Merry-go-Round: What is your favorite publication(s)? Is there a book, books, magazine, or website that has become the bible of your art/craft?

It's time for another ride on the merry-go-round! Jump on and join a group of 10 artists/crafts-women as they link around the world and tell you a little about their lives in art and craft.

This month question is: What is your favorite publication(s)? Is there a book, books, magazine, or website that has become the bible of your art/craft?

Well, I think there are many sources that I use as references to my art. I access wide variety of sources. There is no book or source that I use for a long time. The inspiration comes instantly when I see it. If it doesn't inspire me to do something immediately, it most will never inspire me even if I read it many times later.

But I do have books that I use as something like bible to me. One is the "Through the Eyes of Vincent Van Gogh" and another one is the Traditional Chinese Painting Reference Book: 芥 子 园 画 谱.

I read Van Gogh 's book and feel the passion and zest from each painting even on some very ordinary topics. I discover new things each time from the paintings on why they are so nice.

The Traditional Chinese Painting Reference Book gives me the other aspect of painting, the calm and serenity of a painting. The book is a bible for everyone who wants to learn Chinese painting. It gives examples of how to construct a landscape or flower and bird painting. Some of the basic Chinese painting techniques such as the follows are explained.
- do not cross three branch into one point,
- when paint crowded part, it should be so dense that wind cannot pass, however, if you paint more empty part, it should be so sparse that a horse can go over.

I do not paint Chinese painting anymore, but I do read it as the principles can apply to any type of painting.

Please do visit the following blogs to find more from others:

• Jenny at Jenny Karlsson design
• Nikki at Beaded Zen
• Wendren at Wren
• Sara at Sara's Texture Crafts
• Charlotte at Fancy Picnic
• Marian, Florcita's Art
• Agathe at Le Bar du Vent
• Fabienne at Easterya
• Ruth at Birdland Creation

The Red Wind Bird Print

I like some of the methods in Chinese painting, fading away and leave empty space in certain part of the painting. I attend some of the Chinese painting exhibitions in China and was really impressed by them. I guess I am using some of the technique here as well.

Order the Prints

The above shows the painting printed on laminated print and framed in a wood block. You can hang it like a stretched canvas directly onto your wall.

The prints are available for
[1]. A4 Sizes
[2]. 8 x 11
[3]. Laminated Print on Wood Block
[4]. Large Laminated Print

Flower and Moon Night

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There is a romantic Chinese poet about Flower and Moon night near a beautiful river. I can recite it all the time. Painting following a poet and music is very interesting. This is my version of the poet.

Order the Skins

The prints are available for

[1]. A4 Sizes
[2]. 8 x 11
[3]. Laminated Print on Wood Block
[4]. Large Laminated Print

Blue Bird Print and Laptop Skin

Order the Prints

I only painted four acrylic paintings while I was away and cannot wait to pick up my brush to do the paintings. Birds are my familiar and favorite subjects. While picking up my memory on how to paint, I choose something that I love to start.

Order the Skin

The prints are available for

[1]. A4 Sizes, $18 + $5 (S & H)
[2]. 8 x 11, $18 + $5 (S & H)
[3]. Laminated Print on Wood Block
[4]. Large Laminated Print

Back to Home and Work

This is my niece and my baby daughter. My niece is so understanding now comparing to her a year ago. She takes care of her little sister and gives way to the little sister on everything that she demands to have.

I have a wonderful trip to China and be with my family and relatives. My baby daughter spends an unforgettable birthday party. I also visited some of my collage classmates and the collage campus. The great thing to know is that all of the people that I know are happy and healthy.

Back to work again. The first thing that I did today is to process the orders that are placed when I was away. Thank all of my dear customers. They ordered the products despite the fact that they have to wait till I came back. Thank you all for your patience.