Hi friends! Today I have a book review for you, 2 books actually by the fabulous and creative Jane Davenport!
I was sent these books by the publisher and I was very surprised to see them on my doorstep. After flipping through Fabulous Figures for a couple of minutes I had to play. I think the mark of a good art instruction book is that you feel like you need to grab your supplies straight away. I loved her “water drawing” exercise so I decided to use up some leftover watercolor paint (from Saturday’s brush lettering tutorial) and have a go.
It was addictive! Since we are always in need of bookmarks around here I laminated the watercolor sheets, chopped them apart and turned them into bookmarks. I had thought they would be fun for my girls to hand out to their friends at their 8th grade semi-formal dance (as the painted silhouette girls all looked like they were dancing in fancy dresses) but I did not have them finished by the time they had to leave…the bookmarks took little time, however styling my two daughters hair for the dance did LOL! Maybe this is a lifetime supply of bookmarks for us LOL!
Without further ado here is the video review so you can have a sneak peek at the books. Also on Amazon they have a generous”look inside” preview of these books if you want to see them in more detail.
Below are affiliate links to the books on Amazon, they offer a generous preview of the book so you can have a close look at some of the contents)
- Fabulous Figures
- Whimsical Girls
- These are a follow-up to her popular book Beautiful Faces.
An overview of Fabulous Figures: This is a drawing instruction book that really succeeds in simplifying the female figure into a formula that even the most novice drawers can follow. Her charming illustration will sweep you into her lovely world of fashion illustration fantasy. If you are a fan of Jane Davenport iconic style and want to learn to draw like her you will enjoy this book. Even if you do not want to draw the photography and artwork make this book a pleasure. Jane also has a workshop to go with this book if you would like more guidance and it can be found on her website. *If it is not open yet it will be soon.
Whimsical Girls (Happy Hour Art Journal): This book is like a cross between and adult coloring book and an art journal with the hard parts done, it’s ready for you to add your own touch and fill in the good stuff! The book is filled with pre collaged pages and Jane’s beautiful line artwork for you to color. The paper is high quality to accept a variety of mixed media supplies. This is not an art instruction book, it is an activity book, ora pre started art journal that you can finish. It’s charming and fun and everything we would expect from Ms. Davenport.
Jane’s books never disappoint. If you like her style you’ll love her books.
Before I go, an apology…
I am sorry I didn’t have a sketchbook Sunday video up yesterday. It was my hubby’s birthday and I ran out to pick up the cake first thing (and that is when I normally sketch) and then we had company and I wanted to visit with them and relax. I tried to have my plein air sketching video I filmed earlier this week up but I didn’t have it finished. Ah well, nobody’s perfect but family comes first on the weekend and birthdays! I mentioned it Instagram but I should have noted it elsewhere as not to disappoint anyone. Have a great night and til next time happy crafting!
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