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Folk Art Fusion: Americana: Learn to Draw and Paint Charming American Folk Art with a Colorful, Modern Twist
Fans of Charles Wysocki, Mary Engelbreit, Grandma Moses, and folk art in general will fall in love with Folk Art Fusion: Americana.
Featuring projects that instruct artists of all skill levels how to draw and paint subjects that include quaint homes, pretty patterns, colorful gardens, picturesque farms, beautiful birds, and textured florals, this book features American-themed folk art infused with a modern twist.
Beginning with an overview of what folk art is, followed by introductory topics like color, tools and materials, and drawing and painting techniques, Folk Art Fusion: Americana also includes 16 simple step-by-step projects done in approachable and popular mediums. Rounding out the book is a gallery of folk-art pieces sure to inspire lovers of all things Americana.
Simultaneously fresh and nostalgic, Folk Art Fusion: Americana draws on America's rich artistic tradition and heritage and provides a fun, accessible take on creating beloved scenes from the heartland.
Featuring projects that instruct artists of all skill levels how to draw and paint subjects that include quaint homes, pretty patterns, colorful gardens, picturesque farms, beautiful birds, and textured florals, this book features American-themed folk art infused with a modern twist.
Beginning with an overview of what folk art is, followed by introductory topics like color, tools and materials, and drawing and painting techniques, Folk Art Fusion: Americana also includes 16 simple step-by-step projects done in approachable and popular mediums. Rounding out the book is a gallery of folk-art pieces sure to inspire lovers of all things Americana.
Simultaneously fresh and nostalgic, Folk Art Fusion: Americana draws on America's rich artistic tradition and heritage and provides a fun, accessible take on creating beloved scenes from the heartland.
- GenresNonfictionArt
125 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2014
56 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 19, 2019
RATING: 4 STARS
2018; Quarto Publishing Group/Walter Foster Publishing
(Review Not on Blog)
I am SO excited to try some of the techniques and exercises in Laforme's Folk Art Fusion book. I love the artwork in this guide. It is laid out in an easy format that is more about creating than seeking perfection. Even if this is not a guide that can aid in my creative process, it is a great book to look through.
***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***
2018; Quarto Publishing Group/Walter Foster Publishing
(Review Not on Blog)
I am SO excited to try some of the techniques and exercises in Laforme's Folk Art Fusion book. I love the artwork in this guide. It is laid out in an easy format that is more about creating than seeking perfection. Even if this is not a guide that can aid in my creative process, it is a great book to look through.
***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***
March 24, 2018
This book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review.
This was a great art book about painting as a hobby, perfect for Sunday painters or anyone who wants to draw more but needs some guidance. It's a charming book that features step by step paintings perfect for adults or even children.
The subjects are typical folk - starting from simple things like still life with flowers, but some of them have more complicated details for when the reader feels ready to try more. Every step is simply explained for everyone to understand. Every painting follows the same steps, but that is perfect for beginners and there is enough spark and creativity involved to not bore you.
I really enjoyed it and I think I might try a few of the paintings in this book.
This was a great art book about painting as a hobby, perfect for Sunday painters or anyone who wants to draw more but needs some guidance. It's a charming book that features step by step paintings perfect for adults or even children.
The subjects are typical folk - starting from simple things like still life with flowers, but some of them have more complicated details for when the reader feels ready to try more. Every step is simply explained for everyone to understand. Every painting follows the same steps, but that is perfect for beginners and there is enough spark and creativity involved to not bore you.
I really enjoyed it and I think I might try a few of the paintings in this book.
March 24, 2018
Received this book from NetGalley; all opinions are my own.
I could look at these paintings all day long and learn something new about them with every look. From an inspiration standpoint, _Folk Art Fusion_ is fantastic. The artist/author is amazingly talented, and the info at the beginning of the book about the origins of this style is very helpful, as well.
In my own art practice, I'm a little bit beyond tutorials that are step-by-step in nature. Use this paint color with this brush in this order. That kind of thing. For me, that part isn't as helpful, but for a new painter, I can see this book being EXACTLY what they need to get over that fear of starting, and to build a body of experience to use as a jumping-off point. If someone were to follow the instructions as written from the beginning of the book to the end, I feel as if they'd have a fairly comprehensive education into the folk art style, which is pretty impressive for a single book.
The inspiration gallery at the end, too -- pure eye candy for those of us who like this style. I just love Laforme's work!
I could look at these paintings all day long and learn something new about them with every look. From an inspiration standpoint, _Folk Art Fusion_ is fantastic. The artist/author is amazingly talented, and the info at the beginning of the book about the origins of this style is very helpful, as well.
In my own art practice, I'm a little bit beyond tutorials that are step-by-step in nature. Use this paint color with this brush in this order. That kind of thing. For me, that part isn't as helpful, but for a new painter, I can see this book being EXACTLY what they need to get over that fear of starting, and to build a body of experience to use as a jumping-off point. If someone were to follow the instructions as written from the beginning of the book to the end, I feel as if they'd have a fairly comprehensive education into the folk art style, which is pretty impressive for a single book.
The inspiration gallery at the end, too -- pure eye candy for those of us who like this style. I just love Laforme's work!
March 14, 2018
What we did not notice when we requested this book for review, was that it was an instructional book. Disappointed for a second, we pondered the possibilities. Then, we liked the idea.
When we got into the book, we liked the idea even more.
It's not that we were not born into an artist-inducing family, because we were. However, we discovered after taking an eight-grade art class that, unless we worked on this talent, as have the other McDonald's, we would never be as goodas them. This tired us. Hence, we never pursued it.
Laforme actually shows you how to create Folk Art creations! This is a beautiful book. Aesthetic in every manner.
When we got into the book, we liked the idea even more.
It's not that we were not born into an artist-inducing family, because we were. However, we discovered after taking an eight-grade art class that, unless we worked on this talent, as have the other McDonald's, we would never be as goodas them. This tired us. Hence, we never pursued it.
Laforme actually shows you how to create Folk Art creations! This is a beautiful book. Aesthetic in every manner.
March 2, 2018
This book is so inspiring! I honestly haven’t tried doing scenery paintings such as Joy’s style. I do a lot of galaxy forest painting lately but it doesn’t have much details in them. I have a bunch of books that showcases scenery paintings but I’m too intimidated to try them out. I love that American Folk Art doesn’t follow certain rules when it comes to painting and that some of the traditional artists of this art form are minimalists, so I felt it won’t feel as overwhelming to try it out. And seeing that most artists back then didn’t have formal training, it allowed self-taught artists such as myself to express ourselves with more freedom!
Granted the artworks in this book are done using gouache, but I didn’t have any at hand so I tried out one activity from the book using my most opaque watercolors. And since watercolor is my medium, better go with where I’m comfortable with first (I’ll challenge myself with gouache some time later). I opted to do my own style rather than follow what’s on the book. I was’t really expecting much from my output since this is the first time I’d be dabbling on such a form.
I was rather hesitant about posting my finished piece, but I did want to show you what I was able to do, even if it’s not my best. (You can see my artwork here: Erudite Artist Folk Art Fusion:Americana Artwork). You know what they say, you won’t get better at it unless you start.
If you want a great dose of inspiration, this book is a must-have. I think it’s only available on paperback though but that’s even better, because I love print copies! If you’re wondering where you can find a copy, it’s on Amazon and Book Depository.
Granted the artworks in this book are done using gouache, but I didn’t have any at hand so I tried out one activity from the book using my most opaque watercolors. And since watercolor is my medium, better go with where I’m comfortable with first (I’ll challenge myself with gouache some time later). I opted to do my own style rather than follow what’s on the book. I was’t really expecting much from my output since this is the first time I’d be dabbling on such a form.
I was rather hesitant about posting my finished piece, but I did want to show you what I was able to do, even if it’s not my best. (You can see my artwork here: Erudite Artist Folk Art Fusion:Americana Artwork). You know what they say, you won’t get better at it unless you start.
If you want a great dose of inspiration, this book is a must-have. I think it’s only available on paperback though but that’s even better, because I love print copies! If you’re wondering where you can find a copy, it’s on Amazon and Book Depository.
August 19, 2018
Nice little book and well explained, this book adds a new look at folk art - it is cute and modern and easy to do.
Not a big book, but certainly not lacking in style, I'm generally not a fan of folk art, but this book does a good job with it, especially with the little more modern twist.
Not a big book, but certainly not lacking in style, I'm generally not a fan of folk art, but this book does a good job with it, especially with the little more modern twist.
March 9, 2018
A charming little book for beginners, or those who wish to paint folk art style. It gives brief information on materials, then has lots of step-by-step paintings to copy. The pictures included are typical folk-art house scenes, charming florals, and birds. The painting style is quite simplistic, but then that is expected in folk art. The author uses gouache, which is ideal for beginners. This book, together with a paint set, would make a lovely gift for those wanting to try their hand at folk art painting.
Thanks to the publisher for a digital review copy.
Thanks to the publisher for a digital review copy.
April 5, 2018
This is a great book for anyone who is new to painting or drawing, there are very easy to follow instruction and simple designs to build confidence in your painting skillsThis review was originally posted on Books In Brogan
July 3, 2019
I love the simple explanations in this book. I found the author on Instagram and I sent her a picture of my painting that was inspired by her book and she replied ❤. What a lovely author and lovely book!
June 28, 2019
Love this as an entry level folk art painting book! It has inspired me to give it a try...and from her basic directions I feel like a can do it!
October 23, 2019
Good how-to!
The author nicely breaks down the steps to drawing and painting folk art in a way that inspires confidence! Heartily recommend.
The author nicely breaks down the steps to drawing and painting folk art in a way that inspires confidence! Heartily recommend.
October 25, 2019
Amazing
this book is great. it’s full of great and challenging projects for you to explore your talent. i loved it.
this book is great. it’s full of great and challenging projects for you to explore your talent. i loved it.
April 24, 2021
Excellent!!!
A wonderful, inspiring art book that teaches basic steps in drawing and painting beautiful scenes.
Definitely a book that inspires folk art!!
A wonderful, inspiring art book that teaches basic steps in drawing and painting beautiful scenes.
Definitely a book that inspires folk art!!
September 24, 2023
Love this book!
So many great ideas. Very clear instructions on art projects. I never knew I loved Folk Art so much. Great painting projects.
So many great ideas. Very clear instructions on art projects. I never knew I loved Folk Art so much. Great painting projects.
February 25, 2026
Excellent instructions and projects
Straight forward easy to follow instructions. I can’t wait to try all the projects
Can’t wait to read more by this author.
Straight forward easy to follow instructions. I can’t wait to try all the projects
Can’t wait to read more by this author.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews