Flavor for Mixed Media: A Feast of Techniques for Texture, Color and Layers

It’s an ok book for beginners. I would have liked to have seen more instructions on applications. Some examples were just left the reader wondering. I didn’t like the recipes only because I would have liked the author to have provided more instructions and tips , if I wanted recipes I would have bought a recipe book , that space could have been used better to help the reader/ artist . I don’t think I would buy it again. Too many other straight forward art books that really are helpful. Disappointed

I've taken several workshops from Mary Beth Shaw and have found her to be a kind, knowledgeable instructor. Mary Beth shares what she has learned about color theory, composition and has an ability to allow her students to grow in their art process. She looks for strengths in our work and helps us to see, critique and improve those strengths. Mary Beth never tires in answering questions or being helpful. "Flavor for Mixed Media", further embellishes those techniques and ideas that we have learned in her workshops. I find it to be a handy reference and springboard for improving my work. It might not be every one's cup of tea, but it is a beautiful testiment to the fun-loving person that Mary Beth is. I enjoy her friendship and look forward to learning more from her. Carolyn Abramofsky, artist at ImagesbyCarolyn.com.

This book contains good photos of the artwork and steps to produce it. Each technique by guest artist has a favorite recipe included~as well as story about the artist. If you are already doing mixed media work, this will give you ideas for things you may not have thought of-or use something you have in a new way. You probably have allot of the the supplies already (if you're into mixed media)If not, you can improvise. After reading this book i was ready to dive in to a piece of art-or at least go try those sugar cookies. :)

I've been waiting for this book to be released for months. I finally got it and it was not a disappointment. I love the way MB Shaw writes as if you were visiting her home and taking a workshop from her. She seems very down to earth, which is a breath of fresh air. I have most of the supplies that she lists, but you can certainly be creative by using substitutions. I love the way she and the other guest artists shared their favorite recipes, hence the "flavor" of the culinary arts. This will be one of my favorite books that I'll refer to over and over again for my own inspirations.

I just got my copy of MaryBeth's new book and started reading the moment it arrived-right before dinner! Let's just say dinner was a tad late that night because mom was busy looking through the gorgeous artwork and layout of this book. Luckily there are some recipes sprinkled throughout so I could say I was 'working on dinner'. The approach to texture and layering is something every mixed media artist can benefit from. The author uses some fun techniques that can easily be incorporated with things you already may do to further enhance and develop your own art. This is a truly beautiful and helpful book to add to your collection.

I really enjoyed reading and using this book. The writing style makes me feel I am in conversation with a friend who is sharing her techniques and knowledge about the world of mixed media. Most of us have many materials and know various techniques and this volume gives us even more ideas and various ways of using what we already have/know. She also gives us new ideas to add to our arsenals of techniques. I enjoyed reading about and seeing the well-done photographs of Mary Beth's work along with that of several other artists. A book I will keep....on my bookshelf AND on my work table.

I have purchased one, or two; okay, three, or four mixed media instruction books in my time. Frequently, they deliver inspiration well, or the instruction well, rarely, both. This book does do both well. The author has incorporated other artists' works. So you get an opportunity to see other artists' styles - bigger bang for your dollar. I like the easy to read text, and the pages lay almost flat! I can experiment and refer to the instruction at the same time. I even like the feel of the books pages. (artists are tactile)Last but not least, yummy recipes. Enjoy.

Such a fun book, especially for those ready to advance your mixed media skills or those fearless artists who are quite willing to jump straight into the deep end of the mixed media techniques pool. The combination of 15 artists and 15 projects certainly provides a wide range of different styles.

What I'm enjoying most about this book is the illustrations. Definitely yummy! I always like seeing how abstract artists use grids and circles and color to express feelings and energy.However, I find the pause to consider food a distraction -- it pulls my attention away from the feast for my eyes to consider whether or not I should go find a snack. Furthermore, to start and end with recipes for sweets is just too much.I'm still going to enjoy the book, and since I've just received a batch of new paints, I'm going to go put some out so I can try the exercise Mary Beth Shaw shows using triad color theory.

Very nice book.