Customer Reviews

Artists' Journals and Sketchbooks: Exploring and Creating Personal Pages

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

Money can definitely buy happiness. I used some to buy this book, and am I ever happy that I did. I've been carrying it around with me for a week and I haven't finished reading it all yet. There's so much to see, and such interesting artists to meet within its covers. It would have been great if Lynne Perella had just shown us her own work, but nooooo, instead she has generously incorporated work of many other artists, which gives this book a lot of richness and depth. It's very inspiring to see how simple art materials like acrylic paint and colored pencils can be used in such a fresh way--techniques anyone can learn are presented in an unpretentious, non-intimidating format. Would-be artists are going to be motivated to get out their stuff and start splashing paint around!

If you are at all interested in loosening up your own artwork, or just wondering what's up with all the current buzz about journals and book arts, I highly recommend you grab this book as soon as possible, because a couple of similar titles have sold out almost as soon as their first printing was released, and this one might too--it's that good! Buy this book--you won't be sorry!!

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.

Although the title of this book is "Artist's Journals," the inspiration and ideas provided transcend that medium. If it's an artist's journal you wish to create, she has it covered, from the various forms of journals to the ways one might begin to work with it. The techniques covered aren't limited to art journals, though. Image transfers? She outlines about eight different methods for transferring your images to all surfaces imaginable. Slide mounts? I've never seen such an array of creative uses and treatments of these utilitarian items.

She provides information on methods for creating your own journal, from cover to page signatures. Maybe you aren't interested in an art journal, but would love to craft a special book for someone. Inspiration served up in this chapter.

Techniques for building up images with collage techniques, found object assemblage and a dizzying array of colorants are all provided. Mixed media artists, scrapbook designers, collage artists and anyone looking for ideas to jump start the creative process will not be disappointed with what they find here. Highly recommended for all who love to wander the aisles of the art supply stores!

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!

This is a veritable encyclopedia of fun ideas to get anyone started or encourage their continuing on the path of "art" journaling.
Techniques are shown which can easily be made one's own, and which can provide many hours of art-making pleasure, or be whipped out in a few spare minutes between appointments & phone conferences. I LOVE that.

I have been on fire since I opened the pages of Lynne Perrella's, Artists' Journals and Sketchbooks! Every page has me completely and utterly mesmerized, and after each purusal, I found myself bolting up the stairs to my makeshift studio to create art. I haven't gone to bed before 1:00 am since I opened the book, and frankly, I think I'm going a little nuts, but in a good way. Lynne has helped me find my "inner artist", and I guarantee that she will help you find yours as well. Just buy the book, you will not be disappointed.

This is a book full (and I do mean "full") of ideas and techniques for getting artists and designers excited about using their sketchbooks, and perhaps, in getting those sketchbook pages to a larger canvas, as it did in my case.

It is beautifully laid out, well-written and just plain fun to look at. I love looking at the work of other artists, and this book gives each journal designer lots of room, close-up and personal, to showcase their best work.

If you need a little kick to get you going, get you started, or get you interested in collage painting, assemblage, art journaling, or you want to check out interesting creative techniques, this is a good addition to your design library.

Highly recommended as a book that won't be shoved into the bookcase, but used over and over as a creative tool to help you fill your books with the art of life.

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.

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!!!!