The Face Is a Canvas: The Design and Technique of Theatrical Makeup

Irene Corey's designs have influenced the world of theatre with mosaic saints, mischievous Reynards, winning Tortoises. Now, from her studio, she writes the first major work on make-up to be published in the last two decades. It is a revolutionary book.

She treats the study of make-up as a creative art form. Her methods and techniques - - clearly set forth for the student working from this practical guide beneath his make-up mirror - - open new realms of inspiration for the make-up artist. From her private hoard of priceless pictures - - photographs, illustrations, paintings - - she shares more than 400, many in color.

The beginner will find the makup exercise progression unparalleled. It soothes initial fears, opens realms of delight in discovery and mastery. For the first time a make-up book employs transparent overlays to present a unique and logical illustration of the relation between make-up and the underlying skull and muscles. Corey lucidly traces the procedure of designing make-up from photographs. Another first is the unique presentation regarding make-up for complexions other than white.

A world-honored designer, Irene Corey approaches the face as if it were a canvas. She reinforces or ignores what nature has given. Her positive and direct style, her sense of humor, her remarkable assemblage of pictorial resources, her creative vision - all make this a refreshing new entrant onto the make-up textbook scene. It is a book with impressive endorsements by leading artists of the American Theatre.

Irene Corey is a nationally recognized theatrical designer, author of The Mask of Reality, an approach to Design for Theatre, and The Face is a Canvas. Co-founder of the Everyman Players, Corey is known for designing the company s The Book of Job, in which performers in shimmering Byzantine mosaic robes and makeup thrilled audiences both here and abroad. The production has been featured in many major publications in the western world. Her contributions to Children s theatre include the makeup/costume concepts for Reynard the Fox, and The Tortoise and the Hare. The latter was shown at the Venice biennale, as well as in England, South Africa, and the US. Her works have been featured on the BBC television and on CBS.