Artists Journals and Sketchbooks: Exploring and Creating Personal Pages

Rating:
Summary: A Must Have !
Review: I don't care how many books you have on altered books, artists' journals, etc., this is a book you'll come back to over and over again. It presents material in an orderly fashion, though never in a predictable one. Not only is each technique or idea explained, but there are examples of each. The only people who might not benefit from this book are the ones who need a literal cookbook of instructions: "Take item A, place three inches from top of item B, on the left." Highly recommended both as inspiration and an easy-to-use reference work.

Rating:
Summary: Yes, you do need this book
Review: I don't care how many books you have on altered books, artists' journals, etc., this is a book you'll come back to over and over again. It presents material in an orderly fashion, though never in a predictable one. Not only is each technique or idea explained, but there are examples of each. The only people who might not benefit from this book are the ones who need a literal cookbook of instructions: "Take item A, place three inches from top of item B, on the left." Highly recommended both as inspiration and an easy-to-use reference work.

Rating:
Summary: Art Play
Review: I have been familiar with Lynne's art for years and have never tired of it. She has an ability to keep it fresh by constantly pushing herself to try new things. This book is a fine examole of that. I was so pleased that this was NOT "how to: book but more of an inspiring and motivating book. The book sings with color and what a treat after a sepia over dose in some of the paper craft magazines of late. I have had the wonderful experience of taking a class from Lynne and this book was able to accomplish the same feeling of renewal and excitement that her class did for me. I tell my students in my journaling and collage classes that what I like about teaching is that I get to see the world through many sets of eyes and this book provides this experience with the fine artists' work included! You need this book!!!!

Rating:
Summary: Art Play
Review: I have been familiar with Lynne's art for years and have never tired of it. She has an ability to keep it fresh by constantly pushing herself to try new things. This book is a fine examole of that. I was so pleased that this was NOT "how to: book but more of an inspiring and motivating book. The book sings with color and what a treat after a sepia over dose in some of the paper craft magazines of late. I have had the wonderful experience of taking a class from Lynne and this book was able to accomplish the same feeling of renewal and excitement that her class did for me. I tell my students in my journaling and collage classes that what I like about teaching is that I get to see the world through many sets of eyes and this book provides this experience with the fine artists' work included! You need this book!!!!

Rating:
Summary: CREATIVE EXPANSION
Review: I just received my book today, and let me tell you...this is a joy to go through! Never in my imagination could I even conceive of some of the journals that Ms. Perrella showcases in this book. I also own the book "The Decorated Page" and love that one as well. But "Artist Journals" seems a little more welcoming in its explaination of how to create the journals shown in the book, as well as give you ideas on creating various other journals.

I'm going online to check for art materials right now. I cannot wait. If you are looking to awaken your creative muse, purchase this book. You will not be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: Another great find
Review: If you liked this book, you will also like the book A Brush With Darkness which is a first hand exploration of the emerging creative spirit from one of the worlds leading artists. Its really rare to find such an insightful book about art and creativity.

Rating:
Summary: A great blend of inspiration and technique
Review: Sometimes I get intimidated by the lush pages in art journals these days. I find myself comparing my artwork to the pages in Somerset Studios, PLAY, and other publications...and then wonder why I want to rip my pages out and hide them in a drawer!

This book changed my attitude. I found a great deal of inspiration in the variety of pages presented. I also found that the techniques for incorporating everything from text to found objects in journals were straightforward without being condescending.
Add the pages and pages of eye candy in this book, and you have a good buy!

Rating:
Summary: Thank you for waking my muse
Review: This book unlocked something inside of me. Freed me, really, from self-constraints and myself. How, you ask? Here it is. Maybe it will move something in you too.

"Where to begin? Art journals are something we create for ourselves alone-not merely a self-indulgent activity, but something worthwhile, important and vastly creative and self-revelatory. There is no pressure to make them `come out right,' and the time we give to creating our personal pages, finding our authentic voice, and letting it sing is time well spent. Silence your inner critic, and begin to think of your art journal as a companion, a muse, a soul mate." (Perrella, page 11)

Wait a minute. You mean, in addition to writing in my journal, I can draw in the SAME journal? And not only that, I can use PAINTS? Really? Watercolors AND Acrylics? The sides don't have to be perfectly white and straight? You say it's OK to glue things in there too?

Let me tell you, since reading that bit three weeks ago, I have filled 48 double sided 8.5"x11" pages in my journal (which hasn't left my side, by the way). It's bulging with goodies and has a big (accidental) magenta splat at the top, which I love because it reminds me that my journal doesn't have to be perfect. I should also mention that in the last few weeks, I've been prolific in my work as an artist and jeweler, too. What a bonus!

Friends have told me I'm "taking off like a rocket lately" and I'm "just on fire". Yes! What is it? It's my art. Maybe it's like the first blush of love. Whatever. I'm telling you, it's like someone turned on the light inside.

Many thanks to Lynne Perella and to all of the artists who shared their journals and sketchbooks.

Treat yourself to this book and free your creative muse. It's candy for your eyes, mind, heart and soul.


Rating:
Summary: A Must Have !
Review: This is a great book, very inspiring!! I have several books on the subject and this is fast becoming my favorite. It's so full of color and fabulous art work from several favorite artists of this genre. If you love color and whimsy in your artwork, you will be very pleased and inspired by this book. A must have for your collection.

Rating:
Summary: FABULOUS!
Review: This is an awesome book, so inspiring! Every time I look at it I see something I missed on my previous perusal. I have a lot of books on altered books and journals and this is the best one yet. A must-have for anyone who is into altered art.