This week I have a secret …
Well, maybe not a big secret. I have been talking about it for a while now, but I am writing a book!
Over the years, artists have told me that I needed to do it since they have taken my workshops and then said that I have warped their brains with how I handle the pastel medium. So, it is now officially off the ground! Nope – you can’t run out and get it yet, I am still scouring my many years of articles, blog posts, mentorship lessons and critiques. Then there will be the many-worded dissections on how I build one of my paintings and, of course, my number one lesson – the LAW of Light! Then the reason for the title – “The POWER of Pastel” which will cover my philosophy about how to control the powers of this medium and then appreciation of powerful images by many artists created in dust.
I am now working with an editor/writer to keep me on track for this upcoming year. Nothing like having someone hold your feet to the fire (as my mom would say) every month to make sure I do my homework on such a large project.
But a few days ago I did an indulgent thing- I roughly designed the book cover! (smiley face, smiley face!!!) It was so exciting to think that this will become a tangible thing one day, so at the risk of jinxing myself, here is how I think it will look …
So every once in a while I will let you know how it is going. Writing doesn’t come easy for me, although I do enjoy writing these posts. And anyone out there that has taken on a project this size, let me know your story! I would love to learn from you too.
Till next week! – Christine
LOVE your cover. It says Light, and power and love!! Can’t wait for your book!!
thanks so much! what an amazing compliment!
I can hardly wait. Even with my notes I have forgotten many of the things you taught me. Now I can have it in one place.
cool!
Congratulations on such a great achievement! Over the past couple of years I have reconnected with my passion for pastel. Your portraiture is magnificent! You give me such great inspiration to keep pushing forward… I would love to work with you in your mentoring program at some point in the future!! Thanks for your posts! I love how you keep it real!!
thanks Maureen. I could start with a new mentoree after January. Please check back in with me then and let’s work together!
HI Maureen. I have and opening next month for the mentorship program. let me know if you are interested…..
Way to go Christine!! I know it will be a great success!! Wishing you much luck!!
thanks Phil! Good seeing you and the gang last night!
Can’t wait!!!!!!!
🙂
If you need a reader as you progress, I’d be more than happy to oblige! Seriously, I am so excited to know your book is in the works!! Love the cover!
ha! love it! hit me up again in 6 months…..
Super! You have so much knowledge to share and you share it very well in your Workshops! I am sure it will be a great book!
thanks! Tough sorting through everything now, but it will all come together!
Congratulations Christine,that’s wonderful! I think it’s something you should to do (for yourself too).
agreed! 🙂
Christine,
This is just fantastic! That image is such an iconic one for you and it’s perfect on the cover of your book. It will be a super big project but I’m rooting for you. I learned so much from your workshop, and this book will allow your artistic knowledge to reach even more artists who crave growth. You go Christine!
Cheers and Happy Thanksgiving,
Cathy
Thanks so much Catherine. I need the cheering section!
Fantastic Christine I can’t wait!
🙂
Congratulations!!! I’m excited for you and I look forward to the book!
thanks so much!
Lovin’ it, Christine. All the best with writing your book. Can’t wait for my autographed copy!
🙂
How very exciting! Your book will sell very well… you do a great job of spinning an interesting story, lessons included.
And, of course, isn’t your daughter a writer? Maybe I am mistaken about what took her to Iowa…
yes she is a great writer already. She will naturally be helping me out too!
Well…I’m not a writer, but I have taken on a few projects such as this with my music. With the last two albums that my duo, Changes, released (a several year span between releases), I took the music tracks that we’d recorded in a studio (our two vocals and my guitar) and in my home digital recording studio, cleaned them up, matched vocal tempos, added reverb logarithms and keyboard strings and effects and finally doing the mastering work.
I digitally created the graphics for each album which included cover art, 16-page liner notes containing song lyrics, our artwork and photographs. Each project took many months of laborious effort, and there were times when it was “one step forward and two steps backward”. But even with the minor disappointments or setbacks, I always tried to keep the end in sight, believing that it would eventually be something of which we (my cousin/musical partner and I) would be proud, and that was what really kept me motivated.
I thought NOTHING would be quite as satisfying as, with each album, that glorious day that I sent the completed digital musical and graphical files to the publisher. But the REAL satisfaction came later when I received the parcel with several copies of the album, opening the box like a child on Christmas morning and holding the finished product in my hand, glowing with pride that this was our creation made real.
Best of luck with your venture!
oh thank you so much for sharing! What a wonderful story!
How wonderful! I, for one, am already standing in line to buy it! I wish you great success!
thanks so much!!!
I love the cover and can’t wait till that gorgeous little man is staring back at me!
🙂
Best wishes for free time each day to work on this project, an absence of writer’s block and much enjoyment as you progress with this successful endeavor!
thanks so much!
I am looking forward to your book.
me too!
Cant wait to read a book you have written. So happy you are doing this. Hope you will enjoy the process.
I think I will. very therapeutic.
Please make sure I am on the list for early purchase. So happy for you and so glad for me.
🙂
So looking forward to your book. And I love the cover. This little guy just makes me smile!
me too!
Fantastic!
🙂
I am sooooooo happy you are doing this! It is on my list to purchase. Thank you for all your generosity. I feel very privileged to have taken workshops with you. I look forward to more. I hope you continue with them. Again, thank you. I am very grateful to you.
HI Diann. I have loved working with you and you are creating amazing portraits lately. I am announcing a few workshops next week for next year. One solely on composition and color, and then one for 2 days on the Law of Light and the figure. All mediums. Hope you can make it to one of them and I then I can continue to give you “tickets” if you break the Law…..hehe
Wonderful Christine ! I read your blogs and refer to your words of wisdom as I continue to practice what I learned in your workshop.
Can’t wait to see the finished product. I would like it if you would write a chapter or two on just portraits or maybe that could be another project. Love to look at your portraits, they are fresh and full of light and life.
HI. I believe most of the book will have portraits running through it – either mine or other artist’s works. Both professional and beginner. I will have a section on how to improve paintings by “knocking them into shape” just like I started to do this past summer in the blog where I take a painting and then apply a certain concept to it. I think it is a great way to learn and visually see results.
Congratulations! Your cover is perfect and says it all. You are an inspirational teacher so I know your book will be terrific and beneficial in helping us find the power! 😍
Find the Power! Love it!
Christine,
I am so happy for you, another chapter in your art..sharing it in another way. You probably don’t remember me, but I took a workshop with you in Albuquerque years ago. I am still painting:-)
Thank you for all you share.
HI Carolyn. I DO remember you. I am glad you are well. I think your group needs to have me back out again!!!!
You have a way with words and pastels; I’m looking forward to hearing about your work in progress and seeing the end result!
yes it will be fun…
You are an excellent writer Christine. I’m so excited for you and can’t wait to buy your book!
thanks so much! I plan on making it very casual with lots of info for every artist.
Can’t wait to see it
🙂
I just saw this. It looks great, and I will be sure to order a copy as soon as its ready! Good for you.