B is for Bargain Art Books

'An Apple a Day'          8x10           pastel        ©Karen Margulis
click here to purchase on Etsy  $95

 I took a trip to the Musee D'Orsay this weekend for only $2.50.  This is not an April Fool's joke. I really did.  I enjoyed a leisurely visit to the museum through a wonderful book....all 686 pages of full color reproductions!  And I picked up the book at my local Goodwill store for $2.50.

I love a good bargain so I am a frequent visitor to thrift stores. In fact even on trips my friend and I will make a stop for a local thrift. You just never know what treasures you will find.  I always go to the book section and scan for art books.  It is easy because they are usually large or put in a section with crafts and faux finishing.  I'll buy just about any kind of art book but this weekend I hit the jack pot.

I was finishing up my shopping at the Goodwill and thought I'd make one more pass through the books since they were in the process of putting books out. You aren't allowed to go through the bin. You have to wait until they are on the shelf so I patiently stood there and watched as the employee stuck the books wherever she could find room. 

Then she put out this huge 10 pound art book. It was a book of paintings in the Musee D'Orsay.  No one else was around and I snatched the book off the shelf. What a score....and only $2.50! 

I have an idea on how I can use this book....besides enjoying the work.  I am going to randomly open it and study the art and artist on that page and try to do a painting in the style of the artist.  The first page I opened was a spread on Paul Cezanne.  I had previously painted the apples I am sharing in the style of Cezanne but now I will try another one. This will be fun!

Speaking of fun.....I am participating this month in the A-Z Blog Challenge. Every post this month will be related to a letter of the alphabet.  I missed letter 'A' so today's post is both A and B!  I will be sharing a mix of new posts and old favorites this month since I will be on a cruise next week. This will be a fun month of blogging so don't miss it!