[.uk] The Painted Ceiling: Over 100 Original Designs and Details (ISBN 0821226894)

View from a professional:
As a professional mural painter, I found some of the ideas in this book to be inspiring. However much that was written in the book was useless information describing what you are seeing in the picture. This is not an instruction book. As for his artistic style, I really didn't care for it - his use of color seems rather Disney-esque. Everything is bright and vibrant without much richness and depth. While the creatures he paints look decent, his cherubs and people leave a lot to be desired. This book was usefull for me in the aspects of seeing how another artist does his layout, but if you're looking for a book to study murals and color use... study the paintings done by the real masters.

very useful:
i'm starting out as a muralist. i found this book very helpful. great pictures, useful designs... if you're interested in murals this is a must in your library

Not instructional:
This book is chock full of beautiful painted ceilings using trompe l'oeil. There are no instructional references.

an inspiration:
i pull this book out all the time. love it gives amazing ideas. I also love the ceiling in The House that Faux Built.The House That Faux Built

For some, a stretch:
I found this book at the library and after a quick leaf through, bought it as a Christmas gift. The recipient is not a professional muralist; neither of us will learn much about HOW to paint ceilings like this from Graham's book. The book shows five or six pictures of "abstract" (almost) ceilings that I expect my friend would be able to roughly copy. Mostly, I am giving it because it will be an idea generator. I haven't encountered ceilings like this since I visited Russian palaces. I had never thought of painting ceilings to that level of detail. Pretty sure it's been years since the recipient has seen ceilings like some of the ones shown in the book. For the purposes of suggesting ideas for a tray ceiling in an oversized master bedroom, this book works perfectly.