Cinnamon Pink

Reference for the New Clays

Since I have been creating assemblage pieces lately, I've been working with the new clay materials on the market. I heard about the book, Fantastic Figures: Ideas and Techniques Using the New Clays by Susanna Oroyan. The book was published in 1995 but I was lucky to get a good deal on eBay recently. This book is tremendously informative and a good reference source for the mixed-media artist's library. Check out eBay, Amazon and other online bookstores for used copies.

A while back, I purchased Susanna Oroyan's two other books, Designing the Doll and Finishing the Figure. I regularly refer back to these books when I need authoriative information. What reference books do you use?

I Won a Giveaway from Lark Crafts!

I was so surprised when I found out that I won two books in a Lark Crafts Giveaway. I never win anything!  What makes this win so special is that both books cover Collage which is one of my favorite topics - and art making activity.

The first book, Scraps: An Inspirational Field Guide to Collage, is a fun resource, and reference, for all paper artists. The book’s beautiful photography playfully lures the reader into the Studio to start making art now.

Here’s just one idea that I plan to act upon, and you must try it too.  First, use binder clips to create clusters of complementary collage ingredients.  Then, hang these collage packets from a bulletin board. Not only will you readily see what you have on hand - but these visual prompts are sure to stimulate your creativity.  

I also liked the sections on Shape and Size, Form and Color and Composition.  There is inspirational information on Freeing  your Inner Artist, including First Aid for Collages in Distress - and what to do when you are blocked (i.e., in Crises mode).

I thought that these three thought-provoking lists were especially interesting: 34 Ways to Jumpstart a Collage; 19 Ways to Create Pattern and Structure - and 48 Collage themes.

The second book, Masters: Collage, offers a delicious variety of collages from forty of the leading international artists working today. You’ll find your favorite artists like Lynne Perrella, Lynn Whipple and Jonathan Talbot - and artists that may be new to you.

The gorgeous photography reveals every exquisite detail in each collage piece.  The book is bound to stimulate your idea-making machine. You will enjoy perusing the pages during Studio break time- or at night before you fall asleep.

Put these books on your Holiday Wish List. Better yet, buy yourself some early presents. Then, grab a cup of coffee (or tea), the books, and head straight to your Studio to revel in the flow of Creativity. I know that I will enjoy many motivational moments as I continue to read through the book's pages.

 

Books on Watercolor Painting

I'm a book addict. I especially like books focusing on Art and Crafts... and Creativity too. I was in Barnes & Noble a few days ago and found this book: Watercolor without Boundaries (Exploring Ways to Have Fun with Watercolor) by Karlyn Holman.

I was impressed by the techniques, demos and beautiful paintings in the book. I told myself that I did not need another book on watercolor painting. But, I know that I'll probably end up ordering the book from Amazon. I blame it on my Curiosity Imp.

In fact, as I write this post, I just realized that I recently ordered another book (yes, on watercolor painting). But this book was a bargain (excuses, excuses) for a total of $10.10, including S/H. The book is Painting Flowers in Watercolor with Charles Reid.

What are your favorite books?

 

 

 

Draw Daily

I recently purchased the book, Drawing the Head & Figure  by Jack Hamm. According to many Amazon reviews, the book is an excellent classic for drawing.

Yesterday, I worked with the book and already benefited from many of the instructions. The illustrative style is a little dated but the basics (of drawing) never go out of style.

I hadn't sketched for a couple of weeks - and I was surprised at how awkward I felt as I drew. Lesson Learned: Draw Daily.

Check Out Robin Atkins Books

Among my many (read as "too many") artistic interests, I also enjoy bead embroidery. I have long admired the work of bead artist, Robin Atkins. She wrote the well-known book, One Bead at a Time: Exploring Creativity with Bead Embroidery.

Robin is now generously offering the latter book as a free download. When you visit her site, check out the news about Robin's most recent book, Heart to Hands Bead Embroidery: Fresh Ideas and Techniques for Creating Art with Beads. This book offers beaders even more inspiration and creativity. I personally don't know Robin. I just love her creative work.

Gabriela Delworth's Book is Out

Gabriela Delworth's new book, Paper Head Dresses, is now available.  This is the book you need if you want to design your own paper crowns and tiaras.

You will learn how to make your own templates and decorate your pieces using a variety of embellishments. The book includes step-by-step tutorials accompanied by beautiful photography. You will also receive a basic kit of decorative papers, and embellishments, from Gabriela's own collection to give you a quick-start on creating crowns and tiaras.

If you ever visited Gabriela's blog, you know that she is a master of design and elegance. Gabriela is currently hosting a giveaway to win her new book. Hurry up and enter now.

Take a Moment to Meditate

I just finished reading the book, One Moment Meditation: Stillness for People on the Go authored by Martin Boroson. (Full disclosure: I did receive a review copy of the book.) The author’s book is packed with many powerful ideas that could make you rethink the significance of a mere moment.

Boroson explains how a moment of meditation can bring us healing, inspiration, joy, opportunity or a fantastic new idea. Furthermore, each moment offers us a chance to refresh and recharge ourselves, many times, throughout the day.

How can one moment do this? Boroson says, “You can experience such peace in the moment because, at that moment, you are not carrying the past or chasing after the future.” Instead, you take the moment to refresh your awareness.

He differentiates between recreation which just gives us a rest from our stressful lives. And focuses on re – creation where every moment is brand new. I especially like the final words of Boroson’s book: “With this breath, I am reborn. And everything is fresh and new.”

After reading his book, I practiced the “Basic Minute” which is the foundation of the One-Moment Method. I tried this meditation before attempting a new drawing. I did feel calmer as I sketched which resulted in a more relaxed and better drawing. For more information, visit onemomentmeditation.

Looking for New Ideas?

I'm always on the lookout for new ideas - and ways to improve my mixed-media art. I recently purchased two new books that caught my attention:

Caffeine for the Creative Mind (250 Exercises to Wake Up Your Brain) authored by Stefan Mamaw and Wendy Lee Oldfield. The book's purpose is to help readers prepare, and train, to create ideas in greater quality and quantity by doing the suggested exercises.

The other book, Design Basics Index authored by Jim Krause, is targeted to designers. Although I'm not a designer, I like the book's focus on the Principles of Visual Design - and Exercises to help readers flex their own creative muscles. I really believe the book would be helpful to many artists.

I have quite a few books on Creativity and Idea Generation. When I'm beginning a new project, or hit a dry patch, I like to grab a bunch of these books and randomly glance through the pages.

When interesting ideas begin bubbling through my brain, I start to take notes. Eventually, I come up with pages of project ideas or new creative paths to explore.

I probably will use these two new books in the same way. Do you have any favorite books that get your creative juices flowing?  Have a Creative Day, Darlene