What’s On Your Bookshelf – When Books Make You Shop…er… Work Edition

Usually reading is a very passive thing. That’s why we like to do it, amiright? One can escape into a book and leave the present world behind…at least for a little while. I love those kinds of books, especially for the past 18 months since we have pretty much all had to assume the role of armchair travellers if we wanted to get someplace different.

But for the past few weeks, I have been diving into a book that is making me sit down and paint. I bought Everyday Watercolor back when I was still working for a living…thinking I would find the time to do the exercises every day. Well, that never happened (quelle surprise!) yet somehow this book made the cut and got packed to come with me to my new home on Vancouver Island.

I have to hold the cover down as I’ve been weighting it down with objects to keep it laying flat while I work through the exercises.

I’ve been making s-l-o-w but steady progress through this book (hindered somewhat by a strained back that makes sitting forward to paint – or blog – quite fatiguing). I am enjoying it. So much so that I have been tempted seduced forced inspired to shop for more watercolour painting supplies (See Princeton brushes, above! Thanks to Karen, for telling me about these!).

For instance, this beautiful palette of Kuretake Gansai Tambi paints (Thanks again to Karen, for introducing me to these paints as well!):

Swatching the colours in the conveniently provided chart, inside the lid. You can buy this palette on Amazon.

And these gorgeous colours, “Northern Lights” by Indigenous-owned company Beam Paints (Thanks yet again to Karen, for making me aware of this company…uh, I think. Hmmmm. 😉 ):

I love their commitment to avoiding any and all plastics in their packaging.
I like that the paints are made from local (to them) and natural ingredients. But that doesn’t make them safe to consume. Be safe:
Kinda sad that this needs to be stated. Besides, these paints would make a pretty expensive snack!

Here’s what they look like, in my workbook:

Close-up:

Such a beautiful shimmer, created by the mica in their paint.

Have you ever used a book that helped you learn a skill, with daily exercises? Did it make you shop better? I can see some improvement already and am encouraged to keep up with this, as my back (and credit card) allows.

Thank you to Donna et al, for providing this interesting monthly blog challenge! And thanks to Karen, for helping me to drain my bank account and increase the art supplies hoard. 😉

Rock (and paint) on,

The WB

70 thoughts on “What’s On Your Bookshelf – When Books Make You Shop…er… Work Edition

  1. Hi, Deb – Thank you so much for joining us at #whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge?. Your post is so inspiring. I love your watercolours and that you are giving yourself a daily challenge to learn something new and expand your skills even further. I also love that this endeavour has given you an excuse to buy cool things. And paints that come completely plastic-free?? That’s win-win-win-win! I hope that your back is feeing better soon.

    1. Thank you, Donna 💕 Slowly but surely the back is getting better although I had a hard time sitting down long enough to crank out this post 😫. If it seems rushed, well that’s because it was! 😁

  2. BrendaR

    thoroughly impressed with your painting…you have some talent! Have fun and hope your back feels better soon too 🙂

  3. Your paintings are lovely. I’ve bought several watercolor “learn to paint” books and haven’t finished one of them. Buying paint supplies can be addicting can’t it.

    Onward! I’m looking forward to seeing more of your daily exercises and painting in the future.

  4. Thanks so much for sharing the book you’re working from. I’ve thought about trying to do some painting in retirement but really had no place to start. Maybe that book and paint set will be my Christmas present to myself this year! I love the forest of green trees too.

  5. The Misadventures of Widowhood

    I love those Beam Paints! I downsized watercolors out of my life in favor or acrylics but this post makes me want to try them again. I’ve never used a book like you bought but it looks very much like the kind of exercises we were assigned in a class I took years ago. Like with creative anything we pursue exercising and improving skills it the key.

    1. That’s kinda funny you say that Jean, because when I started with the watercolour paint I immediately thought of how little room they take up compared to my acrylic paint collection, and how much more portable they were. I mean, just grab a palette and a couple of brushes and a pad of watercolour paper….you can get water anywhere, and you’re good to go….no canvases or tubes/bottles of paint to lug around. I agree with you about the power of practice. Thanks, Jean 💕

  6. This is a fun and inspiring post! Do you have any painting or artistic background, Deb? Those colors are lovely and addictive. I’d love to do this one day, but I’m not sure my bank account is up for it. All our money goes to gas these days of living on the road. 🙂

    Seriously, books like these provide so much more than (passive) entertainment. To answer your question, the only time that I read a “similar” book was in the beginning stages of writing my memoir, when I read “Your Life as Story” about writing memoir. It had helpful exercises in it as well.

    Happy weekend!

    1. Well, actually I have always loved to create ever since I could grab a crayon in my chubby fist. When I was much younger I was sure I was destined to be an artist and a writer (wait, isn’t a writer an artist? I digress). Anywho, I got bit by the science bug in high school so went that route instead as I figured it would be easier to pay the bills that way. And now I have 2 kids who are highly talented creators and one even works as a graphic artist. So, long story short not much formal training outside of school but have always found outlets to be creative in. That is cool that a similar type book assisted you in your wonderful memoir (which I thoroughly enjoyed reading). Thanks, Liesbet 💕

  7. Between you and Karen, I’m not sure who is worse for encouraging me to part with my money. Case in point, just yesterday, when a well-timed text from you had me into a Michaels buying yet more art supplies!!

    Art on, my friend. Art on!!

  8. Carol DeHaven

    Hi Deb! I have that book as well! It is a really great way to learn watercolors. I like Jenna Rainey’s teaching style…she has some great videos on You Tube and I’ve followed along with a few. This past 18 months I have been spending way too much on art supplies…both Acrylic and Watercolors but what else do I have to do :)! I really enjoy your blog! I hope you begin to get some relief for your back! Pain is not fun!

    1. Thank you, Carol 💕 I have seen that Jenna is on YouTube (their algorithm knows my tastes!) and will definitely watch those when I am through with the book. Buying art supplies is kinda addictive, I know…but so handy to have when the muse strikes! My back is slowly but surely healing from whatever in the world was done to it. I can’t figure out what brought this on, this time.

  9. Deb, I love books that teach a skill. I have a few devoted to photography and editing, and even a couple about creating centerpieces and table settings. Of course, cook books are the very best. If a book inspires and motivates me to do something better, it’s all good.

    Love your watercolor exercises. Looks like you are on your way to becoming an artist! Great contribution to What’s on your Shelf and a good reminder that all good books don’t have to be novels.

  10. hilarymb

    Hi Deb – love Joanne’s comment: Art on, Art on! One day I’d love to give it a go – but for now I’ll enjoy the show … and you’ve described how the Victorians and Queen Victoria wandered around with their paint-case (or however it was described) in tow – + no doubt with Albert and a few hangers on! But I’ve seen the case at some exhibition.

    I love the colour palette … but Beam Paints intrigue me … I see they tell me they ship to the UK!!! But I’m quizzy and may write a blog post about them … the indigenous aspect – it sounds fascinating.

    However back to the main course (or book Every Day Water Colour) – you are really getting to grips with your art – I love them … really clever … the pawpaw seeds have come out really well, as too the flesh colour. I’m so pleased you’re enjoying it – and as your back heals … it’ll get easier and more addictive – I suspect.

    A delightfully fun post – cheers Hilary

  11. debscarey

    So pleased you’re enjoying painting in watercolour. It’s one of my favourite mediums – not to paint myself, but of works to put on my walls 😉 If you’re having back problems, perhaps you could try an easel which would allow you to maintain a more upright back posture. Back pain is dreadful and it would be a shame if you had to give up painting and blogging because of it.

    1. I used to have a desk that was height-adjustable, so I could sit or stand as I could put it to whatever height I wanted. I left it behind in Ontario as I didn’t think I would have room for it in my new down-sized space. I regret that now and think I will have to come up with another solution. Or just buy another height adjustable desk! I have easels, but they won’t work for watercolour as the water (and paint) will run down the paper. Thanks, Debs 💕

  12. Such an inspirational blog. I haven’t painted in a year. I have many fine excuses. I’d been taking lessons and also using a book my husband bought me for my birthday. It’s Pure Watercolor painting by Peter Cronin. I find him both humorous and instructive. You’ve prompted me to set it aside with my painting supplies so that I can easily access it during our move preparations. I also love your nod to Beam Paints. Gorgeous and they ship to the US!!! Tracey

  13. It’s a great way to pass your time Deb because the challenge is always there – to do better.
    Water colours are very unforgiving but they do dry faster than oil.
    Leslie xoxo

  14. I used to paint. I did watercolors and acrylics. You have inspired me to at least think about it again. There are a few specific pieces I’d like to hang in my house and the best way to get them is to do them myself. We’ll see. Won’t happen this year but maybe over the winter.

      1. I have a picture of sunflowers and my former in-laws beach house from my painting days. I got rid of everything else. I was good enough that you could tell what it was but not good enough to make money.

        1. As long as the paintings brought you joy, who cares about making money! Art is very subjective and can be trendy also. I find the author’s style of watercolour art to be just that – I see her type of design and colour palette all over the Interwebs.

  15. Karen Hume

    Happy I could help you out, Deb! You want to part with gobs of money on art supplies and books, I’m here for you, my friend.

  16. I’m sending this post to my wife who loves to paint, but mainly works with acrylics. She likes watercolors, though. I”m sure she’ll love the tip to the book. Yet another reason to go to Amazon. 🙂 – Marty

  17. Wow Deb, you are so talented! I love the idea of a book that challenges you and makes you sit down and paint. Thanks for joining us for #whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge

  18. Those Beam paints are lovely – I can see how gorgeous they’d be for woodland scenes. Now that’s the sort of thing I’d like to try one day when I’m not day jobbing anymore.

  19. AJ Blythe

    I have a paint-by-numbers watercolour sitting in it’s packaging waiting for me to get to it. Alongside a jigsaw that turns into a wall hanging and… yup, there’s a list. I ohpe I get teh time to relax and play with my crafty things eventually. I really need to stop adding to them, but that book of yours looks kinda fun…

  20. Morning, Lovely!
    Library here has molto copies and one will is it’s way to my hot little hands – thank you for the recommendation! Here’s one for you, good for any artistic endeavour: Julia Cameron’s “How to Avoid Making Art (or Anything Else You Enjoy)”. I recommend it for any art form, including living. (As are her various forms of “The Artist’s Way.”) 💕

    1. Ooooh, I have read several of Julia Cameron’s books (varieties of The Artist’s Way, including the original) but have not heard of this one. I will check it out! Thank you, Del 💕

  21. Oh! I have been messing around with water colors since this pandemic started. I am using (mostly) old watercolrs on a pallet that I have had for decades. I have bought some new paint tubes, based on watching tutorials online. Your new paints look fantastic, as does the daily exercise book. Good ideas!!!

  22. First off I went down a rabbit hole and it took me 20 minutes to get back to your blog from all the links!!
    Second – back pain sucks. Hope it’s recovering. Hard not to over do it if you have no idea what did it???
    Thirdly – nice art works. I did a watercolour class a few years ago but the only way I would like my work is if I was to practice like you are doing. I wanted more control than the water gives you.

    1. Well, I’m very glad to made it back to my blog, Bernie! The back is slowly getting better, thanks. Definitely, daily practice is what is key here in order to get some semblance of control over the paint and the brushes. Thanks 💕

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