Monday, June 27, 2011

Book Review and Giveaway



So in keeping with the last post, I want to introduce you to a new book by Cathy Johnson, "Artist's Journal Workshop".  

I had the pleasure of reviewing this book a couple of weeks ago.

Now I have a lot of books on art journalling that I have picked up over the last 5 years or so.  It's a little trendy right now.
  Many have been disappointing, they are either too basic, with a few step by step exercises and a large chapter on basic supplies or they are just a book showcasing a particular artist's work and little "how to" info.

I tend too be very practical....if I'm gonna spend money for a book I want to use it not have it just sit on my extremely full bookcase.



Cathy's book is different. Using examples from her own work and that of some talented colleagues (including the amazing Nina Johanssen, whose work I always love), she gives you lots of information on how to fill that journal.

Tips on techniques you might want to try, things that didn't work and how to fix them and strategies to get you into the routine.

 She walks you through the process with exercises (Try This:) and has a few extended demos to keep you on track.
   This book has a very relaxed writing style so the beginning artist does not feel intimidated and yet a more experienced artist will find lots of "new" practical advice. I found myself constantly spring boarding off ideas for curriculum projects. (Lookout kids)






The book also includes all the links to the contributor's websites so I know have lots more people to check in on!


Overall I was very impressed and I can see it's one of those books I would have taken out repeatedly from the library (many late fees I bet) until I realized how much I need my own copy.
As I sit here writing this and looking at the book again I'm itching grab the sketchbook and want to re read this book all over again!


So if you are interested check it out at F plus W Media Bookstore.

When I last looked it was already on sale but if not you can use this coupon code for 40% off:

                
                       JULY11AJW

or you can try your hand at winning a copy.  Just enter in a comment on this post or send me an email at:  thatartistwoman@shaw.ca
- must be a US or Canadian resident


Please enter by 11:59pm on Thursday June 30th and I'll make the draw on Friday.  Good Luck everyone!


New Ceramic lesson on Wednesday so stay tuned.

(Disclaimer: Review copy was graciously provided to me by FW Media)
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59 comments:

  1. The Creative JourneyJune 27, 2011 at 6:53 PM

    I am a professed bookaholic. Love going to B&N and grabbing a bunch of art books and finding a corner to get a taste of what other artists are doing. My bookcase at home is overflowing!! Can't seem to leave a bookstore without a book. My classroom book collection has also grown tremendously. Love using story books for art projects. Thanks for all of your great ideas!

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  2. AnonymousJune 27, 2011 at 7:41 PM

    I'd love to win! I'm not sure it would be useful for me, but my mother-in-law could use it.

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  3. echisJune 27, 2011 at 8:55 PM

    Thank you for such a great recommendation...so often I find myself purchasing "art workbooks" that don't offer much. Hope to win this great find!

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  4. echisJune 27, 2011 at 8:56 PM

    P.S....e-mail echis@mywdo.com

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  5. AnonymousJune 27, 2011 at 10:34 PM

    I love your blog Gail and this time, im not upset that i cant enter lol,( im downunder) lol, i have this book on order and should receive it any day now lol im so glad its all im hoping for thanks for the review, i know what u mean re some books and i hate it when something is explained and not shown , im a monkey see monkey do kinda person...oh and i have u on my google reader .....

    hugz bev langby ( leofaerie17@gmail.com)

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  6. CindyJune 27, 2011 at 11:19 PM

    This book might be the artistic kick in the pants that I need.

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  7. CindyJune 28, 2011 at 1:12 AM

    What a beautiful book---what we could see. What fun to get new, fresh ideas.

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  8. ElizabethJune 28, 2011 at 2:03 AM

    Thanks so much for writing this review. This book is now one for my wishlist.

    Have a fabulous summer.

    the girl from Denmark.

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  9. geoleoanJune 28, 2011 at 4:46 AM

    thanks for the chance...
    love your blog..!!

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  10. JulieJune 28, 2011 at 5:23 AM

    I just started doing Art Journaling and I would love this book! Thanks for the chance.

    Willowtreecreek at gmail dot com

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  11. Renée CollinsJune 28, 2011 at 5:50 AM

    Thanks for such a thorough review of a wonderful book, and for a chance to receive it! Love your blog. Good luck all.
    positivespaceart@gmail.com

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  12. AnonymousJune 28, 2011 at 6:03 AM

    oh my gosh, it does look wonderful...Cathy's book...and i do collect art books...anything that helps to inspire and create...little people and myself...and I must tell you how I love your blog! I follow it and save all you fun instructions! Happy, Happy, Creating! xoxo Eden

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  13. ~VeJune 28, 2011 at 6:21 AM

    I'd love to win this book!

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  14. Paula CohenJune 28, 2011 at 6:27 AM

    Thanks for the opportunity to win this book. You know I love your blog but this would be a very special book to have as I'm working on a book about my mom and dad's life together, pre WWII and until his passing several years ago.

    Thanks! Paula
    paula@paulacohenillustration.com

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  15. NannaJune 28, 2011 at 6:30 AM

    I would love to win this book! I have just started with watercolors and I know it would help me! Thanks!

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  16. Christie - Fine LinesJune 28, 2011 at 6:38 AM

    You make this book sound REALLY worth having. Of course, that would mean having to find room in my already full bookcases -- yet another summer project for me - ha ha:))!

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  17. UnknownJune 28, 2011 at 6:39 AM

    Looks like a great book!

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  18. SuzieJune 28, 2011 at 7:09 AM

    Looks like a fantastic book with creative ideas! Thanks for the chance!

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  19. janice skivingtonJune 28, 2011 at 7:34 AM

    Oh, please enter me into This Giveaway! Your book review has me sold, I want to see this for myself. Sounds like it is so packed with ideas and inspiration.
    I admire another thing that you have posted about; your art journal projects with your kids! I have always prided myself on the amount of art I instilled into my four kids lives but I never thought of a journal project, that would have filled a lot of vacation days. Now my four are pretty much grown up, even married, but I will tuck that idea away for my (yet unborn) grandkids.

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  20. TeaLadyJune 28, 2011 at 8:06 AM

    Great giveaway, please enter me, Thanks, Courtenay L.

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  21. AnonymousJune 28, 2011 at 8:15 AM

    would love some new inspiration ...

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  22. Dad24treasuresJune 28, 2011 at 9:09 AM

    Oh, please, please, please pick my name!!! :) I would love to win and USE this book! Thanks so much for offering it!

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  23. LibertyJune 28, 2011 at 9:27 AM

    oh this book looks awesome!
    I would love to be entered in the draw :-)

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  24. SandyJune 28, 2011 at 9:37 AM

    This book sounds fabulous! Please count me in... I would love to have it to help me with my new art journal!

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  25. woodenspadeJune 28, 2011 at 9:46 AM

    Please enter me in the drawing! Thanks

    laurie

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  26. MaryJune 28, 2011 at 10:09 AM

    Looks like a wonderful book. I would love to be entered. Thanks!

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  27. AnnaJune 28, 2011 at 10:40 AM

    I have a Marjolein Bastin sketchbook, "the country diary of an edwardian lady"by Edith Holden, and "how to keep a sketchbook journal"by Claudia Nice. I would love to win this book to add to my collection.

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  28. SophieJune 28, 2011 at 10:57 AM

    I too have many art journal books but this one really looks interesting. I'm taking my chance with the giveaway! ;-)
    Sophie (in Montreal)

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  29. the DominaJune 28, 2011 at 11:04 AM

    I've never done art journalling, but as a mom of 4 kids I feel like I'm just now coming to a point in life where I have a few free minutes each day to get back into drawing/painting. I'd love to try this - two upcoming trips should provide lots of inspiration!

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  30. Marcia BeckettJune 28, 2011 at 11:09 AM

    Hi! I'd love a chance to win the book. It looks very interesting. i agree with you about the supply chapter in every book I seem to purchase. I know what glues are out there!

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  31. UnknownJune 28, 2011 at 11:17 AM

    This book seems amazing and I'd love the chance to have a free copy. Too bad I didn't know about it earlier, I'm headed to Edisto Island, SC this coming week and plan to have my sketch book and colored pencils in hand! :D Love your work.

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  32. COMILLERSJune 28, 2011 at 11:52 AM

    That looks awesome. Thanks for a chance to win it=)

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  33. VeeJune 28, 2011 at 12:35 PM

    I have been looking forward to this book! I would love to win this - thanks for the opportunity!

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  34. ZonnahJune 28, 2011 at 1:17 PM

    The book looks amazing!

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  35. AimeeJune 28, 2011 at 2:34 PM

    I love the page title "Give Yourself Permission." I've been trying to convince myself it's OK to play. Thanks for the opportunity to win.

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  36. Jennifer G. MillerJune 28, 2011 at 3:09 PM

    Oh, I love practical journaling books...hard to find one! I'd love to win this!

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  37. AnonymousJune 28, 2011 at 3:20 PM

    I really enjoy Cathy's work and website. I would absolutely love to win a copy of this book. I do a lot of work with youth in my job as a naturalist and we do a lot of journaling. It would come in very handy! Thanks for the opportunity to win.
    Pauline
    fiberlooney@yahoo.com

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  38. ChristineJune 28, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    It looks like an inspiring book- please enter me in your giveaway drawing. Thanks for sharing it!
    patetes@charter.net

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  39. ShalaeJune 28, 2011 at 3:45 PM

    It looks like a great book. I admit that some just don't give me the type of information I'm looking for. I'd love to have a look at this one! I'd love to have a chance to win one.

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  40. RebeccaJune 28, 2011 at 5:44 PM

    Thank you so much for the chance to win this book. It looks amazing. I would love to win this. Thanks again.

    agent_beckster(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  41. KristenJune 28, 2011 at 6:14 PM

    i would so much love to win this book! thanks for a lovely giveaway!

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  42. AnonymousJune 28, 2011 at 7:16 PM

    Wow! What a great looking book. I would love to win this one. My students would be so happy to try out some of these new ides.

    smarshall@retsd.mb.ca

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  43. AnonymousJune 28, 2011 at 7:48 PM

    I'm fascinated with art journaling, but have never tried it myself. I'm lucky just to be sitting down and writing something once a week. I'm hoping to teach my kids, though. I would love this book for inspiration. Thank you.

    jennebeker(at)gmail(dot)com

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  44. SheriJune 28, 2011 at 8:17 PM

    The book looks wonderful. Although art journaling books are a little trendy, I seem to find something valuable in most. Thank you for the contest.

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  45. Beverley BairdJune 28, 2011 at 8:38 PM

    What a fantastic giveaway! Your referral makes this book a must-have!
    Thanks for the chance to win!

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  46. mrs. cJune 28, 2011 at 11:02 PM

    I would so enjoy this book, my daughter is an artist and we are always looking for new ways to create art. My grand daughter love to make journals this looks like a really unique technique, I would love to have this.

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  47. AnonymousJune 29, 2011 at 1:21 AM

    I would love, love, love this book and I'm putting it on my wish list in case I'm not the winner ;)
    someluckydog at gmail dot com

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  48. pamJune 29, 2011 at 10:57 AM

    Goodness! 48 comments already! You have certainly sparked an interest in this book! I would love to be included in the giveaway drawing. I don't journal much, other than to keep notes about projects. But you have inspired me to change my ways!

    thank you for sharing the book and for the giveaway.

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  49. KathyJune 29, 2011 at 4:48 PM

    Would love to win the book. It would be great for my personal use and for school!

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  50. Kristyn DeMintJune 29, 2011 at 5:09 PM

    I would be interested in winning the book. I am taking a visual jouraling class this summer.

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  51. BaileyJune 29, 2011 at 8:12 PM

    I'd love to win!

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  52. Green-Eyed GirlJune 29, 2011 at 10:55 PM

    Such a great book! I love to watercolour, but never seen a book like that before (so precious). Thanks for sharing it with us! Very kind of you :)

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  53. Dana+MartinJune 29, 2011 at 11:00 PM

    Seems like a great book!

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  54. AnonymousJune 30, 2011 at 10:36 AM

    Just got hired this morning as a new first year Art Teacher!! I love your blog and I would love to win that book! Thanks! :)

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  55. elizabeth janeJune 30, 2011 at 11:45 AM

    Love your blog! I am a 5th grade teacher & have done numerous projects from your blog, all with great success!!

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  56. Clea May IngenthronJune 30, 2011 at 1:52 PM

    My little sis would love that book! She just graduated college with an Art degree and has an interview coming up! I'm so excited!!

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  57. JessicaJune 30, 2011 at 6:19 PM

    Win this book? Yes please! :) Nothing like waiting till the last minute to comment. Thank you for all you do.

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  58. The Writer's WifeApril 3, 2012 at 1:01 PM

    This book look awesome. This seems like a way to help you to make really cool visual journals. It is hard to do sometimes, we need a little inspiration.
    Vanessa O.

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  59. Ms. EatonApril 24, 2012 at 5:19 PM

    This journaling text is exactly what I think I have been looking for. I would highly appreciate a free copy. I am a first year art teacher whos trying to find new and interesting ways to get students to use a sketch book. Thank you so much for your book reviews Gail. They are highly appreciated.

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