Daring Adventures in Paint is a colorful, whimsical adventure of a book that explores inspirational paint and mixed-media techniques. Written by the well-loved artist/illustrator/blogger Mati Rose McDonough, this book's approach to making art is a bit like uncovering a hidden treasure, a treasure that resides within each aspiring artist. Through a myriad of both practical applications and creative exercises, Mati shows artists how to "find their magic"—the place of confidence from which they can access the vision of what they want to share with the world.
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About the Author
Mati Rose McDonough is an artist and illustrator who lives in San Francisco, CA, where she regularly encounters lucky elephants, talking birds and a mysterious girl who always wears feathers in her hair. These creatures of mystery and grace remind Mati daily that no one is too old for magic or too young for beauty, so she paints their stories in paint, fabric, found paper and canvas for fans of hope and adventure all over our dear world. When she’s not covered in paint you can find her biking to the ocean, drinking tea and searching for colorful baubles of inspiration to share with you. Mati studied painting at the California College of the Arts and has had many shows around the country. Mati has taught around the country at Art Nest in Utah, Artful Journey in California and Toscana Americana in Italy. She is represented by Lilla Rogers Studio in illustration and licensing and has had her art published on Patagonia shirts, featured in Pier 1, University Game boards, Madison Park Greeting products and Oopsy Daisy canvases. Mati has also been included in several magazines and books including features in Artful Blogging magazine and The Handmade Marketplace book. www.matirose.com
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
51 of 51 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Oh my gosh, this book is *amazing*. AMAZING!
This is the creative/art book I have been waiting for. I'll confess I had no idea who Mati Rose McDonough was- I wasn't at all familiar with her work or her art or her blog. I ordered the book on a whim because of its cover and title.
I am just overjoyed- it's *such* a wonderful book. It's full of not only inspiration, encouragement, wonderful information, but also step-by-step techniques using the basic supplies that we all have- acrylic paints in bright colors, brushes, pencils, paper or canvas. There's no fussy projects in this book- instead, McDonough basically lays out the way she approaches different foundations of art (painting, collage, image transfer, drawings, map-making, etc.) and then invites the reader to put their own spin on it. But in the process, she doesn't keep anything "secret" or hoard her techniques.
I am so inspired. I own a LOT of art books, and the ones I don't own I constantly thumb through at the local bookstore. This is just such a refreshing change from what's normally out there. It's both a creative kick-starter (with ideas for different ways of gathering inspiration and ideas), a book full of encouragement (McDonough shares her own path as she became an artist, and how it wasn't always smooth sailing), and pages of techniques to either emulate or dip into, as you see fit.
I was looking for a book to inspire and educate me, and in "Daring Adventures in Paint", I found both. I rarely come away from creative books buzzing with excitement to get started on new projects, but I really feel like McDonough's enthusiasm and passion flowed through her writing and her art and right into me. Sorry if this sounds all very "wavy gravy" but I'm just truly thankful that I took a risk and judged a book on its cover.
Highly, highly recommended for anyone looking to learn new techniques, or just expand their person definition of what being an artist is.
This is the creative/art book I have been waiting for. I'll confess I had no idea who Mati Rose McDonough was- I wasn't at all familiar with her work or her art or her blog. I ordered the book on a whim because of its cover and title.
I am just overjoyed- it's *such* a wonderful book. It's full of not only inspiration, encouragement, wonderful information, but also step-by-step techniques using the basic supplies that we all have- acrylic paints in bright colors, brushes, pencils, paper or canvas. There's no fussy projects in this book- instead, McDonough basically lays out the way she approaches different foundations of art (painting, collage, image transfer, drawings, map-making, etc.) and then invites the reader to put their own spin on it. But in the process, she doesn't keep anything "secret" or hoard her techniques.
I am so inspired. I own a LOT of art books, and the ones I don't own I constantly thumb through at the local bookstore. This is just such a refreshing change from what's normally out there. It's both a creative kick-starter (with ideas for different ways of gathering inspiration and ideas), a book full of encouragement (McDonough shares her own path as she became an artist, and how it wasn't always smooth sailing), and pages of techniques to either emulate or dip into, as you see fit.
I was looking for a book to inspire and educate me, and in "Daring Adventures in Paint", I found both. I rarely come away from creative books buzzing with excitement to get started on new projects, but I really feel like McDonough's enthusiasm and passion flowed through her writing and her art and right into me. Sorry if this sounds all very "wavy gravy" but I'm just truly thankful that I took a risk and judged a book on its cover.
Highly, highly recommended for anyone looking to learn new techniques, or just expand their person definition of what being an artist is.
25 of 25 people found the following review helpful
By Julia Gamble
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book makes taking on a painting project seem achievable for a novice like me.
The simple, easy to follow to instructions on techniques are both inspiring and and encouraging.
I took Mati Rose McDonough's "Get Your Paint On!" class online and now I can follow her book to create my own original painting.
I love this book!
The simple, easy to follow to instructions on techniques are both inspiring and and encouraging.
I took Mati Rose McDonough's "Get Your Paint On!" class online and now I can follow her book to create my own original painting.
I love this book!
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Mati takes each reader on a journey through this beautiful book. Full of practical step-by-step instructions on how to dive in and start painting, she also gives you the permission to wander, and explore; reminding us at every turn that it's not about being perfect, it's about the adventure!
Creativity is not something that can be formulated and calculated... it sometimes comes with rocky waves and sharp rocks. The imagery and Mati's soothing words that guide you through the process and exercises make you feel like it's not only entirely possible, but that you're on a treasure hunt for something magical.
I'm also absolutely in LOVE with the gorgeous photos! I cannot believe how rich, bright and gorgeous every one of them is. So inspiring, I feel like I'm right there with her, living this layered, creative life.
This is an incredible book for any one brand new to art, or those with years of experience... you'll be inspired to break out the brushes and dive in!
Creativity is not something that can be formulated and calculated... it sometimes comes with rocky waves and sharp rocks. The imagery and Mati's soothing words that guide you through the process and exercises make you feel like it's not only entirely possible, but that you're on a treasure hunt for something magical.
I'm also absolutely in LOVE with the gorgeous photos! I cannot believe how rich, bright and gorgeous every one of them is. So inspiring, I feel like I'm right there with her, living this layered, creative life.
This is an incredible book for any one brand new to art, or those with years of experience... you'll be inspired to break out the brushes and dive in!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Finding Magic...YES!
I enjoyed this book for several reasons...the main reason being the book does not attempt to make you into Mati. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Kenyetta McNeil
5.0 out of 5 stars
Paint your heart out!
A book that delivers for artists at all levels with beauty and soul. It's great to see intuition taking its rightful place so that EVERYONE feels like they can create something... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Rachael Rice
5.0 out of 5 stars
bold & beautiful
Daring Adventures in Paint holds a place of honor on my desk, where only my favorites go. The images are bright, colorful, and almost three-dimensional (maybe that's why I love... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Amanda J. Fall
2.0 out of 5 stars
No dares, no adventures.
The layout and the art in this book are colorful, crafty, happy, and average. Magenta/pink and turquoise with white (plus the occasional orange), and flowers and birds - wait, did... Read more
Published 2 months ago by eKa
2.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointing
I had high hopes for this book based on other reviews. However, it's very much for a child or complete beginner painter. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Shirley Goodwin
3.0 out of 5 stars
Lovely book, better for beginners
This is a lovely book, visually very appealing. Great photographs and good step-by-step instructions. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Allison M. Wilcox
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book!
This book motivated me beyond my expectations! I must have ten canvas's in my art room with backgrounds almost too awesome to cover with anything else...but I will.
Published 3 months ago by Ardis
5.0 out of 5 stars
Enjoyed this
Worth it to see the pictures --inspiring approach to mostly abstract and very wonderful, loose colors. I loved how she uses outlines.
Published 3 months ago by Doris Brown
3.0 out of 5 stars
Nice but not enough
I liked the layout and examples that this book provided but it didn't give me the inspiration that I was looking for.
Published 3 months ago by artteacher
5.0 out of 5 stars
Daring adventures
This is a wonderful book. It is full of informative techniques, and the projects are fun and encouraging. It is a great way to overcome that dreaded "painter's block". Read more
Published 4 months ago by sue ellen kozarek
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