YBC Book Review - "Modern Printmaking" by Sylvie Covey

Today's review is brought to you by my daughter Amanda Haskin.  You may remember her from years ago, she was my partner when we started this business, and this blog.  When I saw this book available through Blogging for Books, I thought it would be great to have Amanda review it, since she does has a masters degree in Graphic Design and has a dream to own her very own printing press and graphic business.  So, here we go....

“Modern Printmaking: A Guide To Traditional & Digital Technologies” – Sylvie Covey

Through her book, “Modern Printmaking: A Guide To Traditional & Digital Technologies” by Sylvie Covey, we are taken on a historical journey on techniques and applications of printmaking. From the basics of relief printing all the way to digital transfers, each process is meticulously outlined with historical reference and step by step instructions on how to properly achieve the specific style outlined in each chapter. Each style of printmaking outlined showcases one or two artists renowned for their respective process, giving credit to the innovators of the printing style period. From student to professional, this book is accommodating informationally no matter the expertise level. It reads much like a history book, but not so much that the content is unbearable to read through. With that said, I advise the reader start on a chapter that interests them the most. The book is written with a solid template for each chapter to where jumping around is easy, slightly predictable, and not confusing. I would categorize this piece as a solid reference book worthy of an artist’s bookshelf.

Now for some background on the author.  

"SYLVIE COVEY was born in France and studied graphic arts at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Arts Decoratifs in Paris. She has taught digital and photo techniques in printmaking at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York since 2001 and has been an instructor at the Art Students League of New York since 1995. Her work has been exhibited throughout Europe, Asia, and North and South America and has been acquired by major museums and institutions. She lives in New York City."

You can purchase this book by following this link to Penguin Random House Publishing.  At $35.00, that's a great price for a hardcover reference book that you will use for many years.

Until tomorrow (I promise)

Have a blessed day,

Debbi

 "I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

YBC Book Review - "Little Felted Dogs" by Saori Yamazaki

I love to create.  What about you?  Do you enjoy the sense of fulfillment when an idea in your head becomes something tangible?  Something you can touch, see, hear, and even eat?

Creativity uses parts of your brain that do not get utilized in everyday activity, and learning new techniques expands your mind even more.  That's why it is depressing to see that the arts (and play) are slowing but surely being removed from the public schools.  But they say, "it's never to late to learn".  Or, "teach an old dog new tricks".  

So with that in mind, I got Saori Yamazaki's book, "Little Felted Dogs".

Felting is an old technique that is making a comeback, and when I saw the word easy on the front cover, I figured, what could possibly go wrong?

Hmmmmm, a loaded question for a not so graceful gazelle like me. hahaha

Looking through the book there are pages after pages of really simple instructions (with pictures) for many breeds of dog.  So I set out to learn something new.

I made an *ahem* quick stop at Hobby Lobby for supplies, and was going to take pictures of my progress making my first felted dog.

Wellllll, let me clue you in, those felting needles ARE SHARP!  And the finger covers, while they are thick and strong, and NOT needle proof.  Plus they made it hard to manipulate the wool.

After much grumbling and blood letting, I decided to not share any pictures of what was definitely NOT a dog that I had created. hahaha

But, I will never, never, never give up.  I will continue to try and learn this technique (without all the crying and blood) and when I have mastered it (meaning I can create something besides a lopsided ball) I will come back and share it with you.

Now for my review of this book...I like it.  I give it a bloody thumbs up.  And I am keeping it in my book case in the studio.  Saori created this book to be as easy as possible.  The directions are clear, and the pictures are wonderful.  All the dog breeds look real, and I do highly recommend this book for artists looking to expand their crafts.

Here's a little bit about the author, Saori Yamazaki.  She is the author of several felting books written in Japanese and English, and she lives in Japan with her 3 dogs.  This will be my next book of hers that I want, because I love baby stuff, and there are no legs to try and attach. :~D

Now it's your turn, click on a link, and check out this book for yourself.

Expand your mind.

Challenge your creativity.

Learn something new today.

(then share your new talent in the comment section for the rest of us to enjoy)

Be blessed,

Debbi

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.  But the opinions are totally mine."

YBC Book Review - The Watercolor Course You've Always Wanted by Leslie Frontz

As an artist, I love to create beautiful things.  And as an artist, I love to try many different mediums.  One medium I have never really tried was watercolor because I thought it was too difficult.

Than along came this...

"The Watercolor Course You've Always Wanted"

by Leslie Frontz.

First, I just skimmed through the book.  Then I browsed a little more closely.  Then I got excited.

Every chapter is stuffed full of information for both the experienced watercolor artist, and for beginners like me.  I realized while reading this book, that you can't just jump into watercolor paint if you don't understand how they work.  It's not like painting with acrylic or oil.  The blending is different.  The shading is different.  And it looks like so much fun!  

Guess what's on my Christmas list this year.  A new watercolor set.  lol

This book takes you through everything you need to know to start painting.  How to choose the correct paint, brushes and paper.  Understanding the values of color for depth and shading.  Textures.  Mood.  And so much more.  When you get this book (and every serious artist should get it), you will want to keep it handy for easy reference while you work.  I know I will.

Now for a little background on the author.

Leslie Frontz is a studio artist with over 40 years of experience.  She teaches watercolor classes at a local community college about 2 hours from me!!!!  (I'm squealing with excitement.  Now I can join one of her classes to learn even more.)  And her work has been featured in several magazines and books.  You can learn even more, and enjoy her work, by visiting her website, Frontz Studio, and you'll meet her husband Harold, who is an accomplished artist in his own right.

I highly recommend this book for artists, and wanna-be artists.

Let your creative juices flow.

Be blessed,

Debbi

 "I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

YBC Book Review - The Gracekeepers by Kirsty Logan

I finished reading "The Gracekeepers" by Kirsty Logan, but I have to tell you, this story is never really  finished for me.  I enjoyed it so much, the story just wrapped itself around my heart.  It is one of those stories that just lives inside you, evoking emotions and making it hard to put down.

The story is captivating and inspired in part by Scottish myths and fairy tales, but it could also be about our world. In Gracekeepers, there are two worlds, two peoples, those who live on land, and those who live on the oceans, with hints of those who may live in the oceans. Callendish lives on a small island, alone, overseeing funerals, when she meets North who works on a circus boat. And once their lives meet, their worlds change. You feel that their paths were destined to cross from even before their birth.  I don't want to spill the beans, but I do highly highly recommend this book for all those who love fantasy.

Kirsty Logan's writing style is ethereal, and misty, perfect for this story. You don't just read this book, you feel it. And when you're done...the story stays with you.  I was amazed when I discovered that this is her debut novel, she is truly a talented storyteller.  She has definitely become one of my favorite authors and I look forward to her next novel.  

I so enjoyed this book, I know I will be reading it again. And again.

I give this book 5+++ stars.

*I received this book from Blogging for Books for my honest review.*

Be blessed,

Debbi