As I have been reading about the preparation and build up for this book the overall impression I have had is that it would be different and that is just what it is.... different!
Not the usual format of materials, techniques, step by steps.... there is a small section on materials where Jean talks about what you will need to get started and how good paper is the most important thing, but this book doesn't dwell too much on things mundane!! It does however dwell on the joy and happiness we can find by pursuing this lovely pastime, how painting somehow helps us find a special place unknown to us before we painted.
Since reading it I have been trying to think where it might fit into the painting population at large and I have come to the conclusion that although it isn't an instructional painting book per se it actually transcends all abilities and levels and I found myself once again inspired by Jean Haines, this time in a totally different way.
As I am a painter who teaches, sells my work and occasionally exhibits I have worked hard on the techniques I have been taught by Jean and a number of other artists to the point where I have more recently been finding my own way but decided that as I have all Jean's other books I "needed" this one to add to my collection. While it isn't a teaching book in the way her others are, it has some wonderful inspiration, some beautiful illustrations ( I do like pictures in a book!!) and it gives a "can do " message to its' readers which a lot of painters need. I had read some of Jeans' blogs where she has talked about the book and how it was a departure from her previous publications and I honestly think this book is one which would be a fit for artists at any level including complete beginners.
I have always felt that painting is available to anyone and everyone and it is very encouraging to read Jean's conviction that anyone can paint, how painting can enrich lives beyond comprehension and that no-one needs any special talent or skill to start. Joy to my ears!
Art Therapy is known to have very beneficial effects and while we're not actually talking about that here Jean talks about aspects of colour and it's mood enhancing qualities, about the joy of creating, not for a finished masterpiece, but for the sole purpose of enjoyment and how painting for it's own sake can bring about a wonderful calmness and contentment. She very eloquently puts into words what a lot of us who are passionate about our art feel as we are creating and have the brush in our hand.
As for my own inspiration, I don't tend to spend as much time playing with my paint as I once did and have had some art work I want to do for my own home which has been on the back burner for some time. Having read this book and looked at some of the simple exercises Jean has put together to get people started I have had lots of ideas as to how I might go about creating this illusive work!! The exercises look quite simple but the end results in turn look so effective leading me to feel that the book is worth buying for these little studies alone.
I don't want to say anything frivolous about this book as it carries a more serious message beyond that of regular painting books. It talks about the mental benefits of painting, how we can escape to our little painting havens and become completely consumed and absorbed during the time we spend watching the paint and water do their magic on the paper. It also provides very persuasive arguments for allowing us to spend time painting...
Finally, I loved the quote
"It was only when I made a conscious decision to treat painting like eating, as part of my daily routine that my life and art career changed"
That really struck a chord and separates the artists from the wannabes and something I need to incorporate into my daily routine too, another snippet of inspiration.
Showing posts with label book review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book review. Show all posts
Thursday, 19 May 2016
Sunday, 24 May 2015
Book Review of Jean Haine's World of Watercolour
Having got all 3 of Jean's books and reviewed Atmospheric Watercolours here, and the follow up here I took a different approach with this one, savouring it (I tried to savour the others too but excitement made me gulp them down as quickly as possible, not always the best way though they are books to revisit time and time again!!) taking my time and enjoying every word, paragraph and chapter.
It isn't easy to paint in a loose way and even harder to teach it and once again Jean does a truly fabulous job of bringing her style of painting to the masses!! The illustrations are simply beautiful, full of life and colour and in fact this book concentrates very much on colour describing Jean's own perspective and view of how we should be excited and inspired by all the colours available in today's market. Music to my ears as I also love colour so am obviously in very good company!!
At no point does Jean assume we know what she is talking about as the text is clear, concise and explanatory, and while there are many excellent step by steps in this book, which I highly recommend you try, as the instructions are articulate and descriptive, this book is so much more than that. It is about Jean's own journey and how she has moved on in her style and ways of working, as she says, "Every artist was once a beginner"......it gives hope to all the wannabes, hope that with dedication, hard work and most importantly practice, everyone can become an artist, something we all need to hear time and time again when things aren't going well and we are getting despondent.
The book is aimed at every level of artist, and I really wish something like this had been available earlier in my own journey as Jean vocalises her thought processes and that is certainly something I needed.(still do!!). It is so helpful to understand why someone is painting as they do and more importantly making the decisions they are making and for me that is what is unique about this book and why I would recommend to anyone who desires to move on.
Finally, this is a really, really well thought out book. It takes the reader through the materials, exercises and techniques Jean uses, is filled with lots of tips and hints and then goes on to the final section "Putting it all together" which for me is the real jewel in this book. We often have snippets of skills, ideas, techniques and don't always know where to go with them so this last section helps pull everything together making sense of it all.
Finally, finally (!!) again, as in Jean's previous books, I am struck by how easy she makes things seem, but (and I can speak from personal experience here) if you do put in the practice it will also become easier for you. If you read the previous reviews, there is a general theme...... I have spent hours and hours doing little exercises, washes and generally practicing the techniques and I can assure you that is what it takes, it isn't about talent (says she on her hobby horse again) it is about practice but, and this is the important bit, its the right practice you need, which is what all Jean's books teach so if you want to pursue a loose watercolour journey (or even if you want to simply improve your watercolour painting) this is the book for you!!!
It isn't easy to paint in a loose way and even harder to teach it and once again Jean does a truly fabulous job of bringing her style of painting to the masses!! The illustrations are simply beautiful, full of life and colour and in fact this book concentrates very much on colour describing Jean's own perspective and view of how we should be excited and inspired by all the colours available in today's market. Music to my ears as I also love colour so am obviously in very good company!!
At no point does Jean assume we know what she is talking about as the text is clear, concise and explanatory, and while there are many excellent step by steps in this book, which I highly recommend you try, as the instructions are articulate and descriptive, this book is so much more than that. It is about Jean's own journey and how she has moved on in her style and ways of working, as she says, "Every artist was once a beginner"......it gives hope to all the wannabes, hope that with dedication, hard work and most importantly practice, everyone can become an artist, something we all need to hear time and time again when things aren't going well and we are getting despondent.
The book is aimed at every level of artist, and I really wish something like this had been available earlier in my own journey as Jean vocalises her thought processes and that is certainly something I needed.(still do!!). It is so helpful to understand why someone is painting as they do and more importantly making the decisions they are making and for me that is what is unique about this book and why I would recommend to anyone who desires to move on.
Finally, this is a really, really well thought out book. It takes the reader through the materials, exercises and techniques Jean uses, is filled with lots of tips and hints and then goes on to the final section "Putting it all together" which for me is the real jewel in this book. We often have snippets of skills, ideas, techniques and don't always know where to go with them so this last section helps pull everything together making sense of it all.
Finally, finally (!!) again, as in Jean's previous books, I am struck by how easy she makes things seem, but (and I can speak from personal experience here) if you do put in the practice it will also become easier for you. If you read the previous reviews, there is a general theme...... I have spent hours and hours doing little exercises, washes and generally practicing the techniques and I can assure you that is what it takes, it isn't about talent (says she on her hobby horse again) it is about practice but, and this is the important bit, its the right practice you need, which is what all Jean's books teach so if you want to pursue a loose watercolour journey (or even if you want to simply improve your watercolour painting) this is the book for you!!!
Monday, 17 June 2013
Review of Brusho Secrets Book and DVD by Joanne Boon thomas
I don’t really know quite where to start with this as the
two publications have “brushoed” me away!!!!
So in terms of a proper review here are a few of my initial
observations….
First, both DVD and
Book… extremely professional, very well edited, coherent commentary and
instruction, exceptional images, wonderfully illustrated with splashes of
colour so well incorporated into the body of the book… hope you are getting the
picture…now for my review!!
I was so excited to get my copies of book and DVD and
started on the book first…. As with any publication which captures me, food,
housework (not that I often partake in that shady occupation!!) all went to the
dogs and I settled down to follow Joanne’s journey with her beloved Brusho for
that is exactly what the book is, a journey, where she takes you slowly, simply
and carefully through the various steps she has taken years to learn, to help
us on our way to successfully using this beautiful medium.
As with her videos, Joanne’s writing is easy, clear and
uncomplicated, but, very well thought out, and it sounds just as if she is
talking to you……she makes everything really, really clear so together with the
stunning illustrations of the many, many studies, and demonstrations you cannot fail to make progress with this
fabulous medium. Speaking of the demonstrations, each one made me feel it was
thoroughly achievable…. there is comprehensive instruction and meticulous
illustration at each stage so exemplary execution of step by step demos (can
certainly learn a lot from this for my own very amateur attempts!!) which I
feel sure will help tremendously when you get to do some practice.
The other thing Joanne shares are all her techniques, the
softening technique she uses both for Brusho and watercolour, her use of light
and dark, the splattering, use of wax, bleach, too many to mention here but let
me assure it would seem no stone has been left unturned in this fabulous
publication. I do in fact have only one negative comment to share about the
book and that is having been rather pro
e-books, I have to confess I really want
to see this as a hard copy… I somehow want to feel the book, to see it in full
glory and see the full impact of the colour illustrations, to show it off on my
coffee table, but then I am a bit of a book fiend… I have all my childrens’
books and still have some I bought and never ended up giving!!
And now to the DVD.
To start with I really can’t say which I prefer, I am lucky enough to
have both (there is a special deal if you buy both together) and wouldn’t be
able to say yes it’s the book you must have or no it’s the DVD… I usually watch
a DVD then refer to the book but this DVD shares some different demos than the
book so adds to the value!! Although I
have been on several brusho workshops with Joanne I have sometimes been left
wondering… now what did she do then and how did she do that? I do remember a
lot of what I see and do in a workshop but there are inevitably bits I forget and
would be nice to have Joanne living here just to ask her those little queries…
well that’s where this DVD comes in… it’s like having Joanne in your home
telling you all the things you might just have forgotten. The DVD follows a
similar format to the book and builds up with a host of simple exercises where
you are encouraged to play and get a feel for how much product and water to
use. There is also a really useful recap screen at the end of each chapter where
all the hints, tips and instructions are shared for that particular chapter.
If you buy the DVD what will become clear is Joanne’s
talent… you will see how she builds something up and more importantly how she
finishes something off, something I know I drone on about a lot… I believe that
is the main difference between the pro artists and we aspiring ones… they know
what tiny little bit of paint is needed to transform a painting and you will
witness this time and again in this DVD.
I was most impressed with the snowy painting which is building up nicely
and suddenly Joanne transforms it and the whole thing comes alive… you need to
see it!!!! There are some wonderful florals and I was also hoping a nude would
be included (which it is) and though it
is a more advanced painting it concludes the DVD and will certainly leave you yearning to paint it.
I think it is very clear that not only do I like this new
book and DVD, I am in awe of the written, spoken and illustrative content… I do
know that both book and DVD were only in the initial planning stages at the
start of the year and to have created something as professional and complete as
this especially in the time scale is an amazing feat and all credit must go to
Joanne Boon Thomas and to Art Tutor who have collaborated wonderfully well. Nothing has been held back from producing two
of the most comprehensive, instructional, attractive pieces of art
publications I ever have seen and read (and believe me I’ve seen a few!!) and I
am absolutely certain that if you were to buy this book and DVD you would not
only be thoroughly inspired to try this tantalising medium but it would also give you the tools to produce
some paintings you might only dream of!!!
If you would like to buy these wonderful products here is
the link…Brusho Secrets
Thursday, 14 June 2012
Patchings 2012
Have wanted to go to Patchings for a couple of years and not managed it but being a bit of "Jean Haines groupie," the fact that she was demonstrating with Search Press this year swung it for me and I decided to make the effort. I went with Gill Fox and we met Sue Bradley and Cheryl Maycock there. Cheryl had done a fantastic job on our behalf not only securing tickets for both demos but somehow managing to get us reserved front row seats!!!! Kudos to you Cheryl!!
Jean had been concerned that people may not turn up to see her at Patchings being of the opinion she is not known further North but nothing could have been further from the truth!!!
As you can see from the photo of the afternoon session they were sell outs with more seats needed and as with all Jean's sessions all were left wanting more!!! There were also opportunities for book signings so of course I took my book as well to get it signed.
For any of you who might not have read it this is the link to the review I did of Jean's book
Book review
The weather was lovely by the way and to all those who suggested we might need them, the wellies I had borrowed stayed firmly in the car (well they didn't really match my outfit anyway!!!)........ in fact we were able to sit outside for lunch with Jean. It was a lovely opportunity to catch up and chat almost all day about art with a teeny bit of jewellery and fashion thrown in.......yawn yawn I can hear you say but guess what.......... I can bore for England on the subject of art....... you only have to read this blog to know that, but today I was with such like minded people and had a thoroughly lovely day.
With all this chatting and two demos you might think we didn't have time to check out the stalls but while I might have liked a touch more time I did manage to buy some lovely Hahnemuhle paper, 500gsm not quite imperial size for £1 a sheet.... bargain!!!! I also got some Daniel Smith watercolour ground which I have heard a lot about and will be trying for a variety of things which I will update about on here.
So, as the day came to a close, Gill, Cheryl and I walked to our cars all feeling very pleased with ourselves,and I came to get my car keys out of my bag............ you know what I'm going to say next...... they weren't there were they?????
Apart from a violent attack of hidden hysteria and wondering what the ...... was I going to do, I also wonderd how my husband was going to react when I rang him to say I was stranded some two and a half hours from home and could he just "pop" along with the spare set????? Anyway I composed myself and went back to the main building where the mayor, mayoress and exhibitors were all having little drinkies after the event and I asked this official looking gentleman in a very pathetic way
"Where was lost property?"
"What have you lost?" said he
"My keys" said I
and the darling man went straight to a small basket a couple of yards from where I was standing..... and you can guess where I'm going here.....yep......out came my keys!!!!!
You cannot imagine my relief!!!!! Could have kissed the man passionately but don't think he looked up for that, so instead thanked him in profusely and scarpered before the mayor and mayoress realised what a burke I was....... had left the keys in the Search Press tent though have no idea when where or how....... obviously got caught up with the excitement of the day... this is not the first time something has happened to me at a Jean Haines demonstration.... may share the previous one on here one day!!!!
So that was my day, Patchings is a lovely event actually smaller than I had anticipated but the better for that I think.....came away inspired once again to get some washes painted...... don't know what Jean is on but got a dose of it today!!! Am hoping that by watching and then by a sort of painting osmosis ( where things move from a higher concentration..... that is Jean to a lower concentration that is me... just in case you're wondering!!?!!) that some of that awesome skill and talent will migrate to me!!!! One can but dream!!
Jean had been concerned that people may not turn up to see her at Patchings being of the opinion she is not known further North but nothing could have been further from the truth!!!
For any of you who might not have read it this is the link to the review I did of Jean's book
Book review
The weather was lovely by the way and to all those who suggested we might need them, the wellies I had borrowed stayed firmly in the car (well they didn't really match my outfit anyway!!!)........ in fact we were able to sit outside for lunch with Jean. It was a lovely opportunity to catch up and chat almost all day about art with a teeny bit of jewellery and fashion thrown in.......yawn yawn I can hear you say but guess what.......... I can bore for England on the subject of art....... you only have to read this blog to know that, but today I was with such like minded people and had a thoroughly lovely day.
With all this chatting and two demos you might think we didn't have time to check out the stalls but while I might have liked a touch more time I did manage to buy some lovely Hahnemuhle paper, 500gsm not quite imperial size for £1 a sheet.... bargain!!!! I also got some Daniel Smith watercolour ground which I have heard a lot about and will be trying for a variety of things which I will update about on here.
So, as the day came to a close, Gill, Cheryl and I walked to our cars all feeling very pleased with ourselves,and I came to get my car keys out of my bag............ you know what I'm going to say next...... they weren't there were they?????
Apart from a violent attack of hidden hysteria and wondering what the ...... was I going to do, I also wonderd how my husband was going to react when I rang him to say I was stranded some two and a half hours from home and could he just "pop" along with the spare set????? Anyway I composed myself and went back to the main building where the mayor, mayoress and exhibitors were all having little drinkies after the event and I asked this official looking gentleman in a very pathetic way
"Where was lost property?"
"What have you lost?" said he
"My keys" said I
and the darling man went straight to a small basket a couple of yards from where I was standing..... and you can guess where I'm going here.....yep......out came my keys!!!!!
You cannot imagine my relief!!!!! Could have kissed the man passionately but don't think he looked up for that, so instead thanked him in profusely and scarpered before the mayor and mayoress realised what a burke I was....... had left the keys in the Search Press tent though have no idea when where or how....... obviously got caught up with the excitement of the day... this is not the first time something has happened to me at a Jean Haines demonstration.... may share the previous one on here one day!!!!
So that was my day, Patchings is a lovely event actually smaller than I had anticipated but the better for that I think.....came away inspired once again to get some washes painted...... don't know what Jean is on but got a dose of it today!!! Am hoping that by watching and then by a sort of painting osmosis ( where things move from a higher concentration..... that is Jean to a lower concentration that is me... just in case you're wondering!!?!!) that some of that awesome skill and talent will migrate to me!!!! One can but dream!!
Thursday, 24 May 2012
Atmospheric Watercolours by Jean Haines (and sleepless nights!!!)
Well haven't finished it yet but am savouring every page!!!! It's stopped me eating and sleeping a good thing maybe???
Haven't done a book review before (and after reading this you may think "hope she never does one again!!!!") and maybe I should wait until it's finished but am just a lot excited about this one!!!!! It is full of Jean's secrets written in her own easy, inimitable, encouraging way, as if she is talking intimately to you, the reader. She shares moments and memories of her past..... a lovely insight into the Jean we don't get to hear about.....
I have done the first few exercises in the book following just what she did and guess what?????? They turned out and I think the penny might finally be dropping. If any of you have been lucky enough to either see Jean demonstrate or go to a workshop, she makes things look so easy.... well we all know it isn't... right????
Easy comes from years of practice, experience and desire, but.... and this is what I really want to share, this book opens the door and certainly for me has given me those all so sought after glimpses of what I'm looking for...... that's why I was so excited about it and apart from everything else, retiring, exhibition on Saturday, holiday next Wednesday etc etc....... well you can now understand why I couldn't sleep. I said to my husband at 3:30 I think I might get up... he said "What are you going to do.... paint?" Of course I said no....... hmmmm thought she indignantly does he really think I was going to get up and paint at 3;30 in the morning, how ridiculous!!!!!! Am beginning to think he knows me too well (note to self... need to become more mysterious!!!)
So hope to read and reread more today and the next weeks and months of course, I think Jean was wise to have this published in hardback as I think it will become one of those "bible" sort of books which in paperback may become too worn!!! Am sorry for those of you who have to wait for a copy, it will be worth the wait I promise!!! Will keep you updated and maybe write another review when I have had more chance to work through and digest... it is a treat for sure. I normally like to flick through books before I buy but I had faith that this one would be what I was looking for and it is ...... in bucket loads!!!!!! It is a book full of hope, colour and life and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do!!
Haven't done a book review before (and after reading this you may think "hope she never does one again!!!!") and maybe I should wait until it's finished but am just a lot excited about this one!!!!! It is full of Jean's secrets written in her own easy, inimitable, encouraging way, as if she is talking intimately to you, the reader. She shares moments and memories of her past..... a lovely insight into the Jean we don't get to hear about.....
I have done the first few exercises in the book following just what she did and guess what?????? They turned out and I think the penny might finally be dropping. If any of you have been lucky enough to either see Jean demonstrate or go to a workshop, she makes things look so easy.... well we all know it isn't... right????
Easy comes from years of practice, experience and desire, but.... and this is what I really want to share, this book opens the door and certainly for me has given me those all so sought after glimpses of what I'm looking for...... that's why I was so excited about it and apart from everything else, retiring, exhibition on Saturday, holiday next Wednesday etc etc....... well you can now understand why I couldn't sleep. I said to my husband at 3:30 I think I might get up... he said "What are you going to do.... paint?" Of course I said no....... hmmmm thought she indignantly does he really think I was going to get up and paint at 3;30 in the morning, how ridiculous!!!!!! Am beginning to think he knows me too well (note to self... need to become more mysterious!!!)
So hope to read and reread more today and the next weeks and months of course, I think Jean was wise to have this published in hardback as I think it will become one of those "bible" sort of books which in paperback may become too worn!!! Am sorry for those of you who have to wait for a copy, it will be worth the wait I promise!!! Will keep you updated and maybe write another review when I have had more chance to work through and digest... it is a treat for sure. I normally like to flick through books before I buy but I had faith that this one would be what I was looking for and it is ...... in bucket loads!!!!!! It is a book full of hope, colour and life and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do!!
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