Make Your Mark: Explore Your Creativity and Discover Your Inner Artist

Rating:
Summary: A true inspiration, beautiful to look at and to hold
Review: Although I've never had a particular talent for visual arts, I picked up this book because the author seemed to speak to my fear of making a mistake as soon as I set pen or pencil to paper. It doesn't matter whether I'm writing or drawing, or even taking notes on a class, I always fear that the first mark I make will be wrong, somehow. I think, if the paper stays blank, the future is still ripe with possibility! But in this book, Margaret Peot gently takes readers by the hand and disabuses us of this notion, showing how real beauty comes only when human beings breathe life into their creations. And for those of us who have left-brain tendencies, who like to keep things organized, systematic, and orderly, there's room for us, too-you can line up your toys with as much order as you want and it will still be art. Who knew that you could do so much with dried fettucine, leaves, erasers, paper cups, feathers, and grocery bags? But even if you never do a single one of her exercises, the act of simply reading through this book and looking at the stunningly innovative and creative products of Peot's fertile imagination will set your own creative juices bubbling, whether you're a painter, a writer, an actor, or a musician. The book itself is printed on heavy paper, with lusciously reproduced artwork on large-format pages-an inspiration in itself. As a veteran (an unsuccessful, disappointed veteran) of The Artist's Way, I highly recommend Making Your Mark as a smoother, more creative, more accessible alternative.

Rating:
Summary: Reviving and nurturing the artist spirit
Review: I am specially excited about Margaret Peot's inspiring book as I am simplifying my life and that means bringing more handmade art and craft in and letting go of some of the busy stuff that has not exactly been nourishing to the soul! As an art director who sits for most of the day creating on a computer, I have found this book extremely refreshing with it's richly creative excercises and ideas. Working with these has reminded me how much I enjoy the unexpected and spontaneous creation of getting my hands into different materials and my heart into my artwork. A fantastic resource, dimensional, beautiful and earthy, skillfully offered up as an encouraging art teacher would to a group of new students, with warmth, energy and ease. A beautiful gift of the creative life.

Rating:
Summary: Creativity for everyone
Review: I've really enjoyed leafing through this book. It's reminding me of all of the things I'd forgotten from my college art classes. Ms.Peot also helps remind me to look for creative inspiration in the everyday objects of life, a luxury that doesn't take time or money just observation. This book also takes the intimidation and guess work out of buying art supplies. Being in a craft or art store for the uninitiated can bring about the same anxiety as standing in a wine shop before a dinner party...what to buy?! Ms.Peot's clear instructions and buying guide make art approachable and take away any excuses for not Making your Mark.

Rating:
Summary: Creativity for everyone
Review: I've really enjoyed leafing through this book. It's reminding me of all of the things I'd forgotten from my college art classes. Ms.Peot also helps remind me to look for creative inspiration in the everyday objects of life, a luxury that doesn't take time or money just observation. This book also takes the intimidation and guess work out of buying art supplies. Being in a craft or art store for the uninitiated can bring about the same anxiety as standing in a wine shop before a dinner party...what to buy?! Ms.Peot's clear instructions and buying guide make art approachable and take away any excuses for not Making your Mark.

Rating:
Summary: I can't draw , but know what I like once I make and see it
Review: This book is inviting, encouraging, and instructional. The "No Drawing Necessary" stamp on the cover drew me in. Author Ms. Peot has given me the tools to make and do things that leave a mark, a pleasing one at that. The book inspires the reader to create art works using familiar items from home and the natural environment. Its cookbook-style recipes empower the reader to walk the aisles of art supply stores with confidence and knowledge. I look forward to applying the techniques taught in the book to beautify diaries, scrapbooks, travel journals, and gardening notebooks.

Rating:
Summary: I can't draw , but know what I like once I make and see it
Review: This book is inviting, encouraging, and instructional. The "No Drawing Necessary" stamp on the cover drew me in. Author Ms. Peot has given me the tools to make and do things that leave a mark, a pleasing one at that. The book inspires the reader to create art works using familiar items from home and the natural environment. Its cookbook-style recipes empower the reader to walk the aisles of art supply stores with confidence and knowledge. I look forward to applying the techniques taught in the book to beautify diaries, scrapbooks, travel journals, and gardening notebooks.