Creative Paint Workshop: a review and a giveaway

I want to begin by posting another giveaway. My friend Patty at Magpie's Nest
is giving away a book that I want. So whatever you do, do NOT sign up. If she has no other comments, she'll HAVE to send it to me. OK, I tried. And I promise, if I win this book, I will give it a proper review because I have lusted for this book ever since I first read about it. What is it? Go here to find out and sign up this week only.

I haven't done a book review in awhile, so when my friend Kathy left her book Creative Paint Workshop for Mixed Media Artists by Ann Baldwin with me last month, I thought it would be an excellent book to review.

This is not a typical review, though. This book is so full of wonderful topics, techniques, and ideas, I haven't even scratched the surface. It's like a smorgasbord of mixed media photos, a full banquet of ideas, and a heaping plate of techniques. If it sounds like I'm hungry, it's only because I can't wait to dive into this book. And dive in I will, one chapter at a time!

It doesn't take long to appreciate the lovely photos of Baldwin's mixed media art.

Even before you get to the Table of Contents, you notice yet another bonus. The sturdy pages lie flat because of the coil binding. No need to hold the book open with clips.

Even though this picture doesn't do it justice, this book has easy-to-read font and crisp print.

Media that will be used in the book are introduced in a concise and precise way.

Examples of supplies are covered in words and pictures. Nothing seems to be left to chance, and various alternative brands are shown. At the end of the first chapter (which I didn't photograph), there is an example of a mixed media piece Baldwin created using the techniques learned in that chapter. I was so impressed, I put the book down and went off to play.

Thinking back, it's been quite awhile since I've really PLAYED with paint and gesso. In studying the few examples I had seen so far in Baldwin's book, it was obvious she is more about geometry and abstract design, than painting anything realistic. Which means I won't have to try to draw anything complicated like a snowman I was unable to draw last winter.

In anticipation of a future chapter on texture, I adhered my geometric collage pieces using gesso. I then added even more gesso to give the substrate a bit of the texture I was hoping it would add.

Later, when the gesso had dried, I added the torn book page, also using gesso, then put a bit of color on the white page using copper and gold glazes. Although I originally added these with a brush, I felt I had been a bit heavy handed. I used my fingers to spread the glaze around and used a spare page of card stock to help remove the excess glaze. I then took the pieces outside so they would dry faster in the heat of the day.

After the glazes were dry, I added the black dimensional paint to the piece. Now I am not sure where I'm going, but I'm pretty sure I'll be covering most of this up before I call it finished. And it's pretty obvious, I haven't even begun to review this book. There will definitely be more chapters and more to this piece.

Today's blog is one I found during One World One Heart. Jodie lives in Louisiana (in the US) and loves Everything Vintage. Her photos are stunning and her vintage finds will make you salivate. It's obvious from the photos alone, that she loves old lace, fabric, rust, and just about anything vintage. So, if you love vintage, too, be sure to check out Everything Vintage today.

And for those of you who are suffering from triple digit heat, you are not alone. Please stay cool and drink lots of fluids.