After all of the introspection about possibly starting The Artist’s Way, I dug it out and did a quick once over and decided, again, that I don’t think its for me. The book is geared (in my opinion) towards writers and to be honest, I have a really, really hard time swallowing the spirituality/divinity angle that the writer uses. Just not my bag.

So I did a bunch of research (mostly lurking on some artist forums) to see if anyone had any alternative suggestions. And, boy, did they! I made a hearty list and was very pleased. Then as luck would have it, today, I stumbled on a great deal through North Light Book Club. Now the Book Club itself is closing, but they are still offering the new member special. Basically, you get four books for $14.99 USD plus shipping & handling. And you don’t have to worry about some book club sending you monthly shit that you have no interest in (ya know, like Columbia House and that type of thing).

So I picked myself up four books for about $28.00 CAD (with shipping). I’m pleased because I managed to get two of the books that were on my mighty list. Now, I don’t know if any of them will be better that TAW. But, at the price? I couldn’t not do it, ya know?

With any luck, even one of these books will help me get out of my wee funk. If nothing else, it might be nice to actually read a book. I haven’t done that in far, far too long. It’s almost embarassing.

The books are under the cut if you are interested.

Art Escapes by Dory Kanter

Description from Amazon:
This delightful book is designed for the many artists who are motivated to paint and draw, yet who find it difficult to fit art into their daily lives. It is especially for those artists who see art as a necessary outlet for their creativity. Dory Kanter’s inspirational instruction is perfect for both beginning and experienced artists alike. Unlike other books that simply try to motivate readers to be creative, Art Escapes gives readers fun, easy-to-execute ideas for building an “art habit.” Inside, they’ll find daily projects for drawing, watercolor, mixed media, collage and more. All of these projects are presented simply, yet none are simplistic. The concealed spiral binding makes using the book easy and accessible. Readers will increase their skill and creativity, as well as find the time to make a little bit of art everyday.

The New Creative Artist by Nita Leland

Description from Night Light Book Club site:
Like a Swiss army knife for the artistic soul, this book is your tool to performing all kinds of creative feats. Loosen up and shake off self-imposed boundaries. Shock your system into seeing favorite subjects in new ways. Discover personal ‘themes’ to explore via your art. Find painting inspiration in sliced fruits, magazine ads and shadows. This book will help you inch around (or bound right over!) roadblocks…develop your unique voice…and take great, creative leaps of faith.

Most importantly, it will free you to worry less about the destination and discover joy in the journey itself!

Keys to Drawing With Imagination by Bert Dodson

Description from Night Light Book Club site:
Staggering both in originality and sheer magnitude, Keys to Drawing with Imagination shows you how to begin with sketches and spontaneous doodles and follow their lead to bigger, better things. The techniques in this brilliant book will take you time and time again to “The Zone” where great art happens! You’ll shift out of the future and into the present, making connections, generating variations and surrendering to the process, enjoying the experience as you create something gratifying and worthwhile.

Acrylic Revolution by Nancy Reyner

Description from Night Light Book Club site:
Acrylic Revolution will expand your repertoire to include techniques you’ve never thought of trying, and things you’ve always wanted to try but never knew how. It’s a book of inspirational beginnings, fabulous endings, and a whole lot of excitement in between. Includes a handy glossary and set-up techniques for painting on all surfaces! 128 pages. spiral-binding. 2007.