In Show Your Work!, Austin Kleon delivers a manifesto for the modern creative, advocating for openness, transparency, and generosity in the creative process. With its concise prose, visual flair, and actionable advice, this book becomes more than just a guide—it is a cultural critique of the solitary artist myth, updated for the age of social media. … Continue reading The Adaptable Educator’s Book Reviews – Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon
The Adaptable Educator’s Daily Book Review: Mastering Raku: Making Ware, Glazes, Building Kilns, Firing by Steven Branfman
Steven Branfman’s Mastering Raku is an indispensable treatise on one of the most expressive and dynamic ceramic techniques: raku. As both a technical manual and a philosophical exploration, this book offers a wealth of insights for ceramists, artists, and scholars intrigued by the intersection of fire, earth, and artistry. Bridging History and Practice Branfman masterfully situates raku … Continue reading The Adaptable Educator’s Daily Book Review: Mastering Raku: Making Ware, Glazes, Building Kilns, Firing by Steven Branfman
The Adaptable Educator’s Book Review – Rembrandt 1606–1669: The Mystery of the Revealed Form by Michael Bockemühl
Michael Bockemühl’s Rembrandt 1606–1669: The Mystery of the Revealed Form offers a compelling exploration of the interplay between artistic technique, historical context, and the enigmatic psychological depth of Rembrandt’s works. Through a richly nuanced analysis, Bockemühl situates Rembrandt not merely as a historical figure but as a transcendent artist whose innovative approach reshaped the boundaries of visual … Continue reading The Adaptable Educator’s Book Review – Rembrandt 1606–1669: The Mystery of the Revealed Form by Michael Bockemühl
The Adaptable Educator’s Daily Book Review – Blitz Big Book of Cartooning by Bruce Blitz
Bruce Blitz’s Blitz Big Book of Cartooning is a vibrant and comprehensive guide that marries technical instruction with an infectious passion for the art of cartooning. Aimed at artists of all skill levels, the book's unpretentious tone belies the depth of knowledge it offers, making it a remarkable resource for aspiring cartoonists, educators, and even seasoned illustrators … Continue reading The Adaptable Educator’s Daily Book Review – Blitz Big Book of Cartooning by Bruce Blitz
The Adaptable Educator’s Daily Book Reviews – Art and Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking by David Bayles and Ted Orland
David Bayles and Ted Orland’s Art and Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking is a slim yet profoundly resonant treatise on the creative process, addressing the uncertainties and internal struggles that haunt artists of all disciplines. Rather than offering a prescriptive "how-to" manual, the book ventures into the psychological and existential landscapes of artmaking, … Continue reading The Adaptable Educator’s Daily Book Reviews – Art and Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking by David Bayles and Ted Orland
Weekend Book Reviews: “Wild Color: The Complete Guide to Making and Using Natural Dyes” by Jenny Dean
Jenny Dean’s "Wild Color: The Complete Guide to Making and Using Natural Dyes" is a comprehensive exploration into the art and science of natural dyeing, offering both practical guidance and a deep appreciation for the natural world’s vibrant palette. From the outset, Dean establishes herself not only as a skilled practitioner but also as an … Continue reading Weekend Book Reviews: “Wild Color: The Complete Guide to Making and Using Natural Dyes” by Jenny Dean
The Gifting – A New Abstract-ish, Neo-Expressionist-ish… well you decide…
In my last post on this, I started stating this piece is almost un-original in the borrowing of styles, isms, and possibly even components from other artists... well my brain is so full of art that I just let it roll with whatever comes out... I'll worry about defining it later. I decided. to. start … Continue reading The Gifting – A New Abstract-ish, Neo-Expressionist-ish… well you decide…
Sawsan’s New Elephant – baby steps
In case I didn't state it in my last post on this new painting, I'm still thinking g of making this mostly monochromatic... mostly meaning it will be deeply layered overweigh greys and whites... we shall see if I change my mind, but for now, I started as I intended ... with some undercoats of colour. … Continue reading Sawsan’s New Elephant – baby steps
A New Project – Abstract, Cubism, Neo-Expressionism, or something more?
If you've read the last two posts, you know I've decided to do multiple works at the same time, in order to slow down my process and to incorporate more reflection into it. I hope that working in multiple styles and with multiple techniques / materials I will also stave off those moments of self-doubt … Continue reading A New Project – Abstract, Cubism, Neo-Expressionism, or something more?
A New Project – Sawsan’s Elephants
A few years ago I painted an elephant for my wife, Sawsan. It's her favourite painting. It forced me out of my comfort zone to paint in that style and I've wanted to return to it ever since... plans for finishing a teaching degree, relocation to another country, selling house, moving around, and finally settling … Continue reading A New Project – Sawsan’s Elephants
The New Renaissance Mindset 