Monday, August 9, 2010

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.

20 thoughtful remarks:

Cynthia Schelzig said...

Yes, this is one of my favorite books too...thanks for reminding me I need to do a book review too:)
Cynthia Schelzig...a.k.a. Cynnie

Unknown said...

Wow, gorgeous pages- I can't wait to see what you make with them! And as always, thanks for the tut, that book looks amazing :)

Julia Dunnit said...

Ah your passion and enthusiasm is so infectious..and don't you love a book that makes you put it down to have a play. Marvellous. And don't worry - I won't enter the give away...not till the very last minute. It's a bit like tactical voting!!

Halle said...

Looks like you had a great time playing. Love the geometric shapes. I've checked out that book from the library before...long ago...I may have to again. :)

Jodie (everything vintage) said...

What an AWESOME surprise to see my name in lights here on your blog :)
Thank you for the kind feature and compliments, you are so sweet.
That book sounds fantastic! Too bad it's Monday morning and I'm off to work because otherwise, I'd have my fingers full of paint and gesso too!!! :)
Have a wonderful week and thank you again, I'm honored to be here :))))

Dianne said...

looks like a very promising book...will be waiting for the next installment! great start to your painting too... I always enjoy your adventures in art techniques.

Caterina Giglio said...

I have browsed this book and I think I need to go in search of it! thanks for the great review, they should pay you for that E!!!

Seth said...

I have this book and I agree with your glowing review. It is a winner! And so is your book review -- I love how you showed so many photos and morphed into the piece that you are making that this book inpsired. Great post.

Terri Kahrs said...

Whenever I'm in a 'messy mood', I adore playing with paint and gesso! And, just for the record, Elizabeth, I'm coveting Patty's giveaway book too!!! If I win, I'll let you borrow it! LOL!!! Hugs, Terri xoxo

~*~Patty S said...

You do such a great job on your book reviews. I like that the book is spiral bound too and actually stays open, very handy!
Thanks for the shout out too Elizabeth, Mr Magpie will be drawing a winner out of a hat, eyes closed :)
It will be fun to see what else you get into ... you are off to a great start with your page ... I enjoy paint and gesso very much!
oxo

elle said...

I think you are onto something, Elizabeth. I don't know about the give away book but this one is sure on the 'I need, want and desire, list'!

SewPaperPaint said...

Best of luck winning Patti's book. I didn't enter because I don't think I'll ever solder a thing in life... I mean, I didn't enter because I wanted you to win! ;0 Best of luck!!!
xx,
Autumn Clark
PS. This book looks FANTASTIC! Keep on with the review!!!

Liverpool Lou (Anne) said...

Ooh am wondering if she'll post overseas - must check it out but I would love for you to win it ;-) I had a quick look at the book on Amazon 'cos you often get to look inside books on there and I was able to do so with this one. Some fabulous pictures of art :-)
I adore the page you've started on Elizabeth.
Anne xx

Anonymous said...

I am very interested in this book - what a review!
I wonder if I can just buy it at barnes and nobles or do I need to order? Thanks for reviewing it - I always need more information on techniques.
Amy

Healing Woman said...

Just checked out your book review-awesome-and scrolled down further to see that Wichita was 108! I'm sure plenty of humidity accompanied that!

Hang in there, try to stay cool and keep making those fabulous posts of yours.

Anitra Cameron said...

I love it! A book review that turns into a play session says more about the book than words ever could. This book is looking like one to ferret out, for sure!

Vicki said...

You always have such interesting blog entries - this was so good.

kitchen table said...

This is just one reason why I really love visiting your blog. You always make a very interesting and informative post. Thank you for sharing this one. It is so inspiring.

Nan said...

I am drinking decaf iced Earl grey right now so I don't stay up all night. It is a time to stay inside and create! I have this book and really love it. it is a permanent fixture on my desk.
Good luck!

Unknown said...

I like the page a lot so far.....the book looks like a good one.....