Books published by The Crowood Press Ltd

Where do you start if you want to light an interior space? What is the best colour temperature for your design scheme? What do you need to consider when choosing LED lamps and luminaires? Architectural Lighting Design answers these questions and more in a comprehensive introduction to the design, application and techniques of lighting interior spaces. Using real examples of successful lighting schemes, experienced designer Admir Jukanovic explains the fundamentals of lamps and luminaires, and how to meet the requirements of a design brief. Topics include treatments and techniques for lighting designs; tips for understanding the deliverables and fulfilling brief; the five project phases, from concept to commission and the common pitfalls to avoid when using artificial lighting in architecture.

Theatrical Scenic Art is a detailed guide to the creative process of painting and preparing scenery for theatre. The book offers key insights into the role of the scenic artist, detailing the process from planning, budgeting and developing samples through to creating and delivering the final finishes. Topics covers include: design interpretation and realisation; choosing the right tools and equipment; drawing and colour theory; preparation for floor and frame painting; traditional and contemporary techniques for hard and soft scenery and, finally, a range of processes including creating textures, polystyrene carving, scenic faux finishes and sign writing. With personal insights from highly acclaimed designers, this practical guide offers advice on how to become a scenic artist, useful work experience, valid courses and career options for both freelance and fulltime painters.

Botanical and scientific illustration share many common themes - the meticulous observation, the crucial composition, the precision of rendering and the accuracy of colour are all intrinsic to this niche genre of art. In this beautiful book, Sarah Jane Humphrey explains the techniques of the botanical artist but also introduces ideas for scientific illustration, so that the illustrator has a fuller understanding when rendering the natural world. Detailed instruction on all aspects of illustration is given, from application and materials to research and field trips. There is practical advice on using monochrome and colour theory to bring your illustration to life. Illustrated with over 200 of the author's exquisite illustrations, it is an invaluable companion for both beginners and experienced artists, as well as a source of inspiration and joy.

Aran knitwear is instantly recognisable, respectfully fashionable and generously comfortable. With a long-treasured heritage steeped in Irish history, it is no surprise that most knitters express a wish to produce an Aran knit at some time in their creative life. This book delves into the history and heritage of this popular style, offering traditional designs and patterns, whilst providing inspiration for contemporary and innovative adaptations. Written for the dedicated knitter, Aran Design: The Creative Knitter's Handbook offers a unique insight into the trends and techniques associated with the style. This beautifully illustrated book includes: the history of Aran knitting; recommended materials and equipment; a dictionary of stitches; how to plan an initial design; working out the numbers for a project and finishing tips and techniques. It is invaluable reading for all who wish to learn more about Aran knitting.

In 1940 Great Britain was in dire straits and facing Nazi invasion.  Twenty-four destroyers had been lost during the Dunkirk evacuation.  Winston Churchill asked the United States' President Roosevolt for 'the loan of forty or fifty of your oldest destroyers'.  He got them - eventually.  In response to Churchill's request, and in return for the use by the US of British bases in the Caribbean, fifty mothballed 'flush-deck' destroyers of the United States Navy were supplied to the Royal Navy.  This book presents a comprehensive history of their service, to their operational use and a detailed assesment of their service and achievements.

Abstract painting and abstraction can be a daunting and frustrating genre of art. How should you approach a surface? How can you use colour effectively? How can you make better, more expressive paintings? This inspiring book answers these questions and many more. Through a thorough analysis of his own work, Emyr Williams covers practical, theoretical and historical issues of abstract art and explains a wide range of working methods to help develop more demanding personal approaches to the making of abstract painting. He emphasizes the relationship of colour to surface and the importance of seeking a profound connection with your art. Further topics cover: the difference between abstract and abstraction; how an artist has developed expressive art in many different ways; maximize your studio effectiveness and manage your time better; discover how colour can be approached more effectively; learn about other possibilities for making abstract art - such as the role of technology and finally, be more demanding of your painting and make better abstract paintings.

Rivers can be enchanting or exciting, but are always absorbing. They provide a myriad of painting opportunities and challenges for the artist. Focusing on watercolour - one of the most direct of mediums - this practical book explains how to paint a river and capture its life, light, movement, colour and interest. With over 200 colour images, Rob Dudley shares his methods, techniques and ideas to make this beautiful book a must-have for all landscape and en plein-air artists.

The role of the strength and conditioning coach for a combat athlete is to perform a needs analysis in which both the fighter as an individual and the sport itself are assessed in order to develop a high-performance programme. This might include plyometrics, speed and agility, endurance and core stability, strength training and nutrition as just some of the pieces of this complex jigsaw. The aim is to increase strength, speed, power, endurance, agility and flexibility. Strength and Conditioning for Combat Sports aims to help the coach and athlete bridge the gap between the theory of training and applied training, helping the athlete to become faster, stronger and more flexible and to build their muscular endurance so they perform better and remain injury-free.

Ever since its launch in 1959 the original Mini has been a stalwart of the motor racing scene.  Even today, there is a bewildering array of formulae that it can compete in.  This book explains how to prepare a historic mini to the original pre-1966 Appendix K standard, which provides the racer with the largest choice of national and international events to compete in.  Contents include regulations and safety; sourcing a suitable car; every aspect of preparation including body, engine, transmission, electrics and ancillaries; setting up and race preparation and testing and racing.

Concerns about our world and environment have never been stronger, and through a mixture of spirit travelling, spells, wands, broomsticks and familiars, the author shows us how we can not only heal the human relationship with the rest of nature, but also to help bring evolution to the human concepts of nature.