"Elementary Instruction in the Art of Illuminating and Missal Painting on Vellum: A Guide to Modern Illuminators" by D. Laurent de Lara is the culmination of nearly a decade of work and research. The book begins with a history of illumination paintings which were a cornerstone of Christian art. This artwork adorned books and was meticulously designed. Thanks to de Lara, historians were able to learn the real reasons behind this artistry.

This photo-filled guide offers you all the information you need to begin the fascinating ancient art of illumination, and then to improve your skills. A short history of the art, including photos of some of the world's great medieval masterpieces, gives you context, and then you're introduced to the materials and basic techniques. First learn the proper ways of preparing your parchment, selecting pigments, gilding, and using color. Next, the five steps of illuminating are clearly taught in detail. By learning to create friezes, detailed human faces, flourishes, creatures such as dragons and elephants, and much more, you'll discover a skill that has crossed the centuries. Today, illumination can be used to add a special flair to diplomas, invitations, family trees, or a memorable event like a wedding, a birthday, or an anniversary.

The twenty-eight essays in this collection showcase cutting-edge research in manuscript studies, encompassing material from late antiquity to the Renaissance. The volume celebrates the exceptional contribution of John Lowden to the study of medieval books. The authors explore some of the themes and questions raised in John’s work, tackling issues of meaning, making, patronage, the book as an object, relationships between text and image, and the transmission of ideas. They combine John’s commitment to the close scrutiny of manuscripts with an interrogation of what the books meant in their own time and what they mean to us now.

When the artist moves into the classroom or community to educate and inspire students and audience members, this is Teaching Artistry. It is a proven means for practicing professional musicians to create a successful career in music, providing not only necessary income but deep and lasting satisfaction through engaging people in learning experiences about the arts. Filled with practical advice on the most critical issues facing the music teaching artist today--from economic and time-management issues of being a musician and teacher to communicating effectively with students--The Music Teaching Artist's Bible uncovers the essentials that every musician needs in order to thrive in this role. Author Eric Booth offers both inspiration and how-to, step-by-step guidance in this truly comprehensive manual that music teaching artists will turn to again and again. The book also includes critical information on becoming a mentor, succeeding in school environments, partnering with other teaching artists, advocating for music and arts education, and teaching private lessons. The Music Teaching Artist's Bible helps practicing and aspiring teaching artists gain the skills they need to build new audiences, improve the presence of music in schools, expand the possibilities of traditional and educational performances, and ultimately make their lives as an artists even more satisfying and fulfilling.

It takes the proper infusion of light and shade to accurately represent an object's solidity and character. With this time-honored guide, artists will easily develop a keener, more educated eye for introducing shadow, light, gradation, and reflection to drawings. This insightful study begins with fascinating artistic experiments and exercises, moving on to illuminating advice on how to deepen volume, evoke sunlight, and create mood. Various shapes such as pyramids, cones, spheres, and vases each necessitate different shading techniques, and are all expertly described in a wonderfully instructive tone and eighty-seven skillful illustrations. Thorough guidance on materials and how they should be manipulated to achieve specific effects is also included in this concise and enlightening resource for artists of all levels.