Best Selling Books by Susie Hodge

This lavishly illustrated hardback presents the life and work of Michelangelo - a giant in the history of art. Michelangelo (1475-1564) was the ultimate Renaissance man: not just a painter, but a sculptor, architect and poet besides. He began his career as a sculptor, creating his famous works Pieta and David in his twenties. A master of the human figure, his understanding of its expressive possibilities remains striking, perhaps unparalleled, to this day. This wonderfully presented full-color book charts his remarkable life, from his training with the painter Ghirlandaio and at the Medici family''s Humanist academy, to the high-stakes, high profile commissions of Pope Julius II, including the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, the Last Judgement on the altar wall, and Julius II''s own tomb. Featuring timelines, textboxes and accessible analysis of his major works, this beautifully illustrated hardback makes a wonderful introduction to this Renaissance master.

This book has been compiled from the following titles: How to draw babies and children, How to draw faces, How to draw hands and feet, Hot to draw people, How to draw people in action.

The Art of Fine Gifts: Twentieth-century painter, designer and wood engraver Eric Ravilious was responsible for a fascinating range of different works, from illustrations for books to designs for ceramics for the established Wedgwood pottery firm. This gorgeous new book features beautiful woodcut images of countryside life, watercolours of rolling landscapes and many of Ravilious'' acute and profound war paintings.

Called the greatest Spanish painter by Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali, Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez was born in 1599 in Seville, and as early as 1620, he was established as a painter, producing many genre scenes, notably Old Woman Frying Eggs, and religious subjects, such as The Adoration of the Magi and Christ in the House of Martha and Mary. This informative book outlines his royal connections and influences and describes his most dramatic and emotive works. There is also a magnificent gallery of 300 glorious images. This beautifully illustrated book is essential reading for anyone who would like to learn more about this master of painting, who influenced so many later artists, and whom Édouard Manet called the ‘painter of painters’. • A comprehensive reference book on the life and works of Diego Velázquez, the most important painter in the Spanish Habsburg court of King Philip IV • Offers a fascinating study of this individualistic artist’s education, family life and influences, and all his outstanding works • Explores Velázquez’ progression from painting pictures of everyday life to portraits of the Spanish royal family, notably the artist’s crowning achievement in his most recognized work, Las Meninas • Features a wonderful gallery of Veláquez’ paintings, accompanied by an expert analysis of each work, and a description of his style and technique

Painting.

Draw over 30 expressive, characterful and diverse faces, with best-selling author Susie Hodge. Build up gradually from initial geometric shapes right through to finished faces, using a simple, confidence-boosting two-color method. This easy-to-follow book shows you how to draw 30 characterful faces - from babies through to seniors - in simple step-by-step stages. Choose from a wonderful selection of 30 faces, from babies and toddlers through to adult couples and seniors, that are suitable even if you''re an absolute beginner. In no more than 6 easy stages, you''ll learn to build up the images gradually from initial geometric shapes right through to the finished face, using a clear, two-color method that shows exactly how the lines are constructed and then refined. Featuring a wide selection of head- and shoulder portraits, this book includes a range of diverse and dynamic faces and hairstyles that will inspire and encourage you to apply your new skills to portraits of your friends and family. With its easy-to-follow landscape format you can watch the stages build across the page and then recreate them with ease... Just grab your pencil and get drawing! The book contains material previously published in Susie''s How to Draw Faces, 2011 (9781844486731).

Biographies of the main artists and a thematic gallery of the greatest paintings of the period, in one sumptuously illustrated volume.

A biography and gallery of one of Spain''s great masters, stunningly illustrated throughout.

An expert account of the post-Impressionist artist, Paul Gaughin, who defied convention to pursue his art in the South Seas; stunning illustrated throughout. ,

This title sets out to illustrate that drawing is not a special gift - everyone can draw - it''s just a question of knowing how. The author reveals easy ways to develop skills and achieve results, while showing how quickly children can understand how to make their pictures more effective.

Artist, architect and draughtsman, one of the great masters and one of the most influential painters of the High Renaissance, Raphael produced a huge body of work during his short working life. His artistic development took place in Umbria, Rome and Florence, where he met Michelangelo and Leonardo, and was influenced by their dynamic and evocative images. Some of his subsequent work reflected his admiration for them. In Rome, he painted The School of Athens, a major fresco depicting the greatest thinkers and philosophers of the past and present. His beautiful style is reflected in the second part of the book in a gallery of around 300 of Raphael''s major paintings and drawings, with an analysis of each in the context of his life, his technique and oeuvre. Raphael was one of the greatest artists of all time; his death in 1520 marked the end of the 16th century.

A perceptive and detailed account of the artist, Paul Cezanne, who uniquely bridged the gap between the Impressionist and the Cubist movements."

This expert book covers the fascinating and romantic history that surroundes the order of the Knights Templar. It charts the rise and influence of the order, its changing fortunes, losing their base in Jerusalem in the Third Crusade, the fall of Acre and the destruction of the order by Pope Clement V and Philip IV of France. The speculative myths and questions about these legendary knights are fully discussed, as are controversial claims and conspiracies that have surrounded them for centuries. Among these are whether the Templars discovered America and if they were the guardians of the Holy Grail. With well-researched text and evocative illustrations this volume shows the historical legacy of the Templars and how they have influenced contemporary organizations, art, literature and legend.

Learn how to sketch a pack of 30 dashing, adorable dogs in 6 easy stages! Draw 30 perfect pooches in 6 easy stages! Create your own kennel of canine companions - from an endearing chocolate labrador puppy to a rascal of a Jack Russell terrier; a pocket-size chihuahua to a mammoth Great Dane! Ideal for budding artists of all ages and pedigrees, each dashing dog is developed in no more than 6 easy stages, from a rough sketch of the basic shapes through to the finished, colored paw-trait. Who will you draw first?

Have fun making these amazing paper creations.You’ll find origami models plus puppets and pop-up greetings cards, boxes, a windmill and a picture frame. Get folding! * Includes everything you need. * Perfect projects for a rainy day. * Develop your creative skills.

He did not paint his pictures; it was like he exhaled them in a gasping, boiling breath - Julius Meier-Graef Van Gogh''s distinctive style of expressive brushstrokes and bold colors is now world famous, but during his lifetime the artist was met with cold disinterest from his contemporaries. This book explores the fascinating life story of this tortured soul, who came late to art and suffered throughout his life from anxiety and depression. It unravels the influences behind his artworks, from the luminous landscapes of the south of France to the Japanese woodblock prints he so admired, and explores how he developed his own unique style. This detailed monograph features Van Gogh''s major works and examines the light they shed on this enigmatic character, serving as a wonderful introduction to one of the best artists of all time.

Acclaimed mixed-media artist Mike Bernard has been at the forefront of collage painting for decades and his work has a sought-after vitality. He brings his latest guidance, ideas and techniques on a subject about which he is passionate: coastal painting. From his home near the Devon coast, he and co author (art writer) Susie Hodge, cover all aspects of mixed media painting. From considering composition and looking for contrasts to reducing elements for greater impact (and even moving towards abstraction). From working with limited palettes to including imaginary colours to a painting. From collaging with torn magazines, tin foil, plastic, newsprint to combining inks, oil pastels, PVA, acrylic and watercolours. From playing with proportion to create mood to using thick and thin oils for effect. And, of course, how to capture the mood and atmosphere of coastal life, from quiet stretches to busy harbours around the world. The authors include several step-by-step projects to demonstrate techniques plus a series of experimental exercises helps the reader try something new. A masterclass from a popular artist with stunning artwork of coasts from around the globe.