Deadlines..................

Despite doing a lot of preparation, doing sketches, buying paint, preparing canvas-- I found myself making little books this week. My self imposed project was actually to do a nude portrait for Waikato Society of Arts members' show. Entries to be in next week.

I've gone to several workshops and read lots of books about making books over the years. It is enjoyable to make a little book for your own use. Although  I am probably not alone in thinking the little books are too pretty to actually use and just wrap them up and put them away for another day.

Gwen Diehn's book real life Journals (Lark Books ISBN 13:978-1-60059-492-2) did stimulate me to think maybe I could do a journal about the content and discussion of the study group I recently started attending. I had actually put a few thoughts together on the computer already, and copied some readings we were using for the basis of the study. So.. it was only a short step to considering making a little journal. Four little books later I am well behind with my nude painting.

The book is very interesting (well I don't tend to read dull books), with lots of illustrations. Gwen Diehn has tackled a large subject in a very ordered manner. She says she is a long-time lover of journals and journaling with several bookshelves devoted to her journals.  I am not addicted to journaling but am in love with books so was more than happy to browse through her book and find the parts that interested me most-- directions for making the books and for making covers for the books. 

I do think the book making directions are not completely user friendly. But several readings, careful attention to the diagrams and a few trials later I felt comfortable with the technique for making what she calls 'Flat-style Australian reversed piano hinge'. The beauty of this technique is that your book opens flat, there is no sewing involved, and you can add , take out, or replace pages easily. 

If you were bored at a meeting and had some extra paper with you you could make a small version of this book in your lap. You wouldn't even need scissors if you tore the paper carefully. 

On the left the front cover of my study journal and right above the inside of the potential journal.

Back to Work

I am right handed, but I can draw with my left hand. I find it takes more concentration to manage the charcoal or pencil. But I practise regularly to increase my skill. It hasn't made it any easier to write with my left hand!

It was so good when our life drawing group restarted after the summer holiday. We have had as many male as female models. I don't care as long as there is a body to draw. Most of these drawings are from short (15 to 20 minute) poses.