Quayside Publishing Quarry Books, Drawing and Painting Imaginary Animals

I've been illustrating books and articles since forever. My mom was an illustrator, as well.However, working on my own series of children's books, I've been deeply dissatisfied with my figures. They're good, but they're too realistic. I just couldn't kick loose of traditional images and techniques.The cover of this book seemed endearing and the reviews were good, so I ordered a copy. (Seeing how expensive used copies are... that reinforced my decision. Clearly, hardly anyone is willing to let go of this book.)When the book arrived, I flipped through it.It looked cute. (That's not necessarily a good thing for the books I'm working on.) So, it was an "uh-oh" moment, at first.On a second, more leisurely browse of this book, I realized it's a gem. Some of the materials she suggests, and her product (finished work) examples, especially the fabric and wood pieces... they're inspiring. Ditto the pieces by other artists, based on similar concepts. Two mixed media works really caught my eye. I'm going to delve into my boxes of collage supplies for some test pieces.The best part of this book: The author had faced the same challenges I do, creating whimsical illustrations. And, her book offers solutions that make perfect sense. They're brilliant, and almost everything is either outside my front door or already in my kitchen.The basic concept is simple enough for any beginner. In fact, it might be easiest to follow this approach as a beginner, with no "old habits" to banish.This book offers a variety of methods (and drawing & painting mediums) including normal writing tools... no art supplies are needed.This is not a "first you copy this, then you copy this next step, etc." kind of book. You could copy her work, but "Drawing and Painting Imaginary Animals" is designed to spark your originality from the beginning... these charming critters come from YOUR imagination. The process is far easier than you might expect.The thing is, I think many pros (like me) get locked into certain styles, techniques, and materials. This book got me back to bedrock, making it surprisingly simple to create fresh new sketches and illustrations. "Fresh" is the really important word. It's what I wanted from this book, and it delivers in abundance.This book takes artists at any level in the direction of unique, original, absolutely endearing creations. It's an ideal book whether you're working with illustrations, artists journals, ceramic figures, or fabric art.I'd probably write an even longer review, but I'm eager to start sketching!

When I saw this book was coming out I was so excited because I loved Carla Sonheim's other book, "Drawing Lab for Mixed Media Artists". There are so many exercises in this book that produce results you're surprised with every time. It's definitely great for when you're in the mood to paint, but you're drawing a blank on what you want to do. There is an exercise which involves finding shapes in sidewalk cracks. I love that she actually includes photos of sidewalk cracks so if you're stuck somewhere and can't find a sidewalk of your own you can just use the photos she supplies. My husband and I went out of town, and had a seven hour drive. I didn't have to help navigate when we would get to a point of driving on a long stretch of highway, and my husband was listening to a football game on the radio. Bored out of my mind I reached into my tote of watercolor supplies and grabbed this book, some paper, and a pen. I was able to complete two drawings using the photos of sidewalk cracks supplied in the book, and they came out so interesting. They were definitely not something I could have created by just putting pen to paper without the book. I also love the chapter on creating Watercolor Blobimals. I have friends who have never watercolored before, and we all did this exercise together. We all came out with completely different, interesting, and unique "blobimals". We also had a lot of fun as the technique is something you can do without being a professional artist. I myself am not a "professional artist"...I just watercolor for the fun of it, and I watercolor often. This book would be great for the professionals out there, as well as beginners, or people like me who just enjoy playing around for fun. The exercises in this book range from drawing, painting, working with paper, and working with birch wood. Basically you'll find something in here that you'll want to try whether you're someone who enjoys watercoloring, using pastels, or if you're a mixed media artist. Plus it doesn't require you to have to go out and buy a bunch of supplies before you can even start. I can't say enough good things about this book. I'm pretty sure it will keep me busy for a lifetime.

Drawing and Painting Imaginary Animals: A Mixed-Media Workshop with Carla Sonheimby Carla SonheimThis is a delightful book with terrific and fun ways to make cute critters using various media. The lessons are fun and crazy! Such as looking at a blob or sidewalk crack and find a creature in it. Everyone will see something different. There is so many things to do in here to really open up the creative juices.I gave it a 4 star rating until I started playing with it then realized how the lessons really were helping. I am now giving it a 5 star after experiencing some of the fun!Good for family or individual!

I'm one of those people who grew wanting to draw but thinking that I couldn't. My mother didn't mean to hinder me, but since she always said she couldn't draw, I thought I couldn't, either. Well, here I sit, at 56 years old, learning to draw from wonderful books like this one.For some time now I've gathered sticks and stones I find interesting, seeing faces and shapes and stories in them. Capitalizing on what we come across quite naturally, this book gives life to the art we are just on the verge or creating. You will feel embraced and encouraged and inspired by reading this.Simply put—this book is delightful!

Anders zeichnen? Hier sind Sie richtig. Nicht nur informativ sondern auch unterhaltsam. Dieses Buch hat mich darin bestärkt, das es ok ist wenn meine Hunde anders aussehen als im richtigen Leben.

Happy to find a book I was looking for and happy to have the sale fulfilled through Amazon.

Está creativo, interesante y de mucha calidad para los amantes de la ilustración.

Like Carla's first book Drawing Lab Carla gives you lots of fun and playful exercises to get you creating art in an inspired way.Her approach is so inviting even for newbies to the art world.

Such joyful fun creating imaginary animals with no boundaries. Great for yourself or as a teaching aid for terrified beginners.