Title: Especially Bears. Author: Di Lamont. Publishers: Tracy Marsh Publications Pty Ltd. First published 1995. Reprint 1998.

Reviewed by Ngaire Bonnington.

A small worthwhile book, generously written by a lover of bears. This book is well laid out, with a content page listing sections such as:

• Bear styles: plain, old, worn, fuzzy, and fluffy.

• Bear features: eyes, noses, mouths, brush strokes.

• Projects

• Patterns.

Instructions are explicit and mostly with graphic details. Projects are interesting, varied and with enhancing additions from florals to fob watches to patchwork quilts. Long live the Bears!!

Title: Men in Mind. Author Glynne McGregor. Publishers: Creative Photogenics Pty Ltd.
Reviewed by Ngaire Bonnington.

New to our library, but published in 1994, this book helps fill a need in subject matter for gifts for men. In her introduction, Glynne points out these designs are not just for men and with each project suggests more feminine adaptations.

Two projects use heraldic/medieval themes:

1. An umbrella stand with Castle and Rampant Lion coronet motif.

2. Crusader’s casket with knights on horseback and foot.

A third project, a box to look like a much loved dusty old leather book uses chamois as a base cover, before painting effects to ‘age’ it.

The last project gives details for a Country Road wastepaper bin. The style is bordering on naïve but techniques include texture paste, sponging, Kliester and spattering.

A wide range of subject matters indeed. The author provides not only effective descriptions of techniques but also the reasons for their use. A book catering for all painters and a real asset to any library wishing to provide ideas out of the ordinary.

Title: Traditional Folk Art - A complete guide to painting Folk Art. Author Janct Klepatzki 37 Projects

Reviewed by Val Welsh-Roberton

A good, non-threatening traditional book, set out logically with clear and comfortable instructions. Lots of useful advice at the beginning of the book and I particularly liked all the coloured pictures in one place so that I could flick through them quickly and see what the book had to offer.

Useful pages of stroke work and illustrations of detail areas from projects begin the coloured section. Each project has a short, friendly introduction to the piece and the sequence of painting is logical and easy to follow. Very adaptable patterns which could be put on a variety of objects and the reader would feel confident changing any colour schemes. All projects are painted in Folk Art paints, so a substitution list would be a good idea if an exact copy is desired. A wide selection of achievable projects for the beginning and intermediate painter, or the traditional enthusiast. Available on order from Helen Giltrap at Folk Art Mail Service, Box 29 175 Christchurch, or from our library, book Number 122

Title: Focus on Trompe L'oeil - Still life Studies, Volume 11. Author: Ann Kingsian and Mary Kingsian Gibilisco (5 projects)

Reviewed by Val Welsh-Roberton

If you have trouble getting your still life studies to look real, this book is a little cracker. The book is written for the oil painter, but is easily adaptable to acrylic techniques by the experienced acrylic artist. The beauty of the instructions are the clarity of the "how to" sketches (rather like a geographical representation). This technique is very useful in helping to determine where light and dark areas are placed, and how to achieved a rounded look (direct and reflected light areas clearly indicated).

Excellent colour illustrations of finished projects in the centre of the book. Also included are superb colour value scale charts for the projects (each colour in order of its light value in the finished project). I would recommend this for use by the advanced group of painters as wide knowledge of acrylic techniques would need to be used for adaptation from oils - but an excellent publication for anyone to read to gain insight into the play of light on objects. I will buy this myself for my reference and enjoyment. Available on order from Helen Giltrap at Folk Art Mail Service, Box 29 175 Christchurch, or to borrow from our library, book Number 124.

Title: Ritiva’s Fairyland. Author: Ritva Rasmussen.

Reviewed by Dianne Aubin.

A slim publication on painting fairies but well illustrated in colour including colour conversion chart for Decoart American and Plaid Folkart paints. Clear patterns for tracing. There are four easy steps on how to paint cherubic faces included, plus general instructions for basecoating, staining, antiquing and brush strokes. A book that would suit the beginner as well as the advanced painter.

Title: Painting Folk Art Flowers. Author: Enid Hoessinger.

Reviewed by Dianne Aubin.

A very handy book for all painters to have by their side when painting. Enid shows her 13 basic brushstrokes to paint roses, tulips and more. There are eight projects in all. There are little tips on most pages for painting and a "What Am I Doing Wrong" question and answer column as well. Instructions are very clear and designs included for easy tracing. Highly recommended.