Rachel Rubin Wolf

Art, inspiration and insights from 100+ modern-day masters! Line is arguably the most fundamental and direct element in art, and also the most expressive--as personal as handwriting. Strokes of Genius 4 explores the artistic linework of more than 100 contemporary masters. These artists tell the stories of their varied subjects through strong verticals and sweeping diagonals, quick staccatos and loose, sensuous strokes. Captions share insights on how they use line to lead the eye, create movement, reveal character, and add depth, drama and texture. From quick sketches to full rendered artwork, Strokes of Genius 4 offers fresh ideas and unique perspectives to fuel artists in any medium. [Source]

Awe-inspiring works by contemporary masters, along with the secrets behind its creation. Drawing is the most intimate and immediate form of self-expression, fundamental to every artist's ability to communicate with a viewer. The sense of energy and expression that can be captured in mere strokes of charcoal, ink, pastel, marker or any of the other modest mediums proudly represented in this book is astounding. A glowing celebration of the art of drawing, Strokes of Genius features styles ranging from meticulous realism to imaginative flights of fancy, from lyrical sketches created in minutes to intricately layered renderings that took months to complete. An incomparable source of inspiration and delight for artists and art lovers, Strokes of Genius contains hundreds of combined years of expertise, artistic breakthroughs and, above all, remarkable drawings that leave a lasting impression.

"Truth. Beauty. Experience. Emotion. The artists included in Art journey : portraits and figures say that they have discovered all of these things and more through their work. Sometimes it's in the eyes. Or perhaps it's in the hint of an expression that seems to beckon one closer, begging to share a secret. Maybe it's in the tilt of a chin. Or the posture or stance of one's subject. But in a well executed portrait or figure? Something special, something unique is invariably revealed--oftentimes about both the subject and the artist."--Jacket flap.

Drawing is a fundamental skill for artists in any medium, a wonderfully direct means of expression and the driving inspiration behind this provoking collection. Strokes of Genius 3 celebrates drawing as an art form in its own right, featuring work from 95 of today's brightest artists. In this brilliant collection of drawings, 95 contemporary artists explore the subjects that touch their hearts and discuss how they capture them in their medium of choice. In addition to traditional pencil, charcoal and ink, you'll find a number of scratchboard, colored pencil and mixed-media works. Subject matter ranges from timeworn city architecture to portraits of beloved dogs, including such perennial favorites as landscapes, harbor scenes, flowers, still life, the human figure and more. Above all, it is the art itself that will cause you to keep this volume handy on the coffee table or bookshelf for when you want to curl up, look at the world through these artists' eyes, and come away with a more vivid sense of what drawing is--or can be--to you. Whether you are an artist in search of fresh inspiration or a connoisseur fascinated by great artwork and the processes behind it, Strokes of Genius 3 promises many pleasurable hours of browsing, appreciation and discovery. [Source]

This sixth volume in the celebrated Strokes of Genius series explores the power of value. From the darkest darks to the lightest lights and all the notes in between, value can build works of incredible complexity, or pure and simple poetry. More than any other single element of art, value has the power to force a flat surface into a realistic sense of dimension, convey textures, establish mood, and evoke terrific plays of light and shadow. In the hands of the skillful artists in this book, value draws us in, tells stories, and transports us to sights and scenes from the artist's unique perspective From breathtaking realism to on-location sketches, Strokes of Genius 6 promises hours of enjoyment and inspiration for artists in any medium. [Source]