Book Review: Oil Painting Essentials

I have always loved oil painting. It's been YEARS since I've done it. I have to admit that I am also intimidated by it - especially doing portraits. Landscapes are slightly easier - thanks to watching The Joy of Painting with Bob Ross since I was like 4 years old.

After reading the book, and deciding to make a go at it myself again, I can say that the advice given in this book is great for anyone that has a little working knowledge of some sort of art/ painting. I wouldn't recommend an complete novice to dive in to this. Of course, you will learn some great techniques, but for a novice painter, you really need to start with the basics.

Even though I haven't painted in ages, I was able to pick up the techniques outlined in this book. STILL extremely sketchy on doing portraits, but I'm willing to work at it! You won't get any better at it if you don't practice!

The only thing that I was kind of bummed about was that it focused a LOT on portraits. I would have liked to see more, or an even balance of all the subjects listed in the books. The landscape painting section got the least amount of attention. Overall, still a good reference book.

Beyond Willpower

Many people are looking for something "higher", something that will help them change their life. Many people are looking for self-help as well. Living a healthy and balanced life, being happy and successful has at one time or anoher crossed every person's mind.

Although, I agree with almost everything Dr. Loyd has to say, I believe that God has a bigger hand in healing and bringing peace to our lives.  Dr. Loyd speaks of God, love and grace, which is good. I see God, love and grace powerfully packed into a bold, capital letter GOD. Maybe he does too. I'm not sure. The Bible is good. Psychology is good. The Bible is where I go first. But I don't discredit other books that have helped others (including myself) along the way that are considered "new age-y". 

I would still recommend this book to anyone who wants to  overcome and ELIMINATE (not cover up or repress) past unhealthy negative memories and images. The many years of experience, research, and scientific information will open up an new positive way of thinking and new outlook on life.

Daily Painting

Daily Painting by Carol Marine

Age Range: Anyone that wants to broaden their artistic design

Genre: Painting and creativity

Paperback: 192 pages

Publisher: Watson-Guptill (November 4, 2014)

Source: From publisher via Blogging for Books

My Rating: 5 of 5 stars

About the Book:

A unique system for jump-starting artistic creativity, encouraging experimentation and growth, and increasing sales for artists of all levels, from novices to professionals.

Do you want to bring the joy back into your art? Have you landed in a frustrating rut? Are you having trouble selling paintings in galleries, getting bogged down by projects you can’t seem to finish or abandon, or finding excuses to avoid working in the studio? Author Carol Marine knows exactly how you feel—she herself suffered from painter’s block, until she discovered “daily painting.” The idea is simple: do art (usually small) often (how often is up to you), and if you’d like, post and sell it online. Soon you’ll find that your block dissolves and you’re painting work you love—and more of it than you ever thought possible!

With her encouraging tone and useful exercises, Marine teaches you to:

• Master composition and value
• Become confident in any medium
• Choose subjects wisely
• Stay fresh and loose
• Photograph, post, and sell your art online
• Become connected to the growing movement of daily painters around the world.

About the Author:

CAROL MARINE is an artist and the creator of the popular blog A Painting a Day (or Almost). She is a member of Daily Paintworks, a distinguished group of daily painters, and she teaches daily painting workshops around the country. Marine lives in Eugene, Oregon. Visit www.dailypaintworks.com.  

My Thoughts:
   
I have read my fair share of art books beacuse I've wanted to branch out more into different mediums. I have to say, I really liked the style that Carol used in order to bring this book to life. This book is great for any artist that is just budding or an expert. She goes over some great content. I think I thought like a lot of artists and thought you had to paint BIG in order to "make it". I love how she helps you bring out different things in yourself and your medium, whatever it is. This is a great how-to to experiment with different mediums. 

I never really thought about blogging and selilng my art before. I just did it for fun. But, after reading her steps, and how easy it seems to get things going (mind you, she DOES specify that things don't happen over night....) on a blog to sell your work. I think this is something that I'd like to venture in to.

I highly recommend reading through this book and take up some of the techniques for yourself!

I received this book for Blogging for Books in return for my honest review. 

Cuffed, Tied, and Satisfied...

First thing I thought of when I got this book, was "50 Shades all the way..."

This book is very detailed in the life of BDSM. It's a great book for those that are curious about it, especially after hearing about or reading the Fifty Shades of Grey Trilogy. It will help open your mind to the world of "kinky sex" whether you or your partner enjoys it or is curious about it. It goes through role playing, and different ideas that can be used. Everyone has their own ideas for BDSM, while there are rule involved: the relationship is safe and consensual. The safe words help the dominant and the submissive in knowing where the lines are and where they should not be crossed. Mistress Jaiya is very thorough throughout the book in explaining all the different facets of BDSM. 

Urban Watercolor

I love art. I love to paint. I am new to watercolor and I was excited to get this book.

Urban Watercolor Sketching is a great instructional for anyone who is just beginning to learn watercolor to the person that is a seasoned artist looking for a new angle on how to approach the medium.

I love the beginning on how watercolor was birthed. I didn't know this and I have a better appreciation for the medium.

The text is visually paired with colorful images. This book is not a how-to paint a picture with instruction. It is a guide on the materials used- from paper to brushes. It is a book that helps you expand on your imagination, changing the perspective of a view, and helping the artist grow. It is a about the art of storytelling through painting.

I putzed around with some of the guides and found it very easy and understood more about watercolors versus watching a video. Which is not like me....I'm a very visual learner, and this book helped me dig into myself and pull out feelings and expressions that I didn't know I had.

I received this book from Blogging for Books in return for my honest review of the product. I did not get paid for my review, but got a free copy of the product.