Art Lovers discussion

Please feel free to use this topic to post any questions (or suggestions) about the Monthly Book Challenge. This is a new idea, we can help each other (and me!) work out the bugs!

If I don't find another book, I'll start on this one for the month of Feb....but under which category shall I list it?

I made you a new category, I wasn't sure which category to put the book in, either. See my post in Drawing Instructions for the Artist. Hope that is ok :)

Heather, I'm thinking of this one for the month of March.



Where do you think I should post the comments?

I hope everyone who wants to participate in the book challenge will read this!

I changed the name of the folder from Monthly Book Challenge-February and dropped the word February. Now it just says Monthly Book Challenge. If you would like to challenge yourself to read a certain book beginning for the March challenge, when you go to the topic you pick, please put the date that you began the book so that we may follow which month the challenge for that book and person it belongs to. This alleviates excess folders for monthly challenges.

If your book doesn't fall under one of the listed topics, feel free to create a new topic! I've decided that everyone can read any art book for the monthly challenge. You don't need to limit your choice to one of the listed topics.

I hope we can work out all the bugs related to this book challenge idea! If anything doesn't make sense, please post your question here. Or if you have any suggestions on how to make this challenge run more smoothly, I'd love to know!

Don't forget to keep us updated on your progress and book reviews!

Amal wrote: "Heather, I'm thinking of this one for the month of March.

Decorative Ornaments by Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers Inc


Where do you think I should post the comments?"

I created a new topic for you called Decorative Arts. Don't forget to start your first post with the date you began reading the book. And you have been wonderful on keeping us updated with your reading, keep up the good work, Amal! :-)

Heather wrote: "Amal wrote: "Heather, I'm thinking of this one for the month of March.

Decorative Ornaments by Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers Inc


Where do you think I should post the comments?"

I created a ..."

Ok, Thank you Heather :)

Hi Heather!
I'm new so I'm a little confused. Just so I understand regarding the monthly book challenge --

1. In "Monthly Book Challenge" I find a "topic"? and I list the book title which can be any book that deals with anything related to art?
2. Write the date I started reading the book.
3. Post my review after or during reading it?

Hi Carol,

Yes,
1. Under the Monthly Book Challenge folder, you will find several topics and some suggestions under which a book you choose may fall, but if you choose a book that wouldn't fit under any of the topics, you are free to create your own topic. For example, if you choose a book regarding medieval art, just create a topic under the Monthly Book Challenge folder and label it 'Medieval Art' since there isn't already that topic for the challenge under that particular folder. Of course, this is only an example. If you aren't sure under which topic to place your book, feel free to ask here so we can help you decide where to post your chosen book.
2. Under the topic, you can post your name, the name of the book, and the date you began reading it. If you want to, you can even let us know why you are interested in that particular book/subject.
3. We have been updating our reading progress while reading the book, then when you are finished with the book, you can write a review. For examples of this, you may look under Amal's posts for 'Drawing Instruction for the Artist'. She has been constantly keeping us posted on her progress and what she is learning while she reads. That way, we can learn, too and decide if that book is something we want to look in to.

Does that answer your questions? or are you now more confused? (I hope I have explained myself ok!)Let me know :)

Thanks Heather. I just found "topics". I look forward to participating . . .

Hi there. I'd like to read The Painted Kiss by Elizabeth Hickey. Where do I place this book and discuss it when I am done?

Hi Angie. I read the review for your book, it sounds intriguing! I think it is always interesting to read about the loves that drive the artistic talent. I think this is a book for which you can create your own topic. Click on the title of the folder 'Monthly Book Challenge'. You will see to the right of where it says 'discussion > Monthly Book Challenge', it says 'new topic'. It will ask you to name your topic. For example you could say Artists and their Lovers or something like that. Then in the paragraph below it, post your book (like you posted above), your name, etc. In that topic you can post comments, quotes, or whatever you are learning as you read. We would love to have your take on the book as you go along. Thank you for participating. Happy Reading!

Wow. The Painted Kiss looks like just my kind of book. I've put it on the to-obtain list. Thanks.
Heather wrote: "Hi Angie. I read the review for your book, it sounds intriguing! I think it is always interesting to read about the loves that drive the artistic talent. I think this is a book for which you can cr..."

Heather, I changed my mind about March book. Since Van Gogh's birthday is by the end of March, I've decided to read about him and his art instead.

but not sure where I should post the comments for this book

Amal, there are several places you can update and comment on your book. There is a folder for 'Your Favorite Artist' (if, in fact, he is your favorite). Or you can put your reviews under 'The Impressionists' or 'Artist Biography'. You choose which of these you think most describes your book. Good choice, by the way!

Heather wrote: "Amal, there are several places you can update and comment on your book. There is a folder for 'Your Favorite Artist' (if, in fact, he is your favorite). Or you can put your reviews under 'The Impre..."

thank you Heather...I think I'll post under "Your Favorite Artist"

of course he's my fav; I can't see anyone else :)

Heather I thought van Gogh was your favorite artist. Is it actually Renoir?

I am actually torn between several favorites. To tell the truth, I really prefer sculpture to painting thus my all time favorite artist is Camille Claudel. In painting I like van Gogh and Renoir about the same, I can't decide between the two of them. On that note, I really like Magritte, too.

I think that's cool Heather; not being able to settle on one favorite artist or period. I'd have trouble narrowing it down to one person too.

I'm new to this group so I'm curious as to how this works. I started to read The Rape of Europa: The Fate of Europe's Treasures in the Third Reich and the Second World War, but feel like I'd like to discuss it with someone who's reading it as well as I go along. So, for now I've stopped reading.
Is anyone interested?

This is a good place to pose your question, Heather. Myself, I'm in to 12 books now (just started another one last night). I have problems with starting a book then having another interesting one catch my eye. I really do finish them, but I can't say when. I would join you in reading your book, it does look interesting, but I really just can't start yet another book. Plus, I probably wouldn't be reading along with you. Thank you for the invitation, though. Hope you get some takers!

Heather wrote: "I'm new to this group so I'm curious as to how this works. I started to read The Rape of Europa: The Fate of Europe's Treasures in the Third Reich and the Second World War, but feel l..."

That's a book I know pretty well and that I revisit anyway from time to time, so sure--why not?--if you want to post thoughts, reactions, questions, ideas, etc. as you read "The Rape of Europa," I'd be happy to respond in kind. I'll probably have questions of my own too...

Thanks. Now I have to figure out where to post it. =)

Hmm...That's a good question. Heather--that is to say the other Heather, our fearless leader--might be able to explain which thread to use. Are you out there, H?

Wherever you post it, I'll really enjoy the thread.

Thank you!
MMc

Hello all, I created a new topic under the Monthly Book Challenge just for you! I, too, am looking forward to the posts and comments in this thread.

Hello, I would like to join your group, I am a lover of all things beautiful! Architecture and art fill my senses and create joy in my soul.

My first choice when traveling is visiting museums, along with architectural sites...

I have designed three different home for our family, and own a interior design business. I paint in oil, and watercolor as a hobbyist. As a kid in JHS, and HS I received a couple of awards but I never took any further classes after HS, and only recently as a semi retiree have taken up these interest again.

I hope I am welcome to read and participate in your group, I have enjoyed reading some of the posts here, and believe your group will open my eyes to more in the art world, and broaden my horizons.

I currently live in Maui, Hawaii and Palos Verdes, CA, although I was raised on the east coast.

What book is your group sharing this month?

Aloha,
m

Hello Createjoy (nice name, love it!)
I'm glad you joined the group. I think this is the place to learn and contribute a lot for all of us, so welcome!
Right now a few of the group members are reading:

The Rape of Europa: The Fate of Europe's Treasures in the Third Reich and the Second World War
by Lynn H. Nicholas
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22...

You are always welcome to join the book-read or just contribute any commentary on the subject. We have several people who aren't actually reading the book but have a lot to contribute in the way of comments.

Otherwise, you are welcome to pick a book of your own, find the subject title under "Monthly Book Challenge" (and if there isn't a place for your chosen book, let me know). There you can update us on your book and we can follow your reviews.

There are many topics in the group, some have been dormant for a little while. If you want, just pick a subject and jump right in! We can usually start a discussion with your contributions.

So, thank you for introducing yourself so we can all get to know you. And again, welcome to the group!

Thank you Heather,

I appreciate your warm welcome.

Off to try my hand on an painting an orchid that bloomed on our deck this week. Hoping to do justice to the colors. This will be my 3rd attempt at watercolors. I am aiming to represent this orchid in looser brush strokes and appling less paint to the brush, then my last two attempts. Coming from a comfort level in oils and pastels, this medium is a real turn around in thought process.

m

Watercolors are difficult. They're unforgiving. You have to put down your stroke with great confidence, and then you have to leave it alone. No mucking about with scraping, or retouching or stuff like you can do with oils. I've always thought it's a terrible mistake that so many beginners are started out in watercolors.

However, the great thing about watercolors is what you can do over them afterward--if you're not happy with the result, you can pastel over them, used colored pencil, or pen. They're wonderfully adaptable to mixed media.

Also--don't forget the trusty blowdryer. Great tool for watercolor.

Agree about the hair dryer. It's great. I haven't done traditional watercolors for eons, but I do use them, along with other media in the work I'm doing now.

ohh thanks for the comments, I have never done mixed media.. now I will try! Yippee

Yesterday, I took time to do a value study of the flower, and teach my self how to draw the little bugger...wow so many shapes and colors.

I took some photos up close and out of focus, I hope to capture that with the brush and color.

Thank you new friends here, I appreciate all your suggestions and comments.

If you can, when you are done with your flower, you should post it so we can all enjoy your creation!

Hi, Heather -- Let me get started and post my five books

Poussin and Nature (Christiansen):
http://www.amazon.com/Poussin-Nature-...

Giotto to Dürer (Dunkerton):
http://www.amazon.com/Giotto-Durer-Re...

Masters of 17th cen Dutch Landscapte Painting:
http://www.amazon.com/Masters-Century...

David Hockney by David Hockney
http://www.amazon.com/David-Hockney/d...

Rape of Europa (Nicholas) - also on Kindle
http://www.amazon.com/Rape-Europa-Eur...

The volume Giotto to Dürer was highly recommended by Gombrich as including a lot of material on the material aspects of early modern art -- and is large format (heavy) and beautifully produced. The Poussin volume is great. Dutch landscape Painting looks magnificent, but will be hard to find. Anyway, just my two cents.

Thank you, AC, for starting the list. All of your books look great!

Painting and Experience in Fifteenth-Century Italy: A Primer in the Social History of Pictorial Style

Camille Claudel: A Life

Naked Came I: A Novel of Rodin

The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of MichelangeloThe Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo

I have read the Life of Camille Claudel...Excellent. It portrays what she went through in her life being the mistress of Rodin, also how her life ended in tragedy.

Also, I love Irving Stone and he does a fantastic job of creating this historical novel of Michelangelo. It is an interesting read, one that will grab you from the beginning.

I haven't read Naked Came I for a long time, but remember liking it a lot.

The Painting and Experience in Fifteenth-Century Italy looks good

The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo

An engaging read by Irving Stone who does an excellent job of writing this historical novel.

Naked Came I: A Novel of Rodin

I haven't read this for a long time, I remember liking it and would love to read it again.

Camille Claudel: A Life

This is a great one about the life of Camille Claudel as the mistress to Rodin and how through her experiences, her life ended in tragedy. Very good book.

Hi, Aloha Createjoy, I am from Hawaii also, from Oahu. Great to have another islander joining our group.

How about one lecture from here?
Michelangelo: Six Lectures (Oxford Studies in the History of Art & Architecture) Johannes Wilde
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11... The

This may not be for everyone, it may be a slog but I'll read it some day:
Rogues Gallery http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48...

Off the Wall: A Portrait of Robert Rauschenberg
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22...

Joseph Cornell's Theater of the Mind: Selected Diaries, Letters, and Files http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/81...

Irish Art and Architecture from Pre-history to the Present http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27...

I don't own this so would have to get it. I doubt my library has it:
Masters of 17th Century Dutch Landscape Painting
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18...

Hi! Trying to catch up with the group, Here's a few I would like to read . . .

I would like to read Camille Claudel bio that Heather posted plus -

Bauhaus Women by Ulrike Muller, 152 pp.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/71...
Because I love Anni Albers work.

Evolution: Five Decades of Printmaking by David C. Driskell by Adrienne L. Childs, Ruth Fine, Deborah Willis, 128 pp.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18...

Is there any consideration going to be given to the availability of these books?

Monica wrote: "How about one lecture from here?
Michelangelo: Six Lectures (Oxford Studies in the History of Art & Architecture) Johannes Wilde
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11... The

This ..."


I had no trouble getting a copy of Dutch Landscape (Sutton); there's also a companion volume on Dutch genre paintings -- and the two together would make a very nice read. Impressive looking books.

I'd be inclined to start with Giotto to Dürer first, though - looks like a stellar book, from the glance of it.

Two more Dutch to consider:

http://www.amazon.com/Painting-1600-1...
(may be a bit dry?)


http://www.amazon.com/Journey-Through...

And something off the track:
http://www.amazon.com/Three-Thousand-...

I haven't seen either of these last two.

I could not upload the titles but here are a few:
M. C. Escher the Graphic Work by Pfeiffer he is on Goodreads
The Diary of Frida Kahlo by Frida Kahlo
Leonardo's Notebook
Letters of Vincent Van Gogh by Vincent Van Gogh
Renoir's Garden

M.C Escher The Graphic Work Special M.C. Escher, Bruce Brooks Pfeiffer, Editor
The Diary of Frida Kahlo
Leonardo's Notebook
Letters of Vincent Van Gogh
Renoir's Garden

No one has responded to my question about availability. I posted it because it seemed that some of the suggestions were large format art books that one would find in a library, but not necessarily that one could buy in a paperback edition.

I would also like to comment on some of the suggestions that Robin made. It applies to others too. Some of these, such as Van Gogh's letters seem to me to lend themselves very well to a discussion. Our current read, whether or not you think it is a wonderful book, doesn't really lend itself to discussing. But a book like the Van Gogh letters, or one of the historical fictions of Susan Vreeland (such as the one about Renoir's painting The Luncheon of the Boating Party), probably would.

Dvora wrote: "No one has responded to my question about availability. I posted it because it seemed that some of the suggestions were large format art books that one would find in a library, but not necessarily..."

Those books are, in fact, available from amazon and are not expensive when bought second-hand -- surprisingly. Some people have libraries or can use Interlibrary Loans. It should be part of the consideration when each person votes, no doubt. There are things I myself cannot read, though they are readily available -- historical novels, I'm sad to say, being one of them, I'm afraid.... But that's just me -- and there are many others here who may feel differently.

My own view (and it's no more than that) is that there are people here with real expertise, and that makes the opportunity to read a serious book in their company a great privilege -- like taking a night course in a subject that interests you at your local college (or grad school) --

But obviously... that's just a personal feeling. People will have to make their own judgments, and the character of the group (as with any group) will inevitably emerge from its members...

I admit to having uneven taste. It's going to be hard for all of us to agree on a book. It's not that I turn up my nose at Van Gogh or the Boating Party. I just wouldn't go there first. Let's see what what we all come up with and take it from there.

I've drifted away from October's read --have to spend a little time with the "fat carpenter" in Brunelleschi's Dome.