Koncocoo

Best Use of Ornament in Graphic Arts

Handbook of Ornament (Dover Pictorial Archive)
Featured design elements include networks, Gothic tracery, geometric designs, akanthos leaves, lotus ornamentation, animal ornamentation, grotesque figures, fret bands, chains, interlacements, rosettes, undulations, spirals, link borders, cresting borders, finials, crockets, gargoyles, foliations, panels, repeated ornaments, and hundreds of other elements. Other plates show decorated pottery vases, religious utensils, weapons, furniture, lamps, jewelry, and other artifacts, in addition to heraldic motifs and ornamental letters.
Reviews
"Since the last update from the author was in 1892, the newest fashions are not quite up to date but the quality of the text and illustrations yields time well spent in the pursuit of this valuable, relevant, knowledge!"
"The content of this book is incredible. I always prefer a hard copy for general reference books anyway... Just make it bigger!"
"Beautiful book in good condition."
"It goes through EVERYTHING ornamental from furniture, to alphabets, to architecture, to tracery, plain design, cutlery, and everything else you can think of."
"Great start if you're researching historical ornamentation."
"Chapters include geometric designs, natural forms such as foliage, fruit and flowers, mythical creatures, individual ornaments, capitals and bases for columns, decorative panels, vases, several lettering styles, and much more."
"The most confusing and overly specific book on patterns and ornament."
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Traditional Korean Designs (Dover Pictorial Archive Series)
Artist Madeleine Orban-Szontagh found characteristic motifs in a splendid selection of Korean arts and crafts, including embroidered Buddhist and Taoist symbols, jewelry, ornamental tiles, a royal headdress, vases, book covers, screens, and paintings.
Reviews
"This book greatly helped me understand Korean Traditional designs and has inspired me artistically to create some beautiful paintings."
"The pictures were what I was looking for to help with designs on my pottery that I make using blue ink."
"Wasn't expecting heavy lines on the designs but not really a problem."
"Beautiful and detailed designs."
"142 designs all in black and white."
"I just assumed this was copyright free."
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Best Use of Color in Graphic Arts

Zenspirations: Letters & Patterning
Zenspirations Patterning is Fun, Easy, & Relaxing- and it's a great way to add interest and texture to any design. Joanne Fink's passion for beautiful patterns is contagious; her Zenspirations Letters & Patterning techniques make it easy for artists and non-artists alike to master patterning quickly and easily.
Reviews
"I like to do finishing touches, draw some cards to send to family and friends, or simply a letter and I will try to embellish it a little, to cheer it up a bit with a squiggle here and there :-). She shows you all these cool designs for frames around photos too - imagine finding a pattern you can easily copy to adorn your favourite affirmation !!"
"I have reviewed Joanne Fink's books before and love them so I continue to purchase them."
"Techniques in coloring and. ex saturations (can't remember how to spell this word) so good and a few drawings to show you how its done."
"Joanne Fink's ZENSPIRATIONS Letters & Patterns is one of those things that if you get stuck on a deserted island you would want to have with you!"
"I cannot say enough good things about all of Joanne Fink's books and her generosity in sharing her techniques!"
"I purchased this book for the alphabet but was pleasantly surprised to find flowers, butterflies, frames, boarders, wave patterns, and I love the verticals!"
"It's probably the most disappointing book out of all of the books I've bought/borrowed/read in the last several years. It's more like an ad for a book or class you'd find laying around in a craft store."
"There is very little instructional info with oversized childish drawings as if they were intentionally created that way, in order to fill the pages."
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