Customer Reviews

Mixed-Media Self-Portraits

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3 star:		(1)
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I pre-ordered Mixed-Media Self-Portraits and was thrilled when it finally arrived. It was worth waiting for and everything I hoped it would be. I'm a mixed-media artist and have been wanting to do some self-portraits for a long while but didn't know where or how to start. The title says exactly what the book is about: inspiration and techniques. Just thumbing through the pages makes you want to jump right in and create your own self-portrait. There is a whole chapter just on drawing eyes! But first you are shown amazing self-portraits other artists have done. Next are warm up exercises to get you in the mood. Finally, hands on instructions for creating your own self-portraits. If you need inspiration to get you started, this is the book for you.

I could not wait for this book to come out. I am always looking for new sources of inspiration. This book is a keeper! The book has a nice selection of artists with different perspectives. There are different self-portraits using different media. Cate Prato has done an excellent job with this book! It is not often that I find an art book that I keep going back to as a reference and for inspiration in what I am currently working on.

It can be a difficult thing to look at yourself in the mirror and turn that into a piece of art. This book gives you a great jump-start on the process.

The book starts out with a bit of history behind self-portraits. Don't skip this part. It was very interesting to me to read about other artists' self portraits. There is a little section on getting yourself out there and on blogging. I am a huge blogger myself. Love to keep one and love to read other artists' blogs.

Some of the artists do not do just one self-portrait. Some do several different ones and some do variations on the same picture. There are all sorts of tips in the book to help you - such as digital imaging. I enjoyed reading the thoughts behind each self-portrait. Some of the reading was very personal. You could see it in the very revealing self-portraits.

As I said before, there are a lot of tips and techniques to help you get started on your own self-portrait. There is even a short quiz to help you think about yourself. There are some detailed exercises to help and inspire you. The techniques are easy to follow.

You do not have to be able to draw to make use of this book. I am a mixed media artist that cannot draw diddly. I used a headshot I had, altered it on the computer, and used that to create several different self-portraits of myself.

I really liked how different materials are used in the self-portraits. The pictures are very large and are in color. I love to work with fabric. I really loved seeing how I could incorporate fabric into a self-portrait quiltie or art doll. I will have to see how I can create my own copper self-portraits.

I loved the details and colors of Kelli Perkin's journal dolls. It was a very original idea that I am going to have to try. Kelli's section on how to draw your own self-portrait looks very fun. I am going to try that and see if my self-portrait comes out as well as hers does.

I recently bought Kelly Rae's book. Her part in this book was an added bonus. She does a wonderful job of layering, making use of textures, and blending colors. Debbi Crane's masks really spoke to me. I thought about the different masks we all wear every day. I do a lot of assemblage and thought it was great that there was an assemblage section to the book. Self-portraits can make use of found objects and be 3D!

When I saw this book was due out in mid September, I jumped on the opportunity to order one. I am a doll artist, very interested at the current time in delving into my persona and pulling interesting elements about myself out and transferring those into images which I can use to create a piece of art. What is more interesting than ourselves? This book should be considered a self portrait bible of sorts. It's amazing!

The book starts out discussing a little bit of history of self portraits and why they are important for each artist to do. The book is written in a very fun, and easy to decipher way-it's not like reading an art history book. Quite the opposite, the book is very entertaining to read with many illustrations, photos and examples of work to inspire the reader. It's filled with lovely images, incredible color and a fun layout.

Chapter 2 gives exercises such as using color to describe your personality, a "Who lives here?" quiz, a quick drawing lesson on the scale of anatomy in relation to drawing the human body and many exercises with instructions to do self portraits with specific themes. This to me is wonderful, because she gives you the instructions with just enough information to allow you total freedom to make each one of these self portraits a true work of art. There is also a section on how to generate ideas. Many projects are 'led' by well known mixed media artists such as Kelly Rae Roberts, the Artgirlz and Loretta Benedetto Marvel among many others.

The self portrait projects are so diverse, ranging from digital photo alteration, to fabric, to art dolls, to caricature, to art books, to masks, assemblage and so much more. It's truly a plethora of inspiration and will reach virtually any type of artist out there.

What is so wonderful about this book in addition to the actual self portrait art projects is the way the book promotes self acceptance, self-love and art therapy through the creative process. I absolutely love this book. If there was one additional thing I'd get to rescue out of a burning building besides personal photos, etc, it would be this fabulous book. Don't hesitate a moment longer. Click on 'add to cart' now so you can have this great book in your hands within a week. I assure you, you will not regret it. In no time, you will be itching to start a self portrait!

To me, self portraits are pretty self explanatory. You use yourself as the subject of your work,whatever medium that might be. This book is more or less a gallery of artists' own self portraits, along with explanations and stories about them. There is a little hands-on information but it is the most basic of info that you would probably be able to figure out by yourself. There are a couple pages that show how an artist manipulated her photo in Photoshop to get certain effects, and I did find that helpful. That's pretty much it, though. The rest, like I said, is very basic information (for example, a "tutorial" on self portraits that reminds you that eyes have whites, irises AND pupils. Well, duh)!

I'm not too into galleries of other artists' works - I prefer how-to's and tutorials so I can make techniques my own. This book was lacking in that respect. If you like to look at other peoples' self portraits, or if you have absolutely no idea how to use your own image in a work of art, this might be a book you'd enjoy. I didn't find it helpful at all, though.

Hands-down, not a doubt left in my mind - this is my favorite new mixed-media release in the last few years. The topic is ingenious - and one that was never truly explored, until now. Cate Coulacos Prato did an amazing job with this brilliant book - with a wide range of diverse contributors, projects & and creative exercises - even the biggest skeptic will be lured into creating their own self-portrait.

Though I was a part of this book - I didn't truly know what to expect until it arrived; and once it did, I even shocked myself by reading it cover to cover. Mixed Media Self Portraits redefines self-portraits as an art form, as a healing tool, and as an invaluable creative journey. If self portraits intimidate you (as they did me)- this will help ease your fears and if nothing else - the techniques so generously shared can be applied to other genres.

The exercises and prompts are all presented in an easy to read form, and cover to cover the book is pure eye candy. The folks in my life, who don't get `mixed-media' were even impressed and inspired to begin their own creative ventures. Perhaps, one of the greatest assets within these pages is the glimpse into each contributor's soul. Touching stories, humorous takes, inspirational and fresh viewpoints are found in the projects. With illustration, collage, assemblage, art dolls, fiber arts, handmade books, journaling, masks & more.. There is a project for any creative soul here.

Buy it, try it - you won't be disappointed!There's not another book like it.

I'm still making my way through this. It's not like this book is super long (120+ pages). It's just that it is not a quick read because it gives you a lot to think about, so I would not recommend this for the casual crafter. But, if you want to dig into your creative soul, now we are talking! See my full review posted at this link: [...]

I love the variety present in this book on self-portraiture -- variety in mediums, techniques, styles and approaches. An analogy that comes to mind -- it was like looking through a prism to see all of the possible ways that light could be refracted. I particularly enjoyed reading the artists' personal commentary and my creative energies were piqued by the prompts. This book is a great find for anyone interested in self-portraiture -- whether well-seasoned or a beginner.

Have had my eye on this one for a little while, waiting for the price to come down. Saw it at the bookstore and got a very good look at it and don't want to wait any longer! Amazon now has my order!
Doing self portraits is an old, much used, tried and true subject for artists. The idea is, when you run out of subjects, use yourself. You don't have to be an experienced artist or even particularly good at drawing or painting because mixed media has so many possibilities. You can sew your portrait, manipulate a computer image, use an old photo, make a collage, the list goes on.
There are many artists represented here, who have used all kinds of techniques, which are described. It's well laid out and easy on the eye. This book isn't for the absolute beginner because you do need at least some familiarity with media and materials but if you have that much, you can experiment and learn. And the process of making self portraits is an interesting way to get to know things about yourself that you may not have known before.

I absolutely love this book. I have been working on portraits for awhile and am always a bit taken aback when people say my work looks like me or they can see 'me' in my work. After reading this book, I am gaining a whole new level of understanding into the art of self portraits. Little bits of ourselves find there way into our work, and this book helps to guide you on the journey. Not only does it include some of my favorite artists, and friends, the variety of techniques used is just plain wonderful. Something for everyone! I highly recommend this book as a tool to look deeper, find out more, and discover your true self.
Pam Carriker, mixed media artist

Cate says "the self-portrait is a powerful tool that can effect change and growth,tell stories, and promote connections with others as an invitation to view the unconditional self". This book looks at the history of self portraits and provides the reader with step-by-step techniques and prompts to help them create their own. Exercises in drawing, digital imaging with fabric and collage will help you get your
ideas and inspiration flowing and if that's not enough to get you going then the projects by talented contributing artists such as Kelli Perkins, Kelly Rae Roberts, Debbi Crane, Jane Lafazio and others are sure to inspire you. Recommended for all skill levels who want to explore the art of self portraits.