Book Description
When Danny Gregory's life was turned upside down by tragedy, he learned to cope by teaching himself to draw. The result was a complete transformation of his life, his priorities, his career, and the way he saw the world. In handwritten chapters full of his lush watercolor illustrations, Danny now offers readers a program for reconnecting to their own creative energies, using drawing as an example. He gently instructs us in the art of allowing ourselves to fail, giving up the expectation of perfection and opening our eyes to the beauty around us. The result is the permission to express ourselves fully and take part in the creative process without fear. Artist or not, readers of all stripes will find inspiration in this unique and beautiful book.
Customer Reviews:
Great book for Drawing Inspiration.......2007-08-20
This was a good, inspiring book about drawing and the power it can have in your life. Mr. Gregory worked in advertising for many years and finally gave it up to become an artist, and began keeping sketchbooks as a way to grow. He gives lots and lots of examples and tips on what you can do yourself to enhance your creativity and draw more. His drawings are beautiful and for the most part his prose is very upbeat and made me want to get out there and draw.
I do have one quibble, though, and that's a tiny hint of snobbery in some of his text. For the most part he'll say "do your own thing" or "whatever feels right for you", which I think is the proper way to approach making artwork, but then he'll come out with something like, "only draw in ink" like there's something wrong with pencil. And "you have to go to New York because that's where it's at" which is utter nonsense for many people. This is the kind of thing that makes one think they have to do something a certain way, but to me making art is so personal that I think one should use whatever technique or style they wish.
That being said, I would definitely recommend this book for a good kick in the butt to get out there and get drawing!
Making drawing accessible.......2007-07-07
This is my favorite book as an introduction to illuminated journals. I tried books on "visual" or "creative" journaling, but for me, I just can't connect with abstract blocks of color and shape as symbols of specific insights or emotions. I'm a writer, a words person, but sometimes words just aren't enough for me for capturing a moment. So I looked at other books on illuminated journals, but they're so beautifully rendered by talented and experienced artists that they were too intimidating for me.
Then I found this book. Danny Gregory is a little overlong at the start when he talks about the value of creativity in general. (If you've picked up the book at all, you probably don't need that much persuading.) But once you pick up a pen, he really gets going. He covers the basics of drawing, and I love his analogy linking learning to draw with learning to drive. I also like that he asks you to dare to make mistakes by using a pen instead of a pencil. He doesn't even have you use an actual "journal" at first so you can comfortable with drawing.
I also like that he keeps the book simple throughout. A lot of these types of books have you off to the art supply store with a *list* within the first 2 or 3 chapters. Here, all you'll ever need is a black pen, and maybe some color pens or thicker pens later.
I was surprised to learn that as drawing goes, I'm not all that bad, and I'm certainly good enough for my journals.
A Review from Texas.......2007-06-28
I LOVE this book. I have dabbled at drawing but found it more work than pleasure. When I started reading Creative License I realized that it could be fun and relaxing. "Don't erase your mistakes" was a very liberating statement to me. Now I can't wait to see something that begs me to get my pen and paper out and DRAW!
The Creative License.......2007-06-02
Thoroghly enjoyed it. Will start doing the exercises tomorrow. Simple and effective for the busy schedule.
Encouraging.......2007-04-16
This book will either open your eyes to a new way of thinking about creativity or will serve as a confirmation if you have already headed down the path of self expression. Fun to read and lots of practice ideas included.
Book Description
Liberate Your Creativity With Acrylic Paints!
Acrylic Revolution is your essential, all-in-one guide for acrylic painting techniques and more. It features over 101 ways to break through the boundaries of conventional painting and re-define the creative potential of this all-purpose medium.
Every page provides insight on how to use acrylic paint in ways you never thought possible to create stunning visual effects and textures. Ten complete sections detail a range of empowering applications, including how to:
- Prepare and paint on virtually any surface
- Create textures of all kinds
- Work with transfers, collage, resists and mixed media
- Achieve innovative stenciling and line work
- Customize your paint to adjust thickness, transparency and drying time
- Simulate other mediums, such as oil, tempera or watercolor
- Create faux finishes, magical effects, sheens and more
To give you additional insight and inspiration, this book features a gallery of finished works by fellow painting revolutionaries that blend various acrylic techniques to create amazing effects. You'll also find practical advice that covers the basics and beyond--from selecting materials and cleaning your brushes to finishing and preserving your artwork. There's even a complete glossary of terms for fast and easy referencing.
Pick up a brush and start your own acrylic revolution today!
Use the techniques in this book to free your creative spirit and create the paintings you've always dreamed of.
Customer Reviews:
Acrylic Revolution.......2007-09-26
I found this book to be excellent. With all the new acrylic products on the market it is a wonderful guide for using them. The different techniques and formulas are great.
INTERESTING, ENJOYABLE,.......2007-09-01
I have to say, I enjoyed this book, but I also have to say, that the constant mentioning by the author of her use of Golden paint products as her favorites became quite tedious and I firmly believe cheapened her work.I also enjoyed the physical construction of the book. The spiral binding was a nice feature to incorporate, especially enclosed in a hard cover.
It would be nice to see more publishers adopting this style of book binding, they are a joy to read.
easy to follow.......2007-08-18
Acrylic Revolution is an excellent guide on how to use a variety of acrylic mediums. This is definitely the type of book you want in hand as you select items off the shelf at the art supply store. The author did a perfect job of making the many techniques easy to follow. The pages are bright and the photographs are very detailed. That being said, the interior page design of this book is not as "revolutionary" as the cover implies. It is very basic. If you judge a book by its cover, you may well be disappointed.
Acrylic Revolution -A must for the mixed media artist.......2007-08-16
As a mixed media artist,I have been painting with acrylics and a variety of other media for years. I have intuitively used many of the techniques presented in the book however,I never really understood the nature of acrylic media. Consequently, this book will be a valuable reference. It will also serve as a source of inspiration if I get "stuck" in the middle of a work. I love the lay out of each technique. Nancy Reyner does an excellent job of providing clear, concise instructions. The examples are also nicely presented.
If you are new to acrylics, this book is a must have. It will get you started with the best acrylic media out there, Golden's, and provide plenty of fun techniques to try.
A Must for Acrylic Painters.......2007-08-16
If you've got a question.......this book will answer it. Easy to use and follow with good visual and written instructions.
Buy it, and have a play with some interesting techniques.
Book Description
Elizabeth Kincaid invites readers to follow her proven techniques for painting dazzling scenes drenched in color. Her beautiful flowers, foliage and landscapes will have readers eager to create their own--and they will, using:
* Easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions that take the mystery out of composition, color, light and shadow
* A practical guide to masking and glazing
* Newly trained eyes to visualize before painting and to better perceive abstract form, value, line and color
All levels of watercolorists, as well as color enthusiasts of all mediums, will enjoy using Kincaid's tips to create vivid paintings infused with light!
Customer Reviews:
Alaskan artist.......2007-03-15
The paintings capture light and shadows with incredible beauty and are inspiring to my own watercolor endeavors. The book is a worthwhile addition to any watercolorist's library.
PAINT WATERCOLORS THAT DANCE WITH THE LIGHT.......2007-02-17
HER WRITING DEFINITELY SHOWS HER LOVE FOR WATERCOLOR. IT SPEAKS TO YOUR SOUL.
Review of Paint Watercolors That Dance With Light, by Elizabeth Kincaid.......2007-01-11
I had long been attracted to the image of the cover of this book with the glowing flower and the butterfly. When it came I couldn't wait to read it and look at it. There are so many wonderful tips in this book, one especially is about how to use analogous colors to change colors from light to dark without using complements. This book is beautiful and very helpful.
Cecilia Price
excellent resource for watercolorists.......2006-11-10
This is probably the best book on watercolor techniques that I have found. It does not have copy cat"do it like this" instructions but rather has real techniques that you can use to improve your personal style and subjects.
Inspiring light.......2006-09-15
The author-painter teaches step-by-step the way to make watercolor paintings sparkle. Her own examples are breathtaking. If one really wants to acheive the skill to fill one's paitings with heavenly light, this is the book to start with.
Book Description
Artist and teacher Jan Kunz reveals her secrets for painting luminous watercolor compositions inspired by photographs.
Complete with more than 200 full-color pictures and eight thorough demonstrations, artists will learn a variety of techniques as they practice painting compositions which include people, flowers, animals, scenery and more.
Jan Kunz has worked as a full-time watercolor artist and instructor since 1978. She is the author of 3 additional North Light Books including Painting Watercolor Florals that Glow, Painting Watercolor Portraits that Glow and Watercolor Basics: Color. She lives in Newport, Oregon.
Customer Reviews:
A great tool for the watercolorist.......2005-08-03
Jan teaches us step by step how to transform pictures to paintings with simple insights and all the facts needed.
She shares years of experience with all levels of painters.
Each page takes us further along the path to being a better painter.
This is one of my favorite books in my art library.
Painting beautiful watercolors from photographs by Jan Kunz.......2002-06-09
It has a lot of information, but was not what I thought it would be....not enough detail
Simplifies the Painting Process with Remarkable Results.......2000-12-20
The best way to describe how valuable this book has been to me is this: when I pick up my brush, Ms. Kunz book is open and waiting within arm's reach.
She covers many techniques including collaging, proportional enlargements, and even tips for how to take photos for your subject matter. It also has many step by step demonstrations with each technique-building lesson. The book even has a chapter on most asked questions including how to paint teeth!
Don't worry about having pictures to get started because she includes a few in the back of the book and in each lesson.
Artist Motivates Me To Begin Watercolor Painting!.......2000-08-19
This book is a great guide for any level of artist! After checking this book out of the library several times and paying overdue book fines, I decided I couldn't live without it! I just purchased this book online.
What a great instruction book from Jan Kunz on set-up, photography hints, transferring and enlargements, combining photos, painting techniques and handling problems. This book has it all. She even includes sample photographs to get you started.
I'm just a beginner, but this book gave me the motivation to get started.
A Wonderful Reference Book.......1998-08-24
I love books that have lots of tit-bits of information, and this is one of those books. Although, some of the information has been incorporated from her other books, it's still worth getting. I find Jan to be very generous, and it shows in this book.
Customer Reviews:
A fantastic reference..........2007-08-23
A great book about creating "accidental" watercolor effects. Even if I only manage to utilize a small percentage of what Nita Engle teaches here, it will be a big help to me in my attempts to paint.
How to Make Watercolor Paint Itself.......2007-08-22
I like this book. I mislaid my first copy and had to reorder!
Nita most graciously has shared a lot of information.
Beginners may find the techniques difficult.
I personally seldom use Paynes gray pigment for the reason of the darkness it creates in my paintings. Note: I do mix my own darks.
I found Nita's textures and experiments most rewarding.
I highly recommend her book. BJ Cook Spokane Valley, WA
how to make a Watercolor paint itself.......2007-08-15
This book is in itself a great overall benefit to amatuers like myself who are basically self taught,I have found it very useful in the mixing and flowing of various colours,but experiment is the key word.Thank you Nita.
Great but, what a headache.......2007-03-20
I'm kinda novice in watercolor,and like a lot of people I'm impressed by
Mrs. Nita Engle's work. But this book discouraged me to even try.
I'll come back to it eventually in a few more year.
This is not the book for serious artists. .......2007-01-12
I was disappointed in this book. The art and techniques illustrated are of the type one might expect to see on a TV Craft Show. I would instead recomment Robert Wade's watercolor book.
Book Description
With Mark Willenbrink's golden touch, new artists really can have fun while they master the basics of watercolor. This highly visual guide shows absolute beginners how to express their creative sides through painting.
Even people who've never picked up a brush will be amazed at how easy it is to complete their first project. This book walks readers through such essential topics as materials, value, color and composition. There are also helpful demonstrations on proper brush technique and planning a painting.
In the second part of the book, Willenbrink leads budding artists through 15 rewarding projects. Readers are sure to come away with a painting they'd be proud to give as a gift or hang on the wall!
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful book for the beginner.......2006-06-18
I am an absolute beginner and knew nothing before I picked up this book, but found it easy to follow and a lot of fun. I spent as little as possible because it all adds up fast. Among the recommended supplies, I bought 2 round brushes, a bamboo brush, and a 3-inch hake, and got by fine without the others. There are 11 recommended paints for the projects. He describes the different paint grades (professional vs. student), and while professional are typically preferred, they are also more expensive. I was pleased with the results I achieved with the cheaper student grade paints and encouraged by the thought that they might be even better if I invest in better paints. All in all, I would highly recommend this book. You can start it without knowing a thing, and finish it excited about what you've achieved and the possibilities that lie ahead.
Customer Reviews:
Flower painters bible.......2007-02-14
I first came across this book at our monthly flower painters class, and was so impressed with it I ordered it from Amazon straight away.It has become my Flower Painters Bible with good informative instruction on painting in stages and design. I often open the book for inspiration, and members of the class dive into it.
Review of Glorious Garden Flowers in Watercolor.......2007-01-12
This wonderful, beautiful book by Susan Harrison-Tustain was anticipated with great expectations. It did not disappoint. I have gone back and read, and re-read it all and passages that were of the most interest to me. Having begun a journey of painting watercolor florals, I attempted to get all the newest books about that. This one is one of the best I've ever seen. It seemed to surpass many of the older books that I have collected by far.
Cecilia Price
Techniques to Improve Your Floral Watercolors.......2007-01-10
This book provides the reader with practical tips on how to achieve real life floral watercolors. The author generously shares her techniques. There is enough basic information for the beginner to get value from this book. The more advanced watercolorist can improve their techniques. This book is excellent for the permanent library of a watercolorist.
Glorious Garden Folowers in Watercolour.......2000-04-01
I have always wanted to paint, specifically watercolours. I have have participated in classes but never really felt confident enough to move on. I purchased Susan Harrison-Tustain's book and was overwhelmed by the images I found within. Now I am working through the excercises and although previously my attempts were pretty rugged now they are not so rugged. I found the book so inspiring and easy to follow that my confidence has now improved greatly.
Harrison-Tustain/ Best flowers I've ever seen.......1999-12-23
When I show a friend Susan's book they can hardly believe it is in watercolor. Her flowers, leaves and backgrounds are exceptionally vivid and robust. There are a few step-by-steps in it but not enough for a beginner. I hope her next book will have more steps to each picture. I feel confident we will see more from her - if she's willing. This has inspired me more than any other watercolor book. And, I liked almost all the pictures in it enough to try myself, which is alot more than I can say for any other watercolor book I've ever found! Enjoy!
Book Description
This is simply the best and most complete course in botanical illustration ever produced, with each chapter a perfectly constructed and self-contained class. Created in conjunction with the internationally renowned Eden Project—home of the only jungle in captivity—it’s put together by two leading figures in the Project’s famed art school, and uses many beautiful works from its students. Artists and plant lovers will find a wealth of practical information, with easy-to-follow exercises and case studies. The priceless advice encompasses everything from honing observational skills and plant dissection procedures to color mixing and applying watercolor. Adding highlights, producing a pleasing composition, and developing a personal style—all the building blocks for achieving excellence are here.
Customer Reviews:
Botanical illustration.......2007-05-12
This is an in depth clear book about the process of botanical illustration. Well written and great pictures. Recommend highly!
Customer Reviews:
Best watercolor book for beginners.......2007-05-20
When I decided to take up watercolors I ended up purchasing a library of books - almost twenty - but the best one of them all for a beginner is this book by Jack Reid. He not only takes you through all the technical details of watercolors - materials, washes, techniques but, before confusing the beginner with mixing and using colors, he first ensures that you have a solid understanding of values. The most brilliant colors in the world will not help a picture where the values are wrong or non-existant. Jack Reid starts the student with monochrome landscapes through most of the book until you really understand and can produce an excellent piece of art using only color in all of its tones and values. Then you reproduce the same picture using one, then two, and working up to five colors. By the time he takes you through a full painting - a step that most watercolor books jumped into at the start - you have a much better mastery of your medium, of planning your landscapes, of being able to work wet into dry or wet into wet. By the time I completed his work I was able to go back to some of the earlier books and now successfully complete their exercises. I could concentrate on the best use of color because I clearly understood how to the apply the tones and shades and values of those colors to enhance the picture. This is an outstanding book for beginners and one I highly recommend.Watercolor Basics: Let's Get Started (Watercolor Basics)
excellent book.......2007-05-13
This book is really really good for the beginner artist learning watercolors..Its easy to follow and understand. I would recommend this book to anyone, even if you already are dabbling in watercolors and want a couple of lessons in it, this is also a great book to help you out.
Great for begners.......2007-02-19
I got this for my nephew. He has really enjoyed it.
Watercolor basics/Let's get started.......2006-03-09
By far the best beginner book I have ever picked up. I have used some of the ideas in this book to teach workshops and have had tremendous success with people that have never picked up a brush. You can"t go wrong
Good, but video instruction is perhaps better.......2006-03-05
I've purchased quite a few instructional books on both watercolors and oils. While I found this one easy to follow for the absolute beginner, in practice, I found the exercises to be a bit stilted. What I mean by that is in attempting to reproduce his paintings, step by step, I found that it took away the wonder and spontenaity one might experience while sketching and painting a simple still life set up. I understand the theory behind the book, and the value studies are interesting, but I think that simply practicing washes, and also practicing with simple still lifes might be more rewarding. I've watched a few videos on watercolor painting which have been more helpful than any book.
Book Description
Mixing colors accurately may be an art unto itself. In fact, many artists are discouraged by the time and expense it takes to mix and match colors, and achieve the right results. Even more frustrating is the vast range of colors available. Now there's a ready-to-use visual directory that takes all the guesswork out of mixing and matching colors . . . making every artist an expert! Color Mixing Bible provides a basic color palette for each art medium, demonstrating an array of two-, three-, and four-color mixes, as well as offering full explanations of various paints and pigments. This invaluable guide features scores of tips and techniques for color mixing with oils, acrylics, watercolors, inks, pastels, and virtually every other art medium. It also includes in-depth information on how to determine the opacity and strength of a color, choose a color palette, mix whites, arrange and organize colors prior to mixing, use optical and physical mixing techniques, and much more! Plus, hundreds of color illustrations make everything simple. Whether one is an aspiring artist or working professional, Color Mixing Bible is an essential addition to every bookshelf.
Customer Reviews:
Color Mixing.......2007-02-12
Very good for all types of artists. It even has inks for us printmakers!!!
Enjoyable.......2004-03-12
I enjoyed this book very much. It was simple to understand and quite interesting. I'm sure it's not the end all in color mixing books, but it is not a bad one at all.
A great book to start with.......2004-02-16
I've just started oil painting, and this book proved invaluable in helping me sort out the many, many different kinds of paint with their exotic names out there. I generally like to jump in and just experiment, but when I discovered the high price of good oil paints, I decided I needed a little book knowledge first. This book costs about the same as a good tube of paint, and saved me from buying many colors that, before reading the book, I didn't realize I wouldn't really need (at least to start with). It's one of clearest, most concise books I've read (on any subject). Every word is one of wisdom. If you're new to mixing paint, or having trouble figuring it out, get this book (it doesn't really cover HOW to paint though).
A True Labor Saving Book.......2003-06-02
The first thing I always did with a new set of paints was create color swatches and mixes. Now that my paint sets are more expensive I hate to waste paint on swatches that I'll probably put in some "safe" location in the studio...never to be seen again. Here I can reference swatches of commonly used colors, opaque and transparent in a range of media. Sidaway also includes the best history of pigments that I've read to date - answering a question about phthalo blue that's been bugging me for years (when was it introduced? 1936.) This book is no substitute for learning about your palette, but does provide information on how to select an appropriate palette.
Very Informative.......2003-01-03
It covered the basics of color and technical terms "hue, shade, tint" It has a section about the history of pigments and dies and what they used to be made of that is interesting. One brown paint used to be made of ground up mummies.It discusses the mixing of color in many different media.
Books:
- Digital Image Processing (2nd Edition)
- Draw 50 Horses (Draw 50)
- Draw Cars (Draw)
- Drawing for Dummies
- Drawing From The Modern
- Drawing the Head and Figure
- First Impressions: Creating Wow Experiences In Your Church
- Flower Confidential: The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful in the Business of Flowers
- From Cover to Cover: Evaluating and Reviewing Children's Books
- From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
Books Index
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How to Make a Journal of Your Life
Visual Chronicles: The No-Fear Guide to Creating Art Journals, Creative Manifestos and Altered Books
Drawing From Life: The Journal as Art
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