Monday, April 22, 2013

Raw Art Journaling

When I wrote my first book, one of the things that surprised me most was the complete focus on pictures rather than the words. It wasn't like my publisher and editor (Tonia Davenport, before she got married) neglected the words, I'm not saying that. I am just saying she reinforced the idea that artists like to look at the pictures (!) and often do not read.

Quinn McDonald's book, Raw Art Journaling, is one you want to read. 


I even read it and trust me, I am guilty of the 'look at the pictures' behavior.
There are so many gems of knowledge in this book along with extremely useful exercises. The concept of a 'Raw Journal" is easy enough....or is it? It is about creating imperfect art....ahem, that is rather hard to access, eh? About accepting the fact that we are all flawed, mmmm, another potentially tough concept. About being free to mess up. How often do we allow ourselves to do that!
In the able hands of Quinn, these topics are tackled with intelligence. She offers stories and exercises and examples, tips and more. It is important work. Because, as artists, this eventually, this leads us to "Making Meaning." And I love that idea. Love, love love it.

I recently spent an afternoon with Quinn's book and was particularly drawn to a section called Pouring Emotion Into Lines.  Quinn talks about ways to express emotion with your lines, via thickness, loops and repetition. She includes several easily accessible exercises for making 'Confetti' lines and 'Free Floating Bubbles."
I knew I wanted to play around with that section of the book.
Rather than starting with the white page, I had some hand painted paper on hand and decided to work right on top of that page. My friend Mary Nasser was at the studio and I am grateful to her for photographing my process.
The process itself was somewhat doodle-like, yet not. Quinn talks about not trying to make a design, but rather allowing the lines to flow. Er, I think she means disengage that ever present brain.....a task easier said than done.
I drew the lines and the bubbles and just kept moving along in the book, sort of piling up exercise on top of exercise. It was relaxing and playful. Fun! And working this way made me think about painting because it was so fluid. And I know that lovely paintings would result by applying these same ideas. 
In order to celebrate Quinn's book, I have an autographed copy to give away!!! Not my own (duh) because I won't part with it, but Quinn gave me another one.
Leave me a comment below and I will do a drawing a week from today.






22 comments:

  1. i'd love to "look" at the pictures!! thanks so much for the chance.

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  2. I had so much fun making art with you in your studio that day!
    This really is a terrific book!

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  3. The book definitely sounds like a great one to add to my library. Thank you both for the chance to win.

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  4. "Allowing the lines to flow" not as easy as it sounds. I need to 'allow' myself to do that.

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  5. Well I already have the book - but if I win - I'll do another give-away! I loved the book and it is time to get it out again and give it another go! Lori W at Art Camp for Women

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  6. Letting go of the process is the hardest thing I have had to learn. Sounds like this book would be helpful, thanks for a chance to win.

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  7. This looks a great book - I'd love to win a copy!
    Thanks!

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  8. I think being 'mindful' of your line drawing is the key. Not just dashing off lines automatically, but being IN the moment.

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  9. Thankyou for this opportunity! The book sounds just right for my 'loosening’! I'm looking forward to reading the book one way or another! Mrs A

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  10. The book sounds like a great way to work with 'hard' concepts

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  11. I would love to win a copy of Quinn's book! Thanks for the chance Mary Beth. I enjoyed reading your post about the book and what inspired you as you read it. Should I be the lucky winner please contact me at bkisrael@gmail.com. Thanks SO much!

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  12. I would love to win a copy of Quinn's book. 2013 has been my year of harmony and courage. I have been taking classes and trying more concepts, and with attempt I find hat I an getting better and stronger.

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  13. I started journaling just 1,5 years ago, and never looked back. Finally I found a way of making sketching and planning of paintings fun! I would love to devour Quinn's book ;-) Thank you for the opportunity!

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  14. this book sounds like great art therapy, i would love to work through it. thanks for the chance to win :)

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  15. I'd love to win this book!!! Thank you and Quinn!!!

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  16. Mary Beth,

    I took your workshop at the Artiscape in Ohio. I made a nifty work of art. Thank you for the opportunity to learn and integrate new information. I've received a lot of positive feedback on the image. I would be elated to win a copy of the journaling book.

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  17. That sounds like a book that I need. Great review.

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  18. If you like it, I'd like it. Any insides 'shots' of pages in book? I have your book "flavor" and really enjoy looking. (and sometimes working).

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  19. Oooh, I'd love to have this book! I've just started an 8 week art journaling workshop and this would be a great addition to keep me going!

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  20. I'd love a chance to win this book! Thanks!

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  21. Taking the thinking brain out of art making is such a relief sometimes. I would love to learn tricks to do that more. Music helps me a lot.
    Thanks for the review of Quinn's book. If I don't win it, I will be sure to put it on my to buy list !
    Happy Sunday, Gorgeous One !

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  22. Of course I need a signed book for the Triangle Bookcase.

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