Color me Inspired: Book Art!

As an avid reader and writer, (and artist, but you already knew that.) I love to see how other people combine their hobbies. Ingenuity is a huge part of my life and I'm most inspired when I find some truly unique ideas!

Like these book paintings for example! I never would have thought to use a book as a canvas and really love the effect! 

Check out more of his work!

And how about these bookmobiles? Looks like the perfect way to recycle a book that's maybe seen too many days. If I had a library to decorate, this would definitely be in it.

The Shophouse

Getting Creative in the Waiting Room

Today, I’ll be nervously waiting in the hospital while my brother has back surgery. Background noise from the TV, randomly passing people and typically bland décor does nothing for creativity… so I got to thinking….what does a person do when caught without a creative spark?

Well….

My first reflex is to turn to music. Whether the inspiration comes from the music, or the people who create it, music is always sure to set fire to my creative side and conjure up an idea to draw! Pick a song and let the lyrics create the picture for you.

No Ipod? Do some people-watching. Your mother likely taught you it’s not nice to stare, so try not to get caught! I love watching people’s behavior and reading their body language. You may notice something you never had before… perhaps a gesture to include in your newest story or an expression you’d love to capture on paper!

You know those magazines they place on coffee tables all over the room? They’re full of clear, beautiful pictures, yes? Draw one! Flip to a random page or search for one that catches your eye and draw away!

What if you don’t have any paper…no pencil? Easy solution: ask the front desk for a sheet of printer paper and a pen. I’m sure they won’t mind! (Especially if you give them both back when you leave… everyone loves to see doodles.)

At the top is my waiting room creation, a portrait from my imagination. I call her Dacia. 

A First!

My first commission! Somehow it makes everything I've been working for seem a little more...official?

It will be a 18"x24" charcoal portrait of five! MJ's family, to be specific. It's bigger than any portrait work I've ever done before, so the challenge is something I'm really looking forward to. I live in a small town, so it is often hard to get the supplies I need from local stores so I am having to get it shipped in. Needless to say, the second that 'storm gray' charcoal paper arrives on my doorstep, I'll be diving in!

And even though it is sometimes understocked, the local Hobby Lobby can hold my attention for HOURS. New supplies! Mostly for my new addiction to paper bead and jewelry making. I'll have a couple new pieces up for you to see later this week. Until then, have a happy Sunday.