"I think of working on different sorts of paper like working on different soils in a garden. You plant images and watch them grow."

-- Australian printmaker GW Bot, profiled in The Printmaking Bible, p209.

^{Photo © Marion Boddy-Evans. Licensed to About.com, Inc}

What's the term used for making an art print without using ink? (And it's not "oops, I forgot"!)

• Clue: It's two words, the first begins with a B, the second with an E.

• Answer...

On the Painting Forum Martin is asking about the brushstroke element in a painting, saying:

"Can anyone help? I am very (well almost) pleased with my finished (acrylic) paintings as long as I step back a couple of meters - but - when I return to a close up I get quite disappointed with the 'brushstroke element'. Do others have the same problem. If the elements of a 'good' painting are there at a distant viewing does that mean it is a good painting?"

What do you think? For me brushstrokes are part of your brush handwriting. Whether you strive to eliminate them all or endeavor to have as many as possible isn't a question of good or bad, but style. Join the discussion here...

See Also:
• How to Make Expressive Brushmarks
• Art Worksheet: Expressive Brush Strokes

When you're painting, how important is it to you to paint the subject exactly the way it is, or not? On the Painting Forum, Elyne has posed this question, saying:

"Do you paint exact the way the subject is in real life or do you alter it? Personally when I paint or draw something from a certain object it always looks different or not accurate enough, is that a good or bad thing?"

The responses so far have included Varks saying she has found that "likeness is not just in the details, but in the whole posture" and Tina who says she spends "long time looking for the most important lines, which have to be accurate". What do you think? Join the discussion here...

Welcome to another edition of Make it Merry, where talented crafters share their holiday how-to's. This week we've got some friendly characters and festive Thanksgiving crafts to create.



Create a Pumpkin Candle
What better to put in the middle of the feast. David Fisher will show you how to make this easy and impressive pumpkin tealight holder.

Make a Sesame Street Wreath
For 40 years, Sesame Street has been part of our lives and has encouraged us to accept all holiday traditions. Barbara Crews will show you how to create this wreath dedicated to some of our favorite Muppets.

Draw a Penguin Pilgrim
For Thanksgiving crafts like place mats and name cards, you'll need some festive art. How about a lesson from Helen South on drawing this cutie penguin.

Embroider a Gift Bag
Save cash for presents when you reuse gift bags or buy those inexpensive plain bags. Phyllis Dobbs will show you how to dress them up for the re-gifting process with a touch of delightful embroidery.

Stitch a Swedish Ornament
If you've got an ornament exchange to attend this year, a traditional Swedish ornament will really stand out in the crowd. Cheryl Fall will show you how to hand stitch this original piece.

Wax Resist Holiday Cards
Add a contemporary look to your holiday while saving some cash on Christmas Cards. This wax resist technique from Marion Boddy-Evans is just what you need.

Pumpkin Foam Sticker Earrings
For a quick Fall look in a pinch, try these pumpkin sticker earrings from Tammy Powley. She'll show you how to make them in five easy steps.

Paper Globe Ornament
This dimensional ornament has an intricate look, but is actually simple in design. Kate Pullen will show you how to cut and stamp this delightful addition to your decor.

Knit a Stocking Ornament
A mini stocking is a creative way to give a gift card, or hide a little treat on the tree. Sarah E. White shows us how to knit this cute little sock.

Christmas Tree Bunting
Decking the Halls has never been so fun, and this one is perfect for helpful kids to take part in. Use up those scraps of fabric with this decorative craft from the Sadie and Lance blog.

Make a Mini Hippo
Stuffed animals add a bit of fun and tenderness to any slew of presents. Stuff a stocking with a smile when you sew this little hippo from Lesley Shepherd.

Snowman Candy Jar
Top off your candy jar with a snowman face as sweet as the treats inside. Sherri Osborn will show you how to paint and assemble this wintry decoration that is appropriate to show off all season long.

Joy Ornament Crosstitch
Stitch a little bit of joy for someone this Christmas. Connie G. Barwick has the free pattern for this jolly cross stitch project.

Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.

Inspired by this tree photo.

More Painting Photos Challenges:
• #4 Hairy Caterpillar
• #3 Delta Tree
• #2 Windmill
• #1 Butterfly

^{Painting © Sandhya}

Calling any book a "bible" always seems a tad risky because it has to be phenomenally comprehensive to carry off the title. With 416 pages The Printmaking Bible makes a fine attempt, but I think it needed far more how-to demos and info for the title.

But then, what could the publishers have used? It's not simply a how-to manual or handbook, it's not a cookbook of printmaking recipes, and simply "book" would be boring. While I did once do a stint as a copywriter for book covers, deciding the final title was never my problem (fortunately) and I can imagine the debates behind the choice. Any suggestions?

Read my review of The Printmaking Bible here...

See Also:
• Review from Printeresting
• View sample pages on the publisher's website

^{Photo © 2009 M Boddy-Evans. Licensed to About.com, Inc}

"Artists at any stage of experience or development can use the monotype technique. The process offers an opportunity to experiment with imagery ... markmaking, tone, and texture ...

"...to explore styles and ideas in an spontaneous and expressive manner, with the potential to produce imagery ranging from bold to ethereal."

-- The Printmaking Bible, p379.

Famous artists who create monotypes is a bit of a who's who list. It includes Matisse, Picasso, Degas, Klee, Pissarro, Bonnard, Diebenkorn, and, going back some, William Blake.

^{Photo © Marion Boddy-Evans. Licensed to About.com, Inc}

If you haven't got a spare room, or a corner of a room, to set aside as a painting space, what about a porch? Ideally one that's enclosed, such as this porch-studio used by painter Wilt Nelson, where you can leave your supplies out. But even an open veranda that protects from sun and/or rain can be a good spot for painting.

Keep your painting supplies in a large crate or a small cupboard usually meant for gardening tools and, provided it's not hit by direct sun too much or freezing cold wind and you use them up relatively quickly, everything should be okay.

See Also:
• Can I Paint With Oils Without Using Turps?
• Will Acrylic Paints be Harmed by Freezing Temperatures?
• What Acrylic Paint is Best for Outdoors in a Hot Climate?

^{Photo © 2009 Wilt Nelson}

You don't need to use printing ink to create a monotype, you can use oil paint (though it takes ages to dry) or acrylic paint that either has extender added to it or is a slow-drying formulation. This video from Golden Artist Color shows how to create a monotype print using their Open Acrylics.

The video shows all three monotype techniques using simple designs that will hopefully inspire you to give it a go too. And once you have, share your monoprints here in the new monoprint show and tell. Watch the monoprint video here...