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Paint, Play, Explore: Expressive Mark-Making Techniques in Mixed Media
Discover the marks for your most authentic art!
Mixed-media artist Rae Missigman identifies herself as a "mark-maker." Ever in the forefront of her art, organic shapes and graphic marks are what give her work a sense of authenticity. With an adventurous, anything-goes attitude to expressing herself, she is just as likely to use a celery stem, a sewing machine or a cardboard tube as she is a brush, a palette knife or her own hands.
In Paint, Play, Explore, Missigman helps you discover those marks that define you as an artist, and weave them into your art in new and interesting ways. Through page after page of creative exploration, you'll become a collector of tools--traditional and unconventional mark-makers that will become an extension of your unique voice.
You'll become a tinkerer as you recycle and repurpose, striving to turn something ordinary into something extraordinary. You'll become an explorer as you draw with your non-dominant hand, create "blindly" using resists, stamp with your own handcrafted organic ink, and follow other creative prompts to widen and shape your artistic world.
Whether you're just starting your creative adventure or you're looking to break through to the next level, Paint, Play, Explore will set you in motion. Setting the tone with her upbeat vibe and joyful use of color, Missigman pushes you to find your own beautiful artistic "fingerprint" to create work that is interesting, full of life and distinctly yours...and above all, to embrace the journey.
"The shapes you choose to etch in your work, free flowing and heartfelt, are a part of what makes the art your own. Tools in hand, your marks will find you and you will begin to recognize yourself in your creations."
You're going to need a bigger creative toolbox...
- 60+ mark-making tools and mediums
- 23 stepped-out demonstrations on collage, one-brush painting, monoprinting, resists, transfers and other fun and versatile mark-making techniques
- 4 start-to-finish projects for turning marks into inventive art
Mixed-media artist Rae Missigman identifies herself as a "mark-maker." Ever in the forefront of her art, organic shapes and graphic marks are what give her work a sense of authenticity. With an adventurous, anything-goes attitude to expressing herself, she is just as likely to use a celery stem, a sewing machine or a cardboard tube as she is a brush, a palette knife or her own hands.
In Paint, Play, Explore, Missigman helps you discover those marks that define you as an artist, and weave them into your art in new and interesting ways. Through page after page of creative exploration, you'll become a collector of tools--traditional and unconventional mark-makers that will become an extension of your unique voice.
You'll become a tinkerer as you recycle and repurpose, striving to turn something ordinary into something extraordinary. You'll become an explorer as you draw with your non-dominant hand, create "blindly" using resists, stamp with your own handcrafted organic ink, and follow other creative prompts to widen and shape your artistic world.
Whether you're just starting your creative adventure or you're looking to break through to the next level, Paint, Play, Explore will set you in motion. Setting the tone with her upbeat vibe and joyful use of color, Missigman pushes you to find your own beautiful artistic "fingerprint" to create work that is interesting, full of life and distinctly yours...and above all, to embrace the journey.
"The shapes you choose to etch in your work, free flowing and heartfelt, are a part of what makes the art your own. Tools in hand, your marks will find you and you will begin to recognize yourself in your creations."
You're going to need a bigger creative toolbox...
- 60+ mark-making tools and mediums
- 23 stepped-out demonstrations on collage, one-brush painting, monoprinting, resists, transfers and other fun and versatile mark-making techniques
- 4 start-to-finish projects for turning marks into inventive art
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2018
52 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 24, 2019
If you are looking for a low-pressure way to get into art journaling, or any kind of visual expression, this book is a great place to start.
There are tons of ideas here for various ways to beautifully get color onto paper. I've been a mixed media artist for many years and have seen tons of videos and read many books, but still found many fresh ideas here. The author is a talented and inspirational artist and I promise this book will inspire you to create.
You do not need to have any knowledge going in to be able to take up any of the suggestions or to do any of the projects. Highly recommended for beginner to intermediate artists (and beyond).
There are tons of ideas here for various ways to beautifully get color onto paper. I've been a mixed media artist for many years and have seen tons of videos and read many books, but still found many fresh ideas here. The author is a talented and inspirational artist and I promise this book will inspire you to create.
You do not need to have any knowledge going in to be able to take up any of the suggestions or to do any of the projects. Highly recommended for beginner to intermediate artists (and beyond).
July 3, 2019
PAINT, PLAY, EXPLORE: Expressive Mark-Making Techniques in Mixed Media is a stunningly beautiful guide by artist Rae Missigman, who identifies herself as a "mark-maker." Always a pioneer, she is known for her vivid colors, intricate layering and signature repetitive art marks. In this exquisite handbook, Rae helps you discover your own marks for authentic art. Organized into chapters that cover The Tools, The Marks, The Art, and The Projects, this instructive book offers page after page of unique ideas for expansive creative exploration. Highly recommended!
Pub Date 04 Sep 2018
Thanks to F+W Media and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are fully mine.
#PaintPlayExplore #NetGalley
Pub Date 04 Sep 2018
Thanks to F+W Media and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are fully mine.
#PaintPlayExplore #NetGalley
August 9, 2018
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc of this title in exchange for an honest review.
I found this book inspirational, the ideas and techniques are really lovely.
The list of tools , to include organic tools and repurposed tools was brilliant , i really love mixed media but have always though of it as too complicated. this book really strips it down with clear ideas ans instructions and clear vibrant photos it make it very easy to follow and achieve your own original pieces.
I was glad of the section on machine and hand stitching also.
All in all a really lovely book to dip in and out of.
I found this book inspirational, the ideas and techniques are really lovely.
The list of tools , to include organic tools and repurposed tools was brilliant , i really love mixed media but have always though of it as too complicated. this book really strips it down with clear ideas ans instructions and clear vibrant photos it make it very easy to follow and achieve your own original pieces.
I was glad of the section on machine and hand stitching also.
All in all a really lovely book to dip in and out of.
October 6, 2018
What an interesting book. Ironically, I don't 100% love the finished art products that author Rae Missigman creates, but I do really appreciate her process. The introduction to this book is surprisingly moving. Missigman says she began creating art accidentally, by making marks on a page. And from then on, she soothed herself by making more marks in repetitive arrangements. (It sounds almost OCD-ish...) These pictures helped her feel peaceful when she was going through difficult times in her life.
And now she's a mark ninja. The book gives all kinds of advice on how to find and use creative tools (like the end of a toilet paper roll, a plastic straw, or even just your hands) to make layered marks into impressive art pieces. Missigman also gives examples of the many different materials that can be used to put color on a page (or canvas or frame or whatever): markers, pencils, paint, water, charcoal, wax, and the list goes on.
The best thing about this book, though, is the message to not overthink your creative process, to just experiment and explore and see what happens. When I finished the book, I felt lighter. Happy. The idea of relaxing and letting go is just so refreshing. It also helps that there are a ton of vibrant pictures in the book to help illustrate Missigman's concepts. Overall, what a lovely and fun read.
Thank you, Amazon Vine, for the ARC!
See more of my reviews at www.BugBugBooks.com.
And now she's a mark ninja. The book gives all kinds of advice on how to find and use creative tools (like the end of a toilet paper roll, a plastic straw, or even just your hands) to make layered marks into impressive art pieces. Missigman also gives examples of the many different materials that can be used to put color on a page (or canvas or frame or whatever): markers, pencils, paint, water, charcoal, wax, and the list goes on.
The best thing about this book, though, is the message to not overthink your creative process, to just experiment and explore and see what happens. When I finished the book, I felt lighter. Happy. The idea of relaxing and letting go is just so refreshing. It also helps that there are a ton of vibrant pictures in the book to help illustrate Missigman's concepts. Overall, what a lovely and fun read.
Thank you, Amazon Vine, for the ARC!
See more of my reviews at www.BugBugBooks.com.
August 15, 2018
Posting
8/15/2018
at http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
PAINT, PLAY, EXPLORE: Inspiration and Compassion for This Artist's Soul
As an artist I found this book very inspiring with ideas and projects that sounded like they would free up my uptight, type-A personality. I always want to loosen up in my work, and the way the author describes the materials, tools and ideas, I think are going to really help me. I was reading it on my recent trip and wished I were able to use Missigman's ideas while on the road. I definitely want to look through it again now that I am home.
This book gives control-oriented artists the freedom to let go through experimentation. If you aren't happy with the result, she offers ways to reuse the works you don't like in other pieces. Reading about the projects I realized (as I must do whenever I work) that I don't need permission to make a mark however I wish. It inspired me to try out new ideas and materials.
Once you're past the fear, Missigman offers ideas on how to use the tools and ideas to create your own style, to become the artist you want to be.
The work is well written and the instructions are clear. Beyond that, I felt the book was compassionate. If you have ever been stuck creatively, this may make sense — I felt she understood the problems artists face and could relate to them. Some of the projects may be a little repetitive, but since I have been known to paint the same thing over and over again, it doesn't bother me — repetition gives one the chance to become comfortable and proficient in a technique.
One thing about how best to read this helpful book: I read this on my Kindle Paperwhite. The illustrations, some of which I have seen in color after the fact through Amazon or on the Edelweiss Website (where I get e-ARCs) were hard to see on the Paperwhite and not terribly effective in black and white. I think this would deliver the greatest impact by being read in print or on a device able to render the spectacular illustrations in color.
I highly recommend this book with it's many ideas and inspiring projects and writing to anyone who wants to start being creative, or who might want to break out of an artistic rut. It made me want to get home and create.
8/15/2018
at http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
PAINT, PLAY, EXPLORE: Inspiration and Compassion for This Artist's Soul
As an artist I found this book very inspiring with ideas and projects that sounded like they would free up my uptight, type-A personality. I always want to loosen up in my work, and the way the author describes the materials, tools and ideas, I think are going to really help me. I was reading it on my recent trip and wished I were able to use Missigman's ideas while on the road. I definitely want to look through it again now that I am home.
This book gives control-oriented artists the freedom to let go through experimentation. If you aren't happy with the result, she offers ways to reuse the works you don't like in other pieces. Reading about the projects I realized (as I must do whenever I work) that I don't need permission to make a mark however I wish. It inspired me to try out new ideas and materials.
Once you're past the fear, Missigman offers ideas on how to use the tools and ideas to create your own style, to become the artist you want to be.
The work is well written and the instructions are clear. Beyond that, I felt the book was compassionate. If you have ever been stuck creatively, this may make sense — I felt she understood the problems artists face and could relate to them. Some of the projects may be a little repetitive, but since I have been known to paint the same thing over and over again, it doesn't bother me — repetition gives one the chance to become comfortable and proficient in a technique.
One thing about how best to read this helpful book: I read this on my Kindle Paperwhite. The illustrations, some of which I have seen in color after the fact through Amazon or on the Edelweiss Website (where I get e-ARCs) were hard to see on the Paperwhite and not terribly effective in black and white. I think this would deliver the greatest impact by being read in print or on a device able to render the spectacular illustrations in color.
I highly recommend this book with it's many ideas and inspiring projects and writing to anyone who wants to start being creative, or who might want to break out of an artistic rut. It made me want to get home and create.
January 3, 2021
"As an artist, you think visually in terms of things. A perfect example of pareidolia would be thinking you see a man in the moon. You know this to be false, yet when you glance up you see the image plainly. Your mind is registering imagery where none actually exists. Recognizing pareidolia in your artwork will become more evident the longer you experiment with the basic process for laying its foundation. Only you can decide whether or not to build on the image in your artwork. Most often with pareidolia, the image, which is so evident once discovered, begs to be front and center, but there are no set rules when it comes to incorporating these discoveries into your work." Chapter 4 - pg. 132
This book is colorful and beautifully laid out with 4 distinct chapters, which build upon your understanding and skills. Rae covers Tools, The Marks, The Art, and Projects, each with step by step photos and a What You Need list. I appreciated the positive affirmations in the Projects section with the highlighted boxes of You Got This! An excellent guide that will stimulate the novice and act as a reference for the more advanced student of Mixed Media.
This book is colorful and beautifully laid out with 4 distinct chapters, which build upon your understanding and skills. Rae covers Tools, The Marks, The Art, and Projects, each with step by step photos and a What You Need list. I appreciated the positive affirmations in the Projects section with the highlighted boxes of You Got This! An excellent guide that will stimulate the novice and act as a reference for the more advanced student of Mixed Media.
July 20, 2020
*Currently reading preview, not whole copy*
So far, I have enjoyed the personal narrative of the author/artist and how she came to begin her art making process. Sometimes, the insight into the person can be more valuable than a lesson on "How To."
I enjoy Rae's artwork and admire her style and methods. While other reviews have somewhat mixed reactions, I have no expectations to learn technique from this book. If you're just beginning, it might be a good jumping in point, to hear someone else's narrative of how art helps them.
For technique and advanced art process, I would turn to Jane Davies or Randel Plowman (both American artists), both published, recognized and leaders in the of collage and mark-making.
Update: I finished the sample and am about to purchase the book. ;-) Never hurts to learn what you might not know.
So far, I have enjoyed the personal narrative of the author/artist and how she came to begin her art making process. Sometimes, the insight into the person can be more valuable than a lesson on "How To."
I enjoy Rae's artwork and admire her style and methods. While other reviews have somewhat mixed reactions, I have no expectations to learn technique from this book. If you're just beginning, it might be a good jumping in point, to hear someone else's narrative of how art helps them.
For technique and advanced art process, I would turn to Jane Davies or Randel Plowman (both American artists), both published, recognized and leaders in the of collage and mark-making.
Update: I finished the sample and am about to purchase the book. ;-) Never hurts to learn what you might not know.
September 23, 2018
"Paint, Play, Explore" is an art book where the author encourages the reader to try a large variety of tools, mediums, and materials to make unique marks. She suggests a variety of tools to try (from brushes and pencils to leaves and cardboard tubes) and marks to make (finger marks, circles, dots, lines, and more). But she basically tells people to experiment on your own and record your observations in a journal. There wasn't a lot of guidance--or, as another reviewer described it, she provides exercises in chaos. It's more suggestions to stimulate you to think of new things to try in your own painting play and exploration.
I received a review copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine.
I received a review copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine.
August 16, 2019
So pretty. Not everything is my jam, but there’s plenty here to explore and remind myself to do again at some point or other. Minus the sewing. (Run away!!)
Everything is clearly laid out and there are lots of step by step photos for beginners. Which, okay, I’m not a beginner (/cough/ art major, painting focus) but I can appreciate it, anyway.
It’s also making me want to to and paint/draw something, anything. So there’s that too.
Everything is clearly laid out and there are lots of step by step photos for beginners. Which, okay, I’m not a beginner (/cough/ art major, painting focus) but I can appreciate it, anyway.
It’s also making me want to to and paint/draw something, anything. So there’s that too.
December 28, 2018
As an art journaler I thought this might be a good book to get some ideas from but sadly it was not at all my style or lets just say...my cup of tea. I found her type of journaling very chaotic and really messy with no goal or true design, just not my taste in art at all so for me this was a 2.5 out of 5 stars! I am glad I got it out of my library and didn't buy it!
January 13, 2019
I would like to own this one.
April 1, 2022
Hugely inspired—both personally and as a teacher—after reading through this book. The author and artist makes beautiful things.
July 20, 2018
Loved this book great ideas for Mixed media or art journals. Plenty of photos and easy to follow ideas presented to readers definitely a good reference shelf book to use when you are looking for different ideas.This review was originally posted on Books In Brogan
September 29, 2018
There are a lot of mix media art books out in the market at present, and as both a fibre artist and printmaker, I have a fair collection of them.
I like this one, as it allows for experimentation, whilst opens the field to many forms of mark-making and ways to incorporate them into new pieces.
A book that covers a lot of different techniques is always a good tool for someone starting out in mixed media.
I like this one, as it allows for experimentation, whilst opens the field to many forms of mark-making and ways to incorporate them into new pieces.
A book that covers a lot of different techniques is always a good tool for someone starting out in mixed media.
October 25, 2018
I feel like the author and artist of this book did well in expressing her style and process. However, her approach and art style isn't what I was looking for when I thought of reading this book.
I may be able to try out some techniques she showed, but again, the abstract style just isn't one that I would highly appreciate. Still, an informative book.
I may be able to try out some techniques she showed, but again, the abstract style just isn't one that I would highly appreciate. Still, an informative book.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews