Daring Adventures in Paint: Find Your Flow, Trust Your Path, and Discover Your Authentic Voice-Techniques for Painting, Sketching, and Mixed Media [Paperback]

Oh my gosh, this book is *amazing*. AMAZING!

This is the creative/art book I have been waiting for. I'll confess I had no idea who Mati Rose McDonough was- I wasn't at all familiar with her work or her art or her blog. I ordered the book on a whim because of its cover and title.

I am just overjoyed- it's *such* a wonderful book. It's full of not only inspiration, encouragement, wonderful information, but also step-by-step techniques using the basic supplies that we all have- acrylic paints in bright colors, brushes, pencils, paper or canvas. There's no fussy projects in this book- instead, McDonough basically lays out the way she approaches different foundations of art (painting, collage, image transfer, drawings, map-making, etc.) and then invites the reader to put their own spin on it. But in the process, she doesn't keep anything "secret" or hoard her techniques.

I am so inspired. I own a LOT of art books, and the ones I don't own I constantly thumb through at the local bookstore. This is just such a refreshing change from what's normally out there. It's both a creative kick-starter (with ideas for different ways of gathering inspiration and ideas), a book full of encouragement (McDonough shares her own path as she became an artist, and how it wasn't always smooth sailing), and pages of techniques to either emulate or dip into, as you see fit.

I was looking for a book to inspire and educate me, and in "Daring Adventures in Paint", I found both. I rarely come away from creative books buzzing with excitement to get started on new projects, but I really feel like McDonough's enthusiasm and passion flowed through her writing and her art and right into me. Sorry if this sounds all very "wavy gravy" but I'm just truly thankful that I took a risk and judged a book on its cover.

Highly, highly recommended for anyone looking to learn new techniques, or just expand their person definition of what being an artist is.

This book makes taking on a painting project seem achievable for a novice like me.
The simple, easy to follow to instructions on techniques are both inspiring and and encouraging.
I took Mati Rose McDonough's "Get Your Paint On!" class online and now I can follow her book to create my own original painting.
I love this book!

Mati takes each reader on a journey through this beautiful book. Full of practical step-by-step instructions on how to dive in and start painting, she also gives you the permission to wander, and explore; reminding us at every turn that it's not about being perfect, it's about the adventure!

Creativity is not something that can be formulated and calculated... it sometimes comes with rocky waves and sharp rocks. The imagery and Mati's soothing words that guide you through the process and exercises make you feel like it's not only entirely possible, but that you're on a treasure hunt for something magical.

I'm also absolutely in LOVE with the gorgeous photos! I cannot believe how rich, bright and gorgeous every one of them is. So inspiring, I feel like I'm right there with her, living this layered, creative life.

This is an incredible book for any one brand new to art, or those with years of experience... you'll be inspired to break out the brushes and dive in!