I found this book in the Fine Art section of the bookstore because it really is about painting - everyday - as a habit! Dory’s watercolors are so appealing in color and style that you can just sit and enjoy this book by savoring the art. But seeing these pieces and how simple they seem, makes you want to paint some too. And the simple exercises presented on every page make that an easy thing to do - whether or not you consider yourself a painter.

At the left is an example of the kind of easy exercises suggested for “every day creative moments”. Who would think that a simple drawing could be made so appealing and complex by incorporating scribbling? Everybody can scribble! And all of the wonderful, vibrant paintings in this book are created with just three colors! If you get a thrill out of “playing” with paint, then you must have this book. (New $19.03, Used from $16.99).

Though a lot of the art is edgy, a lot of it is also gorgeous, and the layout and design are superb - easy to see, easy to read, easy to love. I bought the book and took it home to spend more hours enjoying it.

Artists’ Journals and Sketchbooks is filled with beautiful examples of journal art - some of it by artists not often seen in these publications -like Daniel Essig and Lisa Engelbrecht, and lot of examples from names you are more familiar with from the retreat circuit.

And, the “how-to” content is awesome. So many techniques are covered and the short, sweet presentation of each makes this an outstanding reference work as well. Example: seven whole pages devoted to slide art with all the samples lined up together - and all the corresponding how-tos on the facing page.