Holiday Gifts for the Artist

Holiday Gifts for the Artist

snowglobe2still life by Catherine Bobkoski

 

The Holidays are here and Christmas is fast approaching.  If you’re having trouble figuring out what to get the artist in your life (or if you want to give yourself a nice gift), take a look at our Holiday Wish List.  These artist tools and books are favorites of our instructors, and make a welcome addition to any studio or art library.

 

 

Color and Light, by James Gurney

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To purchase, click here
James Gurney, the creator, writer, and illustrator of the acclaimed “Dinotopia” book series, delves into the loaded topic of color and light in this aptly titled book.  Gurney cuts through the confusing, often-times contradictory dogma of color theory and approaches the subject through practical knowledge, observation, and application.  So many varied topics are covered in this book (from pigment charts, to lighting the form, to atmospheric effects and more) that you’ll find a reason to pick it up and reference it’s pages every time you sit down to paint.

“Planes of the Head” model, by John Asaro

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to purchase, click here
This model was designed by fine artist John Asaro, to help the artist break down the sometimes difficult-to-assess planes of the human head.  Included with the model is a 32 page booklet, briefly outlining how to best utilize the model in your work.  With the ability to be mounted on a tripod, the Asaro Head makes a wonderful reference subject for the professional artist, and an amazingly insightful learning tool for the student.

Anatomy Tools Art-Pro Figure

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to purchase, click here
Anatomytools.com creates anatomical models to be used for both the artist and the medical profession.  These anatomy pieces (sculpted by former Industrial Light and Magic model supervisor Andrew Cawrse) are made with an amazing level of detail, anatomical knowledge and accuracy.  To make these sculptures even more useful, they feature magnetic limbs and heads, so the artist can better see where muscles overlap and insert.  While a bit pricey, they are well-worth the cost for those serious about understanding anatomy.

Sienna Plein Air Pochade Box

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To purchase, click here
Sienna Plein Air products are designed and developed by Bradley Kasten, and artist for over twenty years.  Because his line is developed by an artist for artists, you’ll find everything you could ask for in each of his products.  Take for instance the Sienna Plein Air Pochade Box.  Everything you’d expect from a standard plein air set-up (and more) is included, but in a sensible, easy-to-acess fashion. On top of that, it all folds down into a compact  12.75in x 10.5in x 2.75in bundle, easy to fit into the optional backpack designed for it.    Be sure to check out the rest of Bradley’s products, for both plein air and the studio, when you visit the link above.  You’ll be glad you did.

Figure Drawing for all It’s Worth, by Andrew Loomis

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to purchase, click here
This acclaimed, once difficult-to-find book by illustrator and instructor Andrew Loomis is now back in print.  First published over seventy years ago, “Figure Drawing for all it’s worth” is still a must-have in an artists studio library.  The dedication Loomis had to his work and to teaching shows through in this book.  His instructional illustrations of the body’s planes, it’s abstractions and anatomy, and perspective of the human form pair fantastically with the encouraging and clear text.  Loomis breaks apart the mystery that surrounds drawing the human body, and approaches drawing the figure in a clear, easy-to-understand way that will bring you back to reference the illustrations in this book time and again.
We at the Watts Atelier would love to hear your gift recommendations for the artist; Please feel free to comment on this post, and let us know what your favorite art books, supplies, and tools are.  Enjoy any last minute shopping you may have, and Happy holidays!