Sunday, May 23, 2010

Book Guild - Chapter 7


Welcome to the fourth edition of The Pulse -- The State of the Art -- a survey in words and pictures of the online artist community. Nearly 150 artists have answered a list of questions which make up The Pulse. Their responses will be presented as a series of online and print projects. Secret Sunday was the first project and the links to all the secrets can be found on the sidebar of my blog. The Book Guild is the second project and Chapter 7 starts right now!


All artists participating in The Pulse were asked to name their favorite art books. The Book Guild will present this list, along with links, book reviews, giveaways, and interviews with many of your favorite authors. And as members of The Guild, I am hoping YOU will participate by leaving comments related to the books in each post - for example thoughts, book reviews, personal experiences, or a link back to your own blog posts that include artwork based on a project in the listed book.
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GIVEAWAY

Thanks to everybody who entered their name into my True Colors book giveaway. With nearly 100 entries, the competition was tough. But one lucky person has won and that person is Ramona from Create with Joy. Congratulations! Please contact me via email with your mailing address. And if you did not win, this is your lucky day. Scroll to the end of this post for information about today's new double giveaway!!

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Chapter 7: Two Thumbs Up

F+W Media has provided me with review copies of two, recently released art books so that I may share my impressions with my blog readers.

The Journal Junkies Workshop: Visual Ammunition for the Art Addict

The Journal Junkies Workshop by Eric Scott and David Modler

This book, subtitled Visual Ammunition for the Art Addict, focuses on visual art journaling. I was eager to see this book, as it adds to the small group of books in the genre of journaling that are written by men. The first thing that struck me about the book was its layout. The entire book is set up as if it were itself a journal. The text and illustrative images are seamlessly incorporated into the visual background of each page. And in sections called "Photo Reconnaissance", many pages are dedicated to consecutive, double-page spreads of actual journals of the authors. They are rich in image and text and very inspiring.

The book is broken into three sections. The first, "The Munitions Dump", is dedicated to the requisite introduction to the materials used for journaling. This is the shortest section that will be of most interest to people new to journaling.

The second section, "Basic Training", is the main focus of the book and provides detailed information about using watercolor, acrylic paint, collage, transfers, drawing, and page altering as part of your journal. The info and images are clear, easy to follow, and take you a step further than just a basic introduction to these techniques. In addition, there are several sections which focus on layering -- and help you to easily combine many of the suggested techniques to achieve pages of more depth and artistic quality.

The final section, "Sharpshooting", highlights the written portion of visual journaling, with a focus both on content (e.g., journal prompts and stream of consciousness writing) and process (e.g., writing tools and writing on alternative surfaces). I personally found this section of the book to be the most intriguing and helpful to me.

I think this book would make a great addition to what is likely to be your already expanding book shelf. The book is easy to follow, visually dynamic, and has a bit of edge to it. You can read more about Eric and David at their blog Journal Fodder Junkies.
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Digital Expressions: Creating Digital Art with Adobe Photoshop Elements

Digital Expressions: Creating Digital Art with Adobe Photoshop Elements by Susan Tuttle

Digital Expressions focuses on the ever expanding area of digital art. Susan takes what can be a very complicated and often daunting process and presents a series of projects using Adobe Photoshop Elements in a highly accessible manner. The books starts with a description of essential tools and techniques which, as a novice in this arena, I found to be extremely clear and helpful.

The majority of the book is dedicated to presenting 25 digital art projects, with step-by-step text and images used to explain the process. These projects are presented across 5 sections of the book: Manipulating Images, Painting & Drawing, Pasting Pieces, Seamlessly Blending, and Altering Art. In addition to her own projects, Susan also presents the digital work of many other artists, each of whom share a very helpful Technique to Try. The artwork that Susan has chosen to present is quite varied in style and approach and includes some of the absolute best digital creations I have ever seen.

The book ends with a very short section highlighting Susan's own work in which she has used a combination of the many techniques from the book. As a bonus, she has included a CD that holds photos, brushes, and textures, many of which were used in the projects from the book.

I think Digital Expressions manages to be one of those rare publications that will be useful for and inspiring to both beginning and more advanced artists in the area of digital art.

Susan has graciously provided the following personal reflection on her art and her book for readers of The Altered Page:

"There is magic to be found through the mediums of digital art and photography. When I create through these mediums, I am able to escape into the dreamscapes and "other worlds" that I create. With the use of Photoshop, I can fly across landscapes tethered to a red, heart-shaped balloon, visit places only found in fairy tales, walk through gardens bathed in white, shimmering light, or chatter with the birds that alight on my hand.

In addition to manipulating single photographs and creating digital collages and illustrations, I enjoy creating seamless montage scenes that have a surreal quality about them, so that when you look at the piece it looks like an actual photograph, but you know that it can't be, due to the surreal nature. I enjoy sharing my digital art and photography techniques through both my book and online classes, so that you may come to discover ways to create your own unique, enchanted landscapes."

You can find Susan at her blog ilka's attic.
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GIVEAWAY

I have decided to offer a giveaway to two lucky readers, each of whom will receive either Digital Expressions or The Journal Junkies Workshop which were provided to me by F+W Media. For a chance to win, please leave a comment on this post and include which of the two books you would like to receive. Comments will close next Saturday 5/29. Winners will be posted next Sunday 5/30 as part of the next post for The Book Guild. Please be sure to let me know which book you prefer to be eligible for in the giveaway. If you include no preference, I will randomly add your name to one of the two drawings. Good luck!

97 comments:

lynne h said...

seth, i realllly want 'digital expressions'... surely the fact that i'm the first to post counts for something. ; )

lynne h said...

heh, that shoulda said 'first to comment'. seein' as how it's been more than a week since i've done a post, i've got posting on the brain. : )

ArtPropelled said...

My first choice is Digital Expressions since I've been thinking of trying digital art for a while now. Thanks so much for this opportunity Seth!

This Artist's Place said...

Journal junkies sounds innovative, interesting to see a male perspective and think this would be a great aid for lots of areas of work. A must-have:)

Natasha said...

My first choice is Digital Expressions as well. Thank you for the opportunity. I have longed for this book! Though now I want to go find out more about the other book you profiled.

Gina said...

digital expressions would be luverly ...


Lynne's comment made me smile ..

thanks to you for running yet another one ... >>> Gina

Emma said...

Another giveaway, thanks! Digital Expressions would be my choice too. Theres so much to explore there, a different kind of 'altered' art.

merkusje said...

I'd love The Journal Junkies Workshop. Just spent sometime reading the Journal Junkies Fodder blog, the artwork is amazing.

Ro Bruhn said...

Thanks again Seth for your generosity, I would love to be in the draw for the Journal Junkies workshop, it sounds like a must have.

bockel24 said...

I already own Susan´s book (have just started to read it) but have never heard of the journal book, so I´d love to win that one! Thanks for your very helpful tips and recommendations!

druga szesnascie said...

and you're temtping us again...
but it's not just the fact that I dream of getting those fabulous books (Journal Junkies btw) but your giveaways are also real eye-openers.
just like your blog - a neverending source of inspiration.
thank you.

Dawn said...

I enjoyed your reviews. You've made me think I really need Journal Junkies. Thanks for doing the give away.

Eloise said...

Journal Junkies would be my choice. I'm glad to see more work by men. Glad to have found your blog.

Coffee Messiah said...

Another fine introduction.

Journal Junkies, whether a winner or not will be sought out.

Working on that now and have never seen anything written by men.

Wonder why?

Thanks and Cheers!

Deb's Artful Journey said...

Thanks Seth! I would prefer Journal Junkies cause I already have Digital Expressions. I agree, Digital Expressions is a really great book.

*jean* said...

oo thanks seth! i would be interested in digital expressions...i would appreciate winning this very much!

Michelle said...

I'd love to win the "Digital Expressions" book. I stumbled across Susan Tuttle's site and fell in love with her work. In fact, it was her FB site which led me to YOUR site to enter this contest! So SURELY I should win a copy.....right?? Keeping my 'digits' crossed....

Snap said...

I'd love the Journal Junkies since I already have Digital Expressions!!!!!! Thanks for the give-a-way and your wonderful blog.

moongipsies@msn.com said...

HI!
What a great give-away. While both books look really interesting...
I would prefer to be in the running for "Digital Expressions." I am hoping to be able to purchase PS Elements soon... and this would be a golden opportunity for me. I have been a photographer since 1986.. but am just getting into digital.
Thanks again...

Lisa said...

Thank you! I would love to win Digital Expressions!

primdollie said...

wow what wonderful books! each sounds amazing and I would be thrilled to win either one!! since having never won anything I would be delighted with either one! I have yet to actual begin journaling, despite having made several journals! and digital art is totally new to me!! thanks for such a great giveaway!

Brenda Lynn said...

Boy. Decisions, decisions. However, I think I'd have to go for Journal Junkies for the same reason you and others have mentioned: that rare glimpse from a male's perspective. I'd hate to pass that up. (And thanks for keeping me well read on my lazy Sunday mornings.)

Anne Marie - Toronto said...

Digital Expressions would be my choice, but I'm okay with either. amdesaulniers(at)rogers(dot)com. This is an interesting project, I'm looking forward to it to reading more.

Sharmon Davidson said...

Thanks for these two very helpful book reviews, Seth. I'm not really a journal-er, but I do get good collage ideas from this type of book. Digital Expressions sounds great, as I'm trying to expand my Photoshop repertoire. My only question is, do you know if the instructions will work with Photoshop CS? I don't have PS Elements, so am unsure if I would be able to put this book to use. Thanks!

Kate Robertson said...

Love your blog and I would love to win Digital Expressions. Its an area I would like to explore and I am a real greenhorn with PSE I am sure the book would help.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I really appreciate the review of both these books. I have wanted Susan's book since I first read about it. I never seem to "get" digital like I should, so just having someone to guide me through the process would be wonderful.

You are always so thoughtful in your giveaways, and as always, your Book Guild is my inspirational treat each Sunday morning.

Queen of Tides said...

I would love to win Susan Tuttle's "Digital Expressions" book, I am currently pursuing web design and want to create digital art for my visual journal and more.

Candace said...

Hi Seth, as always count me in. Havent been doing anything lately due to work shenanigans but I would be happy with EITHER book, seriously.
Have a great week.
Candace, still in Athens.

CreativeMish said...

I would love to have Digital Expressions :)

milkcan said...

Thanks for the chance to win! Digital Expressions is on my wish list!

miz katie said...

I would love to win Susan's book. I'm a long time reader of her blog, and her photographs are stunning.

Laura said...

I recently paged through the Journal Junkies book, and it looks like fun!

sf said...

Seth - I don't want to enter! I just want to say whether one wins, or has to purchase Digital Expressions, it's worth HUNDREDS of times more than the list price. OMG, it is a MAJOR WORKSHOP in a book. INVALUABLE!

Pam Tucker said...

Thanks for your reviews, Seth. Journal Junkies would be my pick!

Patti B. said...

Seth, I would love Digital Expressions for my library! Also, a quick note about True Colors...I did not enter, because I already had the book...but your interviews prompted me to pull it out and read it again....what amazing artists!

Kim Palmer said...

Yay for another chance to win a wonderful book! Okay I think I'd prefer the Journal Junkies, no Digital Expressions, no Journal Junkies, no...doh! Either would be fabulous but I'd realy love the journal junkies one! Thanks for another fun opportunity to play Seth!

Lisa H said...

*Sign me up for J.J...SIR!

*Reporting from the Visual Journaling Trenches SIR!

I's salute but the paint brush might poke my eye out...SIR!

amanda said...

Thanks for your reviews. Appreciated. Journal Junkies makes me hungry. That'd be my choice.

Anonymous said...

Congrats to last week's winner! And thank you Seth for running yet another lovely giveaway for us! Please count me in. I'd prefer to receive "The Journal Junkies Workshop" if I win.

--Mina

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for the very helpful reviews - I'd been eyeing off the Journal Fodder Junkies book for a while but had not seen any reviews - now I HAVE to have it - thanks for the chance!

Mary Helen-Art Saves Lives said...

Whew I hope I win...hope I win...hope I win.... if not :O) I will have to wait until next month to go to Amazon....the bank is going to pay two hospitals who saved my brain and heart :O) I came out ahead because I love living!!!! Imagine and Live in Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

Mescrap said...

Thank you for this giveaway. I like the Digital Expressions.
Thanks for the chance to own the book.

jill Zaheer said...

Love your new Chapter 7- with the intro to two such varied books. The description that Susan provided on the integration of digital photography and her art was just great! Would love the digital expressions book. Trying to expand my horizons!
Wonderful review of the collage book and all of its sections with their focus! And of course, congrats to your super lucky winner from your last give away- Ramona!

Penny said...

Would love digital expressions, as would many others, but not for me but my grand daughter who is wanting to do far more with her photography than she does now.
thanks for the opportunity to 'have a go'.

Maj said...

Journal junkie sounds like my kind of book, I will head right over and have a look at their blog.

Marit said...

Oh Seth, you keep on giving away such gorgeous things!!! I'm a "journal junkie" (have 4 art journals going on right now!) so I'd LOVE to have the "journal junkie" book!!! It sounds like it's made for me!!! Off to their blog to see more now!!!

Brian K said...

Seth! Journal Junkkies is already a favorite book of mine! Digital Expressions looks to be a wonderful book! I have Adobe Photoshop Elements but hardly scratch the serface of all it can do.

Anonymous said...

They both sound great, but seeing as how I am a journal junkie, I think I should have the one that bears my name :)
Thanks for this opportunity, and thanks for stopping by my blog.
Eileen

marianne said...

love these book give aways! i always find out about new books, even if i never win :(. would love to have digital expressions- in fact, i think it's on my amazon wish list.....if i won it i could buy something else!

JanieMae said...

I just knew their was some reason I had to wake up and get down to my computer!! "Digital Expressions"
sounds like the book to take me to the next level!!
Thanks for the chance to win!!

Cathy said...

Digital Expressions: Creating Digital Art with Adobe Photoshop Elements sounds like a good companion for my other art books

Thank You!

Beanie Mouse said...

!!! Another one!!! Journally journals book would be my choice....

And thank you for the double dipping!

Pam Carriker said...

wow! I have both of these books on my wish list!! You do an awesome job with book reviews:-)
Keeping my fingers crossed!

Barbara Mason said...

Digital Expressions would be a generous & kick in the pants gift for me, Seth....I have been wanting to enter the digital art world but needing a little hand holding or a book step by step....should do....

Anonymous said...

I would love Digital Expressions as I am attempting to learn Photoshop and need massive help!
jcanyon@msn.com

Lynn Cohen said...

Wow, it's hard to decide. I'd like to learn more about both...but since I am taking Judy Wise's art journal class at art and soul retreat in Oct. put me down for the guys art journal book this time! Who knows I might wind up buying both books if I don't win either. Thanks for the chance to try.

Bill said...

Another chance for a book? Yahoo! I'll take a chance on Journal Junkies. Thanks, Seth.

Chris said...

Seth! You are so generous. I would love to have the Journal Junkies book. I almost got it this weekend, but I am disciplining myself to save. It would be great to have for my year of journaling!

AnnK said...

I've had photoshop elements for so long and never really figured out what it can do for me artwise, so I'd love to have a copy of Digital Expressions. Thanks, Seth!

sallyt said...

Since I have Susan's wonderful book, I love to add The Journal Junkie's Workshop to my treasures about journaling. Thanks for the generous offer.

Glenda-TwoCoolTexans said...

What a cool giveaway. I already have a copy of Susan's book, so I would love to have the Journal Junkies.

Singtatter said...

Thanks for a great review of the books, both sound a great book to own!

Lisa said...

Both are great books though my first choice would be Digital Expressions..one way or another I'm gonna have a copy! Thanks for the chance!

Robert said...

Journal Junkies Workshop sounds enticing. Nice to have the male perspective on mixed media, and journaling, especially, every once in awhile!

Anonymous said...

i would love to have some sympathy and SUSAN TUTTLE'S book--last week i had a horrific back surgery that the doctors gave me less then a 50% chance to survive ---here i am, but they still don't know if is going to work---this is a true story--i have the Junkies book and i love it--reading the male genre versus the female, finally --thanks !!! sam---remember---DIGITAL EXPRESSIONS--besides, i have not started digital yet--i am too afraid and this book should help me learn--i love her first book---sam aka sheila sabatino

deb said...

I'd love that journaling book, especially as I am teaching journaling all summer!!

Commuter's Journal said...

Both books look amazing, Seth. I am loving how artist/authors are getting exposure to the art community through the Book Guild. Great stuff!

brigitte said...

thanks for the great review and your generous giveaway. i would love the opportunity to win journal junkies.

thanks!

cookievf said...

Yes, love the male perspective and what a fab giveaway! I was just on amazon yesterday looking at both of these fascinating books and added them both to my wish list!
Timely to pop over and catch your insightful post, so thank you for that!!

Hope you are well,
- vicki xo

Anonymous said...

I'm excited about Journal Junkies! Too often I find that the various "craft literature" that's out there is from a woman's perspective. Nothing wrong with this what-so-ever, but to have a journaling book from a guy's perspective is great. So my first choice would be Journal Junkies.

Joanie Hoffman said...

Hi Seth, Tough choice but I decide to write....Digital Expressions.
Thank you for this giveaway.
Happy days,
Joanie

Tiffani said...

I'd love to learn more about using Adobe PSE! Thanks for the giveaway.

Gaby Bee said...

You are so generous, Seth! Thanks for offering these gorgeous books. Both are on my wish list, but I think my first
choice is "The Journal Junkies Workshop."
Thanks for the opportunity to win such fabulous prizes! Have a good one!
Gaby xo

Sue M said...

Thanks for the opportunity Seth. I'm into journalling so would appreciate Journal junkies if I'm lucky enough to be drawn out.

Supria Karmakar said...

Hi Seth:
Thanks for your recent comment and visit to my blog...I am glad to have revived the newsletter....llife is as busy as ever..for you too I see...glad you are having fun creatively as always -you are a star.. :)
I would love to receive the Journal Junkies if I am so lucky....
thanks
supria

laury55 said...

I lovwd reading your book reviews...really helpful, I would make up my find for the journal junkies workshops

Unknown said...

I'd be happy with either...but since Susan is a friend as well as an amazingly talented artist...I'd love HER book!

Jen said...

Journal Junkies for me please!!! Thanks for the opportunity!

Tarnished Rose said...

Hard choice (love both) but I would choose The Journal Junkies Workshop book.

Smiles~
Marilyn

Anonymous said...

How great that you are becoming the art book guru!

Kind of interesting, the layout and chapter titles of the art journaling book...by the man....so militaristic!

anyway, I'd be happy winning either one.

layers said...

Hi Seth, you always present the most helpful information and tips-- and as booklover, I appreciate the tips and reviews.. I am interested in the Digital Expressions book

Glenda T. said...

I have been drooling over the Journal Junkies book for some time now and have it on my wishlist!!! I looovveeee journaling and am always looking for good books to add to my library. THanks for the amazing chance to win and I enjoyed visiting your blog!!

donna joy said...

ok-count me in for digital expressions. need all the help i can get :)
thanks~

Jen Crossley said...

I like the sound of the Journal Junkies it sounds very much like me Seth.
Take care
Jen

Roberta said...

I am so happy I wandered over to your blog this evening, Seth! Thanks so much for the reviews, as both of the books are on my Amazon wishlist :-) Digital art was my first love, even before mixed media hit me. But this past year, I have jumped into collage journaling big time! So, I am really loving the opportunity to win the Journal Junkies book...I LOVE those guys!
Thanks so much! LOVE the Book Guild posts!

Roberta

elle said...

Well, this is a very tough choice. I NEED both. 8^)
Let's start with Journal Junkies. I can see more library shelves in my future!

.Trudi Sissons said...

Very generous of you Seth - I would love to thumb through the Digital Expressions book if I were chosen.

Carol Moore said...

Thank you for sharing your insights into these two delicious art books. Either would be a joy to have.

jackie said...

I would chose Digital Expressions were I lucky enough to win. Cheers.

Create With Joy said...

Hi Seth,

This was a tough call but after thinking about it I think I'd really like Digital Expressions, so please enter me in that giveaway - thanks!

Ramona
http://create-with-joy.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

I would be happy to receive either book. I appreciate your book reviews and your generousity. I have several art journals and fill them with lots of graphics but can't bring myself to add words because then it's like a diary that you would hate for someone to read. I use a computer to print work that I alter by hand but I have always felt using a computer is cheating with art somehow. I appreciate the imagination that goes into the work more than the tools. I guess I could say that about any art medium, computer or otherwise. As you can see, either book would be to my benefit. Thanks again.

Karin Bartimole said...

You've got me interested in both books through your reviews Seth - they are really well written and make me want to explore their contents. I love the title of Journal Junkies Workshop - Visual Ammunition, but my complete ignorance with digital creating has me drawn to Digital Expressions, which I would love to win :). Thanks for your generous gifting! and thank you for your recent very supportive word - they mean a lot. xo K

Glenda said...

Wow, so generous with your give aways. I would love to own the Journal Junkies. :-)

Michelle Remy said...

The Journal Junkies book sounds awesome! I'm really in need of some new inspiration...thanks for the opportunity to win!

Healing Woman said...

Would love your giveaway book. Your art journal of Greece is fantastic. When I was there, all I wanted to journal about was Meteora. Wasn't that about the most awe-inspiring place ever? Did you create your journal when you got home or did you make some of it on your trip?

Jonna said...

i'd love to win journal junkies. it looks like a great book (so does digital expressions but I'm not into digital artwork (yet)).

Anonymous said...

both of those books look fantastic and after reading your reviews, i have added both to my amazon wish list for near future purchase. woohoo! they both look absolutely wonderful, but i'm feeling more drawn to The Journal Junkies Workshop as (although i'm sure i would learn something) i've been a digital/web designer for so many years already so have a fairly decent base there. it would also be nice to bring a wee bit o' male influence into my book stash -- you've just made me realize that i only have 4 (out of almost 70).

thank you so much for taking the time to review both of these undoubtedly magnificent books!