Serious working artists are the intended audience of this collection of short essays that clarify common expressive and personal problems that many artists encounter; including the fear of being clicheacute;d; the desire to convey truth in art; and the frustration behind trying to find an authentic voice. These crippling fears are laid to rest through insightful discussions of personal experiences; the struggles of famous artists; and the rewards of producing art that comes from an authentic creative core. Providing sensitive reassurances that these struggles are normal; these essays encourage artists to focus on the development of their crafts and find inspiration to work through self-doubt.
#397780 in eBooks 2004-04-08 2004-04-08File Name: B005LQBXAY
Review
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful. Academic OverviewBy RexThis is an excellent survey of portrait art from ancient to modern times with a great bibliography. lots of references. and good illustrations. I appreciated the historic timeline and a list of websites for further research.Id recommend this book for anyone interested in portraiture. As a portrait artist I thoroughly enjoyed it. For some reason. art historians have largely ignored portraiture as a field of research.My only criticism is that I found the book a bit dry. lacking creative insight and humor. The emphasis on painting. at the expense of drawing and sculpture is also a notable shortcoming.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. History of portraitureBy margaretThis is a better written essay than the plates which are not always true color rendition. I would have like more plates.6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. thorough overviewBy art college professorThe next time that I teach portrait painting. I will require that students purchase this book. It is a good overview. providing general themes as well as specific examples. An early chapter on the functions of portraiture. for instance. covers the full breadth of what a portrait can be or mean. and underscores that a portrait is much more than a likeness.
