Color Theory Refresher

Who doesn't love books that are short & sweet with bold pictures? I recently found at my local Michael's Arts & Crafts store a Color Theory book by Patti Mollica that looked quite interesting on thumbing through. After having read the book, I'm so glad I picked it up!

Patti's explanation of tints and shades along with the expanded color wheel to include these was enlightening. I also especially liked her explanation of color blending to create loads of greens and skin tones - both with 'warm' or 'cool' tendancies. The Value Study examples were fundamentally important and I adored Patti's Personal Approaches to Color filled with her expressive paintings illustrating the different color & composition techniques she described in the book.

The main message I got from this book is to not feel "creatively stifled" by the "rules" of color theory, rather use the knowledge gained to embolden the Artist's color reproitore and help to troubleshoot areas of "visual discord" in works. 

I highly recommend this Artist's Library Series book from Walter Foster; especially for beginning painters, although experienced Artists may also find the excellent descriptions, illustrations and painting photographs helpful as well. I know I did! Take a peek inside yourself HERE.

Happy Arting!  Tristina Dietz Elmes

Acrylic Techniques In Mixed Media Book Review

Just finished reading "Acrylic Techniques in Mixed Media" by Roxanne Padgett today. This book is total EYE CANDY for mixed-media junkies! An exercise in EXTREME LAYERING...

I adore how Roxanne started off with a simple explanation and practice of Color Wheel Basics, which is a great primer for newbies and an excellent reminder for experienced crafters/painters as well. I help my students put these ideas into practice when teaching my "Finding Your Visual Voice" acrylic color painting workshop.

The book's colorful chapters give tons of ways to print, copy, stamp, rub, stencil, paint, collage, grid your way to covering the blank paper page or canvas fabric. My favorite techniques from what she shared are making simple collograph printing plates with manila folders and creating your own stamps from craft foam. One of my favorite tools she shared is the simple cosmetic sponge wedge; wow, what a great tool for painting on the face and in the studio!

The book's section about stenciling and printing with found objects inspired me to take out a deconstructed computer keyboard acetate sheet with brilliant circle and rectangle holes in it (that I've been hoarding for years) to my art journal and use it! Yay, love to get inspired to use stuff from my stash.

Can't wait to make the "artist" business cards Roxanne shows how to create in the Projects section of the book. A sewn painted canvas zippered bag project will be the next on my hit list to hold the business cards in. Other innovative and practical book/journal making projects follow. She also includes projects with whimsy, like her colorful "paper birds".

I highly recommend this book for beginner and accomplished artists alike. Definitely great to get the creative juices pumping. You can find additional information, reviews and buy the book with the link below.

HAPPY  ARTING!  Tristina