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Live & Learn: Expressive Drawing: A Practical Guide to Freeing the Artist Within By: Steven Aimone

Available Sept 1st from Amazon.com

I couldn't put an image of this wonderful new book online because of copy write issues. Let's just say, you'll have to take my word for it: This is a beautiful book! Full disclosure: I was privileged enough to be a contributor to the book and am thrilled to have been a part of it. I do not, however, make a penny from sales of this book. So now that we have that out of the way, I'll tell you more about it.

From the back cover:

"Draw out your inner artist! This first book in the Live & Learn series from AARP gives you the inspiration, art theory, and hands-on experience that can make drawing an enriching part of your life. Unlike representational drawing, which aims to create a realistic likeness of the world, expressive drawing invites you to combine basic elements such as line and shape to create artwork that communicates internal states liked to your memories, ideas or emotions. Skill-building exercises and the author's lively descriptions of works by well known artists - from Henri Matisse to David Hockney-guide you on this exciting and rewarding approach to creative expression."

Steve Aimone has been my mentor and art coach since 2002. I have learned so much from his teaching style and this book is very much his "voice". This is an easily accessible book for anyone of any age (despite it's endorsement by AARP). He discusses the basics of art elements in a fashion that doesn't get overly technical, instead it is concise and easily translated for even someone who thinks he/she can't draw. Renew your creative spirit today and pick up a copy!

Can you see the angst? Nope...didn't think so!

Continuum 36x36 2008

My art mentor/coach always teases that even my "angry" or "angst filled" paintings end up looking "lovely". I am always drawn to the abstract expressionists that fill their work with lots of tension and emotion....but for me -( and I guess I do this in real life )- I feel the need to edit it out and "make-nice". My coach and I have had many lengthy discussions about this tendency with my work. Discussing this with him is much more fun (and way cheaper) than therapy- but it disturbs me. And the truth of the matter is that I have in fact worked through some serious emotions with my painting in the last several years.

So ...present day: I have had a really anxiety filled summer -but I've also been painting and painting and painting - I have done a lot of work! And yet what I see when I look at all of this new work is the same thing I always see. Everything is soft, subtle, not at all angry looking or angst riddled. No...they are peaceful, non-tension filled lovely little paintings. Even though I really, truly use painting as my therapy. Trust me, the anxiety is IN THERE. I guess no one can see it but me.... and if they really looked "pissed-off" or "tragic" or "angst-filled" would I even like them? So I often wonder ...How authentic is this work? Deep...right?

(Can't you see it? LOL )