaid); Night Dwellers )such as Cthulhu, Mothman, Wendigo, =
Medusa) -- and so many more!

Of special note is the bonus section Mythical Combos where the mundane is b=
red into the mythical. Ever wondered what the hybrid of a raven and a cat l=
ooked like? How about a shark and a dog, or (even cuter) an otter and a fis=
h? Aspiring artists and illustrators can see Naomi's creativity bloom, and =
follow in her footsteps/pencil strokes.

On top of the tutorials, novice and experienced artists alike will find ins=
piration for personalizing your drawings with different fur textures, hairs=
tyles, facial expressions, fashion, and more!

Critique: Thoroughly 'user friendly' in commentary tone, style, organizatio=
n and presentation, "Cute Creature Art Class: Learn to Draw over 50 Magical=
 Monsters" is an ideal and highly recommended addition to personal, profess=
ional, community, and art school library collections. It should be noted fo=
r art students and non-specialist general readers with an interest in paste=
l, pen/ink, and pencil drawing that "Cute Creature Art Class: Learn to Draw=
 over 50 Magical Monsters" is also available in a digital book format (Kind=
le, $10.99).

Editorial Note: Naomi Lord is a prolific artist with a strong signature sty=
le. Her artwork has attracted a large following on Instagram @naomi_lord an=
d she has made a career of selling her work online and partnering with reta=
ilers like Hot Topic. Naomi's creatures are both adorable and imaginative, =
and include a range of anime and kawaii characters inspired by Dungeons and=
 Dragons, popular anime, Game of Thrones, and Greek mythology, as well as w=
itches, goth characters, and her own creations. (https://www.facebook.com/N=
aomiLordArt)

Watercolor Textures for Artists
Quarry Books
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
www.quartous.com
9780760383407, $24.99, PB, 136pp

https://www.amazon.com/Watercolor-Textures-Artists-Explore-Techniques/dp/07=
60383405

Synopsis: It was through experimentation and exploration, Ana Victoria Cald=
eron came to embrace a playful approach to create a wide variety of texture=
s, from organic lines to repeating patterns to spontaneous spatter, unlocki=
ng new creative possibilities and expanding artistic horizons with the publ=
ication of "Watercolor Textures for Artists: Explore Simple Techniques to C=
reate Amazing Works of Art".

"Watercolor Textures for Artists" covers: Texture swatching (Finding simple=
 step-by-step tutorials for applying beautiful textures to simple shapes); =
Inspired textures (See how textures in the world around us can serve as ins=
piration for watercolor textures); Mindful painting (Creating interesting e=
ffects using simple circles, dots, brushstrokes, and lines); Mystical lands=
capes and skyscapes (Learning how to combine textures to create relaxing vi=
stas).

Of special note is the chapter on essential supplies gives an overview of e=
verything you need, and templates make it easy to recreate the images with =
minimal drawing.

Written for artists of all skill levels, "Watercolor Textures for Artists" =
reveals how to transform simple painted textures into stunning and meditati=
ve works of watercolor art.

Critique: Exceptionally 'art student' friendly in style, organization and p=
resentation, "Watercolor Textures for Artists" is an ideal DIY instructiona=
l guide for both novice and experienced watercolor illustrators and artists=
. Also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $11.99), "Watercolor Tex=
tures for Artists" is a solidly recommended pick for personal, professional=
, community, art class curriculums, and college/university Watercolor Paint=
ing instructional reference collections.

Editorial Note: Ana Victoria Calderon is a Mexican - American watercolor ar=
tist and teacher with a bachelor's degree in Information Design and continu=
ed studies in Fine Arts. Her licensed artwork can be seen in retail outlets=
 throughout the United States and Europe on a wide variety of products. Ana=
 teaches in-person workshops and hosts creative retreats in Tulum, Mexico, =
as well as summer watercolor retreats throughout Europe. She has taught mor=
e than 120,000 students on Skillshare, where she is a Top Teacher, and she =
also teaches thousands of Spanish-speaking students on Domestika. See more =
of Ana's work on Instagram (@anavictoriana), YouTube (Ana Victoria Calderon=
), and Facebook (Ana Victoria Calderon Illustration).

Vibrant Watercolor
Geethu Chandramohan
Walter Foster Publishing
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
www.quartous.com
9780760384879, $22.99, PB, 128pp

https://www.amazon.com/Vibrant-Watercolor-creative-exploration-watercolor/d=
p/0760384878

Synopsis: With the publication of "Vibrant Watercolor: A creative and color=
ful exploration into the art of watercolor painting" Geethu Chandramohan (t=
he artist behind the popular Instagram account @colourfulmystique) introduc=
es beginning artists to creating vibrant watercolor artwork.

Each individual projects comprising "Vibrant Watercolor" is presented step =
by step, with Geethu's own beautiful, bright artwork and photography accomp=
anying each step in an exploration of a variety of subjects in watercolor i=
ncluding: Landscapes, Sunsets, Mountains, Birds; Water in different forms; =
Cityscapes -- and so much more!

As you create stunning images in watercolor, you will also discover how to =
use painting as a tool for mindfulness, guided by Geethu's own tips for rem=
aining calm and present. Along the way, you will also learn about: Tools an=
d materials, including the best watercolor paints and papers to work with; =
Watercolor painting techniques, such as wet-into-wet, wet-on-dry, and blend=
ing; Color theory and color mixing; Plein air painting; Composition; Perspe=
ctive, and more.

Critique: An ideal textbook for beginners, and holding a great deal of info=
rmational value for even the more experienced watercolorist, complex-soundi=
ng subjects are presented simply and encouragingly, making "Vibrant Waterco=
lor: A creative and colorful exploration into the art of watercolor paintin=
g" especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, comm=
unity, art class, and college/university library Watercolor Painting instru=
ctional reference collections. It should be noted that "Vibrant Watercolor"=
 is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $11.99).

Editorial Note: Geethu Chandramohan (https://colourfulmystique.com) is an a=
rtist and aerospace engineer based in the United Kingdom. Originally from K=
erala, India, she lives with her husband and their young baby boy and comes=
 from an artistic background. A self-taught artist, Geethu teaches online c=
lasses and paints daily. Visit her online @colourfulmystique

Watercolor Your Way
Sarah Cray
Quarry Books
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
www.quartous.com
9780760384664, $22.95, PB, 128pp

https://www.amazon.com/Watercolor-Your-Way-Techniques-Palettes/dp/076038466=
5

Synopsis: Written and illustrated by artist Sarah Cray, co-founder of the a=
rt education platform Let's Make Art, "Watercolor Your Way: Techniques, Pal=
ettes, and Projects To Fit Your Skill Level and Creative Goals" is designed=
 to inform and guide you an aspiring artist at whatever your current skill =
level might be.

Each of four chapters focuses on different techniques and supplies, buildin=
g on each other so you can bring your watercolor art to the next level. Ins=
tead of presenting everything about paints, color mixing, and techniques al=
l at once, it's offered in four small installments, with frequently asked q=
uestions, pro tips, and projects geared toward where you are on your artist=
ic path, so you can get to the fun part of creating with watercolor faster!

For those just starting out, "Watercolor Your Way" focuses on just three fu=
ndamental elements: shape, the wet-on-wet technique, and primary colors. Fo=
r building confidence and skill, it spotlights creating value and form with=
 watercolor. With respect to finessing and enhancing, Watercolor Your Way" =
centers on adding detailed lines and backgrounds, and adjusting values by h=
ue. And for finding your own style it presents a process of how to develop =
a style that's uniquely yours.

With "Watercolor Your Way", you can explore watercolor the way you've alway=
s wanted to, with expert instruction on a wide range of exciting techniques=
, themes, and color palettes that fit your needs as an artist.

Critique: Exceptionally well written, illustrated, organized and presented,=
 "Watercolor Your Way: Techniques, Palettes, and Projects To Fit Your Skill=
 Level and Creative Goals" is an exceptional DIY 'how-to' manual for anyone=
 aspiring to create art using a watercolor medium. While also available in =
a digital book format (Kindle, $11.99), "Watercolor Your Way" is unreserved=
ly recommended for personal, professional, community, art school, and colle=
ge/university library Watercolor Painting collections.

Editorial Note: Sarah Cray (https://www.sarahcray.com) is a watercolor arti=
st, illustrator, and art instructor. She graduated magna cum laude from Cal=
ifornia State University Sacramento in 2015 with an art studio degree with =
an emphasis in painting and drawing. She has been creating custom watercolo=
r and acrylic paintings since 2014, and is co-founder of Let's Make Art, a =
brick-and-mortar and online retail company committed to making art more acc=
essible for all through education and affordable art kits. Let's Make Art, =
a sister brand of Missouri Star Quilt Company, carries art supplies, art ki=
ts, and Let's Make Art branded items. Sarah teaches a variety of watercolor=
 tutorials on the Let's Make Art website and YouTube channel and is the ill=
ustrator of several gift books.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

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 (dot) com

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