Hi Everyone,
I got samples of my new book, Expressions of Nature, today! It’s the ninth in the Create, Color, Pattern, Play series, and I think it’s my best work yet.
I dedicated the book to “the talented artists worldwide who use my images as springboards for their own creative designs. It is an honor and a a pleasure to collaborate with you! My deepest appreciation to the community of Color & Creativity Enthusiasts in the Zenspirations® Create, Color, Pattern, Play Facebook group for your enthusiasm, creativity and kindheartedness.”
I am thrilled to feature inspiration samples from 24 artists in seven countries in the book.
The inspiration samples of the feather design were created by Karen Logeman (top left); Genna Wangsness (top right); Alison Clement (bottom left) and Cheetarah Cheda-Niezen (bottom right). I know that the different interpretations will spark a lot of experimentation, and I can’t wait to see how other artists interpret these designs.
Expressions of Nature is available on Amazon, but if you’d like a signed and personalized copy you can order it on my website. To celebrate the launch of the new book, I will personalize the first 25 copies that are ordered this month. Please include the name and favorite color of the person I’ll be inscribing the book for in the ‘order notes’ section. Going back to Amazon for a moment, I have a favor to ask… I recently learned that the more reviews a book has the more often Amazon shows it. If you have any of my books– especially if you ordered them from Amazon (and can be listed as an ‘Amazon verified purchase) I would greatly appreciate your taking a few minutes to write a review. It doesn’t have to be long… in fact, only a few words are fine. In addition to the new book, I’d especially appreciate reviews on Birds & Butterflies, Color Peace and Flowers of Faith. Thank you in advance for your help!
For Zenspirations® fans from outside the USA, I’m not sure when you’ll be able to get the new book, but I did want to let you know that some of my older books have been translated into other languages, including French, Spanish, German, Korean and Chinese. Here is a photo of some of the foreign editions of my first Zenspirations book, Letters & Patterning. I’ll let you know when the other titles are available.
Tonight I’d like to share some variations and color experiments of the tree design I used on the cover of Expressions of Nature. This is the original piece that I based the cover art on:
Since it was narrower than I wanted for the cover, I redrew the tree, making the leaves wider, closer together and more plentiful.
I also looked at it as a silhouette to make sure that I liked the basic shape:
Then I had some fun experimenting. I took the silhouette shape and ‘cut’ it out of a watercolor background that I created using a sea sponge:
Here is a close up of the background:
And here is how I used the background behind the tree silhouette to add texture and interest.
Next I experimented with a simpler background wash:
And came to the conclusion that the tree would stand out better on a white background:
I encourage you to do your own experiments… and, if you are happy with the results, to share them in the FB group.
Before closing I wanted to share a piece I did a few years ago:
May you find joy in and on your journey this week.
Stay Zenspired,
Joanne
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Congrats on your new book! How different the tree can look with simpy changing one layer… There is a lesson in that somewhere ;-)…
Congratulations on the new book. Can’t wait to get my copies. I really appreciate your sharing your process. I always make several copies of your work so I can “play” with them to see what I like best. So good to know I am in good company.
Happy Day indeed! I’m so honored that you chose my piece to be included as inspiration sample. Thanks again 🙂 Also can’t wait to see the book in person. Your silhouet tree is so beautiful, I love the first layover on the watercolor wash! Gorgeous! I might try to make a stamp out of that tree you shared here. when/if I do I will surely show you the result 🙂
Have a wonderful day!
Congratulations on your new book! I can’t wait to get mine now!! I LOVE how you share your techniques on how you came to the conclusion of the tree. So cool! Love to learn new and different ideas and hopefully or maybe put in action.
Keep doing what you do! Love and hugs. 🙂
Congratulations on your new book! I can’t wait to get mine now!! I LOVE how you share your techniques on how you came to the conclusion of the tree. So cool! Love to learn new and different ideas and hopefully or maybe put in action.
Keep doing what you do! Love and hugs. 🙂
Joanne, you are such an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your talent!
Congratulations! Nice to see the real thing! By that, I mean that just yesterday I noticed racks of coloring books where the art itself looked computer generated rather than drawn by an artist. In Walmart. As with many things our art form is getting contaminated by companies looking to cash in. Very disconcerting.
I also pre ordered mine off of Amazon and got it a week ago. I really love this one. I think I have most all your books. But I do see some that the covers are different so I’m not sure if I do. You have two Zenspiration dangles books with different color covers are they the same inside? I love all your books and adore your art work. I would buy them off your sight but I don’t see all of them there. Should have waited I would have loved mine with your autograph. Barbara
Congrats!
Wow, love that black on white tree- so on trendy.
But I still love your pretty faded washed pastel backgrounds.
Letitia
I think your next project away from coloring books should be stencils. I think cardmakers and mixed media artists would love to use your many wonderful designs as a stencil for their art journals and also people can use them to decorate things like a wooden stool, a gift box, etc. a set of Stencils that match the many designs of your coloring books would definitely be lovely.
Hi Joanne,
Thanks for sharing how you did some different backgrounds. I LOVE how you teach us something new to try in your blogs.
It’s also exciting to see so different people’s work chosen for your book. There is soooo much talent in this group and I really enjoy seeing how everyone interprets your designs in their own way.
As for Amazon, I have reviewed some of your books I bought from Amazon but will go back and review all of the others I have of yours! I’m glad to do anything to help you my friend. I order so much from Amazon that I review if I really like.
Toni
Congrats Joanne!
Can’t wait to buy it! As always I love all of your art work! It always brings me peace and calm in my other wise chaotic world.
Blessing to you my friend!
Deja
The new book looks wonderful Joanne…so exciting! The tree colours you played with are brilliant and I enjoyed seeing your process and decision making coming together. Zenspirations is all around the world….what a great feeling that must be.
Many congratulations on your continued success and thank you for your creativity, generosity and friendship xx
Congratulations my gifted friend. You look radiant. Can’t wait to get my hands on this.
Thank you Marguerite! How are you feeling?
Congratulations to you, JoAnne! Again! Your work and constant effort to share everything you know with a huge circle of followers is a remarkable achievement and inspires so very many people. Can’t wait to see the newest Zenspirations book!
Libby
That’s awesome Joanne! Your NINTH in the series! I can’t wait to see it. = )
The book looks fantastic! Congrats on another one! And I leave those reviews for you. I adore your books. 🙂