"Colored Pencil Painting Portraits" by Alyona Nickelsen

I received the book "Colored Pencil Painting Portraits" by Alyona Nickelsen and immediately noticed how impressive the front cover is. The artwork is beyond beautiful and conveys so much emotion without ever cracking the cover.

Front Cover

Back Cover

Once I opened the book and got to look through it, I was so impressed. Most of the "how to" type books I come across are more of the the, step 1, step 2, etc. type books. This book however is nothing like that. I would say that it is more of an advanced book for artists who are already drawing portraits, but maybe don't quite understand how to give their work the little "extra" it needs to pop off the page. 

An example of that is below... the original portrait is amazing, but using some highlights and shading really brings the portrait to life.

This book is highly recommended for anyone that is already drawing... a portrait artist... and if you are good, even a beginner would hugely benefit from this book.

"Colored Pencil Painting Portraits" can be purchased at Amazon at:

https://www.amazon.com/Colored-Pencil-Painting-Portraits-Revolutionary/dp/0385346271

*** This book was provided free of charge for an honest review by Blogging for Books ***

"Doodletopia Fairies" by Christopher Hart

"Doodletopia Fairies" is not like any other drawing book I have seen in the past. Most of the other ones give you step by step to get the exact image. With this book however, it is set up so that you use your imagination and create a one of a kind masterpiece just for you! 

Front Cover

Each page is set up with a different drawing and then shows you how to draw the foundation for that character... the rest is up to you!

Specific Hats

Action Poses

I wouldn't recommend this for someone who was just starting out drawing... or someone who is afraid to "mess up"... If you are free spirited and willing to just go for it... This is the book for you!

Back Cover

"Doodletopia Fairies" by Christopher Hart can be purchased at:

https://www.amazon.com/Doodletopia-Fairies-Design-Super-Magical-Beautiful/dp/1607746956

***This book was provided free of charge for an honest review by Blogging for Books***

"The Illustrated Book of Sayings" by Ella Frances Sanders

"The Illustrated Book of Sayings" written by Ella Frances Sanders is a very informative book actually! Each page has a description of the saying and what county it is from... on the facing page, there is an illustration for the saying. 

The illustrations appear to be watercolors and I found them to be a very nice addition to the book. I would actually like to hang some of them on my walls, lol.

"Who Saw the Peacock Dance in the Jungle?"

"Don't Knock a Teakettle at me!"

The book may not be for everyone, but it makes a very nice coffee table book... if nothing else, it is great conversation starter!

About the Author!

Check it out and see what your think!

*** This book was provided to me, free of charge, for review by Blogging for Books ***

Owls - Our Most Charming Bird by Matt Sewell

The book "Owls" by Matt Sewell is one of the cutest books I have read in a long time. The book is not serious at all... all the artwork appears to be watercolor or something similar. But the likeness to the owls is unbelievable.

Having worked with many different breeds of owls in the past, I find the book fun and easy to read. My boys just love it... Each owl has a description next to the "portrait"... but it is so witty, you will find yourself laughing all the way through :)

Front Cover

Barred Owl... just because they were great to train :)

Pel's Fishing Owl... because the artwork is gorgeous!

*** I received this book for free from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.)