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
• Twelve classic design motifs make composition simple • Six variations on a design theme for each motif, plus ten artist examples in styles from realistic to abstract • Great for beginners, illuminating for pros
Composition is one of the great puzzles of watercolor painting. Watercolor by Design solves that puzzle! Author Marianne Brown shows artists how to create innovative paintings using twelve classic design motifs, grouped by type: cruciform, horizontal bar, and vertical bar; checkerboard, asymmetric, and staggered grids; radial, cantilever, and pyramid; and frame in frame, allover pattern, and floating shapes. The properties and impact of each motif are explained, then reinforced with six variations on a design theme for each motif, followed by at least ten creative examples by different artists working in different styles from realism to abstract to illustrate the possibilities. Packed with ideas and information, Watercolor by Design lets both new and experienced artists make composition work for them.
Customer Reviews:
looking at watercolour by design.......2007-01-15
Much of the material was valuable but the illustrating pictures were somewhat disappointing.The subject was very wide but the aspects selected were the ones most often met.
Comprehensive and Inspiring.......2006-08-31
This book is written with intelligence, artistic experience and talent. I learned a great deal from the author. It's a must have for every artist, from beginner to advanced.
Cheryl Mazer
Customer Reviews:
Explore Experimental Mixed Media and Collage Painting.......2001-11-29
I've been a realist painter all of my life yet I've always enjoyed experimental and non-realist paintings. I'd even made several attempts to make my own experimental paintings yet ended up throwing them away in disgust since they showed that I didn't really know what I was doing. I was at a loss and wondering how people make abstract and experimental paintings at all.
Then I found this book and what a big difference it has made. The paintings in it are beautiful and made me want to try experimental painting again. I was SO thankful Ms. Dews breaks down her approach step-by-step with photos for each stage. So, for example, you read something like, "In this section I demonstrate some of the techniques I use in my paintings. They are simple to follow. As you practice these techniques, you will not only learn about the various techniques, you learn about the color, paper and how to use various tools." That chapter then procedes to do exactly that. Photos and explanations abound of techniques for texturing, shaping, coloring, various paper surfaces, etc and how each contributes to particular effect.
I appreciated especially the chapter on how to cultivate new ideas for your next painting. I also enjoyed the chapter finishing up by showing step-by-step how two artists can interpret the same subject. A photo of an iris was used for the demonstrations and Ms. Dews' result was an abstracted background with a more realist flower as the focal point. The other guest artist had a completely experimental, abstracted painting. I would've never known the original subject was a flower had I not been able to follow her painting from start to finish.
Two other chapters that really helped me a lot were the ones on viewing, cropping and collage. Ms. Dews is not afraid to crop her paintings if one area is working well but the rest of the painting is not. Alternately, sometimes she uses collage to rescue an area or painting that isn't working out. I wish I'd known about this on my first attempts. Had I thought to do these things I may have not thrown my paintings away, just cropped or collaged the disappointing sections.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone curious about trying a more experimental approach to painting. It has tons of mini-demonstrations, full painting demonstrations, discussions on using a wide variety of tools, surfaces, stencils, collage papers, mediums, etc. and techniques. It's got a lot of photos so you can see as well as read what the author is doing. Overall, it's a good reference to get started painting more freely.
This book breaks through creative blocks!.......1999-06-24
I ordered this book without seeing it. The customer reviews that summarize Dews' freedom and enjoyment of painting are true. She writes wonderfully and explains perfectly. When I received the book, I read all of it. She has more fun and coaxes her readers to jump up and run to the paint and, on the way, grab anything that doesn't move to add to the experience. A real fresh look at enjoying art.
A wonderful teaching guide for unique watercolor techniques!.......1999-01-02
We are so lucky that a talented artist like Pat Dews reveals her painting techniques to everyone. A beautifully put together book with great action photos and easy to follow directions. I especially love the painting for keemakoo. Highly recommend!!
This is a most helpful book........1998-11-11
Pat Dewsbook"Creative Discoveries in Watermedia" is the most informative and comprehensive book in my art library.Her "how to"examples are well defined which is a tremendous help to those who are new to the abstract genre and to many who need inspiration.
Exciting and Energizing makes you want to pick up a brush........1998-11-07
When I saw the cover I knew this would be a book I would love. This is a inspiring book, not a "copy me" book.
Customer Reviews:
Not bad for beginners.......2006-09-20
This book will provide some interesting ideas for those looking to explore watercolor as a painting medium. Different techniques are illustrated such as drybrushing vs. wet-into-wet painting, opaque vs. translucent colors, creating textures and using salt, solvents, sponges and other tools to manipulate paint application. I definitely took some inspiration from this book to try different things when I was first learning watercolor as a medium, though as is noted in the book itself, some of these techniques should be used sparingly as they can look gimmicky in a painting if overused. Still, it is nice to have a book that shows one how to experiment with the medium and not be locked into certain schools of thought that insist on a very regimented approach to watercolor.
The biggest problem with this book is that there are not enough color illustrations to really appreciate what is being described by the artist. There are only 32 color plates in a book with more than 175 black & white images. This shortcoming makes the book visually less appealing and some of the technique explanations harder to fully appreciate.
Satisfactory.......2005-09-06
Quick response book was satisfactory but slightly outdated. Would have desired more color illustrations.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent.......2007-05-27
This is not a how to book, but rather an exploration of the creative process. Well written, insightful and inspiring!
More of Carbonetti's gorgeous work--advice for creativity.......2001-11-21
This is not a painting how-to book. Making Pearls is Vermont artist Jeanne Carbonetti's attempt to verbalize her creative exercises she uses and teaches for her free style of watercolor.
If you are a fan of Carbonetti's paintings, there are many photos of her work in this book to drool and marvel over. There is one useful exercise--making a "creation cycle" using the seven colors based on the India Chakras. Her theory is that we are always within the cycle of creation and need to recognize where we are in the cycle to be in rhythm with the flow. If you can't take one of her workshops, using this book can lead you through the exercise.
Why "Making Pearls" as a title? This is a metaphor for taking irritations of daily life and making something beautiful from them, just as the oyster takes a grain of sand and creates a pearl.
Average customer rating:
|
Creative Light and Color Techniques in Watercolor
Eaglemoss Publications Ltd
Manufacturer: North Light Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
| Instructional & How-To
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Watercolor Painting
| Instructional & How-To
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0891347496 |
Book Description
Every watercolorist can kick-start their creativity and make better paintings with Creative Watercolor Workshop. It shows realistic and semi-realistic watercolor painters how to unlock their creativity--even if they've suffered from artist's block in the past. Highlights include:
-25 energizing projects to help readers design great paintings, break down creative barriers and broaden their repertoire of techniques -A fascinating section called "The Story Behind the Painting," which offers insights on featured artwork from both the author and the artist -Special lay-flat binding that makes the book perfect for readers to take into the studio and refer to as they paint
There's no excuse for not being creative with Mark E. Mehaffey's friendly and enthusiastic guidance at your side!
Customer Reviews:
Great learning tool!.......2005-05-27
This book inspires my creativity while teaching solid technique and the basics of good painting and design. I even like the ring binding format of the book that allows it to lay open flat while I experiment and work with the lessons. I highly recommend this for anyone who wants to improve their understanding and skill using watercolors and painting in general.
Book Description
Artists can sometimes feel as though they're in a creative rut. With Painting From the Inside Out, readers will use fun and inspiring exercises to break out of that rut and create exciting, innovative new paintings every time they pick up a brush!
Each chapter highlights demonstrations and inspirations that will enable readers to push past boundaries and explore new ideas, including exercises for loosening up, improvisational painting, combining mediums and more. These lessons will help readers think about art in new and imaginative ways, then render such imaginings with a variety of useful techniques.
Customer Reviews:
Painting from the Inside Out.......2007-01-04
Haven't done the exercises yet but have given it much thought after reviewing the book
Exciting Techniques and Generous Information.......2006-04-23
In this book, the author is generous with sharing her techniques, her favorite materials, and her heart. While I am not an avid fan of abstracts, the techniques applied in this book are adaptable to many styles. She gives great step by step photos and tells you every paint/paper used. I found that it was easy to substitute most from my existing palette and artist supply shelf. The narrative is very personal, making a good read amongst the art. Many of her beautiful and dynamic paintings are featured. Ms. Stroud is a contributor to Watercolor Magazine and always presents fun, dynamic challenges for watercolor artists.
Painting from the Inside Out.......2006-01-26
I just received the book and have not had time to review it, however upon opening the cover I discovered the original selling price of this book NEW is $27.99. The price I paid was $49.99 plus shipping from a used book seller. The book may be good but not worth $49.99. I feel I have been taken. Shame!
Jean
Painting from the Inside Out:..........2005-09-10
I have not received this book yet! Please let me know what is going on. I'm sure it will be a five star once I get it.
Betsy Dillard Stroud Has Raised the Bar (for all of us!) .......2005-03-21
Betsy Dillard Stroud is one of those rare hyphenates who can articulate her genius as well with a pen and paper as she does with a brush, easel and canvas. That's what makes all her work so extraordinary, and what makes "Painting From the Inside-Out" the rarest of the rare - a work in which every thought and image inspires, delights and enlightens. She has raised the bar for us all, and I am grateful.
- Robert Joseph Ahola
- Author, The Return of the Hummingbird Wizard.
Books:
- Degas, Sickert and Toulouse-Lautrec: London and Paris 1870-1910
- Drawing Realistic Pets: From Photographs
- Drawing with Children
- Dynamic Light and Shade (Practical Art Books)
- Escher on Escher: Exploring the Infinite
- Exploring Color
- Folk Shawls (Folk Knitting series)
- Foundation Design: Principles and Practices (2nd Edition)
- From Manet to Manhattan: The Rise of the Modern Art Market
- Fruits Basket, Vol. 16
Books Index
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Drawing From Life: The Journal as Art
Collage Unleashed
