Our Favorite Reads!
For artists out there- check out these books
A-Z Flower Portraits by Billy Showell
This book showcases Billy Showell's expert painting techniques. You'll be illustrating 40 kinds of flowers in no time! Her newest book just out! Be one of the first own this treasure!
The Art of Plant Evolution by W. John Kress and Shirley Sherwood
This is a wonderful book of illustrations and artworks from different artists living in different countries. It includes the biology, scientific families and evolution of plants. There are some works from Shirley Sherwood's previous books. But the additional illustrations are remarkable! You will fall in love with this book referring to it time and time again. Great for inspiration and studying new techniques. Or use it for inspiration! The compositions are not the traditional plant portraits. Rather the artists push the limits of creativity using graphite, pen and ink, and watercolor! You'll love this newest reference! A true gem for the artist or creative side in you.
Botanical Drawing in Color by Wendy Hollender
This is the much awaited book of Wendy hollender! brand new for 2010! Experience making finished drawings in colored pencils. After reading this book you'll be amazed, is that really colored pencil? this book teaches all the necessary techniques!
Botanical Sketchbook by Mary Ann Scott with Margaret Stevens
This is a great book which shares detailed advice on actual painting with watercolor. Examples of mixing colors and tons of advice on drawing and composition. You will see how an amateur painter turns into a successful botanical illustrator. Techniques on leaves, flower heads all the way up to lovely plant portraits. some lessons on botany, too! This is a must-have if you love nature painting! Make your own sketchbook and learn from the masters. Experience a woman's journey from her early attempts to her accomplished portfolio work. This book has so many tips and the artwork is very inspiring! If you are ready to take your work to the next level, this is the reference for you
"Blue and Yellow Do Not Make Green" by Michael Wilcox
This is a good book about exploring color, color mixing and being able to create every imaginable shade. Truly inpirational and perfect for that creative individual who loves color! Other good art books include: Watercolor Fruit & Vegetable Portraits and Watercolor Flower Portraits both by Billy Showell Click on the links to purchase these through Amazon.
Watercolor Flower Portraits by Billy Showell
This book is full of stunning photographs for the beginner to the advanced watercolor painter, or illustrator. It's just like taking a workshop with Billy in the comforts of your own home or studio! A great step-by-step book, it is loaded with numerous photographs which explains each step from the first graded wash to adding highlights on wet washes. This wonderful book includes adding dry brush details and challenging subjects such as white flowers, color mixing and painting intricate details on leaves. This book is perfect for your home library, or for that teacher who loves to inspire students. billy showell's technique in using transparent watercolors is truly extraordinary! Whether you are a hobbyist or professional illustrator, this book is a winner to add to your collection.
Looking for a great gift for a tweener or teen? Check out this fast paced, exciting book that has gotten raves from both kids and parents - "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins. Our tweener was literally lost in this book as she devoured every page of it.
The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America - by Erik Larson. This book is simply fascinating. It takes you back to the 1893 during the time of the World Exposition in Chicago. The book takes you through the triumphs and failures of the builders of the World Fair, and narrates the murders conducted by Holmes.
Very Washington DC. A celebration of the history and culture of america's capital city - written and illustrated by diana hollingsworth gessler . This wonderfully illustrated book in the perfect gift for someone visiting Washington DC, or for the locals. With her lively illustrations and notes, it is a must to have this book in every home and library, especially for those wishing to have a keepsake to our nation's capital. I got a copy for our bookshelf at home to re-acquaint myself with the different neighborhoods, restaurants and museums in Washington DC. The brushworks and illustrations are vibrant and lovely! Portraying washington dc as one of the best places to live in the world! fFrom quaint coffee shops, markets, restaurants and things to do on a weekend, this is truly a treasure to own, or give as a gift. What a beautiful book! Discover and fall in love with your city!