I'd Rather Be in the Studio

A book I always like to have within reach. I've found the marketing advise very helpful. Unfortunately, my copy seems to have walked off again! Hope it comes back soon. I need the gnomes in my house to bring it back. Please, gnomes, please! I've got to get a bio prepared and really want Alyson's advice. Please!

Imagine FX

I don't do digital art (well, beyond the couple pieces I've already done and my web comic - if you can call the latter anything but "basement art."). I've had a lot of people ask me why I don't, since they know I enjoy working on computers. But brush painting lets me "unplug" and get away. Still, I love seeing the techniques involved. If you like painting in Photoshop but want to better your skills, this is for you! They have great step-by-step tutorials. I personally like looking through the magazine for art inspiration. June's magazine was so full of wonderful art, I had to buy the magazine. Next month is a Masters of Manga issue -- I have a feeling I'll be buying that issue too. The manga tutorials they had a bit ago were fantastic. This is definitely the magazine to read to free your mind and get yourself out of a rut.

Createx Paints

I started my painting career with airbrushed landscapes. I still love to airbrush when I have a moment. Sometimes when I'm painting and I want something very fluid, I'll reach for my Createx paints. I love the transparent colors -- they layer so well. Someday when I'm feeling really brave, I think I'll take my airbrush to one of my traditional landscapes and try to merge the two concepts. I know other people have done this, I just haven't overcome my own fear of messing up a painting I adore -- since that happens to be whatever painting is on the easel at the time!

Taking the Leap

I found one of my favorite quotes in this book which goes something to the effect of: “You are either painting or you are obsessing about the fact you aren’t painting. You choose. ” To me, that’s the difference between the doer and the wanna-be: doing or obsessing. We may not always be where we want to be, but we can be working toward it. This book can help you know where the next step when the way seems dark.

The E-Myth

I'm going out on a branch here saying that artists should read this book. Many will ask why when it really pushes franchises and since when was an artist a franchise? Ever heard of Thomas Kinkaide? Ever buy the book Twilight or the merchandise associated with the saga? It's not so much about licensing your work, which is easier today than ever before in history, but about the customer service lessons in the book. You are the brand for your art. People want to know how they are going to be treated when they buy your art. This is why every artist needs to read The E-Myth.

The Tao of Watercolors

Most people get their first introduction to watercolor as a child with the small watercolor sets. I remember as a child sitting down at the table with my set and brusha pile of copy paper, and my mother fussing to find a cup that I could use to wash my brush. She knew I was going to make a mess and not clean up after myself (at least not to her standards --isn't this the way it always is?) I even remember a few times she would sit down and paint with me. My paintings never came out as beautiful as hers.

Today, I've found that there are some watercolors that I like and others I don't. I've been mostly an oil and acrylic painter since I started, but books like this make me want to branch out into watercolors. Even though most kids get their first art exposure with watercolors, it's a hard art form to learn.

Jeanne's paintings are beautiful and inspiring. The Tao behind the art is well worth the read for any artist.

Art Calendar Magazine

One of my must reads every month. I love Jack White's column -- he's got such a no-nonsense approach to art business.