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Art Nouveau . . . continued from previous page The "new" advertising art emerged in America as the "artistic poster." The genre first appeared in France where cultural events were promoted by large posters. As we researched our article for you today, we found a number of superb books that are essential learning for any craftsman, artist or publication designer. Take a look Art Nouveau Frames and Borders by by Carol Belanger Grafton (Editor) and features 250 Copyright-Free Illustrations for Artists and Craftsmen. From the end of the 19th century to the First World War, the fine and applied arts were profoundly influenced by the artistic movement known as Art Nouveau. Here for contemporary use, a total of 250 authentic, copyright-free frame and border designs have been selected from rare European and American publications from the period of Art Nouveau's apogee. For $8.76 this book pays for itself with the first idea.

The Art Nouveau Floral Patterns and Stencil Designs by M. P. Verneuil, Carol Belanger Graftonpresents an incredible collection of floral patterns, edited and drafted so that each is ready to use in any artistic project. They can easily be scanned for an unlimited source of decorative elements -- used as-is, or used as the basis of further art. For the price, if you use only one, you've paid for the book! Art Nouveau Stained Glass Pattern Book: 104 Designs for Workable Projects This one, by Ed, Jr. Sibbett is not as much a manual as it is idea starter. You'll need some background knowledge of painting on glass, but the patterns are wonderful. Although designed to be reminescent of Nouveau/Deco period windows and Tiffany glass the patterns can easily be applied to graphics and modern projects as well. As a craft to itself, or as reference material for graphic illustration, this one's superb.

Alphonse Mucha : The Spirit of Art Nouveau by Victor Arwas, Jana A. Brabcova, Jean-Marie Bruson, Anna Dvorak is a lavishly illustrated book presenting the full spectrum of Alphonse Mucha's works, from his innovative posters and decorative panels to his architectural designs, jewelry, sculpture, photographs, books, and interiors. The authors discuss Mucha's years in Paris, his iconography of Sarah Bernhardt, his service to the Czech government, his distinctive style that became nearly synonymous with turn-of-the-century French Art Nouveau, and much more. This is not just a book for reference. It's beautiful enough to be a coffee-table book for leisure perusing. (Hardcover - 400 pages) Three Hundred Art Nouveau Designs and Motifs in Full Color by Carol Belanger Grafton (Editor) is a wonderful $8.95 reference book. This is not to be confused with clip art or 'usable' art. It's not meant to trace or scan from, but to inspire anyone interested in the colors and designs of this era. However, some of the designs are so striking, you'll want to try your hand at emulating the styles.

The World of Art Nouveau by Alastair Duncan is probably the best reference book on the movement without bogging down in academia. If you're looking for history and an overall survey of the Art Nouveau movement, here's the book to use. It covers the movement and names of artists, architects, and designers who made Art Nouveau one of the most colorful segments of art around the world. (Paperback - 216 pages) Art Nouveau; An Anthology by Edmund Vincent Gillon (Compiler) "An Anthology of Design and Illustration from the Studio" . . . Here's another Dover Pictorial Archive Series book that's sure to provide lots of ideas, styles and pure inspiration to any visual artist or craftsperson. (Paperback - 89 pages) Any of our books listed in this article will make superb additions to your bookshelf. Believe it or not, I've owned several of them -- plus others, now out of print -- since the early 1970s. I've always enjoyed art nouveau style, and I've incorporated it into many pieces of art, wood carvings, screen prints and signs for clients. It's the sort of art that just makes you feel good making it -- and it really impresses the viewers because of its style and character. I hope you've enjoyed our series today. Thanks for reading Fred Showker If you wish to continue with our special Art Nouveau feature, the next section is in the &Type! department, and investigates Art Nouveau Type Fonts

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