I wanted share with you my painting “Gone Destination” which I had painted for one of the chapters of my book Artful Adventures in Mixed Media. The painting shows “Pearl Paint, an art supply store, I used to visit often in NYC when I was still living in Germany and once in a while visit my family in the States. I loved this place and I loved the building. I was very sad when it closed down. The paining is part of one of my chapters in my book where I show how and why I created the background – and what it was inspired by. I was pleasantly surprised that this was picked as the cover image for my book by the publisher (you see as an author you do not have a lot of say on that ;) ) . A student of mine, Julie B., really wanted it and so it is now on it’s way to California. I am so happy to know this painting that is so special to me will have a new loving home.
Speaking of Artful Adventures- are you playing along in the Stroll Through the Hood Challenge and Free Classroom? It is so much fun and I love seeing all the different “hoods” of those participating from all over the world, from all kinds of different neighborhoods- rural, urban …It is like an inspiring mini-vacation! Check it out if you haven’t yet and join the fun!
Birgit Koopsen is part of my book Artful Adventures in Mixed Media and I thought it would be interesting to hear more about her and some of her thoughts. Grab a seat and a cuppa and listen to this interesting conversation which I think you will enjoy. We are talking about things like
Go on an Artful Adventure with me and join into a Free Classroom with some fun tutorials!
With the challenge find inspiration by taking a “Stroll Through The Hood” and observing the details of the world around you. Anyone can join in on the fun by following our list of daily prompts. Each day you will have a new word to inspire you. Go for a stroll outside, snap a photo of something that you feel illustrates the word of the day, and build a collection of visual material to inspire your artwork, art journaling, and mixed media projects. Along the way you’ll discover things about your Hood that you may have never noticed before, and you’ll learn to find inspiration just outside your door. Use #ArtfulAdventures on social media and share your photos and the projects you were inspired to make.
Go even further and sign up to access the FREE classroom going along with the challenge. The classroom will offer several tutorials by me, my photos for the challenge with explanation what inspires me, some surprise guests with tutorials, a place for sharing, a community environment, and multiple chances to win a free copy of my new book Artful Adventures in Mixed Media.. Join me on my #ArtfulAdventures as I show you how I transform my prompt-inspired photos into artwork. Share your photos in the daily lesson prompts and see what others are observing in their “Hoods”. Comment and discuss with a whole bunch of people who are taking the challenge with you.
I hope you will join the fun! It’s free- so …come on :)
MaryBeth Shaw is part of my book Artful Adventures in Mixed Media and I thought it would be interesting to hear more about her and some of her thoughts. Grab a seat and a cuppa and listen to this interesting conversation which I think you will enjoy. We are talking about things like
Wonderful interview – thank you for sharing. I never heard of Diebenkorn – didn’t even know how to spell his name – but will definitely check him out……and maybe use more triangles. Look forward to your book – it sounds fabulous!
JoAnn, glad you liked it. Let us know what you think of Diebenkorn and also how the triangles go :) Hope you will like the book- thank you so much for your support!
Natalya Aikens is part of my book Artful Adventures in Mixed Media and I thought it would be interesting to hear more about her and some of her thoughts. Grab a seat and a cuppa and listen to this interesting conversation which I think you will enjoy. We are talking about things like
Combining Architecture with Fashion with Art
Gathering Inspiration
Tactile Art
Natalya’s Artwork in my book
How life experience changes your appreciation for different art styles
Rae Missigman is part of my book Artful Adventures in Mixed Media and I thought it would be interesting to hear more about her and some of her thoughts. Grab a seat and a cuppa and listen to this interesting conversation which I think you will enjoy. We are talking about things like
this made me laugh. again. such a dork on camera I am – oh well it was fun none the less! Keep up all the amazing work you do Nat – you are an inspiration to us all! xo Rae
Besides writing my book Artful Adventures in Mixed Media I also found it fascinating what steps are involved in writing a book like this, how much time it takes and how many people are involved in this process. I thought you might also find it interesting and so here we go:
It all started late October 2015 when I sent in a Book Outline/Proposal to the Publisher. Well “started” might be a bit of a lie, because writing a proposal and put that all together actually means I have had a couple weeks to think about my idea and lay it out in a proposal.
By December my book was approved and I received the contract. Boy – I cannot tell you how excited I was. With the contract came the outline of deadlines and the 1st one approaching right in January 2016 – The Page Plan. A page plan is a detailed sketch for every single page in the book. That one was a hard one , because I hadn’t even started writing yet, but it really was the foundation for my book and helped me determine how I wanted to structure the book. It is also important for the editor to see that you actually can fill every page.
The next big deadline was June 2016 to send in all preliminary step-outs as well as the artwork for the photoshoot. Every single day from January to June I was writing and creating art work for the book. I ate a lot of avocado toast ….in a cafe close by because for the writing I often went there. It really helped me focus- as weird as it sounds.
For the techniques shown in the book I had to create all the physical step outs for the photo shoot. It took a lot of time to create these – especially since you have to create things several times in different stages.
Everything from the artwork, to the step outs and the materials used, had to be labeled and bagged and then made ready to be shipped before the shoot.
The Photoshoot in June was a huge fun – I met my editor Noel in person and I got to work with Christine again, who was shooting every single step out for the book. I also met the designer for my my book to talk about how I would envision it and a lot of other people involved in my book from the Marketing Department to the Managing Editor etc.You can read more about the shoot here.
We went through the photoshoot quicker than planned and so the video team who knew me already from my DVD shoot suggested we should spontaneously also do a video shoot for a trailer for the book. I love how this came together- check it out :)
After the shoot I checked the manuscript again to see where the actual photos would go, and I finalized the text for the step outs. In August my manuscript was due in it’s entirety.
Then it went back and forth several times between me and the editor. In October the book went to the Copy Editor and in November I finally got to see a first glimpse of the cover and of the design of the book. I seriously cried – it was so cool too see and it started feeling so much closer to the actual book.
And then in January 2017 I received the book with all the graphics, design and photos for a final review before it went a last time for a final review to the managing editor . Another highlight.
Finally in February the book went to the printer and Artful Adventures in Mixed Media will be released in June 2017. It is on Pre-Sale now :) Quite a journey, isn’t it? Over 1 1/2 years – and I am sooo antsy now- LOL – I want it out and I cannot wait to hold it in my hands ;)
Wow that is a long process, but so worth it. I can’t wait to get my copy! You need to seriously pat yourself on the back. If I were to attempt something like that it would take me forever – starting with just finding a clean spot in my work area to take a photo! Lol
P.S. If you should ever decide to sell the canvas that is on the cover of your book, can I be offered the right of first refusal? (like I would refuse? LOL!) I LOVE THAT PIECE!
Wow! The amount of time to make this book is like giving birth twice. Thank you for showing the behind the scenes process and kudos to you for making it. I can’t wait for my copy of it and preoordered it when you came out to teach at AWOH. I’m so excited for you!
I was astonished by the process & ALL the hard work that it entails! You & Julie are SO talented so it’s no surprise that you wrote this book.
So VERY proud of you!
In awe of your talent from central IL
Nancy
Julie Fei-Fan Balzer is part of my book Artful Adventures in Mixed Media and I thought it would be interesting to hear more about her and some of her thoughts. Grab a seat and a cuppa , or listen to this interesting conversation which I think you will enjoy. We are talking about things like
How Julie started painting
Blogging as part of our daily routine
Changing career paths and what was the hardest about it
Jimmy Leslie is part of my book Artful Adventures in Mixed Media and I am so super stoked about the artwork and thoughts he contributed, that I wanted to interview him a bit more in depth. Grab a seat and a cuppa , or listen to this extensive but super interesting conversation which I think you will enjoy. We are talking about things like
Loved listening to this – not only was it full of great tips on how to get inspired, it was just enjoyable to learn more about Jimmy and to hear his funny stories. If you’re in an art rut or just need some positive vibes, I recommend listening to this :) And a note for Jimmy: I would absolutely be interested in watching a video series about a cross country bike trip / sketching / laundry conserving / Artful Adventure so get your go pro’s ready for your summer trip!
Woot! I’m signed up too
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