Book Recommendation 1 - "Creative Workshop" by David Sherwin

 

I was at my local library and was leaving when I saw the book. I think it caught my eye because it was so colorful. It was called “Creative Workshop” by David Sherwin. I looked at the back cover, scanned through it and was hooked. I checked it out. When I got home, I immediately started reading my new design bible. The author Mr. Sherwin has brilliantly put together 80 design challenges to teach and motivate you into learning about maximum creativity.

 So, first let me tell you what happened and why I think this book is so awesome. I read the first challenge and knew there was no way I was going to be able to complete it within the 30-minute time frame given. I decided to give myself the best advantage by using the tools provided by Mr. Sherwin in the Introduction. Well, long story short - I did it! One of my main challenges is coming up with ideas within a given time frame. There are times I have an idea but it might take days/weeks to flesh it out on paper. So this exercise showed me that with practice I can hone my design skills in all areas of my life and for that I will be forever grateful to this talented author.

Moving on, I got a little busy after the first Challenge and had to renew the book. I worked on Challenge two, finished it and again ran out of time before I could start the next challenge so I decided to do myself a favor and just buy the book. So now I am working on each challenge and having a great time learning new things. One thing that I found particularly helpful were the techniques Mr. Sherwin provided to help with time management and structuring your ideas, such as:

Time Boxing – Allocating a time period for each activity.

Mind Mapping – Using a diagram to visually organize information.

Word Listing – Using words to visually organize information.

Picture Association – Using pictures to visually organize information.

Brute Thinking - Using attributes attached to random words or pictures to find an association.

There is so much more and I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. This book should be used to teach students how to create and document concepts on the clock and it is not just applicable to art.

Think Creatively!

Just When You Are About To Give Up...

I am writing this blog about Vincent van Gogh because I am struggling a little with a concept for my 2013 exhibit. I have always felt an affinity for van Gogh, not only for his unique painting style but most importantly because when I look at his artwork his struggle as an artist is palpable. His early work was, well, average. I particularly like the example below which shows two of his sketches. The one on the left of a simple figure, strangely proportioned and two years later the one on the right vastly improved and beautiful.

 

Vincent van Gogh

  

I know from his biography that he loved art and was a plodder like me. He kept painting until he was satisfied and even if he wasn’t satisfied he kept painting anyway. He started painting late in life and continued on to become one of our most admired master artists. Mental illness may have ended his life prematurely but surely he lives on in the wealth of artwork left behind.

So the next time you struggle with a composition, a subject or a concept, please keep trying. And trying. And trying…

Best Regards, 

Monica

I Am Marble by Monica Vanzant

 

Johnnie Liliedahl Workshop At Painter Paradise

I wanted to share a great experience I had recently attending a painting workshop with Johnnie Liliedahl. The workshop was held at a wonderful out-of-the-way jewel in the small town of Claymont Delaware called Painters Paradise. Johnnie happens to be one of my favorite living artists and I was thrilled to be able to finally study under her in person. Please visit her website I promise you won't regret it. As an added bonus we also had the pleasure of following a demonstration given by Linda, one of Johnnie's artist teachers. The three day workshop was an exhilarating creative experience, one that I hope I can do again. The owner of Painters Paradise is Jo Lutness and what a ball of energy this lady is! Down to earth and with a sense of humor to match, she immediately made me feel welcome and coordinated this event like a well oiled machine.

The painting area itself, at first glance, looked small but the atmosphere was intimate and even though there was a full house of budding beginner's, intermediate and advanced artists in attendance, there was plenty of room to lay out your supplies and paint to your hearts content. Not sure how long this establishment has been in business but I would urge my fellow artists to check out the website and see if you find something of interest.

All told, this was a great and challenging weekend and if you decide to attend a workshop, enjoy the great atmosphere and the delicious homemade goodies Jo prepares for you everyday!

Take Care, Monica







STUDY