31 artists...31 days. Spend every day of March with me at The Altered Page to meet the 31 spotlight artists in my book The Pulse of Mixed Media: Secrets and Passions of 100 Artists Revealed
. See their beautiful faces, read their 'quirky' bios written in their own words, see some of their art that led me to invite them to be a part of my book, and hear my story of what they each mean to me. Then click on over to their sites and see what they have to say about The Pulse of Mixed Media.------------------------------------
My art is an opportunity to reflect on the everyday, from the clutter on my desk to my neighbor's fruit stand, from what I ate for lunch to my unfolded laundry. In recording and meditating on it, I find beauty and significance in the things I do.
I work exclusively in books, so the progression of my days unfolds with each page.
The totality is the sum of my days and my life.
I love the look of juxtaposed images and calligraphy, so my journals are diaries as well as sketchbooks.
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Danny Gregory. If you sketch, if you journal, and especially if you combine the two together...you know Danny Gregory. Artist, author, blogger, filmmaker and, as it turns out, great guy. You never know for sure what artists will be like when you meet them but with Danny, what you see is what you get. And that is because he is honest, direct, vulnerable, and just plain real in every piece of art he creates. He is humble too and in response to these words would probably say something like "I am just drawing things."
Living in NYC provides me with so many opportunities and in 2008 I jumped at the chance to take an extended course with Danny called Everyday Matters: Illustrated Journals as a Path to Creativity. I learned so much from Danny during those sessions and not just about the technical side of drawing. He spoke about drawing without judgement and drawing for oneself, how an artist can commit, the importance of observation, how one cannot ever separate the "you" from the drawing, and a few of my favorites: surprise yourself...do what you can't...love mistakes...never complain - never explain...express yourself. Sounds like he is talking about life and not just about journaling. Got it...and thank you for that Danny!
Be sure to check out his site and his earlier post about his experience with the book.
I work exclusively in books, so the progression of my days unfolds with each page.
The totality is the sum of my days and my life.
I love the look of juxtaposed images and calligraphy, so my journals are diaries as well as sketchbooks.
------------------------------------
Danny Gregory. If you sketch, if you journal, and especially if you combine the two together...you know Danny Gregory. Artist, author, blogger, filmmaker and, as it turns out, great guy. You never know for sure what artists will be like when you meet them but with Danny, what you see is what you get. And that is because he is honest, direct, vulnerable, and just plain real in every piece of art he creates. He is humble too and in response to these words would probably say something like "I am just drawing things."
Living in NYC provides me with so many opportunities and in 2008 I jumped at the chance to take an extended course with Danny called Everyday Matters: Illustrated Journals as a Path to Creativity. I learned so much from Danny during those sessions and not just about the technical side of drawing. He spoke about drawing without judgement and drawing for oneself, how an artist can commit, the importance of observation, how one cannot ever separate the "you" from the drawing, and a few of my favorites: surprise yourself...do what you can't...love mistakes...never complain - never explain...express yourself. Sounds like he is talking about life and not just about journaling. Got it...and thank you for that Danny!
Be sure to check out his site and his earlier post about his experience with the book.
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GIVEAWAY
NOW CLOSED
79 comments:
His sketchbooks would be keepers! Wonderful work.
I'm loving all the different artistic styles of the artists you're featuring. Danny's sketches and paintings are incredible!
Seth, I remember the works you shared during your time studying with Danny, and how much I loved your shoes! I know we're all studying with Danny in our way. I have two of his books and one of the things I love about his work is how the images look as if they are living and breathing. The calligraphy he mentions is a big part of it. And what you point out about his being vulnerable... I think that's a key to an artist's finding her voice.
"My art is an opportunity to reflect on the everyday" . . . love that! great work.
I love Danny's work i have bought all of his books and they inspire me still.....i can only say it must be such a wonderful opportunity to do a workshop in person with an inspiring artist such as Danny Gregory...... Another amazing artist exposed in your book. Thanks Seth!
each new post, each new artist is inspiration. it's wonderful to be reminded, day by day, of the many paths, the many directions.
I was a little late to the party...I "discovered" Danny's blog/books/goodness a few years ago. I've been sketching ever since. :)
That's a great line: "Love mistakes".
I love this interview!
and I share Danny's love
of journaling,
the page, the spread,
visual delight and script...
a few years ago
I bought all of Danny's books
and gave them to my teenage son
we both enjoy them
they are parked in a stack
with pages worn by use
next to his desk...
thanks so much Seth
another stellar interview
and peek into a special life,
xox - eb.
I've been so inspired by Danny's art, blog and book. What a delight to see his work celebrated here.
Usually I find lots of new (to me) artists as I browse your site, but this time I actually already follow Danny and his great philosophy of sketching every day. I love how he makes art accessible - just practice. Every day.
I have been a fan of Danny's for a long time, in fact it was his blog posting about your book that led me to your website, for which I am most grateful. Surprise Yourself...Do what you can't....I love it
Wow, his work looks amazing, thanks for the introduction.
Oh, if I had only know about that class!!!!! I remember you mentioning it.
I've read his website and it doesn't sound like he will be teaching more. Consider yourself one lucky guy, Seth.
Finally, I'm here on the same day as your post. I had a fun visit to Danny Gregory's blog and really enjoyed the photos as well as his sketches and drawings. So different from the previous artists, which really impresses me. I can hardly wait to see this book!
I love Danny's drawings, and the story of his life is touching...very genuine and honest. so should we all learn to be...
What an amazing way to record a life. I have tried journaling, the best I can do with them is make them. I admire people that journal everyday, art journals, word journals, combo journals. Amazing and so interesting!
I didnt know about Danny, so thank you. I love journals with both words and painting. A great example of the like.
Because of you and that class you took I too "met" Danny Gregory. Thank you for that. I have one of his books. It's by my bedside and I look at it often before falling asleep at night. I hope I am absorbing that which all the artists in it have to share. I follow his blog now too. I love his video where he draws his breakfast. I want to draw like him when I grow up.
Because of you and that class you took I too "met" Danny Gregory. Thank you for that. I have one of his books. It's by my bedside and I look at it often before falling asleep at night. I hope I am absorbing that which all the artists in it have to share. I follow his blog now too. I love his video where he draws his breakfast. I want to draw like him when I grow up.
Good advice - just draw what you see - there never seems to be enough time in the day to draw anymore and I miss it. What a treasure trove this month is!
I have loved Danny Gregory's art, and, the attitudes he expresses about how to live a life ever since I discovered his book "Everyday Matters." Two other books of his, "The Creative License," and "An Illustrated Life" have only added to that concept begun in the first book of: Living! Every! Day!, and completely embracing the details of existence that we frequently keep on the periphery. I love the way his spontaneous drawing style, choice of subject matter, and great use of color reflect his amazing sense about how to live in this world!
What a super post about Danny and for the link to his blog. His artwork is amazing- just superb. I previously read about Danny's life story around the time you took his class and was truly touched. Perhaps humble, but so talented and I look forward to reading the book he indicates he is writing. Day 6 is just great!
you have introduced an artist I did not know... thanks
you have introduced an artist I did not know... thanks
Love how Danny says this out loud and you say it out loud and others reading this will say it out loud and I say it again out loud here. It needs to be said out loud so people will hear it. Don't explain yourself (your art which is you) and don't apologize for yourself (your art which is you). Fabulous post here. *smiles* Norma
I have a tee shirt that reads:
I LOVE DANNY GREGORY
...nuf said.
Boy, can he draw. Admirable dedication to his daily art practice. I can hardly wait for the book. Amazon has brought forward the delivery date...yippee!
I own, and love, his book "An Illustrated Life" and last fall I was searching my library for other books he's done and stumbled upon his book about old classroom filmstrips, which was darn cool I went out and bought it for my husband for Christmas. So wonderful to hear he's the great guy he seems to be!
I was fortunate enough to hear Danny speak at Art and Soul a few years ago. His words and images are wonderful and inspiring.
To me Danny Gregory is the "king"of sketchbook journaling. Such dedication and consistency. Thank you.
I have one of Danny's books. I need to get it back out. I was drawing quite regularly, then life and that inner critic got in the way. Some day I'm going to shoot that inner critic!
This is the first I've heard about Danny and I am in awe of his work. I've just had an epiphany about journaling and now see it in an entirely different way...truly. Powerfully motivating!
Another inspiring artist. Thanks for sharing, Seth.
What a great philosophy!
thank you for the introduction to Danny, love his philosophy and will search out his books.
what a wonderful post! i love his work and am glad to have read this today. his work is incredible!
Love Danny's pages!
Danny Gregory's books transformed my way of seeing the reality around me. they really made me open my eyes. + I discovered that I actually CAN draw. who would have thought?! ;)
Interesting artist once again; thanks for introducing him here!
Danny's work is amazing! Yet another artistic skill I wish I could cultivate!
Love his sketchbooks...and hills blog! Inspiring!!
7am tues. Danny gregory's pics are wonderful. Amazon just notified me the book is in the mail so I will be enjoying all of it soon. once more thanks for pulling all this together! Are you ready to go in hiding when its over???
Every day another amazing artist willing to share. All so inspiring. Love this
I admire Danny and his work so much! His short video The Art of Breakfast is really fun. I assigned a viewing and reaction of it to my drawing students and they really got it. My favorite student reaction was "I realized in the middle of watching Danny's video that ART IS EVERYWHERE!" Worth a thousand of my words.
In the moment, true, real and full of integrity.
Love Danny Gregory's work and his books. Thanks for a chance to win your book.
Aloha, Kate
I wish I could draw. I love these sketches and how a watercolor wash can make things pop!
What a talent! I envy Danny for drawing everyday in his art journal. What a beautiful book that makes. And what I love most about him is that he documents the everyday but makes it so lovely with his drawing! I also love his thoughts! Do what you can't. That means to me to try things without judging the outcome before it is done. Bravo Danny!
Danny is so real in his blog posts that I feel as if I know him as a friend. His open sharing of his life ans his willingness to be vulnerable, charm me. He is always an inspiration.
everyday I wonder if THIS is the day the book will be in my hands--I ordered it about a week ago...sooo excited I must find a way to calm down until it arrives and I can pore through it...
I found inspiration from Danny Gregory and started journaling my own sketchbooks and it has been an amazing journey rediscovering who I am at 32. I love Danny and his books. He would have to be one of my most fave stars (see it doesnt need to be tv stars lol) and artists in the world and i too like that he is just himself.
I follow Danny's blog and he is an amazing artist and person!
Reading Every Day Matters made a huge impact on me. Danny has been my role model for drawing ever since. I have all his books... looking forward to acquiring your book too.. I just know it's going to be an inspiration.
Wow . . do I ever love what he told you about drawing!! (last paragraph). I'm going to write that down . . may make a poster of it to put in ny studio!
I've ordered the book . . can't wait 31 days!
I really like what Danny Gregory says about his own work in this essay on the Altered Page blog. he writes, partially:
"My art is an opportunity to reflect on the everyday, from the clutter on my desk to my neighbor's fruit stand, from what I ate for lunch to my unfolded laundry. In recording and meditating on it, I find beauty and significance in the things I do."
The everyday is what we do. Every day we walk to work, get a coffee, drive children to school, fold laundry, take dogs for walks, cook. I think I need to notice the beauty in the every day things. I need to find their value, create joy in doing those things and use them in my creativity. What do you think?
Danny's art and sketchbooks look amazing. Thanks so much for sharing this post. I'll have to get his books now!
roxanne
How nice, he seems real and down to earth. I think it will be fun to see more of his work.
His journals and his sketching skills make me green with envy, haha. But I took a lot from his example with my own, even though I do other stuff in my journals, too. Glad he got yet another spotlight, his vibrant personality and talent really deserve a good feature!
I am so looking forward to reading this new book. I can't get enough about what makes artists tick and the sketchbooks they keep.
Another wonderful artist! Seth, we are in your debt.
I love Danny Gregory! Follow his blog - found yours from a link on his - and have some of his books!
Yes, Danny's work is great! Everyday does really matter...
When I need a dose of inspiration I get one of Danny's books and I am soon back on track!
Thanks for a great profile. I'm a huge fan/student of Danny's and I love learning more. Wonderful!
Oh what a wonderful 'diary'!
A dear friend introduced me to Danny's work a few years ago when I was trying to go a new way with my sketchbooks....great inspiration and resource! ~Denise
His sketchbooks are so wonderful and inspiring, on to cHeck out his blog again!
I looove Dannyand I have his books.
And i want to win your book, so name in the hat.
Seth: I LOVE compilations of artists talking about their work and examples of it. Second best is collecting books of this type like yours, The Pulse of Mixed Media, and Danny's, An Illustrated Life. Thank you for seeking out and getting all these artists together in one place! (And, of course, la pièce de résistance is an autographed book of same.) I can't wait to read it. Congratulations!
Danny Gregory has been an inspiration to me since I first discovered him and his work in 2008.. I want to see everything he does.
...amazing, humble, and a Real person... never pretentious...
I love how he looks at things... and interprets them.
Thanks for being you Danny!!!
I would so love to paint how Dan does truely an inspiration
I'm especially fond of art that includes great use of line and calligraphy. People's art journals are so much fun to peruse. The keeping of daily observations...
DrawDrawDraw! This must be Danny's mantra. I have followed this incredible artist for a while and never cease to be amazed.
Wish I could draw .... great inspirational works of art. He captures an innocence we all miss .
Danny's output is amazing. I really enjoyed reading his blog and looking at his journals.
Totally inspired now!!!!!!! Another bookmark added to my growing list! I love the beautiful drawings and the amazing watercolour adding such beauty!!!! Thank you for all!
OMYGOODNESS! I just found this site, after recently finding Danny Gregory; and I am doing a happy dance! Struggling to make a habit of drawing daily, I am so thrilled to have found others in the same boat. Or others who have conquered fears and are full sailing, so to speak. Thankyou,thankyou, thankyou!
I love Danny Gregory's sketching/paintings. They're so simple yet engaging. When I see them I feel like doing the same thing-that it would be so much fun to capture my days by drawing them the way Danny does. I have followed his story (wife's accident and then onto his drawing adventures.) Danny has truly turned lemons into lemonade. He is a wonderful example for all of us to make the most of every day.
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