Monday, April 15, 2013

Draw better

Dominique Audette

Brynmorgen Press

We recently traveled to visit our family in California. As I thought back on this delightful trip, I contemplated the many sites we had visited and highways and streets over which we had traveled. Geometric shapes surrounded us. The beautiful buildings and homes on their small and large rectangular lots, the lovely cylindrical swaying palm trees, the profusion of squared off green electrical power boxes, all assailed our visual senses.

This book, "Draw Better" presents the readers with a simple text and a multitude of illustrations to aid the student in a wonderful practical drawing experience. Well presented lessons demonstrate the concepts of geometric solids, perspective, and shading.

Author points out that any reproducible object can be reduced to its basic shape. Various examples of this are illustrated such as a light bulb, cup, earthenware pot, spinning top, watering can, and lamp. He then goes on to illustrate more advanced shapes by utilizing the same concept which might require the addition of more shapes to complete.

The section on single drawings showing several views of an object is very well defined. The author then directs the student to a series of exercises that illustrate the concepts of perspective, light, and shadow which helps give an object volume.

Part 2 demonstrates how "simple geometric volumes can be transferred into everyday objects." The book concludes with Part 3 which is a wonderful definition on combinations of forms to create a realistic image. We are also introduced to "Special Cases" which offer a visual representation of shapes to be manipulated by slicing, bending, stretching, etc.

I highly recommend "Draw Better." I agree that this book is for visual learners. My eleven year old grandson has excellent drawing skills. He truly "sees."


Metal Clay Beads


Barbara Becker Simon

Lark Books


This book blew me away. I have often seen wonderful examples of this artist's creations, but never in one place all at one time. I contacted Barbara upon receipt of this book and told her that I would love to incorporated her bead on one of my Kumihimo woven ropes. Please note this focal bead pendant, which she was kind enough to send me, featured on the necklace image.

Barbara Becker's first introduction to metal clay was at a workshop taught by Tim McCreight. This workshop was sponsored by the Florida Society of Goldsmiths. Our world is truly connected. I do book reviews for Brynmorgen Press, Editor Tim McCreight, and my first workshop was also with the Florida Society of Goldsmiths. Phil London, President of this guild, was very helpful in assisting me in creating our not-for-profit organization, The Society for Midwest Metalsmiths in 1995.

Her book clarifies the properties of Precious Metal Clay, along with the necessary tools and equipment utilized. She also discusses at great length both the forming procedure, in addition about how to join, and finish.

The section on adding stones, glass, and other materials is very comprehensive. It covers both gems suitable for firing and how to set in both wet and dry clay. The textured process is explained and there are beautiful photographed examples of many of these beads. I was intrigued by the use of this material in all the featured projects in a multitude of bead forms.

If you are interested in a wonderful explanation of this material and aesthetic use, "Metal Clay Beads" provides a great educational journey to this inspirational world.