greenpepperpressblog

Tag: Books

new reads and more crowning glories

It was a terrific Christmas and a nice few days of just enjoying family time. Today I'm catching up on loose ends, wrapping up a few deadlines, and planning to do some reading. A fabulous graphic book from Lynne looks amazing, a cool book of architect's libraries from Santa, and a handful of magazines are piled on the table. I've been hearing about Flow magazine (for paper lovers) from Lisa and Julie so I ordered from the Netherlands and they arrived in two days!

The Jan/Feb Somerset Studio arrived and like last year, Lynne and I collaborated on an article. The title of our workshop Crowning Glories is not meant to be literal or limiting, and we each presented different ways you could interpret the title. Lynne describes and illustrates how impressed she was at seeing pages on exhibit from The Persian Book of Kings. For my part of the article I took on a self-imposed challenge to incorporate faces, something I rarely do, and found inspiration from playing iPad Solitaire! Whether you're traveling to see something unique at a museum or gallery, or you're procrastinating on the couch while playing games, you can find new directions to influence your work.

I decided to leave my panels in black and white for the article, but I've been working additional pieces in color, which I will show you another time. This design style has become addicting and I can't stop making them. Here are the original four colorized in Photoshop.

And a reminder about our workshop, which is filling up! I think there is only one spot left in the first weekend before we start the waiting list, and a handful of spots left in the second weekend. If you are interested, email Lynne, lkperrella (at) aol (dot) com for the packet of details.

December 30, 2013
October arrivals

New arrivals this week – the latest Somerset Studio – Nov/Dec 2013, and Mary Beth Shaw's new book, Stencil Girl: Mixed Media Techniques for Making and Using Stencils. I'm very impressed with the book publisher – I got the book and the return of my art one day after the book release. It's usually weeks before we get a copy!

Thanks to all the new visitors to Green Pepper Press who ordered stencils and stamps after the exposure on the GelliArts blog. Wasn't that an awesome video? I've been filling and sending orders, and preparing packages to go out as soon as I get restock on my inventory. After teaching and vending in Connecticut, then this promotion, my merchandise has been cleared out. Crossing fingers that I get a nice big box from my manufacturer early next week so I can fulfill all the remaining orders and send them on their merry way. Again, my thanks to Joan at Gelli for this opportunity. I have been making lots of prints of my own – will post soon. So here's the peek at the latest ink:

October 25, 2013
October arrivals

New arrivals this week – the latest Somerset Studio – Nov/Dec 2013, and Mary Beth Shaw's new book, Stencil Girl: Mixed Media Techniques for Making and Using Stencils. I'm very impressed with the book publisher – I got the book and the return of my art one day after the book release. It's usually weeks before we get a copy!

Thanks to all the new visitors to Green Pepper Press who ordered stencils and stamps after the exposure on the GelliArts blog. Wasn't that an awesome video? I've been filling and sending orders, and preparing packages to go out as soon as I get restock on my inventory. After teaching and vending in Connecticut, then this promotion, my merchandise has been cleared out. Crossing fingers that I get a nice big box from my manufacturer early next week so I can fulfill all the remaining orders and send them on their merry way. Again, my thanks to Joan at Gelli for this opportunity. I have been making lots of prints of my own – will post soon. So here's the peek at the latest ink:

October 25, 2013
it’s your lucky day – cool new book giveaway

Check out today's harvest of four leaf clovers. It was a beautiful day and I hit the jackpot when walking to to mailbox! They pulled through for Fallon and I as we shopped for prom dresses this afternoon. We were at the fifth store when we found a dreamy selection tonight. Whew! I think I will spread the luck around by offering a giveaway.

My talented friend Julie wrote (and photographed) this cool new book with her workshop partner Chris. They signed copy and Julie sent one for me to share with my faithful readers. How cool is that? Acrylic Solutions: Exploring Mixed Media Layer by Layer by Julie Prichard and Chris Cozen. You will love this one – super clever to have it as a spiral bound format so you can leave it open on your studio table and work through all the informative and useful chapters on creating with paint and all the juicy options for building in layers. It's one of those books that you will continue learning from as you endeavor to elevate your work. Don't you love when a book reveals lessons just when you need them? I've already put post-it notes on pages that I will return to soon. Lots of handsome visuals, and tons of great tips. If you want to see more, check out Julie's workshops. She powers out some stellar online classes, with well produced videos you can watch over and over, then get feedback and assistance as you work through the lessons. An amazing value, from the convenience of your own workspace.

LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW TO BE ENTERED IN THE BOOK GIVEAWAY. I will draw a name out of the top hat on Sunday, May 12th. It will be a Happy Mother's Day for a lucky reader, and a tip of the hat to Julie who is celebrating a birthday then too!

May 7, 2013
it’s your lucky day – cool new book giveaway

Check out today's harvest of four leaf clovers. It was a beautiful day and I hit the jackpot when walking to to mailbox! They pulled through for Fallon and I as we shopped for prom dresses this afternoon. We were at the fifth store when we found a dreamy selection tonight. Whew! I think I will spread the luck around by offering a giveaway.

My talented friend Julie wrote (and photographed) this cool new book with her workshop partner Chris. They signed copy and Julie sent one for me to share with my faithful readers. How cool is that? Acrylic Solutions: Exploring Mixed Media Layer by Layer by Julie Prichard and Chris Cozen. You will love this one – super clever to have it as a spiral bound format so you can leave it open on your studio table and work through all the informative and useful chapters on creating with paint and all the juicy options for building in layers. It's one of those books that you will continue learning from as you endeavor to elevate your work. Don't you love when a book reveals lessons just when you need them? I've already put post-it notes on pages that I will return to soon. Lots of handsome visuals, and tons of great tips. If you want to see more, check out Julie's workshops. She powers out some stellar online classes, with well produced videos you can watch over and over, then get feedback and assistance as you work through the lessons. An amazing value, from the convenience of your own workspace.

LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW TO BE ENTERED IN THE BOOK GIVEAWAY. I will draw a name out of the top hat on Sunday, May 12th. It will be a Happy Mother's Day for a lucky reader, and a tip of the hat to Julie who is celebrating a birthday then too!

May 7, 2013
i love art: architecture books

I went to school to be an architect and ended up with a degree in interior architecture. One of my positions was a dream job of planning hotels around the world. I got to design furniture, light fixtures, ballroom carpet, fabric, and some very cool architectural details in lobbies, restaurants, and guest room suites in far away places like Marrakech and Bangkok, and closer to home in Boston and New York. I love studying architecture and get great enjoyment just paging through the collection of books I have on the subject, or even better, visiting glorious places. Architecture definitely influences me and finds its way into my work. My favorite style is Gothic Revival, and my favorite guy is Pugin. But I also love Mackintosh, and Starck. I didn't take the time to photograph my shelves, but thought I'd share some recent acquisitions. The tall book is 26" high, and opens to scaled drawings of all the bell towers in Venice. Equally cool is the panoramic views from both sides of the Grand Canal – over 42 feet long accordion folded, printed on both sides. The day before I left on my trip the Venice Sketchbook arrived. I love this series! Makes me want to draw more. Scroll down for workshops samples that are full-on evidence of what I love.

February 27, 2013
i love art: architecture books

I went to school to be an architect and ended up with a degree in interior architecture. One of my positions was a dream job of planning hotels around the world. I got to design furniture, light fixtures, ballroom carpet, fabric, and some very cool architectural details in lobbies, restaurants, and guest room suites in far away places like Marrakech and Bangkok, and closer to home in Boston and New York. I love studying architecture and get great enjoyment just paging through the collection of books I have on the subject, or even better, visiting glorious places. Architecture definitely influences me and finds its way into my work. My favorite style is Gothic Revival, and my favorite guy is Pugin. But I also love Mackintosh, and Starck. I didn't take the time to photograph my shelves, but thought I'd share some recent acquisitions. The tall book is 26" high, and opens to scaled drawings of all the bell towers in Venice. Equally cool is the panoramic views from both sides of the Grand Canal – over 42 feet long accordion folded, printed on both sides. The day before I left on my trip the Venice Sketchbook arrived. I love this series! Makes me want to draw more. Scroll down for workshops samples that are full-on evidence of what I love.

February 27, 2013
Check your Pulse

If you haven’t already met him, I’d like to introduce Mr. Seth Apter. Our first exchange of blog comments dates back to 2007. Always encouraging and enthusiastic, his remarks were not only appreciated, they became a foundation of a friendship. In addition to being a mixed media artist, I’ve come to regard him as a curator and collaborator, which you will agree if you’ve frequented his Altered Page. He regularly presents his own handsome work, as created for himself (like the "making Waves" series above), or as part of a collaborative project. Some years ago he began presenting The Pulse – an ongoing self-imposed assignment where he surveys artists on a number of topics of interest. A visit to his blog is always fun and informative and you will find yourself hopping around to the many useful links he provides, to events, exhibits, and sites, while widening your circle of acquaintances.

The online project has now manifested itself in book form. Seth has once again culled from a community of artists, and invited many to share their art and their perspective by anwering many types of questions. I am priviledged to be among the spotlighted contributors. His book will be released this month so he is celebrating by presenting 31 artists in 31 days. Visit his blog for daily updates, plus a chance to win a copy of his book, HERE.

Queue the trumpets, sound the drums….

I have observed, both in the book preview available on Amazon, and the posts on his blog, that he doesn’t answer his own questions. Ok, he did participate in chapter one of the Pulse on his blog a long time ago, but since then we have not heard his opinions. Don’t you think it’s time we start asking him a few??? Pick up the pen Seth, (or poise your fingers over the keyboard), it’s your turn.

Later this month I will be one of the guests for the two hour podcast where Seth will be co-host with Mark Lipinski at Creative Mojo. And then I will join a group of artists for a live panel at The Ink Pad. Looking forward to celebrating creativity and what it brings to our lives….and finally meeting the man!

March 28: Podcast with Mark Lipinski on Creative Mojo. Seth will be Mark's co-host for the entire 2 hour podcast which airs live from 3-5pm EST (and which will be archived for listening anytime). They will talk all about The Pulse of Mixed Media and be joined by contributors Michelle Ward, Angela Cartwright, Pam Carriker, Julie Prichard, and Lisa Hoffman. Get your questions ready as this radio show has a live call-in feature!

March 31: Live artist panel at The Ink Pad in NYC. Seth will be joined by contributors Leslie Marsh, Karen Cole, Jill Zaheer, Julie Prichard, Roxanne Evans Stout, and Michelle Ward. The panel will be video taped and available for viewing on Create Mixed Media sometime in early April.

EDIT: HE HAS SPOKEN! Please continue to join in the conversation taking place in the comment section below. Seth has been a good sport about taking on the questions above…here are his answers:

1. I have always worked small and enjoy the challenge of having something small make a big impact. By far my largest piece to date was 3 feet x 3 feet and I made it as part of my Graffiti Wall collaboration with Julie Prichard and Lynne Hoppe. My most recent series of paintings, called Interior Angles, was created on 12" x 12" panels – and I have to say that I definitely liked working larger.

2. For my book, I wrote a very, very long list of questions from which I chose the ones that ended up in the book. They were all questions that came to me because I was curious about the answers and I felt that in all cases, the responses would really offer the reader insight into each contributing artist.

3. Autumn is definitely my favorite season in general and the one that is most inspirational too me. It is the combination of the feel of the season, the colors, the weather, the nature, the smells, the food, etc. that really gets me going.

4. One sentence huh? Now I know how my contributors feel when I ask them for only one instance of something. Here goes: Allow what is inside you to be your artistic guide, with a sense of playfulness, a feeling of passion, and not a trace of judgement.

APPLAUSE APPLAUSE! Thank you Seth. Hey, while we are clapping, how about the clever title of his sculptures at the top? "Making Waves"…get it? Waving hands. *dies at the geniusness*

March 1, 2012
Check your Pulse

If you haven’t already met him, I’d like to introduce Mr. Seth Apter. Our first exchange of blog comments dates back to 2007. Always encouraging and enthusiastic, his remarks were not only appreciated, they became a foundation of a friendship. In addition to being a mixed media artist, I’ve come to regard him as a curator and collaborator, which you will agree if you’ve frequented his Altered Page. He regularly presents his own handsome work, as created for himself (like the "making Waves" series above), or as part of a collaborative project. Some years ago he began presenting The Pulse – an ongoing self-imposed assignment where he surveys artists on a number of topics of interest. A visit to his blog is always fun and informative and you will find yourself hopping around to the many useful links he provides, to events, exhibits, and sites, while widening your circle of acquaintances.

The online project has now manifested itself in book form. Seth has once again culled from a community of artists, and invited many to share their art and their perspective by anwering many types of questions. I am priviledged to be among the spotlighted contributors. His book will be released this month so he is celebrating by presenting 31 artists in 31 days. Visit his blog for daily updates, plus a chance to win a copy of his book, HERE.

Queue the trumpets, sound the drums….

I have observed, both in the book preview available on Amazon, and the posts on his blog, that he doesn’t answer his own questions. Ok, he did participate in chapter one of the Pulse on his blog a long time ago, but since then we have not heard his opinions. Don’t you think it’s time we start asking him a few??? Pick up the pen Seth, (or poise your fingers over the keyboard), it’s your turn.

Later this month I will be one of the guests for the two hour podcast where Seth will be co-host with Mark Lipinski at Creative Mojo. And then I will join a group of artists for a live panel at The Ink Pad. Looking forward to celebrating creativity and what it brings to our lives….and finally meeting the man!

March 28: Podcast with Mark Lipinski on Creative Mojo. Seth will be Mark's co-host for the entire 2 hour podcast which airs live from 3-5pm EST (and which will be archived for listening anytime). They will talk all about The Pulse of Mixed Media and be joined by contributors Michelle Ward, Angela Cartwright, Pam Carriker, Julie Prichard, and Lisa Hoffman. Get your questions ready as this radio show has a live call-in feature!

March 31: Live artist panel at The Ink Pad in NYC. Seth will be joined by contributors Leslie Marsh, Karen Cole, Jill Zaheer, Julie Prichard, Roxanne Evans Stout, and Michelle Ward. The panel will be video taped and available for viewing on Create Mixed Media sometime in early April.

EDIT: HE HAS SPOKEN! Please continue to join in the conversation taking place in the comment section below. Seth has been a good sport about taking on the questions above…here are his answers:

1. I have always worked small and enjoy the challenge of having something small make a big impact. By far my largest piece to date was 3 feet x 3 feet and I made it as part of my Graffiti Wall collaboration with Julie Prichard and Lynne Hoppe. My most recent series of paintings, called Interior Angles, was created on 12" x 12" panels – and I have to say that I definitely liked working larger.

2. For my book, I wrote a very, very long list of questions from which I chose the ones that ended up in the book. They were all questions that came to me because I was curious about the answers and I felt that in all cases, the responses would really offer the reader insight into each contributing artist.

3. Autumn is definitely my favorite season in general and the one that is most inspirational too me. It is the combination of the feel of the season, the colors, the weather, the nature, the smells, the food, etc. that really gets me going.

4. One sentence huh? Now I know how my contributors feel when I ask them for only one instance of something. Here goes: Allow what is inside you to be your artistic guide, with a sense of playfulness, a feeling of passion, and not a trace of judgement.

APPLAUSE APPLAUSE! Thank you Seth. Hey, while we are clapping, how about the clever title of his sculptures at the top? "Making Waves"…get it? Waving hands. *dies at the geniusness*

March 1, 2012
ruby tuesday: girls in the hood

First there was the familiar fairy tale, told by the Brothers Grimm and illustrated by many over the years. Then there was a lovely and haunting depiction by one of my best friends, Judi Riesch. I'm sure you all swooned over her art, especially these pages made for Sarah's Red Journal, published in True Colors.

I found it fascinating to read Judi's text explaining that Lewis Carroll, aka Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, famous for writing Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, was also a photographer. Judi's Red Riding Hood started with a Carroll photograph. HCIT? I wonder if his model for Alice was friends with Red?

Last week my sweet friend Nancy sent me the recently published Little Red Riding Hood. See HERE. Oooh, that girl *gets* me. Loved the illustrations by Daniel Egneus. I was familiar with his work but was clueless about the book so I love that my friends look out for me. (Thanks Nancy!) Equally cool is the typography….*faints*. Further down you'll see I was inspired and had to whip up some of my own to use on some Ruby Tuesday pages.

I learned that the illustrations from this book are currently on display in New York. Since the the show closes Friday, and they are only open until 5pm, I may not make it. My friend Andrew was going today and will give us the report. Even if I don't make the show at least the discovery of the site led to the link to this, a video of The Making Of. Gah!! HERE.

These are unfinished or maybe they are done. I'll decide later, but I am liking the simplicity of them. No doubt there are more pages to come as I play with my box of gathered materials. I'll see where it goes. I know I will be in Riding Hood mode for a few more Tuesdays because THE MOVIE comes out next Friday!

EDIT: Synchronicity….another of my BFFs posted about the RRH book. Go see Lisa Hoffman's post HERE. I was planning on buying the new book for all my favorite women….dang, looks like Lisa already got herself one.

March 1, 2011