CreativeGIRL: Mixed Media Techniques for an Artful Life

This may not be a book that teaches you a lot about "mixed media" if that is your expectations for the book, but you will learn an awful lot about sketching and using watercolors, which is what I was looking for so I loved it. The author has a degree in graphic design, and has a developed a very beautiful illustration style that is very soulful and whimsical and there are tons of examples of the authors work in the book, equally as beautiful as the illustration on the cover. There is one chapter in the book that provides a tutorial on how to create your own "mixed media girl" template which I thought was very clever. There is also an excellent chapter with a method for easing yourself into illustrating your own designs to water color, and all the information you need with regards to what supplies work well together (water colors, mediums, brushes, substrates, highlighter pens, illustration pencils etc.) which I really appreciated a lot!

I am head over heels in love with this book! The author dives right in with lists of supplies needed to complete the creative projects in the book, along with her favorites and why. The projects are described clearly and in such a way as to inspire tons of creativity - I was so excited to get started I could hardly sleep! Whether you have very little art experience or you're an expert, there is lots to look forward to and much to enjoy from cover to cover! The pictures are jaw-droppingly gorgeous and the techniques and tips will help you improve the quality of your art, whether it is for your own enjoyment or you want to create one of a kind gifts for the special people in your life.

This is for the kindle format viewed using the app on an iPad Pro (please see my notes about this at the end of the review). I really enjoyed the book, especially the author's encouragement to embrace the "mud" of mixing several colors together. She also gives practical tips on the "hot mess" phase. Overall I just really love her style and lack of fear to experiment with her materials and her ability to encourage the reader to try experimenting while keeping notes on the outcome so you can possibly recreate a similar effect. The only problem is that when enlarging the photos in the kindle format, they get very blurry and difficult to see. This is particularly troublesome on the small process photos given in the step by step instructions. Other than that, the kindle version is great. I love having some of my art books in kindle format so that they are more portable and don't take up the limited shelf space. However, nothing beats having the physical copy of a book.

I really enjoy the style of this artist. The content isn't as rich as Jane Davenport's, but it's not shoddy, either. There are some very interesting techniques/projects highlighted with good instructions. I look forward to learning more.

I ordered this book through a second seller, very easy transaction, arrived ahead of schedule time, very satisfied customer. I am actually new to Mixed Media..this book is perfect for a newbie, well explains how to’s..Looking forward to getting started in my mixed media journal..👍👍

This wonderful, thoughtful artist shares her techniques and plethora of materials with new or seasoned mixed media artists. While images are primarily pastel, there's no limit to an individual's creativity regarding color choices. When working on any watercolor project, use leftover paint on some scraps, watercolor paper, tags, or coffee filters to develop bits and pieces for collaging. Develop a way to sort out ephemera so it is accessible. The best way to learn from the book might be to start from the beginning and doodle magical houses. Then, do the challenges in order to become more free in your work without making it so precious it's stressful. As the book progresses, concepts of what is mixed media become clearer, layers of designs, colors, writing, cut remnants, stencils, stamping, and various mediums like watercolor and ink. I wouldn't try to copy her whimsical girls, but feel free to do so. Those are really fun.

I'm usually not much of an artist -- enjoy trying to create, but I'm always disappointed with the results. Something about this book seems to have magic in it, though ... whenever I try projects out of this book, they've turned out simply beautifully. I have discovered a love for watercolors, and I created one of the prettiest pictures I've ever created while working from one of the "girl" models in this book. Tried a few projects with my 8-year-old daughter, and they seemed accessible to her in terms of difficulty, but she got frustrated that they didn't turn out as well as the pictures in the book. So would recommend for slightly older kids, plus any grownups looking to "try a little art" for the first time or for "real" artists looking for new ideas

If you're just starting with the idea of collage and dabbling with watercolor and you like this author's style, you'll get a lot from this book. It was just okay for me. I've been using watercolor for several years for sketches and paintings and have always thought I'd like collage and art journaling, so I hoped this book would inspire me in that direction. It did in some ways, but not as much as I hoped it would. For me, I think it's too basic.It's well-written, and the art challenges are clever. I do like the way she talks about her process. She makes a good point in noting that online art classes/videos/books rarely include the "oops" moments and to not get discouraged if your work isn't perfect right away. She offers much encouragement and a low-stress approach, if a blank page intimidates you too much to even start.

Imágenes hermosas y instrucciones fáciles de seguir. Muy inspirador!!!

Schönes Buch zum nach illustrieren und den eigenen Stil entwickeln.

Libro arrivato nei tempi stabiliti ed in ottime condizioni. Un volume delizioso per chi adora l'acquarello e questa artista in particolare, perché fornisce delle dritte ottime per avvicinarsi al suo tipo di pittura. Consigliato.

Danielle Donaldson's book has lived up to the hype surrounding its release!! Full of gorgeous, inspirational artworks - it is a feast for the eyes! I adore the soothing colours, playful, quirky & cute characters! She is a lady who knows how to get the best from her imagination!! There is enough how-to instruction to please a beginner but it also remained an interesting read for this experienced crafter/artist! If you enjoy Danielle's style - I'm sure that you'll enjoy Danielle's book!!

I feel totally inspired and have been in art mode since reading it Very easy to follow steps to achieving beautiful art.