BOOKS TO READ UNTIL I GET BACK INTO THE STUDIO!

The last few weeks I have been unable to do any artwork, due to family circumstances, so, to keep my hand in, I read the above books.

I bought 'Abstract Painting' by Jane Davies as I love her work.  Those of you have followed my blog know I have done several on-line courses tutored by her.  Visually it is stunning.  It is not a book for those who want advice on techniques and materials.  It makes you think and analyse your own abstract paintings and list what factors to consider when working in an abstract way.

If you want information on mixed media techniques and materials, 'Contemporary Landscapes' by Soraya French is the book for you.  It is full of wonderful colour and beautiful artworks.  It has given me inspiration for colour combinations to use when I get back to working on my own mixed media landscapes.

For those, who like me, are reluctant to do detailed sketches as preparation for your artwork, 'If you can Doodle you can Paint' by Diane Culhane, is a great book.  It is less intimidating than traditional sketching books. I found it very encouraging and has some useful exercises that I am going to practice as soon as I get back into my studio...

 

BOOKS TO READ

These two books are to read and enjoy, not to admire the pictures, as there are very few!  They were recommended during the on-line courses I have just taken with Jane Davies.  Both give insights into the practice of making art and how to find your own way of working.  Some of the observations are obvious when pointed out and I found myself saying, "how true;  of course; that's why I feel the way I do; I never thought of it that way"!

In the Cat Bennett book which sub text is '50 Ways to Paint a Pipe' - a reference to a small painting of a pipe by Rene Magritte - she suggests exercises and practical ways to develop your art.  Both books inspire and inform.

 

BELINDA'S BOOK

I am excited that I know a book author!  My friend Belinda, who is a super talented designer in so many fields, including logo and web design (she designed this blog for me),  has written her first book.  It is called 'The Mirror of Eden' and is the first part of a trilogy of books for children.  Being the person she is, she is attempting to do everything, including designing the book cover, market research, promotion and self-publishing, hopefully in November.  To follow and support her progress on this epic journey look at the blog she has set up - Belinda Blackwell - 'The Mirror of Eden'.

Belinda is hoping to be an 'authorpreneur'!  This is a term used in an article by Publishers Weekly about self-publishing in 2015.  I don't think it has made the dictionary, yet!  Can't wait to read the book!