Inspiring and Creative Books and Giveaway

Reading books that inspire us to reflect and be thankful, as well as books that help us to get back into creative hobbies we enjoy is important for us. These books reminds us to prioritize when things become routined and we start feeling bored. These are couple of inspiring art books - Mixed Media Color Studio and Urban Sketching Handbook: Color First, Ink Later. We also read Attitudes of Gratitude and A Little Book of Thank Yous that were good reminders to refocus, show gratitude, and be thankful.

Art books inspire creativity and lets us see what works for other artists, and gives a good starting point for us. These books also show that to create art we don't need to get expensive supplies and we can make do with what we already have. 

Mixed Media Color Studio by Kellee Wynne Conrad is an interesting book that explores modern colour theory to create unique palettes and helps the reader to strengthen skills and confidence as we find our own ways to express. The author shares her techniques and tips on how to use colours and different mediums to create florals, landscapes, still life, and more. 

As the book uses different media such as acrylic paint, pastels, graphite, ink, and more the chapters have information about the supplies, how to discover our own colour palette and about modern colour theory which uses primary cyan, yellow, and magenta. For example, the author explains why it is better to use higher quality acrylic paint with more pigment and binders because these paints have saturated colours and cover more surface. The instructions and explanations are clear and there are easy techniques that helps us to add texture, details, and interests to our artwork. For example, if you are new to gel printing there is a well explained section about how to use this medium. 

The author mentions the importance of art journals, which allows us to see our progress and the process. We can use books and journals with art paper for this or books that we don't really use such as cookbooks by adding a light layer of gesso. Discovering our own signature colour palette is an interesting section. The author reminds us that we need to practice and understand what we like to eventually have our own signature colour palette, which usually happens as we notice something common in our work. This will allow us to stop and appreciate our everyday surrounding as we discover what makes each of us feel excited.  There is large section of lessons with step-by-step instructions. There are guest artists contributions with information on how these artists came up with the paintings they shared in the book. 

It is admirable how some artists paint when they are in the locations that inspire them. The Urban Sketching Handbook: Color First, Ink Later by Mike Yoshiaki Daikubara show us how we can do this with his unique approach to creating art on location by starting with a loose, colourful watercolour sketch, letting it dry, then adding details in ink. These sketches are vibrant, dynamic, and fun. I like the format of this book, it is simple, clear, detailed and easy to follow. The instructions for how to use this approach for different subjects from still life to architecture. 

As mentioned in the book, Attitudes of Gratitude: How to Give and Receive Joy Every Day of Your Life, having an attitude of gratitude is simple but not easy. It comes with intentional practice and reminders. I like how relatable this book is. It is like you are having a conversation. The small chapters make the reading light and gives the reader the time needed to reflect. 

There are many emotional and physical benefits for ourselves and those around us when we show gratitude, which is proven by research. Gratitude is a simple, profound practice that can change our lives. Taking the time to notice and reflect upon good things opens our hearts, creates happiness, and restores us to a natural place where we notice what's right instead of wrong. The book reminds us positive thinking helps us find happiness and joy. When you find ways to be grateful every day, you experience more joy in life. Author and personal success mentor M. J. Ryan writes, "Gratitude births only positive feelings—love, compassion, joy, and hope. As we focus on what we are thankful for, fear, anger, and bitterness simply melt away, seemingly without effort." This book teaches how to reach this positive place.  

A Little Book of Thank Yous: Letters, Notes & Quotes by Addie Johnson is a beautiful book that tells us why gratitude is important and the wonder of expressing gratitude daily. Gratitude brings abundance to our own selves and to those around us. The author shows us just how easy it is to improve our friendships and relationships by expressing words of thanks. The book has gratitude practices to grab on the run or to sit with and ponder, describes gratitude affirmations, and sets out to teach how to say "Thank You." Feeling gratitude is something that we can all relate to, and this theme runs throughout A Little Book of Thank Yous. The author shares quotes from people from all walks of life.

Giveaway:

If you live in Canada or USA and would like to win a copy of the art books Mixed Media Color Studio and Urban Sketching Handbook: Color First, Ink Later enter the giveaway using the giveaway tool. This giveaway ends on June 30th. Please leave comments and follow my social media networks to be eligible to win.

Update: The winner is Carol

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