∙ Art and Music > Practical Art

Women have always been painters' greatest inspiration. Long before the invention of the camera thousands of magnificent female portraits were painted. These portraits uncover not only the way beauty was conceived in the past, but also the roles women played, the painting styles of the times and of course, it reveals just who were the most influential women of their times!

Pictorial symbols are, in some respects, superior to words as a form of communication. If well designed, they can be understood by people of all different races and cultures and can be recognised by children even years before they learn to read. Symbols can be identified more quickly than words, making them especially useful in situations where fast reactions are required. As a result, symbols are of the utmost importance to graphic designers and their ever-present challenge to create effective visual communication for their client... read more

When we think of great events in the history of the world, we tend to think of war, revolution, political upheaval or natural catastrophe. But throughout history there have been moments of vital importance that have taken place not on the battlefield, or in the palaces of power, or even in the violence of nature, but between the pages of a book. In his fascinating new book accompanying the TV series, Melvyn Bragg presents a vivid reminder of the book as agent of social, political and personal revolution. Twelve Books that Changed t... read more

This gorgeous book takes a look at the work of forty of New Zealand's leading designers and craftspeople of the twentieth century.Douglas Lloyd Jenkins, well known as a writer, lecturer and critic on design, has been writing columns for the magazine Home & Entertaining for the last 15 years, and this book gathers together some of his best columns, plus several new profiles. The format is a series of short, authoritative, highly accessible biographical profiles, detailing the careers of top New Zealand designers and craftspeople, fr... read more

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Learn to Paint Acrylics is just one of the top-selling titles in the excellent Collins Learn to Paint series. The book contains thorough yet accessible instruction and stunning artwork by popular TV artist, Alwyn Crawshaw. Collins Learn to Paint Acrylics presents both traditional and experimental techniques which prove just how versatile the increasingly popular medium of Acrylic paint is. Alwyn Crawshaw demonstrates all the basic methods of painting in this exciting, modern medium of acrylics. Acrylics can be used like oil paint... read more

This work deals with dedicated mailing and e-mail campaign to targeted art related media & organizations. It features: materials & equipment; techniques & methods; historical aspects; tips from the experts; practical advice; and, more. Highly illustrated and easy-to-read, this series provides an invaluable guide to the common artistic methods, techniques, and movements in art.

This work provides you with everything you need to know to become a better artist in 12 easy steps. Acrylics Workshop is for anyone who wants to find out how to paint with acrylics or improve their skills. Starting with materials and basic techniques such as applying a wash, it includes warm up exercises encouraging you to try out a range of paints and brushes designed to build your confidence. Easy-to-follow projects show you what to do, step-by-step, and demonstrate key techniques for creating opaque and transparent colour, re... read more

This is a fun, comprehensive course to painting animals in watercolour that focuses on the two key aspirations for novice animal artists: to paint subjects in a loose yet realistic style; and to capture the essence of animals' characters. Eight complete lessons explore a range of subject areas to equip the reader with the skills required to paint all types of animals in a variety of situations. Each lesson is made up of exercises and step demonstrations, accompanied by practical instruction, beautiful illustrations and useful tip b... read more

Showing you what others only tell you, from airports to Ziggurats, this title explores the world's greatest buildings with fascinating illustrations that take you right to the heart of the world's landmark buildings. Featuring all major historical styles, and covering all parts of the world, it enables you discover how building has evolved from extravagant royal palaces to the towering headquarters of today's global corporations. Perfect for any architecture enthusiast, this is the definitive visual guide to discovering 5,000 years... read more

This book has been updated to meet the changing needs of senior students. New frames and perspectives have been added and students will find the approaches to research, essays, reviews, critiques, workbook and oral presentations are in line with present visual arts curriculum demands.

Art Detective Second Edition provides a carefully structured but flexible approach to introducing students to the world of art. The second edition was written to specifically cater to the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS). There is a full and comprehensive coverage of the Arts domain with the two dimensions 'Creating and making' and 'Exploring and responding' being addressed with practical, classroom-based questions and activities. Art Detective Second Edition encourages students to become art critics - to go beyo... read more

This fabulous addition to the "Usborne Art Ideas" series follows the success of the bestselling "Art Ideas Pack". Packed not only with hints, tips and projects but also with high-quality materials with which to complete them, this is ideal for anyone with a passion for drawing.The contents include: 4 pencils (6B, 4B, 2B and B); 8 coloured pencils; thin black waterbased felt-tip pen; thin black permanent felt-tip pen; rubber; and, pencil sharpener.

Art Insight is an comprehensive art appreciation text for students and teachers in Years 7?10. Artists and their works are presented in a lively style that actively encourages students to explore their knowledge and understanding in diverse and innovative ways.

The second edition has been revised and updated to include a wide variety of new artists and photographers from different cultures and historical periods, including Howard Arkley, Frida Kahlo, Ah Xian and Gordon Bennett.

Art Insight Second Edition is supported by a comprehensive Teacher Resource Package featuring a book of Blackline Masters and a CD-ROM. This unique resource is designed to help teachers integrate the text with the new Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) for Levels 5 and 6, providing a wide range of teacher support and activities to help implement the new curriculum.

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Filled with classic modern poster art from the original volume plus loads of new material, "The Art of Modern Rock A-Z" is packed into a small giftable package and witty alphabet book format. From Mark Arminski to Alison Zawacki, all the key artists and studios are here, as well as poster genres and top bands. This mini spin-off is perfectly poised to reach legions of young fans and new enthusiasts for the most enduring visual artifact of current music - the rock poster.

Art Smart is a stimulating art-making text for years 5-9 students. Addressing the National Statement and Profiles for the Arts, this activity-focused text enlivens art history and provides a bounty of fun studio activities for students and teachers. Art Smart is divided into six chapters. Chapter one introduces art elements and principles; further chapters are developed around a theme-people, animals, places, objects, fantasy. Within the thematic chapters, artistic works are introduced to indicate the variety of art which each them... read more

This stunningly visual companion text for Artwise Contemporary showcases our exciting new range of Australian and international artists. Many of the case studies feature young artists whose work is particularly suitable for study by adolescents.