Author: Charles Fisk
Publisher: Univ of California Press
ISBN: 9780520925786
Category : Architecture
Languages : en
Pages : 338
Book Description
This compelling investigation of the later music of Franz Schubert explores the rich terrain of Schubert's impromptus and last piano sonatas. Drawing on the relationships between these pieces and Schubert's Winterreise song cycle, his earlier "Der Wanderer," the closely related "Unfinished" Symphony, and his story of exile and homecoming, "My Dream," Charles Fisk explains how Schubert's view of his own life may well have shaped his music in the years shortly before his death. Fisk's intimate portrayal of Schubert is based on evidence from the composer's own hand, both verbal (song texts and his written words) and musical (vocal and instrumental). Noting extraordinary aspects of tonality, structure, and gestural content, Fisk argues that through his music Schubert sought to alleviate his apparent sense of exile and his anticipation of early death. Fisk supports this view through close analyses of the cyclic connections within and between the works he explores, finding in them complex musical narratives that attempt to come to terms with mortality, alienation, hope, and desire. Fisk's knowledge of Schubert's life and music, together with his astute and imaginative attention to musical detail, helps him achieve one of the most difficult goals in music criticism: to capture and verbalize the human content of instrumental music.
The Chinese Dreamscape, 300 BCE - 800 CE
Author: Robert Ford Campany
Publisher: BRILL
ISBN: 1684176425
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 282
Book Description
Dreaming is a near-universal human experience, but there is no consensus on why we dream or what dreams should be taken to mean. In this book, Robert Ford Campany investigates what people in late classical and early medieval China thought of dreams. He maps a common dreamscape—an array of ideas about what dreams are and what responses they should provoke—that underlies texts of diverse persuasions and genres over several centuries. These writings include manuals of dream interpretation, scriptural instructions, essays, treatises, poems, recovered manuscripts, histories, and anecdotes of successful dream-based predictions. In these many sources, we find culturally distinctive answers to questions peoples the world over have asked for millennia: What happens when we dream? Do dreams foretell future events? If so, how might their imagistic code be unlocked to yield predictions? Could dreams enable direct communication between the living and the dead, or between humans and nonhuman animals? The Chinese Dreamscape, 300 BCE – 800 CE sheds light on how people in a distant age negotiated these mysteries and brings Chinese notions of dreaming into conversation with studies of dreams in other cultures, ancient and contemporary. Taking stock of how Chinese people wrestled with—and celebrated—the strangeness of dreams, Campany asks us to reflect on how we might reconsider our own notions of dreaming.
Publisher: BRILL
ISBN: 1684176425
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 282
Book Description
Dreaming is a near-universal human experience, but there is no consensus on why we dream or what dreams should be taken to mean. In this book, Robert Ford Campany investigates what people in late classical and early medieval China thought of dreams. He maps a common dreamscape—an array of ideas about what dreams are and what responses they should provoke—that underlies texts of diverse persuasions and genres over several centuries. These writings include manuals of dream interpretation, scriptural instructions, essays, treatises, poems, recovered manuscripts, histories, and anecdotes of successful dream-based predictions. In these many sources, we find culturally distinctive answers to questions peoples the world over have asked for millennia: What happens when we dream? Do dreams foretell future events? If so, how might their imagistic code be unlocked to yield predictions? Could dreams enable direct communication between the living and the dead, or between humans and nonhuman animals? The Chinese Dreamscape, 300 BCE – 800 CE sheds light on how people in a distant age negotiated these mysteries and brings Chinese notions of dreaming into conversation with studies of dreams in other cultures, ancient and contemporary. Taking stock of how Chinese people wrestled with—and celebrated—the strangeness of dreams, Campany asks us to reflect on how we might reconsider our own notions of dreaming.
Nightmares & Dreamscapes
Author: Stephen King
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1501192035
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 992
Book Description
Collection of 23 short stories--from classic horror to vampire thrillers, imitations of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Raymond Chandler, a teleplay, and a non-fiction bonus, a heartfelt little piece on Little League baseball.
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1501192035
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 992
Book Description
Collection of 23 short stories--from classic horror to vampire thrillers, imitations of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Raymond Chandler, a teleplay, and a non-fiction bonus, a heartfelt little piece on Little League baseball.
Returning Cycles
Author: Charles Fisk
Publisher: Univ of California Press
ISBN: 9780520925786
Category : Architecture
Languages : en
Pages : 338
Book Description
This compelling investigation of the later music of Franz Schubert explores the rich terrain of Schubert's impromptus and last piano sonatas. Drawing on the relationships between these pieces and Schubert's Winterreise song cycle, his earlier "Der Wanderer," the closely related "Unfinished" Symphony, and his story of exile and homecoming, "My Dream," Charles Fisk explains how Schubert's view of his own life may well have shaped his music in the years shortly before his death. Fisk's intimate portrayal of Schubert is based on evidence from the composer's own hand, both verbal (song texts and his written words) and musical (vocal and instrumental). Noting extraordinary aspects of tonality, structure, and gestural content, Fisk argues that through his music Schubert sought to alleviate his apparent sense of exile and his anticipation of early death. Fisk supports this view through close analyses of the cyclic connections within and between the works he explores, finding in them complex musical narratives that attempt to come to terms with mortality, alienation, hope, and desire. Fisk's knowledge of Schubert's life and music, together with his astute and imaginative attention to musical detail, helps him achieve one of the most difficult goals in music criticism: to capture and verbalize the human content of instrumental music.
Publisher: Univ of California Press
ISBN: 9780520925786
Category : Architecture
Languages : en
Pages : 338
Book Description
This compelling investigation of the later music of Franz Schubert explores the rich terrain of Schubert's impromptus and last piano sonatas. Drawing on the relationships between these pieces and Schubert's Winterreise song cycle, his earlier "Der Wanderer," the closely related "Unfinished" Symphony, and his story of exile and homecoming, "My Dream," Charles Fisk explains how Schubert's view of his own life may well have shaped his music in the years shortly before his death. Fisk's intimate portrayal of Schubert is based on evidence from the composer's own hand, both verbal (song texts and his written words) and musical (vocal and instrumental). Noting extraordinary aspects of tonality, structure, and gestural content, Fisk argues that through his music Schubert sought to alleviate his apparent sense of exile and his anticipation of early death. Fisk supports this view through close analyses of the cyclic connections within and between the works he explores, finding in them complex musical narratives that attempt to come to terms with mortality, alienation, hope, and desire. Fisk's knowledge of Schubert's life and music, together with his astute and imaginative attention to musical detail, helps him achieve one of the most difficult goals in music criticism: to capture and verbalize the human content of instrumental music.
This Fresh Hell
Author: Katya de Becerra
Publisher: Clan Destine Press
ISBN: 192290435X
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 434
Book Description
A driver picks up a hitchhiker from the side of a road; a restorer develops an unusual bond with a cursed doll; a visit to the cabin in the woods goes terribly wrong... We all know how these stories end - or do we? In This Fresh Hell, every story begins with a well-known horror trope but ends with a twist, bringing new life and unexpected resolutions to old ideas. Fears are interrogated, ghosts re-examined, and monsters reconfigured. From chilling to quirky, these stories will appeal to dedicated horror fans and those dipping into the genre for the first time. A Slender Man offers help to a boy in trouble; a haunted house is reluctant to terrify its new residents; a heartbroken influencer is challenged on a luxury cruise from hell. Writers from Australia and around the world reignite and subvert horror tropes in 19 genre-bending stories: Eugen Bacon, Elle Beaumont, Katya de Becerra, Jason Franks, Raymond Gates, Narrelle M. Harris, Sarah Glenn Marsh, Greg Herren, Claire Low, Annie McCann, Chuck McKenzie, L.J.M. Owen, Gillian Polack, Tansy Rayner-Roberts, Clare E. Rhoden, Candace Robinson, Sarah Robinson-Hatch, Claire L. Smith, C. Vonzale Lewis, and A.J. Vrana.
Publisher: Clan Destine Press
ISBN: 192290435X
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 434
Book Description
A driver picks up a hitchhiker from the side of a road; a restorer develops an unusual bond with a cursed doll; a visit to the cabin in the woods goes terribly wrong... We all know how these stories end - or do we? In This Fresh Hell, every story begins with a well-known horror trope but ends with a twist, bringing new life and unexpected resolutions to old ideas. Fears are interrogated, ghosts re-examined, and monsters reconfigured. From chilling to quirky, these stories will appeal to dedicated horror fans and those dipping into the genre for the first time. A Slender Man offers help to a boy in trouble; a haunted house is reluctant to terrify its new residents; a heartbroken influencer is challenged on a luxury cruise from hell. Writers from Australia and around the world reignite and subvert horror tropes in 19 genre-bending stories: Eugen Bacon, Elle Beaumont, Katya de Becerra, Jason Franks, Raymond Gates, Narrelle M. Harris, Sarah Glenn Marsh, Greg Herren, Claire Low, Annie McCann, Chuck McKenzie, L.J.M. Owen, Gillian Polack, Tansy Rayner-Roberts, Clare E. Rhoden, Candace Robinson, Sarah Robinson-Hatch, Claire L. Smith, C. Vonzale Lewis, and A.J. Vrana.
Dreamscape Adventures, Inc.
Author: C. A. Gray
Publisher: Lulu.com
ISBN: 9781678150693
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 182
Book Description
*You'll be swept away in this feel-good romance set in a blend of West World, the Star Trek holodeck, and Total Recall*
Publisher: Lulu.com
ISBN: 9781678150693
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 182
Book Description
*You'll be swept away in this feel-good romance set in a blend of West World, the Star Trek holodeck, and Total Recall*
The Spatiality of Emotion in Early Modern China
Author: Ling Hon Lam
Publisher: Columbia University Press
ISBN: 0231547587
Category : Literary Criticism
Languages : en
Pages : 479
Book Description
Emotion takes place. Rather than an interior state of mind in response to the outside world, emotion per se is spatial, at turns embedding us from without, transporting us somewhere else, or putting us ahead of ourselves. In this book, Ling Hon Lam gives a deeply original account of the history of emotions in Chinese literature and culture centered on the idea of emotion as space, which the Chinese call “emotion-realm” (qingjing). Lam traces how the emotion-realm underwent significant transformations from the dreamscape to theatricality in sixteenth- to eighteenth-century China. Whereas medieval dreamscapes delivered the subject into one illusory mood after another, early modern theatricality turned the dreamer into a spectator who is no longer falling through endless oneiric layers but pausing in front of the dream. Through the lens of this genealogy of emotion-realms, Lam remaps the Chinese histories of morals, theater, and knowledge production, which converge at the emergence of sympathy, redefined as the dissonance among the dimensions of the emotion-realm pertaining to theatricality.The book challenges the conventional reading of Chinese literature as premised on interior subjectivity, examines historical changes in the spatial logic of performance through media and theater archaeologies, and ultimately uncovers the different trajectories that brought China and the West to the convergence point of theatricality marked by self-deception and mutual misreading. A major rethinking of key terms in Chinese culture from a comparative perspective, The Spatiality of Emotion in Early Modern China develops a new critical vocabulary to conceptualize history and existence.
Publisher: Columbia University Press
ISBN: 0231547587
Category : Literary Criticism
Languages : en
Pages : 479
Book Description
Emotion takes place. Rather than an interior state of mind in response to the outside world, emotion per se is spatial, at turns embedding us from without, transporting us somewhere else, or putting us ahead of ourselves. In this book, Ling Hon Lam gives a deeply original account of the history of emotions in Chinese literature and culture centered on the idea of emotion as space, which the Chinese call “emotion-realm” (qingjing). Lam traces how the emotion-realm underwent significant transformations from the dreamscape to theatricality in sixteenth- to eighteenth-century China. Whereas medieval dreamscapes delivered the subject into one illusory mood after another, early modern theatricality turned the dreamer into a spectator who is no longer falling through endless oneiric layers but pausing in front of the dream. Through the lens of this genealogy of emotion-realms, Lam remaps the Chinese histories of morals, theater, and knowledge production, which converge at the emergence of sympathy, redefined as the dissonance among the dimensions of the emotion-realm pertaining to theatricality.The book challenges the conventional reading of Chinese literature as premised on interior subjectivity, examines historical changes in the spatial logic of performance through media and theater archaeologies, and ultimately uncovers the different trajectories that brought China and the West to the convergence point of theatricality marked by self-deception and mutual misreading. A major rethinking of key terms in Chinese culture from a comparative perspective, The Spatiality of Emotion in Early Modern China develops a new critical vocabulary to conceptualize history and existence.
Exchanged
Author: Dante Silva
Publisher: Lulu.com
ISBN: 136558433X
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 231
Book Description
Aubriel has always admired the paladin Elston, but when it comes time for him to choose between her and the treasure she unwittingly leads him to, he chooses the treasure. Elston's betrayal puts Aubriel in the path of a powerful fey lord whose invasion of her dreams assures Aubriel that he has plans for her. But she refuses to be used again. Unable to return home with the possibility of facing Elston there, Aubriel follows Lord Callannon Thray to a realm of great magic and even greater danger. When Callannon arrives to defend his treasure, he's surprised to find a beautiful elven woman already defending it for him. Aubriel is everything he's wanted but failed to find in a fey woman-but there's one problem: she's mortal. When she agrees to go with him to the fey realm, Callannon has no choice but to hide her mortality to protect her from those who would use her against him. The captain of the king's guard is one such person, and she won't rest until she sees Callannon stripped of everything he has.
Publisher: Lulu.com
ISBN: 136558433X
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 231
Book Description
Aubriel has always admired the paladin Elston, but when it comes time for him to choose between her and the treasure she unwittingly leads him to, he chooses the treasure. Elston's betrayal puts Aubriel in the path of a powerful fey lord whose invasion of her dreams assures Aubriel that he has plans for her. But she refuses to be used again. Unable to return home with the possibility of facing Elston there, Aubriel follows Lord Callannon Thray to a realm of great magic and even greater danger. When Callannon arrives to defend his treasure, he's surprised to find a beautiful elven woman already defending it for him. Aubriel is everything he's wanted but failed to find in a fey woman-but there's one problem: she's mortal. When she agrees to go with him to the fey realm, Callannon has no choice but to hide her mortality to protect her from those who would use her against him. The captain of the king's guard is one such person, and she won't rest until she sees Callannon stripped of everything he has.
The Dreamcatcher's Guild
Author: Prabhu TL
Publisher: NestFame Creations Pvt Ltd.
ISBN:
Category : Comics & Graphic Novels
Languages : en
Pages : 99
Book Description
Welcome to a world where the boundary between reality and dreams is thin, and the mind's most profound and elusive creations come to life. Enter the Dreamcatcher's Guild, an ancient and secretive order dedicated to protecting the dreamscape—a realm where the subconscious mind weaves its intricate tapestries of hope, fear, desire, and memory. In this captivating tale, you will journey into a world where dreams hold immense power, and the guardians of these dreams are all that stand between harmony and chaos. Overview "The Dreamcatcher's Guild: Guardians of the Subconscious" is a thrilling fantasy novel that takes you on an epic adventure through the dreamscape. Meet Elara, a young and gifted dreamcatcher whose journey is one of discovery, growth, and perseverance. Under the guidance of her mentor, Seraphine, Elara learns to navigate the complex and ever-changing dreamscape, confront her deepest fears, and unlock the true potential of her abilities. Synopsis Elara's journey begins with her induction into the Dreamcatcher's Guild, where she quickly learns that her unique abilities to enter and manipulate the dreamscape are both a gift and a heavy responsibility. As she delves deeper into the world of dreams, she discovers that the dreamscape is not just a place of wonder and beauty but also one fraught with danger. Nightmares—malevolent entities born from the darkest corners of the human psyche—threaten to disrupt the balance and plunge the dreamscape into chaos. Throughout the story, Elara and her allies face formidable adversaries, from rogue dreamcatchers like the vengeful Eryndor to the manipulative Master of Illusions, Morpheus. Each encounter tests their resolve and strengthens their bond. With the help of the Lucid Crystal, a powerful artifact that amplifies her abilities, Elara confronts these threats, determined to protect the dreamscape and the dreamers within it. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Elara uncovers the hidden truths about the Dreamcatcher's Guild and the misuse of the Lucid Crystal. As she grapples with these revelations, she must navigate internal guild politics, confront betrayal, and strive for reform, all while keeping the dreamscape safe from external threats. Themes "The Dreamcatcher's Guild: Guardians of the Subconscious" explores themes of courage, resilience, and the power of dreams. It delves into the complexities of trust and leadership, highlighting the importance of integrity and transparency. The story also emphasizes the boundless potential of the human mind and the profound impact that dreams have on our waking lives. Why You'll Love It If you are a fan of rich, imaginative worlds and strong, relatable characters, "The Dreamcatcher's Guild: Guardians of the Subconscious" will captivate you from the first page. The novel combines the wonder of fantasy with the depth of psychological exploration, creating a unique and immersive reading experience. Elara's journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment, making her a compelling protagonist you will root for throughout the story. For Readers Who Enjoy This book is perfect for readers who enjoy fantasy adventures, stories about secret societies, and tales that explore the mysteries of the mind. If you love novels like "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern, "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss, or "Inception" directed by Christopher Nolan, you will find "The Dreamcatcher's Guild: Guardians of the Subconscious" to be a must-read addition to your collection. Join Elara and the Dreamcatcher's Guild on their quest to protect the dreamscape and uncover the hidden truths that lie within the subconscious. Dive into a world where dreams and reality converge, and discover the magic that lies beyond the veil. Embrace the journey, and let your imagination soar. Welcome to "The Dreamcatcher's Guild: Guardians of the Subconscious."
Publisher: NestFame Creations Pvt Ltd.
ISBN:
Category : Comics & Graphic Novels
Languages : en
Pages : 99
Book Description
Welcome to a world where the boundary between reality and dreams is thin, and the mind's most profound and elusive creations come to life. Enter the Dreamcatcher's Guild, an ancient and secretive order dedicated to protecting the dreamscape—a realm where the subconscious mind weaves its intricate tapestries of hope, fear, desire, and memory. In this captivating tale, you will journey into a world where dreams hold immense power, and the guardians of these dreams are all that stand between harmony and chaos. Overview "The Dreamcatcher's Guild: Guardians of the Subconscious" is a thrilling fantasy novel that takes you on an epic adventure through the dreamscape. Meet Elara, a young and gifted dreamcatcher whose journey is one of discovery, growth, and perseverance. Under the guidance of her mentor, Seraphine, Elara learns to navigate the complex and ever-changing dreamscape, confront her deepest fears, and unlock the true potential of her abilities. Synopsis Elara's journey begins with her induction into the Dreamcatcher's Guild, where she quickly learns that her unique abilities to enter and manipulate the dreamscape are both a gift and a heavy responsibility. As she delves deeper into the world of dreams, she discovers that the dreamscape is not just a place of wonder and beauty but also one fraught with danger. Nightmares—malevolent entities born from the darkest corners of the human psyche—threaten to disrupt the balance and plunge the dreamscape into chaos. Throughout the story, Elara and her allies face formidable adversaries, from rogue dreamcatchers like the vengeful Eryndor to the manipulative Master of Illusions, Morpheus. Each encounter tests their resolve and strengthens their bond. With the help of the Lucid Crystal, a powerful artifact that amplifies her abilities, Elara confronts these threats, determined to protect the dreamscape and the dreamers within it. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Elara uncovers the hidden truths about the Dreamcatcher's Guild and the misuse of the Lucid Crystal. As she grapples with these revelations, she must navigate internal guild politics, confront betrayal, and strive for reform, all while keeping the dreamscape safe from external threats. Themes "The Dreamcatcher's Guild: Guardians of the Subconscious" explores themes of courage, resilience, and the power of dreams. It delves into the complexities of trust and leadership, highlighting the importance of integrity and transparency. The story also emphasizes the boundless potential of the human mind and the profound impact that dreams have on our waking lives. Why You'll Love It If you are a fan of rich, imaginative worlds and strong, relatable characters, "The Dreamcatcher's Guild: Guardians of the Subconscious" will captivate you from the first page. The novel combines the wonder of fantasy with the depth of psychological exploration, creating a unique and immersive reading experience. Elara's journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment, making her a compelling protagonist you will root for throughout the story. For Readers Who Enjoy This book is perfect for readers who enjoy fantasy adventures, stories about secret societies, and tales that explore the mysteries of the mind. If you love novels like "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern, "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss, or "Inception" directed by Christopher Nolan, you will find "The Dreamcatcher's Guild: Guardians of the Subconscious" to be a must-read addition to your collection. Join Elara and the Dreamcatcher's Guild on their quest to protect the dreamscape and uncover the hidden truths that lie within the subconscious. Dive into a world where dreams and reality converge, and discover the magic that lies beyond the veil. Embrace the journey, and let your imagination soar. Welcome to "The Dreamcatcher's Guild: Guardians of the Subconscious."
BLUEHOLME Prentice Rules
Author: Michael Thomas
Publisher: Lulu.com
ISBN: 138744994X
Category : Games & Activities
Languages : en
Pages : 62
Book Description
Perfect bound edition. BLUEHOLME(TM) Prentice Rules is a table top fantasy roleplaying game that emulates the game play of the original basic rule book, popularly known as the Holmes Edition or simply the Blue Book. The rules in this book allow for characters of 1st to 3rd levels, and include everything the referee could possibly need to create and run a campaign in the Underworld: monsters, magic, treasure, and ... well, what more do you need?
Publisher: Lulu.com
ISBN: 138744994X
Category : Games & Activities
Languages : en
Pages : 62
Book Description
Perfect bound edition. BLUEHOLME(TM) Prentice Rules is a table top fantasy roleplaying game that emulates the game play of the original basic rule book, popularly known as the Holmes Edition or simply the Blue Book. The rules in this book allow for characters of 1st to 3rd levels, and include everything the referee could possibly need to create and run a campaign in the Underworld: monsters, magic, treasure, and ... well, what more do you need?
Dreamscapes
Author: Stephanie Pui-Mun Law
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 1581809646
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 178
Book Description
Bring a Fantasy World of Enchanting Beings to Life! Angels, faeries and mermaids have engaged the imaginations and enchanted the brushes of artists for centuries. Now you can evoke the spirit of these mythical creatures and create fantastic works of ethereal art in watercolor. Step by inspired step, Stephanie Pui-Mun Law shows you how to paint the otherworlds' most marvelous creatures and exquisite settings. Twenty step-by-step projects show you how to create fantastic scenes that are elegantly styled, brilliantly colored, and alive with a sense of wonder. Fabulous Realms! Create strange and lovely backgrounds, such as the meandering oak branches of faery folk, the celestial surrounding of angels, and the seascapes where mermaids dwell. Delightful Details! From angel wings to mermaid tails, from flowing robes to faery gowns, learn to paint an imaginative variety of features, clothing and other details that ensure one-of-a-kind results. Mystical Effects! Discover special watercolor techniques for adding magic and mystery to your paintings. You'll begin by learning about essential materials, including brushes, paints, paper, then will move on to important techniques such as planning and sketching; figure proportions; specific characteristics of angels, faeries and mermaids (including clothing); developing backgrounds; and finishing techniques that add an air of magic.
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 1581809646
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 178
Book Description
Bring a Fantasy World of Enchanting Beings to Life! Angels, faeries and mermaids have engaged the imaginations and enchanted the brushes of artists for centuries. Now you can evoke the spirit of these mythical creatures and create fantastic works of ethereal art in watercolor. Step by inspired step, Stephanie Pui-Mun Law shows you how to paint the otherworlds' most marvelous creatures and exquisite settings. Twenty step-by-step projects show you how to create fantastic scenes that are elegantly styled, brilliantly colored, and alive with a sense of wonder. Fabulous Realms! Create strange and lovely backgrounds, such as the meandering oak branches of faery folk, the celestial surrounding of angels, and the seascapes where mermaids dwell. Delightful Details! From angel wings to mermaid tails, from flowing robes to faery gowns, learn to paint an imaginative variety of features, clothing and other details that ensure one-of-a-kind results. Mystical Effects! Discover special watercolor techniques for adding magic and mystery to your paintings. You'll begin by learning about essential materials, including brushes, paints, paper, then will move on to important techniques such as planning and sketching; figure proportions; specific characteristics of angels, faeries and mermaids (including clothing); developing backgrounds; and finishing techniques that add an air of magic.