[.ca] Decorative Designs (Paperback (ISBN 0821226576)

An enjoyable and inspirational book!:
In this enjoyable volume, English muralist and painter Graham Rust transforms everyday objects into whimisical and unusual works of art. From panelled screens to placemats, headboards to overdoor ornamentation, Rust's highly personal style, occasionally quirky point of view, and amazingly developed illustrative ability shine. Primarily visual, the book does not offer much by way of instruction or technique; nevertheless it is an inspiration. Many of the illustrations could be adapted to other design situations. I particularly appreciate his studies of drapery and exquisitely rendered botanicals. An interesting and useful addition to the reference library of the illustrator, muralist and painter, as well as those in interior design.

Useless and frustrating:
If this had been created and written as a coffee table book designed simply to show how a fine artist created lovely painted finishes, that would be OK. But it is "billed" as an "idea" book for ordinary people. Created by a fine artist who obviously has no clue as to what the rest of us can actually DO, this book is useless and frustrating.

Uninspired:
The pictures and ideas were fabulous, However, The book lacks any instruction. These creations are not for beginners nor mildly experienced decorative painters.