Finding the best splash art book suitable for your needs isnt easy. With hundreds of choices can distract you. Knowing whats bad and whats good can be something of a minefield. In this article, weve done the hard work for you.
Reviews
1. A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin (Schneider Family Book Awards - Young Children's Book Winner)
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A Splash of Red The Life and Art of Horace PippinDescription
A Robert F. Sibert Honor BookWinner of the Schneider Family Book Award
An ALA-ALSC Notable Children's Book
Winner of the NCTE Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children
As a child in the late 1800s, Horace Pippin loved to draw: He loved the feel of the charcoal as it slid across the floor. He loved looking at something in the room and making it come alive again in front of him. He drew pictures for his sisters, his classmates, his co-workers. Even during W.W.I, Horace filled his notebooks with drawings from the trenches . . . until he was shot. Upon his return home, Horace couldn't lift his right arm, and couldn't make any art. Slowly, with lots of practice, he regained use of his arm, until once again, he was able to paint--and paint, and paint! Soon, peopleincluding the famous painter N. C. Wyethstarted noticing Horace's art, and before long, his paintings were displayed in galleries and museums across the country.
Jen Bryant and Melissa Sweet team up once again to share this inspiring story of a self-taught painter from humble beginnings who despite many obstacles, was ultimately able to do what he loved, and be recognized for who he was: an artist.
2. Splash 18: Value - Celebrating Light and Dark (Splash: The Best of Watercolor)
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Valuable lessons from 130 modern-day watercolor masters.
There is no more fundamental duality than that of light and dark. For the artist, no element is more effective at conveying a sense of space or directing the viewer's eye. A strong value composition is key to bringing drama to city scenes and capturing nature's gloriously fleeting lighting effects. The dynamic interplay between intense shadows and sparkling highlights can elevate otherwise ordinary subjects and imbue portraits with soul.
Splash 18 explores how acclaimed watercolor artists use value to give their paintings meaning, energy and life. The result is another bold collection of expressive art, rich with insight from the artists themselves on how they strive for and achieve expression. See what happens when artists paint what they love, and love what they paint.
- 130 paintings reproduced in brilliant, juicy color
- Contemporary artists share how strategic value placement gives power and punch to their work
- A breathtaking range of styles and subjects--from skyscrapers and still lifes to figures, faces and cherished pets
"Life is full of ups and downs, like a symphony of light and dark." --Lim Bee Tat, p33
"The true subject is not an orchid, but the celebration of light and shadow." --Jaimie Cordero, p119
"Strong values leave strong impressions." --Keiko Yasuoka, p128
"The purity of light showcases the mystery of darks." --Linda Daly Baker, p135
3. Splash 15: Creative Solutions (Splash: The Best of Watercolor)
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Splash 15 Creative Solutions The Best of WatercolorDescription
In this 15th volume of the highly celebrated Splash series, 100+ of today's most accomplished watercolor artists share some of their favorite paintings and the "a-ha!" moments behind them.
These artists have found the perfect creative solutions for expressing their unique visions, e it a slice of urban life, a pure white peony, or something as elusive as the spirit of one very special dog. How to depict thousands of birds in flight? Start with a random application of masking fluid. Background competing with your subject? Summon the courage and go for an all-over wash. Searching for a distinctively un-postcard-like composition of Paris's most formidable landmark? Jump the fence peer through a rosebush, and voila!
Splash 15 is about novel approaches, beautiful accents, and fly-by-the-seat-of-the-pants moments, all illustrated through brilliant work and anecdotal captions. Rejoice in the beauty and adaptability of the medium, as well as the ingenuity and passion of its artists. Maybe even discover fresh solutions for telling the kind of stories you want to tell with watercolor.
4. Splash 16: Exploring Texture (Splash: The Best of Watercolor)
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Splash 16 Exploring TextureDescription
100 top artists share the tricks behind their textures!
Have you ever stood fascinated before a painting, wondering, "How did they do that?" In this 16th book in the ever-popular Splash series, 100 of today's top watercolor artists share the techniques behind the remarkable textures that bring their subjects to life. You'll learn how to create the look of rippling water, backlit glass, fur, fruit, stone, textiles, rust and a world of other illusions that make viewers forget--if only for an instant--that they are looking at mere pigment on paper.
- 130+ brilliant paintings and the stories behind them
- The how's behind a multitude of textures, from the delicate softness of rose petals and the flush on the cheek of a sleeping child, to peeling paint, and reflections on polished metal
- Six subject-themed chapters explore landscapes, close-ups, animals, urban scenes, still lifes, machines and people
"When it comes to texture, just go for it--wash, scrub, glaze, scratch and lift!" --Yael Maimon, p39
"Music is what feelings sound like and paintings are what feelings look like." --Judi Betts, p107
5. Rudy and Claude Splash Into Art
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Rudy is a curious mouse who wonders, What is art? Claude, his feathered friend, tries to teach him. Rudy works on a self-portrait, a still life, a landscape, found art, a sculptureall with disastrous results! Then he tries to create an artistic masterpiece, but...SPLAT! Has Rudy finally become an artist? Dynamic duo Rudy and Claude bring big personalities to this basic introduction to art.
6. Splash of Color Painting & Coloring Book
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Splash of Color Painting Coloring BookDescription
This unique painting and coloring book offers a fun and easy way to get into a creative flow and wash away stress. Printed on luxe watercolor paper excellent for paints, marker, pencil, or any coloring medium, the bold ink outlines from celebrated stationer Linda &Harriett become vivid, frame-worthy works of art with just a few splashes of color. A sturdy backing board makes it easy to work on any surface, while single-sided removable pages are perfect for easily sharing or displaying finished pieces.7. Melissa & Doug Long-Sleeve Artist Smock - Easy to Clean, 4 Storage Pockets
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Durable art smock with long sleevesFeatures chest pocket to personalize
Easy-clean apron surface
Roomy storage pockets
Adjustable straps; one size fits all