3.5 stars Not really a how-to book as much as it provides insight into her particular painting choices and style. She breaks down the broad steps in cr3.5 stars Not really a how-to book as much as it provides insight into her particular painting choices and style. She breaks down the broad steps in creating 10 different paintings of hers. Known for her still lifes, she discusses how she develops the actual still life set up, and then how she adapts as she begins painting. I enjoyed how she talked about a couple of paintings that took her out of her comfort zone and how she approached creating them.
An interesting book, particularly if you like her sort of abstracted way of approaching a landscape or still life, but even if it's not your favorite style, there's information for the new or experienced watercolor painter to find.
I picked this book up at the library since I'm now retired and any travel is going to be on a very different budget than before. Authored by Scott KeyI picked this book up at the library since I'm now retired and any travel is going to be on a very different budget than before. Authored by Scott Keyes, the originator of Scott's Cheap Flights website (now Going), it is filled with tips and strategies to save money traveling. Websites are shared, tips and insights are revealed. He talks about international options and multi-city itineraries and how to make them work. You have to remember that the book was written in 2019 so the prices quoted then are not necessarily relevant now, but the principles are the same.
To fill up the pages, there's lots of background information about how airlines function, how they set pricing, why certain old beliefs about saving money aren't true, etc. There are statistics about why people travel, why it's a good idea to travel, etc. I skimmed through those pages because I was specifically interested in saving money and I now have multiple strategies to do that. Thanks Scott!
40+ artists/sketchers share pages from their journals and their individual journeys to drawing/sketching their way thru life. Some familiar names from40+ artists/sketchers share pages from their journals and their individual journeys to drawing/sketching their way thru life. Some familiar names from Urban Sketching, lots of different styles represented. No drawing or painting tips but most shared what's in the go-to sketching kits. The overriding takeaway for me is that EVERY SINGLE ONE said, take a sketchbook with you everywhere, all the time. Sketch while you wait instead of checking your phone. Draw your everyday life. Draw. Draw. Draw.
I'm looking for inspiration to get back to my drawing/sketching, and this may be just the push I need!...more
A few interesting ideas but mostly a reinforcement of the casualness of sketching and the goal is to use no judgment, but to sketc3.5 stars rounded up
A few interesting ideas but mostly a reinforcement of the casualness of sketching and the goal is to use no judgment, but to sketch for pleasure and to capture the moment....more
A very enjoyable 'trip around the world' through the beautiful photos taken by the author as well as the couple of pages dedicated to each country wheA very enjoyable 'trip around the world' through the beautiful photos taken by the author as well as the couple of pages dedicated to each country where she relates her experiences - her faves and her not-so-great ones. It's by no means a travel guide, but more a personal travel memoir or travelogue. It would make a beautiful gift for someone who loves to travel! ...more
I liked this quick, inspiring, information read. It didn't have a lot of NEW information but it was presented in a new style and with an occasional twI liked this quick, inspiring, information read. It didn't have a lot of NEW information but it was presented in a new style and with an occasional twist on the standard recommendations.
Saltz talks about frequent artist (any creative endeavor really) concerns like not being good enough, not being a true "artist", work habits, and more. But he does it in short sound bites that makes cuts through the hyperbole and right to the point. There are a few creative exercises scattered in the book which feel like a bonus to me - and ones I'll actually do!
I'll be keeping this book handy on my reference shelf for the occasional kick-in-the-pants when needed!...more
Actually a 3.5 star I think. An interesting and informative dissection of living a creative life. Tharp brings in tons of personal anecdotes as would Actually a 3.5 star I think. An interesting and informative dissection of living a creative life. Tharp brings in tons of personal anecdotes as would be expected, but also references many, many other big names in other creative endeavors. I particularly liked that for almost every tip or suggestion she made to improve a creative life, she starts with how she uses it but ties in almost every other creative outlet from cooking to painting to music or writing. This is no fluffy, cliche filled book but a substantive discussion and break down of creativity. Naturally, if you're interested or involved in music or dance you'll likely find more help than say, an author. But. There's enough of general interest too.
I found the writing a little dry sometimes and when she was too long-winded about a particular dance or problem she tried to resolve, I just skimmed that part. While some of the practices are not anything I will actually do, I did find a number of aha moments and will endeavor to work them into my creative life....more
3.5 stars I have mixed feelings. There were more than a few situations, quotes, and metaphors that resonated with me for one reason or another. I appre3.5 stars I have mixed feelings. There were more than a few situations, quotes, and metaphors that resonated with me for one reason or another. I appreciate any author that can articulate their personal growth in such a clear and readable way. Talking about, explaining feelings is tough - having the words to describe change and growth is hard. Framing the information so it doesn't feel like a lecture or a know-it-all position is hard. I think she succeeded sometimes and sometimes I found myself skimming along past the blah, blah, blah of ramblings.
The chapters are short making for quick bites of information, usually about a specific situation or issue. She tackles the biggest issue of self actualization/realization as she discusses female self image indoctrination and 'programming'. She shares the failure of her first marriage to her husband and her passionate love and marriage to her wife. She also gives her perspective on everything ranging from how to let your kids be their own person, to the BLM, to God and religion. ...more
Loading...
