Paint Mojo - A Mixed-Media Workshop: Creative Layering Techniques for Personal Expression

by Tracy Verdugo

Claim the beauty of your unique, authentic expression. Break free of your comfort zone, sharpen your senses to perceive the world around you and find happiness in play. On this painterly journey, Tracy Verdugo leads you from self-doubt to self-appreciation by helping you find your voice through a myriad of vibrantly-hued mark making, painting and self-reflection techniques. There are no mistakes here, only opportunities to learn and grow. Turn on your Paint Mojo and make an awesome, shiny, perfectly imperfect mark of you.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Crafts, Journaling, Reference

144 pages, Spiral-bound

First published June 20, 2014

Reviews

[Chris]

It was ok. I think. I skimmed a lot. Here it is, six days later, and I remember pretty much nothing about this book. D'oh.

[Kate Robertson]

I liked the book. It seems to be a blend of personal stories and art projects. There are a lot of other contributors to the book which is something that I usually don't like. The ones chosen seem to fit with Tracy's theme and style so I think it was ok. I thought there would be more art than there was but once again I loved all the stories from all the contributors. I am left with a satisfied feeling and the desire to paint. Thats a good thing. Great job Tracy.

[Maggie]

Paint Mojo is a lovely, colourful book with lots of inspiration and a few great tips (like what to pack when you want to art journal when travelling).

It's a bit light on the instructions and has lots of joyful and motivating (descriptive) writing in between, so if you're looking for a how-to manual, maybe this isn't it.

If what you're looking for is a pretty, uplifting and inspiring book to push you out of your comfort zone as a fairly new (or not very confident, like me) artist, this book is perfect.

[Elizabeth A]

I picked this up for inspiration, and while I liked the colorful art the author creates, this book did not work for me. None of the text I mean. Simply not my style. There are mini artist essays interspersed in this book, and though I already knew and really love some of their work, I was not moved by any of their essays here. Not a book I'd recommend, though if you are a fan of the author's work and manner of teaching, you'll probably like it.

[Gayle Pritchard]

A quick read with some inspiration for seekers. In the end, it’s all about the doing and the being. This book could be helpful to those searching for the way in.

[Micaela Madame Miki]

Este libro es una mezcla de ensayo y ejercicios creativos. Un libro que me hizo y llorar y reír, que me acompaña en este camino de querer expresarme, frustrarme, criticarme y volver a empezar.
Hacer arte requiere de mucha vulnerabilidad incluso si jamás muestras tu obra, es un proceso amargo, sombrío, doloroso, placentero y feliz todo eso junto al mismo tiempo.
La autora y sus colaboradores exploran la soledad, la conexión, la alegria, las posibilidades y el perderse.
Los ejercicios son por capas, lo cual puede resultar un poco tedioso osea un principiante ansioso aunque el objetivo siempre es integrar, la síntesis.
Gracias a la autora por escribirlo y gracias a mi por darme el tiempo para leerlo.

[Sarah Lee]

This book had a few projects, most of them were interesting and taught me something new since I'm still a beginner at mixed media art. Some of them the pictures didn't match up with the instructions and some did which was a bit confusing. What this book really is a history and personal feelings of the author with some various other artists thoughts thrown in. There is a LOT of reading that didn't teach me anything or speak to me in any way and felt like it was filler and got in the way of what I expected to learn from this book with the title having mixed - media workshop in it.

[Kate]

First, really loved how the book is spiral bound so it's great while you are laying out your supplies and following along. I love Tracy's art and the art she showed in the book-was hoping for a little more how-to, but she does take you step by step in several examples. There were a lot of essays and that I hadn't expected. It was nice to get to know more about her. No super new techniques, but a good reminder on basics and also fresh ideas.

[Millana]

I love Tracy’s work, however, I do not recommend buying this book if you are looking for plenty of technical information and projects. She does have some good projects, however, I felt the book had way to much information about life in general. I bought the book in an effort to learn mixed media techniques, not to hear stories. As, a result I have used this book as a reference twice, I expected a lot more. 😂

[Deborah Davis]

I really enjoyed some aspects of this book. It was not really all that descriptive as to how to do the different art, a little seemed to be enough in the scheme of things. I would have liked more. But maybe it is a taste to do Tracy's courses. There are some lovely thoughts here and there. I borrowed this book as I have bought so many art books of late and they have disappointed me. I think there are a few ideas in this book which would be worth keeping.

[Elle C]

(PPL) Not a “how to” book as I had envisioned, but gorgeous nonetheless to flip through. Read a lot of the various contributing author/artists along with T. Verdugo. There are a few projects that appeal to me, took notes, enjoyed the beautiful colors of the represented projects. The spiral binding was handy to use during creating times.

[Kendra Christoph]

I fell in love with this book! I now love mixed media art! I love looking at the pictures in the book and trying the projects and ideas using my own ideas too to tweak it!!

[Helen Lehndorf]

I learned some new techniques from this book but the reflective essays were poorly-edited, a bit random and the book as a whole has no ‘shape’ or structure. Needed a better editor!

[Carolm]

A little more metaphysical than the paint books I usually read. If you are looking more for inspiration and spiritual journey that painting can offer, then this is the book for you.

[Melanie Serenity]

Excellent

[Terri]

Whew beautiful book. Great instruction and gorgeous photos. A spotual journey as well. Love this book.

[Elizabeth H. Lutz]

A Little More

I would have loved to see at least one painting from each artist with their write-up. Thanks for the good that’s was there. Liz

[Tammy]

Great resource for anyone looking for instructions or inspiration on next projects.

[Lindsay]

Things I liked
- Some of the guest articles
- The inspiration and the spiritual 'touch'
- The spiral binding
- The pictures of her paintings.
- The workshops (but...)

Things I didn't like
- The workshops are not in depth and there are not many of them.
- The title is misleading
- There were also guest articles I didn't like because they didn't had any connection with MM art.
- Too much bio & travel fluff.

I hoped there would be more workshops included, especially about how to create art like hers, the layering techniques...but it's not included in the book. I guess the only way to really learn from her is by following a workshop in real life, so you can -see- how she is painting.

[Tara]

Sometimes with art books I feel like I'm supposed to know something that I don't. Within the first few sentences of this book is the title "Recognizing and Claiming the Beauty of Your Unique, Authentic Voice."

I wasn't aware I didn't have this.

A few of the exercises looked okay, but nothing really technique-based inspired me to review this book further. The use of lettering was and intriguing technique, but I wasn't able to find anything concrete for a "how to."

[Ann Addley]

I like this book most out of all the mixed media books I have flicked through but that may just be because I like the art more. The book details projects and techniques to incorporate all sorts of media into your art. I particularly likes the almost meditative concepts on creating art based on a memory or a feeling.

[FadeAwayandRadiate]

3.5 stars actually
Very pretty book. It does have some heft with author's stories and highlights of other artists. I do follow Tracy, she appears to be very sweet. I liked it's spiral-bound except sometimes the pages squeak (like nails on a blackboard) which makes me shudder. The techniques were just ok, a little blah.

[tinyteaplots]

Fantastic Book!

This was just what I needed to read. Art from a spiritual perspective isn't a new concept, but this was so well done it moved me. I enjoyed this book so thoroughly that I actually went to Facebook follow the author and I seldom do such a thing. Inspiring!

[Kelly]

Such a great resource. I took an online Paint Mojo class with Tracy, which was fabulous, and the book is definitely a helpful resource (whether you take her class or not).

[Healing Arts]

Adore Tracy's artwork. Would have loved to hear more from her and less from the other artists, although it was nice to be introduced to them. This book will be in my permanent library forever!

[Marissa]

It was a lot more..."touchy feely" than I anticipated so that didn't work for me. It might work for others though.

[Mona]

Tracy Verdugo is one of my favorite artists, and she did not disappoint me with this book. A great resource for all budding artists out there.

[Sarah Rosedahl]

I love this book! I love the colorful examples and instruction, words of inspiration and stories.

[Angela L]

I really like this book. I found the artwork, exercises, and stories inspirational. I'm sure I'll look to this book when I need an artistic push.