If you use artist’s models in your studio, work as an artist’s model, or have ever thought of working as an artist’s model*… you need to own a copy of this book.

Yes, I usually say, “Read this book at your public library first, and see if you want to buy it.” However, this is the kind of book that you’ll refer to so often, you may as well buy a copy and save yourself multiple treks to the library.

This book is 141 pages of to-the-point information. There’s no fluff, and the author is knowledgeable, experienced, and addresses issues on both sides of the canvas (or sketchpad).

Author Andrew Cahner has left nothing out. He tackles the difficult aspects of nudity in Chapter 2. In Chapter 3, he tells you the two things that every model must bring with him (or her), and then lists many items that will make your work easier and create a more professional environment.

Chapter by chapter, Cahner provides useful tips and the kind of information every artist — and artist’s model — needs to think about before, during and after a modeling session.

For example, the author provides some brilliant ways to research poses, so you don’t stand in front of the group, blink, and ask shakily, “Err… what do you want me to do?” (Likewise, if you’re working with models, these resources will avoid wasted time while the artists try to think of poses, and the model responds, “Okay, how about this?”.)

There’s even a list of useful links to find modeling work, online.

If there’s anything missing from this book — from either the model or artist’s standpoint — I can’t see it. And, I’m speaking as a third-generation artist who worked as an artist’s model during her college years.

I rarely give a book five stars, but — for this topic — I can’t think of any way the author could have improved the book. Every working artist and every classroom that uses models should have a copy of this book in their studios. When you have a question, the answer will be right there.

And, of course, every working model should own one as well.

I read many books about and for artists, and this one stands out as a brilliant idea, well executed and long overdue. It’s well-written and easy to read, but — even more importantly — it’s a useful reference that provides far more than just the basics.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The Art Model’s Handbook: The Naked Truth about Posing for Art Classes and Fine Artists
Price: USD 16.95

8 used & new available from USD 15.63

*If you’re willing to sit still for 20 minutes at a time — with a roomful of people staring at you — this can be a fine career choice for people who need work or want extra income.  Taking off your clothes is optional but will significantly increase your chances of getting work, but it’s not vital.  (Portrait and other models are needed, too, but — for economy — classes often swap-out students in those roles.)

Even better, this book will explain the nuances of working in this field so you don’t feel like a total novice.

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It’s ideal as the basis of a daily or weekly art lesson.  It’s also a great preparation for taking young children to art museums.  In fact, it’s one of the best I’ve seen, for that purpose.

Each letter of the alphabet is matched to an art-related word.  The word — like the book — is in English, but it’s also provided in Spanish, German, and French.  Each letter is also represented with Sign language.  This expands the use of the book in any classroom setting.

The illustrations in the book are delightful.  They aren’t too intimidating for young children, and will definitely appeal to them.  They’re colorful and fun.

The brief definition of each art-related word will give teachers enough to work with, to teach effectively.  They’re even more useful if the teacher spends a little time online or with art books, learning more about the subject to explain it in more depth.

I especially like that the book includes several complex art concepts, and it doesn’t “talk down” to children.

This kind of book is ideal for a homeschool group, teaching children at  multiple grade levels.

For teaching a class, or reading to more than a very small group of children, larger illustrations will be helpful.  The examples in the book are too small to be seen beyond the second row in a classroom setting.

However, many school and public libraries have excellent books to supplement what’s in “…The ABC’s of Art.”  (Every book has its limits, and this one addresses that issue well.)

The price of the book reflects the full-color pages, but it may be a little price-y for a teacher or homeschooler who is taking this out of his or her personal budget.

However, this is a very useful book for a department, school library, or public library to purchase.  It will be greatly appreciated by teachers.

As a starting point for a daily or weekly art theory lesson, this is a book that teachers have needed for a long time.

Pros

• Every page is in color, and has a lot of visual appeal.
• The terminology doesn’t “talk down” to children.
• Helpful tips make it easy for teachers to share this information without an art background.

Cons

• The price of this large paperback book  isn’t competitive with some art books from larger publishers.
• Images of the art being described are small for students to see from a distance.

(Aside from the price, I had to look hard to find a second negative comment to make.)

If you are buying books for a public or school library, I think this is a must-buy.  If you frequent your public or school library, recommend this book as a useful resource for teachers and parents.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Herman The Jester and The ABC’s of Art
Price: USD 23.99

19 used & new available from USD 6.00

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All of her projects are rated either easy, moderate or advanced and can be used with all ages.

The lessons are well written and easy to follow. Tips to evaluate the artwork are included at the end of each lesson. Both 2-D and 3-D projects are included.

A chapter with simple recipes for assorted pastes, paint and clay is included as well as a glossary of terms. Black and white photo are included throughout the book.

There are some great ideas presented here to encourage creativity and experimentation. She also inspires students to incorporate the elements of art into their work.

Positives:

• The projects are low cost. Anyone can afford them.
• Most projects can be used for all ages. Older students can incorporate some of the techniques into more advanced art projects.
• The projects are fun and creative.

Negatives:

• Many of the projects, as written, are too easy for high school students.
• All of the illustrations are black and white.

Glorious Glue!: Art With Adhesives
Price: USD 16.37

16 used & new available from USD 3.95

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Pros:

Lessons are art history based

Lessons are well organized by date and style

Cons:

Book is geared for elementary aged students only

Color illustrations would be helpful in appreciating the artists’ work

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What a great book for people beginning to throw pots! This book is a compilation of projects, each with its own tool list and photos, demonstrating the throwing process, as well as the additions like handles and knobs.  Bill even gives glaze combinations that would complement the piece.

Baking dishes, butter dishes, plates and garlic jars are just a few of the eleven projects that Bill shows how to complete.  From throwing techniques like how to throw a low flat disk for plates or a high tall cylinder for pitchers, to putting feet on a candy dish, nothing is left out.  All forming techniques in thrown ware are discussed.

Read more about this book at
Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk

Wheel-Thrown Pottery (DIY) (DIY Network)
Price: USD 12.21

38 used & new available from USD 10.38

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• Covers technique from handbuilding to refined throwing

• Tons of information about glazing, firing and making

• Written with the emotional side of the artist in mind

If you are just beginning in clay, boy are you in for a treat! This book is the only clay book I have ever come across that up front deals with the idea that art is not just a bunch of techniques that we are trained to use, or an assortment of skills that we mix in some kind of a recipe.

Instead Robert Piepenburg recognizes from the first page that artists are soul driven people, looking to make what is in their heart visible.

“I now know that clay can be a fertile growing ground of the spirit. I ‘ve seen this same spiritual birthing scenario occur time and time again with students of min who were new to clay. What I didn’t know then, but have come to know now, is that you don’t actually find your self with clay…you make yourself with clay.” ~Robert Piepenburg -from introduction of The Spirit of Clay

The author is a teacher, so if you are a teacher, you will relate to the various exercises and experiments in clay. If you are just learning clay, you will have fun just plunging in and experiencing clay!

In a technical sense, you will find technique through out the book, from throwing skills, and the refinement of those skills to glazing and firing discussions. The diagrams are clear and easy to follow. He covers pit/smoke firing, glaze firing and raku firing. There is a plethora of glaze recipes for all maturity temperatures.

Pros: Everything! Seriously, the discussion here is so well rounded, not just covering the roots of creativity, nor just the facts of making, glazing and firing, but everything in between. The manner of the author is not contrived at all, but more like you were sitting in class with him each day and he is conversing with you as a student about clay and about the life of an artist.

Cons: Robert Piepenburg does some beautiful work, and there are some other artists featured who also have very colorful work. It would have been nice to see some color pictures.

If I could only have 10 clay books in my library, this one would be at the top of the list!

Read more about this book at
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The Spirit of Clay: A Classic Guide to Ceramics
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11 used & new available from USD 29.00

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• Glaze recipes for many different raku effects

• Extended chapter on kiln design, construction and operation

• Information on how to do raku safely in a school or workshop environment.

Raku, a ceramic process originating in Japan, involves taking a pot from the kiln with special tools at the height of the glaze firing, and putting it into a metal container filled with combustible materials.

This is a dramatic operation, requiring a team of people, all garbed safely and moving in time to the firing schedule.  It results in red hot ware clutched in tongs being carried from place to place- often bursting into flame as the pots contact the combustible leaves, sawdust or shredded paper.

As you might imagine, there is much preparation that leads to this firing.

Raku – A Practical Approach details the whole process of producing raku pottery.  From the making, discussing the types of clay to use, including several clay recipes, to the forming, whether it be thrown on the potters wheel, slip cast or hand built.  There is a lengthy section on glazes, again including a number of glaze recipes.

The kiln and firing chapters are the longest, by far.  Building a raku kiln is covered extensively, with several different kiln designs.  The firing information is specific to raku, explaining how firing works, so you, the potter, can personalize your firing to your liking.

Pros – A great deal of information packed into a slim volume.  The author doesn’t waste space and time on information that isn’t pertinent to the field.  Lots of diagrams and how-to information are included.

Cons – The only thing that I didn’t like about this book was the lack of color pictures.  Raku yields such colorful ware, I would have liked to see more color pictures.

If I was going to buy a book on raku, this one would definitely be on the list! Raku – A Practical Approach is a sound book with good information.

Read more about this book at
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Raku: A Practical Approach, 2nd Edition
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15 used & new available from USD 38.72

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• Expert instruction on making your own extruder dies

• Step by step photos on several demonstrations of various uses of extruder

• Comprehensive review of extruders available on the market

If you are like me, you may have viewed the extruder as one of those frills that my studio could do without.  After all, I reasoned, I like to pull my own handles, and isn’t that what those extruders are for?  Boy, was I wrong!  The Extruder Book hooked me from the first chapter aptly entitled, “what is an extruder and why have one?”

As I went on to learn, the extruder has many uses, from architectural ceramics to dishes, bowls and cups.  Baird does a wonderful job of showing a great bunch of ‘demonstrations’- step by step photos of projects made using an extruder.  There are demonstrations of lidded boxes, trays, vases, even a footstool!  He shows how to make tiles with an extruder and gives some time to using the extruder for sculpture.

There is a beautiful gallery chapter with awesome photographs of pots by known potters, all made with an extruder!  Some of the potters featured are William Shinn, Bob Smith, Laurie Rolland, John Glick, Richard Burkett, and David Hendley, plus many more.

Read more about this book at
Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk

The Extruder Book
Price: USD 44.95

11 used & new available from USD 40.95

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• Expansive diagrams of kiln designs

• Comprehensive explanations of construction, draft, burners, and more

• Sections on wood firing, salt glazing and refractory materials

Firing a gas or wood kiln can be like a dance, causing you to stretch more than you intended sometimes, and often leaving you with sore muscles, but a glorious sense of having accomplished something incredible.  However, in the midst of that dance is the serious problem of getting your kiln to fire to the top of your firing range.

There is nothing more frustrating than to have a stalled kiln!  Before you are trying everything you can think of and there is nothing you can do to move that temperature up that last 100 degrees, buy this book!

The section on construction and function of kilns addresses issues that could be impeding your firings.  I found out some little things that were minor adjustments but made a huge difference in the efficiency of my kiln and in how my glazes looked.

Nils has a direct writing style that addresses all facets of building and firing a kiln in simple every day language.  He tackles the Minnesota Flat Top kiln with extensive diagrams and explanation.  You can build one with this book!  Burners are covered very well, atmospheric to power.

Pros: Comprehensive handbook of kiln building and firing information, that doesn’t leave much out.

Cons:  The only thing I would like to see improved is the pictures.  The majority of the color photos were from an East Creek Anagama firing.

If you are looking for a coffee table book, this isn’t it.  But if you want a fantastic reference book of kiln and firing information, you will not be disappointed.  Dance on!

Read more about this book at
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Art of Firing
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6 used & new available from USD 22.75

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“You have to practice over and over again, with patience; in this art form, time is on the artist’s side.  When something turns out badly, you must try again.  Never be satisfied and never get discouraged.”       ~ Maria Dolors Ros i Frigola

This quote is from the introduction of the book and has much to say about the author’s manner in this book.  She is patient and quite comprehensive in her explanations of techniques.  Besides providing a bit of history of contemporary ceramics in the first chapter, she does a fine job of showing a cross section of clay-work.

She begins at the beginning and shows how raw materials become the clay we work with.  Moving on towards tools and how to use them with clay, and on to firing methods, there is much good information.

For those who do lots of looking at pictures, like me, even her captions have meaning.

Summary

Read more about this book at
Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk

The Art & Craft of Ceramics: Techniques, Projects, Inspiration (A Lark Ceramics Book)
Price: USD 22.76

33 used & new available from USD 16.22

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