Master Color with These Must Have Books

'Where Poppies Grow'           8x10         pastel         ©Karen Margulis
available $225

 I could not have asked for better news. The day that Nita Leland asked me to be a part of her newly updated book  Exploring Color was a dream come true. I have been such a fan of her books. They have truly been the key to helping this self-taught artist understand color. Whenever I had a color question these books have been my go-to resource. Whenever I felt like I was in a color rut I would open up one of the books and be filled with inspiration and ideas. I always recommended her books to my students. They are easy to understand and beautifully illustrated.

So when Nita asked if I would do a demo for the 30th anniversary edition of Exploring Color I was beyond excited. It was such a pleasure working with Nita on my part of the book. And now months later it is available! I immediately ordered a special package deal from Northlight which includes the new book Exploring Color, Confident Color and Nita's own Color Scheme Selector. I just checked and the kit is out of stock (8/25/16) but the books are available.

Visit Nita Leland's website

I just received the package and I can't wait to dive into it and read this new edition. Of course the color wheel/color scheme selector intrigues me and I can't wait to try it out. I will be sharing my discoveries here on the blog.

If you are looking for a comprehensive and practical book about color be sure to order Nita's books. I will be writing a more detailed review of the new book and color scheme selector soon but I wanted to share the news with you!

My demo spread in Exploring Color

This is step one of the demo. See all steps in the book!

Book Club for Artists...How to be a Successful Creative Person

'Water's Edge'             9x12           pastel          ©Karen Margulis
purchase painting $145

It is strange how ideas evolve.  Take this blog post for example.  Sometimes I have an idea for a topic and sometimes I just have a painting to share. I need to think of some interesting content. I usually just let my mind wander and something will pop up.  Today I decided to peruse my art books. A book jumped out at me because the title fit my painting. But as I pulled out the book and flipped through it I was filled with ideas!

The book is 'Standing at Water's Edge, Moving Past Fears, Blocks and Pitfalls to Discover the Power of Creative Immersion' by Anne Paris PhD.  The title says it all. It is a book all creatives can use. I haven't read it yet. It joins a big pile of art books I haven't had the chance to read.  But as I flipped through the book I knew that not only did I want to read it, I wanted to share it with other artists.....which led to my idea.

detail of painting

A Book Club for Artists! 

 Book clubs help bring people together. They encourage learning, discussion, friendship and support.  All of the things that artists need.  We often lead a solitary life in our creative pursuits.  We need the support of fellow artists.  It is nice to get together to paint or take classes but sometimes we just need to talk...about art or about life. We understand one another.

detail of painting

I imagine a book club just for artists. Conducted like regular book clubs only using art related books. We would meet every other month and share our thoughts about our book choice. It would be an opportunity to have a relaxed get together with other artists without painting or dragging supplies around. Sometimes we need that!

detail of painting

I would like to start a Book Club for Artists. My goal is to have the first get together in July. I have some ideas to make it fun but would love your help.

• Are you in a book club for artists?
•  Do you have any suggestions to share?  
• If you are an Atlanta area artist let me know if you are interested.
• Do you have any art related books to recommend?