Kim Dettmer Art

  • Home
  • Shop
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
  • Portfolios
  • Home
  • Shop
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
  • Portfolios

Top 10 Art Books that Inspire me!

5/25/2017

0 Comments

 
Creating is fueled by inspiration. When I am feeling creatively stuck I often head to my collection of art books to find ideas, direction, and, of course, inspiration.

​Here are my top 10 art books that inspire me.
Picture
Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzberg
When I am feeling stuck while in the middle of creating and I want to simply crumple up the paper and throw it into the trash, Beautiful Oops reminds me that there are no mistakes in art. Instead these "oops-moments" are times when I can "think of it as an opportunity to make something beautiful!"
​

Picture
Drawing Lab for Mixed Media Artists by Carla Sonheim
When I was first dabbling with the idea of being an artist, I dove head first into this and other Art Lab books. Drawing Lab for Mixed Media I especially enjoy because the 52 different creative exercises are well described and filled with fun, attainable examples of delightful ways to explore art.

Picture
Craft-a-Doodle by Jenny Doh
I find that doodling gets my creative juices flowing and positively impacts my mood. Craft-a-Doodle is filled with creative doodling exercises, each of which has simple, yet fun, doodling prompts. It is not uncommon for me to grab this book, my sketchbook and favorite pens and find a comfy place to sit and doodle. Doodling always make my day happier.

Picture
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
I love The Art of War because it reminds me, in a plain and simple way, that I must ignore my inner mean girl and that I have to sit down and "do the work". Mr. Pressfield says, "Creative work is not a selfish act or a bid for attention on the part of the actor. It's a gift to the world and every being in it. Don't cheat us of your contribution. Give us what you've got." This book is a must for anyone who thinks they might want to explore their creative-side.


Picture
Once Upon a Piece of Paper by Andrea D'Aquino
This fun, whimsical book about collage making is awesome! Not only does the author give suggestions and ideas of how to use papers and create collages, but she gives you a pad of random printed papers to use in your own artwork.

Picture
Zendoodle by Susanne Schaadt
A while back, my sister took a zentangle class and soon after, she taught me some of what she learned. Since then I have been hooked on the beauty of the intricate patterns that can be drawn. Zendoodle is my current go-to book when I want a zentangle resource. I am now finding that I have been incorporating zentangle doodles from my sketch book in many of my collages.

Picture
365 Things to Make and Do by Fiona Watt
Clearly this book was written for kids but it's marvelous for adults too (or at least for this adult). Its a great book to pull out when my boys want to create - but I find inspiration for my art every time I flip through the pages. I love the silly and clever ideas of ways to be creative. 365 Things to Make and Do always gets my child-like creative juices flowing!

Picture
Creative Revolution by Flora Bowley
Flora Bowley's personal story is so inspiring! Her ability to engage all of her senses and intuition into her art is fascinating. Each time I pick up this book I am reminded to get out of my head and trust my gut. And, when I do that I am never disappointed. Creative Revolution makes me strive to be a better, more authentic artist.

Picture
Art Quilt Collage by Deborah Boschert
Some of the most amazing pieces of artwork I have seen are quilts. The craft bringing together of colors, patterns, and fabrics intrigues me. Therefore I have begun to look for inspiration in quilts. I really like the texture of the stitching, the softness of the fabric and handmade look of quilts. But, mostly I love the stories that quilt-makers tell. While paging through Art Quilt Collage I am reminded that art is simply a form of storytelling and I am inspired to incorporate my stories into my art.

Picture
In the Company of Women by Grace Bonney
This book, recently recommended by a friend, is packed full of inspiration! The author interviewed over 100 amazing and talented makers, artists and entrepreneurs an their thoughts are uplifting, empowering and insightful. When I am feeling stressed or overwhelmed this is my go-to book to find a sense of community. As I read each woman's story I am reminded that I am not alone on this journey of creativity.

Make is a HAPPY Day!
Picture
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    February 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    July 2016
    April 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014

    Categories

    All
    "Dear Sons" Collage Series

    RSS Feed

    Buy My Art Here!
    Commission Artwork!