I have had a lot of lovely feedback when I’ve shared art books that inspire me such as the Print & Pattern Nature book. You can see a few of the cards inspired by this book here, here and here. Also, I have thoroughly enjoyed the Everyday Watercolor book by Jenna Rainey and shared some of my progress at the end of this post. So today I’m letting you know of another book I recently purchased; 365 Days Of Art. Firstly let me say that I wasn’t asked to review this book, I spotted it, bought it, like it and just want to share that with you :D However, I have added compensated affiliate links where possible.
The book written by Lorna Scobie is a delight of inspiration and artistic opportunity!
365 Days of Art is an inspiring journal designed to help readers and budding artists nurture their creativity and explore their feelings through the medium of art. Featuring an activity for every day of the year, from simple tasks like drawing shapes and lines to more considered tutorials such as calligraphy writing and shading, each task is designed to expand your creative skills and spark the artist within.
There is a little bit of everything included in the book, and the great thing is that each task is achievable in a short amount of time. This book would work great for Kathy Racoosin’s 30 Day Colouring Challenge to colour for 10 minutes a day. 365 Days Of Art is filled with small tasks and each day you can pick from the 365 different options; there’s no need to start at the beginning and work your way through, although the neat freak in me is tempted … The tasks range from colouring patterns, embellishing drawings, calligraphy etc. so there’s plenty even for someone like me, who doesn’t have a natural knack for drawing.
I don’t know about you, but there comes the point in the evening where I just crash and burn. I have no more energy for getting anything done, and as a family, we congregate in front of the TV for a little bit of relaxation before bed. A good program I’ve enjoyed watching recently is Tom Kerridge’s Lose Weight For Good, in fact, I enjoyed the program so much I bought that book too! The program concentrates on healthy eating with a view to losing weight. I know many people look to lose a few pounds at this time of year. However, I found the program inspiring not so much for the weight loss aspect but for the recipes. Tom is a 2* Michelin Chef, and he corrected his lifestyle to lose 12 stone in weight by cooking healthy but most importantly tasty recipes. We’ve been trying a few and the Beef Stroganoff – delicious! Anyway, I’m getting sidetracked as usual. While watching TV, no doubt each family member is double tasking with some form of electronic gadget. My husband likes to listen to music, my daughter is usually on her laptop coding or working on an assignment and my youngest, he likes to play games. I am often surfing social media, especially Instagram and catching up on what everyone has been up to.
Now, this is a long, convoluted way to get around to talking about this book, 365 Days Of Art, but I think this book will be perfect for our multitasking evening TV time. I plan on having the book, along with a few supplies – pencil, eraser, black pen, coloured pencils, pencil sharpener etc. next to me and instead of screen time I’m going to pick up this book and complete a few of the daily tasks. I’m hoping others in the room will join in too. My youngest, in particular, likes to draw and I’d much prefer he was drawing than playing a computer game! I’ll let you know how we get on.
Do you have any good books you would recommend? I particularly like books with a purpose – ones that will teach or inspire me, so mainly educational or leisure books – art, cooking, inspirational stories of success, how to, DIY, beautiful photography etc
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This has been a very interesting read for many reasons.
First, I have the book, Everyday Watercolor, and love it! I also purchased a book by Esther Peck called, Lush and Blooms (Amazon). It isn’t a tutorial, but a book I really like. You can also find Esther Peck on Instagram. I have loved watercolor since I was in High School. My senior year I was a National Scholastic Gold Key recipient in watercolor and pen & ink. But when I got married I put my love of art on a shelf thinking that because I was not professionally trained I had no talent – I know.
Now, many years later not only have I revived my love of art, but photography as well.
Second, we are a multi-generational household – meaning, our son, his wife, and our young grandson live with us. My husband and I are both retired now, but are the caretakers (if you will) of the house (we are the owners) and I am the cook and house cleaner. I cook 7 days a week. We rarely go out because we try to eat healthy (gluten-free) and organic (fresh veggies, grass feed meat, range-free eggs) etc, etc. Our DIL is the force behind all of this and I will admit it was difficult at first. But she believes that a good immune system starts in the gut and wants that for our grandson. I applaud her for it and do my best to deliver a well balanced, nutritious meal on the table each evening. At age 68 by the time dinner is done (our son does all the clean-up), like you, I’m spent! *laughing* We usually retire to our room which is a large suite and has a wall mount TV. Because of our former careers (you can check my SCS bio) you’ll understand that while we are on our electronic devices too, we are very interested in listening to politics and I’m catching up on social media (I so wish we could share another way because I don’t care for social media).
Third, I am having a lot of difficulty with my eyes right now and will be having surgery mid-March. I have blocked tear ducts and need surgery to correct it. So, crafting at night is a non-starter for me – it’s just to difficult.
But I digress. I too want to go further with my love of art – especially watercolor – thus my recent purchase. I am so delighted with your post that I’m going to read backward so I am caught up. I recently created a card that is on Instagram and SCS where I did some free hand watercolor, cut it out and created a card with it. I have miles to go Debby, but I enjoy the process of the journey. Thank you again for such a well written, honest look into the heart of an artist. When we share we allow others to journey with us. That’s a good thing.
It’s strange the things we do with best intentions isn’t it. I loved art as a child but was also good at science and wanted to be a serious professional working woman, so went headlong down the science route. I got a PhD and everything. Then years later, when I’m home with the children, the love of art resurfaces!
I must admit that as time goes on I agree with your DIL how important what we fuel our bodies with. I’ve a way to go but am trying harder to cook from scratch more and with the best ingredients.
I wish you the best with your operation and hope that recovery will be quick for you.
I’ll pop over and check out your SCS post, but for now I have to run my youngest to school as the school bus has failed to arrive …
The same happens to me…at night I’m really exhausted and I can hardly use my time to create something beutiful, But this is so frustrating because EVERY day I wait for the kiddos (7 and 4) to go to bed to have some time for me…but my hubby arrives from work at about 20.45, so we have a very late dinner together and after getting kitchen done I’m out of order…BUT…I’ll love to have this book behind me on the sofa…maybe it will be a very good idea…
Thanks a lot for sharing your experience…
Cristina
thehouseoftheblackbirds.blogspot.it
It does get easier with the kiddos – mine are 19, 17 and 13 :D That’s no help for now though LOL. I hope you can find a little bit of me time that you can carve in to your day. Even if it is just 10 minutes with this book.
Looks like there are quite a few of us out there. Art was my greatest love too, but I also had a love for history and maths and ended up gaining my degree in History and having a career in Finance! I hadn’t picked up a paintbrush (apart from the DIY type) for over 20 years until I started making cards. Now Debby has inspired me to start Watercoloring again. I have bought all the books art books she has recommended in the past and really enjoy referencing them, particularly when my own inspiration is on the wane. I now see a new purchase on the horizon. I’m pretty sure 365 Days of Art is a book I shall enjoy.
Like you Debby, I’m a neat freak and I shall more than likely start at the beginning and work my way through. I also really struggle to be free in my painting, everything is so controlled, so that’s something I’m working on too!
Thank you so much for all the inspiration and guidance you provide, (I recently purchased your watercolour set) I always look forward to your posts and videos. Now to order my new book!
By the way, I love Tom Kerridge too!
I’m so glad that like me you are enjoying a revival of your interest in art. I’m delighted that you have enjoyed the books I’ve recommended so far and hope you like this book too :D