Japanese Brush Painting

Japanese brush painting is a relatively recent development and emerged out of the Buddhist schools of calligraphy (Shodo). The ancient art of Japanese brush painting, or sumi-e, is strikingly beautiful, simple and pure, yet strong and resonant. Closely related to Zen philosophy, the art of sumi-e is executed with black ink on white rice paper using bamboo brushes. Subjects in Japanese brush painting include landscapes, flowers, or animals, anything that suggests a closeness to the natural world.

Budding artists can master the toughest and most treasured technique of all: portraying the beauty, grace, and personality of the human body. This wonderful tutorial, and a variety of inspiring sketches on every page, provide the solid technical foundation needed to depict every type of figure—young or old, male or female, standing, sitting, or in motion—and with style. Detailed drawings, some with grids, help capture the correct proportions for head, torso, arms, and legs; add light and shadow for tonal depth; and create texture, volume, and expressive lines.

Atlas (World Atlas)

Carry the world in your pocket - now in its 4th edition. It might be small, but it covers every region of the world, from the Atacama Desert to the Zagros Mountains. Digital landscape modelling combined with important roads, railways, rivers and settlements give a complete global overview. You can swot up for the pub quiz: over 10,000 essential facts and figures, from geography and climate to population and economy tell you everything you need to know. It is presented in handy pocket size, perfect for your bag or desk.

Balloon Magic: 260Q Figures

This book is designed for beginners as well as experienced balloon artists. Those who are new to the art can easily follovv its directions. It's divided into sections, with each section building on the skills and techniques taught in the previous sections.
So it's important to start at the beginning, working your way through the sections and building on learned techniques.

Garfield, Peanuts, The New Yorker, The Far Side—these are just a few of the sources for Taking Your Pet to the Vet, a collection of cartoons from more than 200 strips, panels, and other drawings from the best cartoonists in the world. Included are the eerie art of Playboy cartoonist Gahan Wilson, who puts a werewolf in a vet's waiting room; the homey newspaper comic strips of For Better or For Worse's Lynn Johnston, featuring the effects of a huge sheepdog on a small family; and comedy from B. Kliban, whose cat books and calendars have been an international favorite.