[ePub] The Natyasastra and the Body in Performance: Essays on Indian Theories of Dance and Drama by Sreenath Nair in Arts-Photography

Review

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful. Quickstart Guide for ArtistsBy felicitazThis book puts a different twist on the basic drawing/painting instruction format; in that it takes individual concepts and tools of artistic practice; and sums each one up on a single page. Its great if you want a quick refresher rather than sitting down to read a full chapter. For instance; page #83 is a demonstration of one-point linear perspective; while #84 explains and demonstrates two-point perspective. Almost every page tells me something I already knew; along with something I didnt know. For instance; on #81; Depicting Time of Day; paintings at top show how the suns movements affect shadows (which I knew); while drawings below demonstrate how the amount of dust in the air affects color in the morning; noon and evening (which I didnt know.)Whats here is excellent; beautifully and abundantly illustrated with hundreds and hundreds of color photos. My complaint about the book is that half of it is devoted to artists materials--acrylics; watercolor; calligraphy; Chinese brush stroke; airbrush--a lot of introductory material covered shallowly; while the fundamental principles of art; like perspective; color theory; golden mean; arent touched upon until the very end; and practices like measuring; and principles like chiaroscuro and sfumato are not included. In my view; the book just starts to get into the really good fundamental stuff at #71 to the end.I was tempted to put 3 stars; as an expression of disappointment on this score; but that would not be fair to the quality of the book; which is really excellent; just not long enough. What I would suggest to the Artists of Walter Foster is that they expand this to 200 Things; with more of an emphasis on the basics that every artist; sketch artist or painter; needs to know. Not every artist needs to know airbrush; but every artist should know measuring; and how to use a grid (touched on; but not really demonstrated.) Or; break the book up into two parts; and move the materials section into 100 Things Every Painter Should Know.This is a very good book. There is just not enough of it.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. It breaks down the basics pretty well. All the duh" I should know thatBy HolliIt breaks down the basics pretty well. All the duh" I should know that! All in one place. (Not for an artist whose more developed.) It doesnt stretch beyond basics. Its kinda brief; cutting to the chase without the nattering filler. Just wish it branched on more complex subjects as well.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy D. FreyExcellent book. So glad I bought it.