VIRTU A love of or taste for works of art or curios;
a knowledge of or interest in the fine arts as a subject or interest

Search

Virtu

Virtu Home Page

Virtu Services

Virtu Bookshop Home

Email Us

Book Shelves

Artists + Crafters Health and Safety

19th Century Art

17th + 18th Century Art

Abstract Expressionist

Art Conservation

Art History

Arte Povera

Australian + Aborigonal Art

Bauhaus

Basket Weaving

Buddhist Art + Sculpture

Candle Making

Ceramics

Crafts

Cubist Movement

Design

Dictionaries + Encyclopedia

How-To Draw

Egyptian Art

Erotic Art

Expressionist Movement

General Art

Islamic Art

Lace Making + Tatting

Nudes

Painting How-To

Paper Craft

How-To Frame Pictures

Pop + Op Art

Portraiture + Miniatures

Renaissance

Sculpture

Silver

Stained Glass Art

Surrealist + Dada

How-to Survive

Textiles

Tie Dye, Batik + Silk Painting

Woodcraft

Links + Resources

SW Cork Artists, Crafters, Galleries + Studios

Irish Goverment Links

Art Guilds, Councils, Collectives etc

Irish Art Related Links

Art + Craft Education Resources

Art Magazines + Ezines

Artists Supplies Links

Virtu Art Books

Art Dictionaries + Art Encyclopedia

The Oxford Dictionary of Art
is the most comprehensive one-volume reference work on art available in English. It covers Western art from the ancient world to the present day, with entries on a wide range of people and subjects, including artists, critics, collectors, dealers, patrons, museums, galleries, art schools, materials, and techniques

A Visual Dictionary of Architecture
Concise but detailed definitions and stunningly drawn components and diagrams make this an invaluable book for students and professionals alike. Although published in the USA, very little of the descriptive text will be foreign to us here in the UK. The book is not intended to provide detailed construction techniques or information or be used as a guide to defects analysis and building pathology, but as a basic reference manual in order that we may better understand and visualise the components and terms within the built environment it is fantastic.

Dictionary of Subjects and Symbols in Art
This dictionary relates in a succinct, readable way the themes,
sacred and secular, on which the repertoire of European art is based.
It has been sold in thousands every year and has become a standard
work on the subject

Dictionary of Marks: Pottery and Porcelain
Different from other books of marks, this dictionary provides a quick way of identifying American, Engli sh, and European porcelain. Once a piece is identified, rese arch and experience (the colour, weight, and feel) tell the rest of the story.

Thames and Hudson Dictionary of Design Since 1900 (World of Art S.)
This comprehensive A-Z guide embraces all of modern design's numerous manifestations: graphics, products, interiors, furniture, industrial and architectural design. Guy Julier examines not only the work of important designers world-wide, but also the many dramatic changes that have influenced design and its uses in the 20th century. Thus political and ideological concepts, such as feminism and green design, are defined and explained, as are new technological advances, new materials and techniques and influential movements in modern culture. The text incorporates extensive cross-referencing and full bibliographical notes, along with a chronological chart of design highlights since 1900

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (Oxford Paperback Reference S.)
Based on the acclaimed Oxford Dictionary of Art, this is an authoritative and up-to-date guide to Western art from ancient Greece to the present day. For this third edition, new entries have been added on younger artists, and many existing entries have been revised and updated. This is an ideal book for students and anyone who enjoys visiting art galleries

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (Oxford Paperback Reference S.)
1,800 entries providing a broad coverage of periods, styles, categories, materials, techniques, as well as philosophical terms and methodologies. From abstract expressionism to renaissance, batik to zincograph, this new dictionary will help you navigate the wide variety of terms used in the art world.

British Artists, 1880-1940 (Dictionary of British Art)
Hardcover: Publisher:
Antique Collectors' Club Ltd

A Dictionary of Twentieth Century Russian and Soviet Painters, 1900-80s
The Dictionary supplies the career facts not only of well-known artists but also of a great multitude of lesser names. Some 13,000 entries give details such as an artist's date and place of birth (and death), dates and places of study and work, membership of artists' groups, important exhibitions, major paintings, posts held, prizes won and more. This information has been drawn from a compendious variety of published and unpublished sources, including obscure Russian-language catalogues that an individual researcher may find difficult and time-consuming to track down - even assuming he or she has the facility to work in Russian libraries.

Materials and Techniques in the Decorative Arts: An Illustrated Dictionary
This dictionary is devoted to materials and techniques used in the decorative arts. The ten contributors cover glass, ceramics, textiles, paper, plastics, leather, metal, stone, wood and paint, with entries on each of these and more, accompanied by photographs and drawings

A Dictionary of Modern Design
This fascinating new dictionary of Modern Design covers the past 150 years of international design including ceramics, furniture, graphics, industrial design, interiors, and fashion, as well as biographical entries on designers, manufacturers, etc, and major museums and heritage sites. Written in a clear, accessible style, and with more comprehensive coverage than any of the other design dictionaries available, the Dictionary of Modern Design is an essential addition to every designer's and artist's studio shelf. Funky illustrations at every letter's opening page, and zeitgeist design concepts from Action Man and Barbie to Ferrari and Electrolux make this a must-have for style-slaves and design-addicts alike

From Renaissance to Impressionism: Styles and Movements in Western Art, 1400-1900 (Grove Dictionary of Art)
The Grove Art series, focusing on the most important periods and areas of art history, is derived from the critically acclaimed and award-winning The Grove Dictionary of Art. First published in 1996 in 34 volumes, The Dictionary has quickly established itself as the leading reference work on the visual arts, used by schools, universities, museums, and public libraries throughout the world. With articles written by leading scholars in each field, The Dictionary has frequently been praised for its breadth of coverage, accuracy, authority, and accessibility.

Dictionary of Artists' Models
Introductory essays focus on themes such as the experience of modeling, the model in literature, and the model as artist. The Dictionary includes an Appendix that gives brief biographical details of lesser-known models, and an extensive index of artists and works. The Dictionary of Artists' Models will prove an invaluable reference work for art historians, librarians, museum and gallery curators, as well as students and researchers.

The Encyclopedia of Cartooning Techniques: A Unique A-Z Directory of Cartooning Techniques, Including Guidance on How to Use Them
Learn how to create a convincing cartoon character through body language, foreshortening and movement. The same detailed investigation explores animal subjects and backgrounds, while other sections study ways of focusing the image, creating space and depth by perspective, and selecting a view point that enhances the 'story'. The book also looks at inspirations for your work, and how to translate real life events into cartoons. This comprehensive reference book takes a thorough but entertaining approach to this popular art, enabling every aspiring cartoonist to choose the right materials, apply technical skills effectively, and develop a personal style.

The Encyclopedia of Fantasy and Science Fiction Art Techniques
This is the first comprehensive A-Z guide to science fiction and fantasy art techniques. It also includes an inspirational gallery of finished works. This title includes professional tips and techniques and clear step- by-step instructions for a variety of popular styles -- from horror to heroic fantasy, from creatures to characterisation. An A-to-Z technique section provides a detailed look at all major media -- acrylics, airbrush, animation software, computer software, and pen and ink -- and explains how to apply each one. Also included are special "brainstorming" sections to let you see how an initial idea is developed to produce the final artwork. This creative resource also contains a gallery of works by some of the most innovative and renowned fantasy artists, including Chris Achilleos, Paul Bartlett, Jim Burns, Judith Clute, Danny Flynn, Brian Frowd, David A. Hardy, Jael, Peter Jones, Ian Miller, Dan Seagrave, Ron Tiner and Boris Vallejo. Whether you're a student or a professional artist, you'll discover that The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and Fantasy Art Techniques is an invaluable reference for expressing your artistic imagination and polishing your technical skills

The Encyclopedia of Pastel Techniques:
A Unique A-Z Directory of Pastel Painting Techniques Plus
Guidance on How Best to Use Them
Review: Iinteresting and very usefull I enjoyed every different section 0f the book its very usefull particulary for those starting workshop in pastels.

The Encyclopedia of Drawing Techniques
A step-by-step visual directory of drawing techniques which provides you with everything you need to fully realise your ambitions. Detailed photographic sequences explore pencil, charcoal, pen and technical pen techniques, including shading, building up, blending, hatching, highlighting, stippling and more. Coloured pencils, chalks, pastels, and pen and ink are also covered with inspirational pictures across a full range of subject matter, including landscapes, buildings, figures, animals, flowers and still life. Techniques are discussed in detail including layering, feathering, burnishing, linear marks and pointillism. The use of paint and brushes is less obvious in a book on drawing, but there are some techniques in which the brush is used to create a line, or to infill a linear shape. These techniques are discussed as well with Gallery examples shown throughout to act as inspiration for the practising artist. Sequences on mixed media, keeping a sketchbook and digital drawing are included too, making this book an invaluable addition to any artists book shelves

The Encyclopedia of Acrylic Techniques:
A Unique A-Z Directory of Acrylic Techniques with Step-by-step Guidance on Their Use
Paperback
Publisher:
Search Press Ltd

Encyclopedia of Sculpting Techniques
This addition to the "Encyclopedia of Techniques" series introduces the wide variety of materials used in sculpting, from traditional clay and wood, to metals and resin. Using step-by-step photographs and diagrams, the text demonstrates 18 techniques ranging from armature to welding

The Encyclopedia of Oil Painting Techniques:
A Unique Step-by-step Visual Directory of All the Key Oil Painting Techniques
Paperback
Publisher:
Search Press Ltd

The Encyclopedia of Watercolour Techniques: A Step-by-step Visual Directory, with an Inspirational Gallery of Finished Works
Watercolour is an enormously popular painting medium and an increasing number of artists are choosing it in preference to other mediums, exploiting it in inventive and creative ways for every possible subject. This book covers the subject of watercolour in the broad sense of the term, suggesting ways of working with gouache and acrylic as well as explaining the time-honoured technique associated with transparent watercolour

The New Encyclopedia of Airbrush Techniques
A complete A-Z visual directory of airbrushing techniques and how to use them. Using step-by-step demonstrations and the work of a wide variety of professional artists, this book explores all the major methods of working. An initial techniques section shows how basic forms are built up - with guidance on casting shadows, masking, highlighting, ghosting, haloing and more. An inspirational gallery of original work is included with many ideas which will help improve skills and develop individual styles. This comprehensive, informative encyclopedia, is a valuable to addition to the artist's bookshelf

The Giant Encyclopedia
of Art and Craft Activities for Children 3-6
Paperback
Publisher:
Gryphon House

The Encyclopedia of Watercolour Techniques
In this text the step-by-step photography offers demonstrations of more than 35 techniques for working in a wide range of water-based media. It explores traditional watercolour as well as more experimental methods and tricks of the trade.

The Encyclopedia of Oil Painting Techniques:
A Comprehensive Visual Guide to Traditional and Contemporary Techniques
Paperback
Publisher:
Sterling Publishing

Encyclopedia of Sculpture Techniques
This reference work covers sculpting in clay, concrete, metal, plaster of Paris, resin and wax and is illustrated throughout with examples by a range of sculptors.

The Encyclopedia of Sculpting Techniques:
A Comprehensive Visual Guide to Traditional and Contemporary Techniques
Paperback
Publisher:
Streling Publishing

The Encyclopedia of Art Techniques
A complete guide to drawing and painting a wide range of topics from landscapes, figures and nudes to still life, flowers and portraits. All the traditional media are covered from pencil sketching to oil painting. The book takes readers through various demonstrations showing then how to achieve a wealth of different techniques and results. Written by a group of experienced artists and teachers, it is hoped that the encyclopaedia will instruct and inspire

The Artist's Illustrated Encyclopedia: Techniques, Materials and Terms
Covering all fields of artistic endeavour, from painting and print making to sculpture and textile arts, it contains clear, up-to-the-minute definitions of all the art terms, techniques and materials you are ever likely to come across. Packed with hundreds of photographs, paintings, diagrams and demonstrations of painting techniques, and containing more than one thousand definitions, The Artist's Illustrated Encyclopedia represents superb value for money and is guaranteed to become the essential reference guide for everyone interested in art

The Elements of Design :
A Practical Encyclopedia of the Decorative Arts from the Renaissance to the Present
Hardcover
Publisher:
Free Press

The Museum of Modern Art Design Encyclopedia
This definitive encyclopedia covers all elements associated with decoration and design in eastern and western Europe, Australia, North and South America and Japan. Over 3000 entries form a compendium of designers, firms, movements, styles and materials in the design world from the 19th century to the present. Features lists of major design exhibitions and fairs worldwide, ranging from the 1851 Great Exhibition in London through the 1992 Seville Expo to a Pan-Russian Exhibition in Moscow in 1882. Every entry includes dates, biography, details of design education and influences, exhibitions and awards, an in-depth discussion of important designs plus a complete bibliography covering publications in all languages

The Design Encyclopedia
This definitive encyclopedia covers all elements associated with decoration and design in eastern and western Europe, Australia, North and South America and Japan. Over 3000 entries form a compendium of designers, firms, movements, styles and materials in the design world from the 19th century to the present. Features lists of major design exhibitions and fairs worldwide, ranging from the 1851 Great Exhibition in London through the 1992 Seville Expo to a Pan-Russian Exhibition in Moscow in 1882. Every entry includes dates, biography, details of design education and influences, exhibitions and awards, an in-depth discussion of important designs plus a complete bibliography covering publications in all languages

A Dictionary of the Avant-Gardes
Our era is one of nearly constant innovation and change. The new is constantly pushing aside the old; and the once unimaginable - even the once ridiculed - is now commonplace. A Dictionary of the Avant-Gardes recognizes that change is a driving force in all the arts. It covers the major trends in music, dance, theatre, film, visual art, sculpture, and performance art as well as architecture, science, and culture. Enteries are divided between important individuals and trends and movements. Each entry includes a complete biography, discography, and videography, works lists, and appropraite web links. The book is richly illustrated with original art works and an eight page colour insert. For anyone with an interest in 'what's new', this work is a treasure trove of exploration and discovery