Italy possesses a mythical aura: in no other country do antiquity and modernity, history, art, landscape, and the graceful art of living coexist with such elegance, providing a rich cornucopia of images for creating striking interiors. In this third volume in the trompe l'oeil series, Ursula and Martin Benad offer Pompeian motifs for stylish entrance halls. Venetian vistas for luxurious bathrooms, and Tuscan landscapes for kitchen and dining areas, as well as tips on painting technique. They show how to design and build up a landscape step-by-step ; create authentic-looking antique frescoes ; paint a ceiling in the style of Tiepolo, ande ; re-create the popular "Mediterranean" atmosphere by using trompe l'oeil painting in a way that is practical and at the cutting edge of modern-day design.
The essential reference for amateur and professional alike, The Handbook of Painted Decoration is the first book to cover the whole spectrum of trompe l'oeil decorative painting, from classic marbling and wood graining to ancient techniques of decorative painting that have been nearly forgotten.
From a countryside panorama in a windowless room to a faux mosaic wall, an intricately painted Oriental carpet to a soaring cathedral dome in a single-story room, Trompe l’oeil painting offers an art form ideal for contemporary interiors, adding color and aesthetic atmosphere and responding to specific architectural needs and situations. Trompe L’Oeil Today offers a fascinating overview of the range of styles and techniques of illusionistic painting for private residences and public spaces, restaurants and other commercial interiors, and even indoor swimming pools. It covers unusual techniques, such as anamorphism, and bold geometric patterns, as well as more traditional Trompe L’oeil subjects, including Pompeian-style wall paintings, classical arches and colonnades, landscapes, statues and reliefs, and elaborate ceiling treatments. The book defines the categories of illusionistic painting: material imitation, or faux finishes, ranging from marble and wood finishes to snake and crocodile skin; grisaille, including imaginary moldings, reliefs, and statuary; small-format trompe l’oeils, such as those painted in niches and on doors; and large panoramic murals. Experienced professionals, the authors address practical questions and offer helpful tips and tricks for choosing the right materials, technique, and style. They examine the use of perspective and the psychology of visual perception, presenting a visually beguiling array of painting possibilities. Trompe L’Oeil Today is an essential reference for artists and designers working in trompe l’oeil and in search of suggestions or inspiration, interior architects and decorators looking for an outline of what can be done to create new and different ambiances, and clients who plan to commission a work. Over 150 four-color photographs illustrate the architectural and aesthetic impact of professional illusionistic work. Trompe L’Oeil Today is an invaluable survey of an impressive, popular art form.
Goods made or designed in Italy enjoy a profile which far outstrips the country's modest manufacturing output. Italy's glorious design heritage and reputation for style and innovation has 'added value' to products made in Italy. Since 1945, Italian design has commanded an increasing amount of attention from design journalists, critics and consumers. But is Italian design a victim of its own celebrity? Made in Italy brings together leading design historians to explore this question, discussing both the history and significance of design from Italy and its international influence. Addressing a wide range of Italian design fields, including car design, graphic design, industrial and interior design and ceramics, well-known designers such as Alberto Rosselli and Ettore Sottsass, Jr. and iconic brands such as Olivetti, Vespa and Alessi, the book explores the historical, cultural and social influences that shaped Italian design, and how these iconic designs have contributed to the modern canon of Italian-inspired goods.
Italy, My Beautiful Obsession: An American Italophile Falls in Love is a travel memoir based on the author's many decades of visiting Italy. Fowler's extensive art and music education, as well as her experience as an artist and performer enable her to bring Italy's very appearance and treasured heritage vividly to mind. The book starts with her first arrival in Italy as a young woman and having to deal with the bureaucracy (a tale amusingly told!) in order to get married in Rome in 1951. It is based on her meticulously detailed private journals. This book is insightful, informative, innovative and entertaining. The author explores every aspect of Italian life and culture as she experienced it; delving into, analyzing, and revealing the essence of what makes Italy the destination of choice for so many people. She covers subjects from the country's topography to its food, its architecture and its language, to its awesome culture, its wonderful people, and more. This highly readable book appeals to those experienced travellers who have already been to Italy, know they love it, and never tire of reading about it. It also appeals to those considering vacationing in Italy, whetting the appetite to visit more than just the few highlights afforded by packaged tours. Everything in the book is seen and described through the author's personal prism. Neither a guide book nor a cook book, Italy, My Beautiful Obession contains elements of both, presented in a most enjoyable way.
World-renowned 'tell it like it is' guidebook Discover the Italian Lakes with this comprehensive, entertaining, 'tell it like it is' Rough Guide, packed with comprehensive practical information and our experts' honest and independent recommendations. Whether you plan to explore Lake Como's picturesque waterfront villages, go shopping in fashion capital Milan, feast on Italian cuisine in Bergamo's fine restaurants or discover the violin-making traditions of Cremona, The Rough Guide to the Italian Lakes will help you discover the best places to explore, sleep, eat, drink and shop along the way. Features of The Rough Guide to the Italian Lakes: - Detailed regional coverage: provides in-depth practical information for each step of all kinds of trip, from intrepid off-the-beaten-track adventures, to chilled-out breaks in popular tourist areas. Regions covered include: Milan, Lake Orta, Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, Bergamo, Lake Iseo, Brescia, Cremona, Lake Garda, Verona, Mantua. - Honest independent reviews: written with Rough Guides' trademark blend of humour, honesty and expertise, and recommendations you can truly trust, our writers will help you get the most from your trip to the Italian Lakes. - Meticulous mapping: always full-colour, with clearly numbered, colour-coded keys. Find your way around the cobbled streets of Bellagio, the pretty knot of lanes in Sirmione's old town, and many more locations without needing to get online. - Fabulous full-colour photography: features a richness of inspirational colour photography, including beautiful, pink-tinted Verona and the spectacular gardens of Isole Borromee. - Things not to miss: Rough Guides' rundown of Milan's, Lake Orta's, Isola Madre's and Varenna's best sights and top experiences. - Itineraries: carefully planned routes will help you organise your trip, and inspire and inform your on-the-road experiences. - Basics section: packed with essential pre-departure information including getting there, getting around, accommodation, food and drink, health, the media, festivals, sports and outdoor activities, culture and etiquette, shopping and more. - Background information: comprehensive Contexts chapter provides fascinating insights into the Italian Lakes, with coverage of history, religion, ethnic groups, environment, wildlife and books, plus a handy language section and glossary. About Rough Guides: Rough Guides have been inspiring travellers for over 35 years, with over 30 million copies sold globally. Synonymous with practical travel tips, quality writing and a trustworthy 'tell it like it is' ethos, the Rough Guides list includes more than 260 travel guides to 120+ destinations, gift-books and phrasebooks.
