Art Architecture Photography Books

JMW Turner goes in and out of phase as far as appreciation for his gifts as a painter. There have been periods in history where his works were dismissed as irrelevant and of poor technical quality. But despite the varying critical evaluations, Turner's inimitable style of finding the transparency of that plane where water and air admix has always been viewed by those who are fortunate enough to approach his great works as that of an idiosyncratic romantic poet.

No subject better provided a venue for his vision than the mysterious and magnificent 'La Serenissima' - Venice, Italy. It is in this city that floats like a transient tenant on the sea, laced with canals, bathed in fog and rain and mist that Turner found the essence of the spirit of Venice. This lavishly designed and illustrated volume originally served as a catalogue for the exhibition by the same title that was staged at the Tate Museum in London and traveled thereafter. Curator Ian Warrell is to be commended for this largest collection of Turner's paintings and drawings ever to be assembled, and to top his achievement he produced this monograph which not only illustrates in rich color separations the glories of the paintings and the detail of the sketches, it also is graced by excellent essays by travel writer Jan Morris, historian David Laven and Venice specialist Cecelia Powell.

While there have been several fine books on Turner, this is the finest assemblage of works that inherently relate, a fact which induces a deeper appreciation for Turner's talent. Setting his paintings in context with the works of other painters, both his contemporaries and others, shows not only the 'how' of Turner's techniques, it informs us of the context of the views both historically and artistically.

The quality of the reproductions is first class and the quality of the paper of this book is of the highest order. This is simply a magnificent book visually and educationally...and romantically! Highly recommended. Grady Harp, April 05

This book provides a good overview of architectural photography, with many inspiring images and much discussion of various aspects of technqiue and the creative process. Buy this book if you wish to explore architectural photography and are looking for ideas and guidance. Don't be put off by the mention of "black and white photography" on the cover -- the content is applicable to colour photography as well.

A poignant and beautifully-done collection of paintings so clear you can almost smell the burgers on the grill. A must-have both from an artistic standpoint and a preservationist standpoint, as diners become a rare breed.

Sensitive photorealistic watercolor studies of east coast diners, both inside and out, mostly postcard-like frontal views, interspersed with conversations the artist had with the people in and around his finds. My favorite was the man who spoke to him of having "Diner Feet." Like the feet of Langston Hughes' Jesse B. Semple, his feet have lives of their own and tell their tales. The paintings themselves clearly convey the joy that Baeder takes in his finds; fabled jewels found in barnyards

It can be hard for American public to embrace Saudek's art. You are so used to aibrushed, silicon-pumped, malnurished, shaved, bleached or otherwise "improved" women. In this, as in his other books, Saudek shows beauty & femininity unadorned. He is a genius & a bold man that refuses to follow the current trend of enhanced beauty. How refreshing in an abundant photographic deluge of perfected, smooth, unreal bodies. Plus we women do not come in sepia tones either. Abundand color makes us all so much more alive. Hurrah for femininity with a big F. Jump in into Saudek's book for a visual feast.

My first viewing of Saudek's work was in the 1970's at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne Australia. On display were also the painstakingly beautiful hand-decorated envelopes that had contained his correspondence with the curator of photography. The envelopes confirmed the depths of Saudek's passion for his work and his conviction that he is showing us some of the most beautiful sights we will ever see.

Of course that is a judgement for the viewer, but the depth of sentiment here is undeniable, whether you see these fleshy images as overwhelming kitsch or as acts of love. At least one of his images you will have seen reproduced by countless other photographers ad nauseam - a monochrome photograph masculine arms clasping the naked body of a baby. That Saudek was probably the first to produce this image (significantly, in 1968) is an illustration of his originality and boldness - it was an image that dared to illustrate the 'feminine' side of men. The body of his work continues to be a barefaced provocation for those sensitive to the politically correct or the current media stereotype of the ideal body. It challenges those for whom sexuality and old age, or childhood, should be not seen together. Yes, he peers dangerously into the murk of pornography, but his luscious hand-coloured images emerge unscathed, full of honest sentimentality and an infectious sense of delight.I think the fact that my University's Library copy of this book was withdrawn from the collection due to the number of pages removed by readers is tribute enough!

This is an appropriately sumptuous book in its reproduction of Saudek's work, but with not nearly enough critical or biographical support in the text.

Just the name Monte Carlo brings images to our minds - James Bondian wins in the Casino (after all, how many casinos are bookended by Chanel and Cartier?), glamorous women, sunny clime, and, of course, money. To many it's a gambler's den or a shopper's paradise. Whatever the case, Monaco, really a tiny principality, continues to fascinate.

This full-color volume is a photographic return to the opulent period when Monaco was inhabited by international playboys and girls, movie stars, royalty, and scions of industry.

If you liked "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous," this is your apertif.