May 10, 2007

Happiness is...

Getting my most coveted book EVER today in the mail, after having ordered it (thanks, Dartman!!) before Christmas. Hardbound copy, hot off the press:

"ALLA PRIMA: Everything I Know About Painting" by one of my very favorite artists, Richard Schmid. 204 pages with 118 full color reproductions. I think I just fainted.


You have no idea how much this book means to me. I already know from browsing through it tonight that I'm going to learn some valuable things as an artist from the pages of this book. Just looking at the paintings helps and inspires me, but he also writes about his process and techniques and thoughts...and I can't wait to actually read it from cover to cover. If I weren't so tired I'd begin right now.

Something about me I just discovered today ~ the way to my heart is through an art book like this one.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

That sounds like it will be fun, interesting, and helpful. A great gift indeed.

Cele said...

Dart is now hitting himself in the head, how much easier it would have been back all those years ago if he'd realized it only took an art book.

Did you ever read the book I sent you?

Sister Mary Lisa said...

Hi guys. It is an interesting book, for an artist, at least.

Cele, I will read it as soon as I allow myself free reading time. I've read ONE book all year. I quit reading to dedicate more time to art. Then I started blogging. That is where my reading comes in. I do look forward to reading that book, though! Thanks, sweetheart! I'll let you know as soon as I do!

Anonymous said...

Can't wait to see the results of your reading. Maybe a painting of a young college co-ed at BYU in a hot springs??? Sorry, I couldn't resist...

Seriously, I could sense your excitement and I can't wait to see some new paintings from SML.

Anonymous said...

Hope you enjoy it. It only took 5-6 months to get it!

Sideon said...

Awesome.

I could see you writing your own book of art instruction some day - an artist AND a writer.

Cele said...

Oh Lisa I totally know what you mean. I get paid to read, but for leisure, my to be read stack grows, and it seems that blogging sates my need.

Anonymous said...

I kept thinking of you while I was visiting the Prado in Madrid.

Next time I go, come along with me! Two of us can squeeze in an airline seat. No problem.

Anonymous said...

My girlfriend has a remarkable idea, but one which we don't have the capital or time to begin.

The idea: create a cooperative of artists and craftsmen to share techniques and skills in order to advance the work of installation artists. For example, I've seen sculptures that are aesthetically pleasing but the welds are a nightmare and "to me" the whole thing looks like it's ready to fall over. I've also seen interactive pieces that are so hodgepodged that I'm sure they're going to be responsible for someone's electrocution.

Technique can be shared, and skills shared. As she tells me, the only valuable thing about art school was learning how the materials worked, how to store them, and what effect each one can produce.

Enjoy the book.

Anonymous said...

SML:

I know well the anticipation of holding that special book, not yet read, in your hands for the first time. Pure possibility.

Stacylou said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
supernova said...

What a lovely gift! :-)

Janet Kincaid said...

What a perfect gift for you. No doubt there will be hours well-spent enjoying the craft of others and learning from them.