-
I Am Coco: The Life of Coco Chanel – by Isabel Pin
Every girl dreams of a COCO Chanel handbag when she turns from a girl to a real lady. Same here, Chanel bag is a life goal to achieve when I can proof myself to be an independent woman. I know Chanel bag is so luxury, but the story of COCO Chanel is so legendary. No matter you are a fashionista or not, you know her name for sure. This book is the best way to tell you the life story of COCO Chanel. It is fun and cute with Isabel Pin’s lovely story-telling illustrations.
This portrait of a fiercely independent creative thinker is filled with whimsical pictures and informative texts to depict the entire arc of Coco’s life and career, from schoolgirl rebel to haute couture icon.
Young Gabrielle came from a poor family, was orphaned at age 12, and learned to sew in a convent school. She worked as a seamstress and sang in cabarets, where she was given the nickname Coco. This story—and the remarkable career that followed—is exuberantly told in Isabel Pin’s simple yet detailed illustrations. Young readers will learn about Coco’s beginnings as a hat designer, and how her earliest creations presaged the concept of sportswear.They’ll learn about her iconic designs—the little black dress, the impeccable suit, the squared-off perfume bottle, and the acclaimed logo. And they will learn how a freethinking young artist who freed women from the corsets and extravagant ornamentations of the early 20th century grew into a ferociously ambitious designer who staged her own comeback at the age of 70.
Whether they are interested in the history of fashion, or looking for encouragement to pursue their own dreams, young readers will find this entertaining biography both fascinating and inspiring.
Title I Am Coco: The Life of Coco Chanel Author Isabel Pin Publisher Prestel Verlag GmbH & Company KG., 2022 ISBN 3791375083, 9783791375083 Length 96 pages About the Author
ISABEL PIN is an award-winning illustrator who has published more than 40 books, received numerous awards, and was nominated for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award in 2011 and 2012. Born in France, she lives in Berlin, Germany.
-
First Art Book Documenting the Most Prolific American Painter of All Time
Merge Records co-founder & Superchunk singer/guitarist Mac McCaughan interviews SK for Talkhouse“Play “Cut Your Hair” as you read…this is a great book about a great artist. His paintings sell out, but he never has…one of the season’s outstanding art books.” – Bookforum“This guy must be the most prolific artist of all time.” – artist Shepard Fairey
“[Keene is an] assembly line Picasso” – TIME
“By some measures, Mr. Keene […]
is one of the most successful artists in the world.” – New York Times“Whether they realize it or not, most rock fans of the past 20-odd years,
especially indie rock fans, already know the work of artist Steve Keene.” – Variety“This is a wonderful book…
it’s a real keeper, it’s a work of art itself.” – Jim DeRogatis, Sound Opinions“A ’90s icon of contemporary art in his own right,
Keene’s work remains revered well into the 21st century.” – Consequence“Warhol claimed he wanted to be a machine,
but Keene IS a machine.” – artist Ryan McGinness“…slapdash yet distinctive. The brushstrokes thick, the figures he replicates en masse
are compelling and relatable.” – Brooklyn Magazine
Last Tuesday of June 14th, The Steve Keene Art Book (#SKartBook) — the highly anticipated, first ever published collection featuring the work of one of America’s most beloved and affordable artists, Steve Keene — is out via Hat & Beard and Tractor Beam. Documenting arguably the most prolific and collected American artist of all time, the book arrives after a successful Kickstarter campaign with over 600 backers, and has seen support from Forbes, Variety, Billboard, Consequence, Sound Opinions and beyond. Nearly the same size as the LPs that Keene is so very fond of, The Steve Keene Art Book is more than simply a love letter to the prominent vinyl fan and cultural icon.
Perhaps best-known for his deep ties to the 90s indie rock scene — thanks to work with Pavement, The Apples in stereo, The Silver Jews, Bonnie “Prince” Billy and more — Keene is a legend amongst music and art fans both for his vibrant, automated style, and his everyman prices of just $5 – $10 per painting. After producing over 300,000 hand-painted original pieces over the last 30+ years, he’s earned his reputation as the art world’s “Johnny Appleseed,” allowing thousands to become art collectors and challenging the notion that “good art” has to be expensive art along the way.
Produced by Daniel Efram over a span of six years, The Steve Keene Art Book came to fruition from efforts to document a 2016 exhibition at legendary artist Shepard Fairey’s Subliminal Projects gallery, but expanded to include original works sent in from dozens of Keene collectors and Kickstarter supporters. The book includes long-form essays and insight into Keene’s life, space and process from rock stars like Chan Marshall (Cat Power), Will Oldham, and members of Superchunk, as well as anecdotes and personal stories from artists like Ryan McGinness and Fairey, journalists, collectors, art-world insiders and devoted fans around the world. Alongside a dazzling collection of 277 of Keene’s works, Efram takes readers into Keene’s utilitarian chain-link “painting cage” for an all-access pass into the artist’s fascinating systemic technique.
For more about Steve or to see some of his work, click on this video documentary playlist: https://bit.ly/3KFzebNSpecific details of book:
$95 // Hardcover // 264 pages
Published by Hat & Beard and Tractor Beam
Official Pub Date: June 14 / Available online only via Hat & Beard https://bit.ly/3IsEfCuFrom July 28 – August 12, Steve Keene will also be making his return to Los Angeles for his first art show since 2019 at the newly opened Palm Grove Social (1902 S. Palm Grove Ave. Los Angeles, 90016), curated by Hat & Beard Press.
The multi-room exhibit will include both new and old artworks from various collections, and will feature selections from the personal libraries of Efram and The Apples in stereo’s Robert Schneider and Eric Allen. Plus, in much the same way that the book was curated, LA locals are invited to post their Steve Keene collections on Instagram with the tag #SKartBook #SKartShow in order to be considered for having their pieces included in the show.
Keene’s long-awaited return to Los Angeles follows the show that proved to be the inspiration behind the book: his 2016 “Modular Synthesis” month-long stay at Shepard Fairey’s Subliminal Projects gallery, where Keene sold 550 pieces on opening night and saw lines stretch out the door and around the corner in Echo Park.
Photo Credit: Daniel Efram
-
Revealing a new side of an extraordinary creative mind – Daniel Arsham’s Sketchbook
Featuring never-before-seen drawings by the renowned contemporary artist, a beautiful facsimile edition that reveals the working process of an extraordinary creative mind.
Sketchbook reproduces original working drawings and sketches by the contemporary American artist and designer Daniel Arsham, whose work freely crosses the boundaries of art, architecture, film, and design, and also speaks to fans of pop culture, including sneakerheads, car enthusiasts, and anime devotees. Spanning a decade and featuring previously unpublished drawings by this highly skilled draftsman, this beautifully produced facsimile edition provides an unprecedented, intimate look at Arsham’s working process, revealing a new side of an extraordinary creative mind.
Daniel Arsham (b. 1980) is an artist whose work has been shown at major museums and galleries around the world. He is the cofounder of Snarkitecture, a multidisciplinary firm whose work includes an entrance pavilion for Design Miami and a line of functional design objects. His many collaborators include the theater director Robert Wilson, the choreographer Jonah Bokaer, and the musicians Pharrell Williams, Usher, and Nas. He lives in New York City. Instagram and Twitter @DanielArsham
-
New Children’s Book Tells Story of Self-Identity, Acceptance & Animal Rescue
Robert Vincent’s real-life tale of son’s black cat saved by a homeless woman
Author Robert Vincent has written and illustrated “From the Pocket of an Overcoat” (Friendly Falls Press; Archway Publishing from Simon & Schuster), a children’s book inspired by the real-life story of a black cat named Max who was rescued by a homeless woman in Dallas.
“From the Pocket of an Overcoat” tells the story of an affable cat, Max Buckles, through his adventure of finding a new home and family – and being loved for who he is. He goes from the cozy overcoat pocket of Sally in the city, to the country with Farmer Buckles and his other animals, including his four dogs – Sam, Tots, Scotty, and Junior Buckles. Along the way, Max discovers a true sense of belonging within his new family. As told through the journey of Max the cat, this is a story about self-identity, acceptance, animal rescue and adoption. The inspiration for the story comes from Vincent’s son Matthew, who adopted Max in 2010.
“I was inspired by the amazing story of the real Max the cat,” notes Vincent. “Almost everyone struggles with self-identity and being loved for their authentic selves. This book embraces those concepts and lets kids – and adults – find solace in the courage of this wonderful black cat.”
“From the Pocket of an Overcoat” retails for $17.99 and is sold on BN online and Amazon begins from November 22, 2021; it is currently available at Valencia Sport Saddlery and Glenroy’s Equestrian Gifts in Los Angeles. A portion of each book sale will be donated to organizations that promote animal rescue and adoption – The Humane Society, Best Friends, and Alley Cat Allies.
About Robert Vincent
Robert Vincent is a children’s book author and illustrator, as well as the author of a number of other literary works. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife Kathy. Robert and Kathy’s son Matthew is a violinist with Oakland Symphony and Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera. In December 2010, Matthew adopted a lovable black cat named Max. And the rest, as they say, is history.
-
Finding Inspirations from The Nature, Fun Art Project to Do in This Upcoming Holidays
No matter where you live, whether the climate is tropical, arid, humid, oceanic, or cool, you likely have a great spot to observe nature, and you will find yourself feeling more peaceful. There really is beauty everywhere you look! In this upcoming holiday season, doing arts with your partner or your family is a great idea. Let’s fall in love with art, and having fun in the life.
In Nature Painting in Watercolor, the focus is all on the great outdoors—specifically, the plants that grow there. Beginning and aspiring artists can learn to create their favorite ferns, leaves, trees, florals, as well as animals, using the popular watercolor medium. Start by learning about the tools and materials needed to paint in watercolor; then dive into a thorough and fun painting techniques section, which covers washes, glazes, how to add detail in watercolor, and much more. If you’d like to spend more time outside (who doesn’t?), check out the section on finding inspiration outside for tips on viewing and gathering natural painting subjects, such as trees, grasses, flowers, and many other plants.
And if you can’t get outside, we’ve got you covered as well, with suggestions for where to find images online and photos to use as references. Also learn to sketch and keep a detailed sketchbook—skills that will help you when you get started on the step-by-step painting projects in the largest section of the book.
The step-by-step projects cover popular natural painting subjects, including the ones already listed here as well as rocks, mushrooms, buds, blooms, big and small trees, and forest animals. All are illustrated and painted in the author/artists’s signature contemporary watercolor style.
Nature Painting in Watercolor offers a fun, refreshing look at painting plants for today’s artist.
About the author:
Kristine A. Lombardi is a professional illustrator who began her career in advertising and promotions before leaving the corporate world to focus on design and illustration. The author and illustrator behind Nature Painting in Watercolor and Paint Every Little Thing (both from Walter Foster Publishing), as well as several children’s books, Kristine has also worked with a variety of well-known clients and teaches art classes at Montclair Art Museum. She lives in Montclair, New Jersey, with her cat, Boo. Learn more at kristinelombardi.com.
The Art of Paint Marbling takes you through all the tools, techniques, and tips you need to create your own marbled artwork. Closely following the successful The Art of Paint Pouring and its follow-up, The Art of Paint Pouring: Swipe, Swirl & Spin, The Art of Paint Marbling features a similarly easy-to-follow format and appealing aesthetic. Paint marbling is a contemporary technique with a long history. What started hundreds of years ago has evolved into a fun, modern art form that’s popular on YouTube and has been hailed as a trend by The New York Times.
Nowadays, paint marbling uses a base of thickened water, onto which paint is poured and then swirled. Dipping paper directly into the paint creates beautiful, abstract art that’s easy to do at home using minimal, affordable supplies.
Using step-by-step projects with thorough instructions, artists can use a variety of techniques to manipulate colored paint into intricate patterns and create marbled artwork on a variety of surfaces, including paper, cloth, and wood panels. Large, beautiful, and colorful photos accompany all of the projects and techniques. Paint marbling serves as a fun hobby for beginners, a new art form for more advanced artists looking for alternative techniques, and a family activity perfect for artists young and old.
With The Art of Paint Marbling, you can learn to use paper, paint, and water to create your own on-trend artwork!
About the author:
Rene Eisenbart is a Portland, Oregon–based artist. She spent 25 years creating botanical illustrations for The Oregonian and now teaches painting workshops locally and in Europe. Rene paints from her classroom studio and likes to incorporate watercolor, collage, acrylic, and more into her expressive paintings. She is a signature member of the American Watercolor Society, the National Watercolor Society, and the International Society of Experimental Artists. Learn more about Rene on her website: rene-art.com.
-
Create beautifully embroidered art pieces featuring past and present female icons with Empowered Embroidery
With Art Makers: Empowered Embroidery, learn to sketch and stitch strong, recognizable women from all walks of life. Featuring sketching and illustration instructions, basic stitches, embroidery techniques, and 6 projects with portraits of famous women (Maya Angelou, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Frida Kahlo, Michello Obama, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Harriet Tubman), this book is a must-have tool for hands-on artists and crafters. If you’re a beginning embroiderer, start with the basic stitches and embroidery instructions at the beginning of the book. Essential tools, warm-up exercises, tips for embroidering facial features and hair, and general information on embroidery will give you the know-how you need to get started.
Sketch
This is when you begin to put the ideas on paper by sketching thoughts and ideas into icons and images. You can bring the ideas to life and give them a visual vocabulary. When referencing photographs or online images, be sure to use them as a guide, and don’t copy them. Interpret and expand upon what you see, adding your own details.
Refine
This is the time to decide what sketches and ideas stay and which ones get set aside for another project or kept in your sketchbook. Style and composition come into play here, and your style may be more realistic or simplistic. Think about how you want your embroidery to look. Does it consist of outlines, or are there areas that are filled with stitches to give the embroidery a bold look?
Line Drawing
To make an image suitable for embroidery, it’s important to transform your sketches and doodles into a clean line drawing. Using a pencil, an eraser, and tracing paper to refine drawing and finalize the layout and details. Now that you’ve gone through the process from research and brainstorm to sketches and refinement of a final line drawing, focus on the essential lines needed to embroider.
Eleanor Roosevelt
Eleanor Roosevelt was born in 1884 in New York City. She became the longest-serving First Lady of the United States and fought fiercely for the poor, workers, women and youth groups, Japanese-Americans, miners, and the Civil Rights movement. She expanded the traditional role of First Lady into one that gave her time to write, teach, and pursue reform politics. Eleanor used her privilege to enact change and advocate for those who suffered the most.
Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou was many things in her lifetime, including a poet, an actress, a screenwriter, a dancer, and a civil rights activist. Maya experienced prejudice and racism while growing up in the South, and these experiences led her to help her friends Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. fight racial injustice. Maya Angelou used the power of her words to champion equality for Black women and men. In her books, including the internationally acclaimed I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Maya Angelou explores issues of identity, family, racism, the struggle for freedom, and literacy. In spite of a life filled with sadness, death, and racial prejudice, Maya traveled the world and became a strong survivor, inspiring many lives with her writing and speaking.
Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman was born around 1820 to enslaved parents. Conductor of the Underground Railroad, leading abolitionist, nurse, spy, and suffragist, Harriet escaped to freedom in 1849 and rescued and led dozens of enslaved people from Maryland to freedom in the North. One of her greatest achievements was the raid at the Combahee River, where Tubman and Union soldiers rescued more than 700 enslaved people working on nearby plantations. Harriet Tubman died on March 10, 1913, of pneumonia. She was buried with military honors at Fort Hill Cemetery in New York.
About the author:
Amy L. Frazer is a Portland, Oregon–based illustrator, designer, and embroiderer. After studying art and illustration at the Columbus College of Art & Design, Amy worked as product designer. She left the corporate world in 2015 and now teaches art workshops in addition to working with a variety of clients. Learn more at amylfrazer.com.