Book Review: Plein Air Techniques for Artists by Aimee Erickson

Title: Plein Air Techniques for Artists

Author: Aimee Erickson
Genre: Nonfiction - Art - Painting
Publisher: Rockport Publishers - Copyright 2023
Publication Date: April 4, 2023
ISBN: 9780760379356
Read: March 20, 2023
Disclaimer: I received a digital advance reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Take your plein air artwork to the next level through easy-to-understand workshop-style lessons and skill-building exercises. 

In Plein Air Techniques for Artists, award-winning artist and respected workshop instructor Aimee Erickson demystifies how to capture a variety of light effects and guides you in strengthening your plein air skills through practice. This accessible book covers: 

• Materials and gear. Gain a basic knowledge of the possibilities so you can keep your options open and your plein air process fresh. 
• Composition and value. Explore the impact of proportion, color, value, line, edges, shape, and texture. 
• Color. Consider how knowledge and intention, your color palette, and what you see—your perspective—take turns being in charge of the color game, inventing rules and finding solutions. 
• Light effects. Learn how conditions of the day—how much light there is, and whether it’s soft, diffuse, golden, harsh, pale, or dusky—affect everything we see and how we paint. 
• Design and the visual idea. Discover strategies for developing a visual idea, from creating serial studies to working with a camera to improvisation. 

Featuring exceptional still lifes, figures, and landscapes by other noted artists working in a range of mediums, Plein Air Techniques for Artists gives artists at all levels of experience the guidance they need to grow as a plein air artist.

Review: "Plein air" is just a fancy way of saying "painting outside." It normally is referring to painting during daylight hours, but Aimee Erickson doesn't limit the techniques demonstrated in this book to strictly daytime. Plein Air Techniques for Artists covers the range from morning, noon, and even twilight and nocturnal. (Personally, I think nocturnes are far more interesting than daylight paintings and don't receive nearly enough attention.)

Erickson covers the basics from materials and gear to various forms of lighting--indirect, back, front, sunlight and shadow, and nocturnes--to special effects and even includes a glossary and quick reference guide. As part of the materials and gear section, I appreciated the explanation of the various mediums and their pros/cons such as oils, acrylics, watercolors, etc. Erickson also provides information on composition and value, perspective, color, and so much more. 

Plein Air Techniques for Artists is perfect for the beginner as well as the more experienced artist who may be looking to expand their knowledge.

Book Review: Kawaii Doggies by Olive Yong

Title: Kawaii Doggies

Author: Olive Yong
Genre: Art - Drawing - Kawaii - Animals
Publisher: Rock Point - Copyright 2023
Publication Date: April 4, 2023
ISBN: 9780760379851
Read: March 20, 2023
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Learn to draw all kinds of cute dogs doing all sorts of silly things through 75 step-by-step tutorials. 

Whether you are “team dog” or “team cat,” dogs have idiosyncrasies that we all find entertaining! In Kawaii Doggies, the follow-up and perfect companion to Kawaii Kitties, popular Instagram artist Olive Yong (@bichimao) perfectly captures these moments, including playing, sleeping, eating, digging, chasing their tails, being good buddies, wearing cute costumes, and more, along with how to draw your favorite breeds and puppies. 

In addition to the easy-to-follow tutorials, Olive shares: 

• An introduction to the kawaii art aesthetic 
• Suggestions for drawing tools 
• Tips and tricks for drawing and coloring your dogs 
• A facial expression directory 
• Coloring pages swarming with pups for you to decorate 

So, get ready to perfect your drawing skills, as well as be inspired to create your own dog characters or illustrate the daily activities of your favorite pet.

Review: Dogs are full of personality, goofy, lovable, and Olive Yong has made them even more adorable in Kawaii Doggies. But this book is far more than a how-to manual for drawing your favorite drool-machine.

In addition to step-by-step instructions for drawing your own cute doggies, Yong takes the reader on a basic tutorial of kawaii-style drawing: what is it, tools of the trade, and how to get the most out of the book's tips and tricks. After mastering the basics, Yong teaches facial expressions, poses and moods, capturing daily activities and dress-up, favorite breeds and puppies, and so much more. 

Overall, Kawaii Doggies is a great addition to the Kawaii Doodles book series and perfect for anyone interested in the art of kawaii or someone looking to try something a little different with their art.

Book Review: Lettering on Wood, Paper, and Leather by Lora S. Irish

Title: Lettering on Wood, Paper, and Leather

Author: Lora S. Irish
Genre: Art - Pyrography - Woodburning
Publisher:  Fox Chapel Publishing - Copyright 2023
Publication Date: January 3, 2023
ISBN: 9781497103283
Read: January 22, 2023
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Accomplish your hand lettering goals and make amazing personalized gifts and signs with flair! 

The ultimate guide to burning letters, this is a must-have resource for pyrographers of all skill levels to learn various hand-lettering techniques to apply on different surfaces. Opening with detailed overviews on safety, tools, basic pyrography techniques, pen tip styles, burning strokes, tonal values, and hand grips, also included are sections on three main pyrography media surfaces: wood, leather, and artist paper. 

After learning how to work on each medium, this insightful guide then shows you everything you need to know about hand lettering with heat! You'll find tutorials on fill techniques, resizing letters, creating curved letters, fixing mistakes, and more. Templates for 10 fonts are provided, as well as a step-by-step practice project to build your skills, and five additional lettering projects to try. 

Finally, with this complete and comprehensive resource to learning and burning alphabets, renowned and award-winning artist Lora Irish takes you through how to prepare your chosen media to finish it with flair! Irish offers expert guidance on materials for pyrography, including preparing, cleaning, finishing, and sealing the surface.

Improve your hand lettering skills to make beautiful customized gifts, signage, and other amazing calligraphy projects with Lettering on Wood, Paper, and Leather!

Review: Pyrography, also known as woodburning, is the act of creating art with a hot-tipped pen (similar to a soldering tool) a natural surface like wood, leather, or paper. The art created can be simple lines (like basic lettering) or complex masterpieces of surprising depth and detail. 

Lora S. Irish focuses on transferring hand-lettered calligraphy to pyrography in this book. Filled with how-to details, tips, and projects, Lettering on Wood, Paper, and Leather is a perfect introduction to anyone familiar with calligraphy who is looking to expand into a new and challenging area. Irish covers the basics of what is pyrography, safety tips, and tools and techniques before explaining the differences in substrates that make for good pyrography. Information on various types of burning systems, cleaning and care for tools, preparation of the surface areas, and how to transfer patterns is detailed and written in an easy-to-follow manner. 

She then turns her attention to the different styles of lettering and font elements, how to resize letters to fit smaller and larger works, incorporating and fixing mistakes (something I love seeing because I'm guaranteed to screw up at least once), cleaning and finishing a piece, and sealing your project to protect it for years to come. The provided projects range from beginner to advanced and are sure to provoke your inner creative spirit. Templates for the fonts used in the projects are provided so you don't have to make your own or go on an endless internet hunt for them.

Overall, whether you're new to pyrography or experienced, Lettering on Wood, Paper, and Leather will make a great addition to your artistic library.

Book Review: Creating Art with Alcohol Ink by Laurie Williams & Sheryl Williams

Title: Creating Art with Alcohol Ink

Author: Laurie Williams and Sheryl Williams
Genre: Art - Painting
Publisher:  Design Originals - Copyright 2023
Publication Date: January 17, 2023
ISBN: 9781497206250
Read: January 16-19, 2023
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Whether you're a seasoned artist or are about to paint your first brush stroke, Creating Art with Alcohol Ink will show you how to paint with alcohol ink! 

In this complete painting book, you'll discover 12 different painting techniques — including pouring, dripping, blowing, blending, staining and lifting, masking, brush painting, push and glide, dabbing, doodling, splattering, and wisping — so you can practice and master them all on different surfaces! Also included are detailed opening overviews on the basics of alcohol inks, surfaces, color theory, and other essential topics to know. 

Stunning step-by-step alcohol ink painting projects are provided to recreate beautiful birch trees, tropical scenes, mountain landscapes, and even home décor items like tile coasters, ornaments, and jewelry pendants using easy-to-find and affordable materials. With so many easy-to-follow technique tutorials and inspiring projects to try, this is an absolute must-have resource!

Review: Alcohol ink is a difficult creature to master, but co-authors Laurie Williams and Sheryl Williams make taming this beast look easy! Creating Art with Alcohol Ink focuses on techniques for using bottled alcohol-based ink versus markers, but there is a very small section dedicated to art created with markers, which I appreciated since the markers are the only alcohol-based ink I've personally used. However, after reading this book, I'm ready to try delving into the world of bottled inks.

In addition to a full-color inspiration gallery filled with art that's sure to light the creative fire in any artist, the authors take time to cover the tools and supplies needed for working with alcohol inks as well as the safety equipment. Yes, there are hazards to working the alcohol-based inks and proper precautions must be taken. I always love when artists-turned-authors share safety information so this can be factored into not just the cost of working with a new medium but into the set up of my workspace. 

The authors then cover a topic I don't see covered nearly enough in books: Color Theory. Since the nature of alcohol inks lends to free-flowing blending techniques, it pays to know in advance which colors will blend to create secondary and tertiary colors and so on rather than the well-known brownish color known as "mud." With step-by-step instructions for making your own color wheel, this vital section will save time in the long run because you'll not only know which colors will work to create dazzling new colors but how the inks work before ever starting a project. Time savers = bonus points!

Speaking of projects, Creating Art with Alcohol Ink doesn't skimp on them. With a choice of landscapes, birds, flowers, abstracts, and more and substrates from paper to metal, any alcohol ink artist from beginner to seasoned pro will find something to inspire and try. The instructions for each are clear and easy to follow, as is the writing as a general whole. It's like having two patient and knowledgeable instructors sitting next to you, sharing their secrets and their passion. If you're looking for a new artistic challenge, then pick up a copy of Creating Art with Alcohol Ink. You won't be disappointed.

Book Review: You Can Draw Cute Animals by Yasmina Mattson

 

Title: You Can Draw Cute Animals

Author: Yasmina Mattson
Genre: Art - Drawing
Publisher: Quarry Books - Copyright 2023
Publication Date: January 10, 2023
Read: December 28, 2022
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Learn how to draw any animal and turn it into a sweet, delightful creature that always inspires a smile. 

You Can Draw Cute Animals features easy techniques for turning up the charm on 30 animals that run, fly, swim, slither, and waddle. Discover how to create sparkling eyes, blushing cheeks, joyful smiles, and button noses, transforming even the most ferocious beasts into delightful, appealing characters. 

This comprehensive guide to understanding the secrets of cute begins with basic drawing techniques and exercises and a rundown of what factors make things adorable. Yasmina Mattson of Yasmina Creates (Instagram: @yasminacreates) has devised a unique, easy, three-step drawing method that includes observation, simplification and exaggeration using simple shapes, and refining and adding details. 

Those techniques are incorporated in creating a diverse array of animals, including a panda, monkey, kangaroo, tiger, cat, goat, hedgehog, owl, crow, fox, deer, snail, butterfly, seal, duck, flamingo, and more. Even complete beginners will feel confident in their skills to draw any animal in a cute style. Explore ways to add vivid color with watercolor, pencils, and markers, to add even more personality and style. Play and experiment for a creatively satisfying experience. 

Review: Who doesn't love cute animals? Why settle for photos when you can create your own illustrations? Yasmina Mattson presents a step-by-step guide for drawing a full menagerie of cute animals, and it doesn't matter if you're an experienced art or have never picked up a pencil with the intent to drawing anything until now. Her easy writing style and fully illustrated how-to instructions make it super easy to not only learn how to draw basic animals but gives you the tools to explore and create your style.

I really liked that Mattson begins with the story of how she came into her own style of drawing. She then gives a list of supplies and techniques she uses but encourages the reader to find what works for them. While Mattson mostly works with watercolors, if the reader prefers colored pencils and markers or pastels and Conté crayons, it's no problem. The techniques demonstrated in the book are easily translated to any art media. 

Mattson breaks down the art of drawing "cuties," as she calls them, into three simple steps: 1) Observe 2) Play 3) Refine. Each of these is then further broken down with exercises to build confidence. She also covers additional information such as "The Rules of Cuteness," adding accessories and clothing, backgrounds, body shapes, dynamic poses, and storytelling. 

You Can Draw Cute Animals packs a lot of information into 128-pages as well as plenty of vibrant illustrations that are educational as well as inspiring. If you've ever wanted to learn the art of drawing cute animals, Yasmina Mattson offers a book that should be at the top of your must-have list.

Book Review: The World of Urban Sketching by Stephanie Bower

 

Title: The World of Urban Sketching

Author: Stephanie Bower
Genre: Art - Landscape - How-To
Publisher: Quarry Books - Copyright 2022
Publication Date: November 29, 2022
Read: December 20, 2022
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Award-winning urban sketcher and best-selling author Stephanie Bower presents a spectacular, all-new collection of sketchers and their art from 39 countries in a city-to-city tour around the world. 

The remarkable work of the vibrant, international urban sketching community was first documented in The Art of Urban Sketching by Gabriel Campanario. In the ten years since its release, sketching on location has grown into nothing less than a worldwide phenomenon. 

A visual feast of more than 700 images from over 150 sketchers, The World of Urban Sketching unveils the latest developments and innovations in the creative and rewarding pursuit of on-location drawing and painting. 

• New Artwork. Discover the stunning and informative work of both established and emerging urban sketchers, from Seattle to Santiago, from Singapore to Sydney. 
• New Techniques. Consider new styles and approaches in color and linework, including digital, through artists’ tips and step-by-step demonstrations. 
• New Stories. Learn what inspires sketchers, even during a pandemic, and get invaluable insights into creating artwork on location through artists’ observations and advice. 

Whether you draw during your travels or in your own backyard, the beautiful work in The World of Urban Sketching will expand your skills and inspire you to pick up a pencil and sketch your world!

Review: My first love was--and always will be--art, and I studied studio art before making the switch as an undergraduate to English/Creative Writing. When I'm not reading, I'm usually parked in front of an easel or drawing table with paints, pencils, pens, and whatever else currently holds my attention. The World of Urban Sketching certainly held me attention with its vibrant representation of artists' work from around the globe and impressive array of tips and techniques.

Urban sketching is basically the art of capturing a snapshot of time from direct observation through the use of different media, whether is be pencil, ink, crayon, paint, or a blending of materials. No one style is dominant and all artistic forms of expression are welcomed. In the introduction of the book, Stephanie Bower lays out the "manifesto" of the urban sketchers, which simply says (in a nutshell) that the drawings/paintings are created on location, serve as a record of time and place, individual styles are cherished, supported, and shared online, but most importantly, urban sketchers "show the world one drawing at the time." 

The wide variety of artists from around the world showcased in this book will certainly inspire anyone who is looking to expand their knowledge of landscape art. With tips and techniques shared from many of these same artists, even someone who is new to the art form will be impressed with the depth of knowledge found in these pages. The World of Urban Sketching has definitely earned a place on my art book shelf, and I'm sure I'll be referring to it often as I continue to hone my own style.