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Animals, book, Drawing and Painting Imaginary Animals, drawing book, drawing elephants, elephants, painting book, The Sketchbook Challenge
If you head on over to The Sketchbook Challenge Blog today, you’ll see the Oaxacan Dotted Elephant tutorial that makes up Chapter 4 of Drawing and Painting Imaginary Animals.
And HERE you can leave a comment to WIN both a copy of the book and a mini elephant original drawing:
Just leave a comment telling me why you would like to win the book. I will pick two winners on Sunday, September 30th: one “randomly,” and one based on your comment (I’ll pick the one that “speaks” to me the most).
I look forward to reading your comments!
P.S. There’s another book giveaway and book review over at Quinn Creative today. Click HERE for another chance to win. Thanks, Quinn, for the very nice review!
P.S.S. Thank you so much for all the blog love! I had meant to have you say “why” you would like the book so I could better understand where YOU are coming from… and not to ask for compliments. (But THANK YOU so much for all the nice comments!)
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AND THE WINNERS ARE…
— Random winner of book and artwork: #44, Valerie Brown. She wrote
I would like to win this book because I have taken tentative steps in my sketchbook with drawing imaginary animals. I think your book would help me get over my need to have them look realistic and my subsequent disappointment when they don’t look that way! Plus, what’s not to love about imaginary animals!!
— “Comment” winner of a book: Trudi Inglis. She wrote:
As much as I would love this book to be all for me, I think my 10-year old daughter is the perfect recipient for the book! She has always been artistic, and this past year she has really been exploring her creative ideas. In fact, this past summer she won the Jim Pittman Award in Lunenburg Nova Scotia … a contest open to kids grade 4 – 12, and she won first over all! Meanwhile she has friends and teachers trying to tell how to make art … How things “should look”. There is nobody but me and my artist sister encouraging her to let herself go. She loves looking at your work, and I really think having your book would help her learn that real people agree … Not just her totally uncool mum … That making art doesn’t mean following set rules!
AND… this was amazing…
— Former Silly student “Savannah Silly-Dawn O’Brien” asked if she could GIFT some of you copies of the book (I know, so generous!). She chose four recipients: Abigail, Jeannievh, Serena Mira Asta, and Birthe Lindhardt! I’ll be emailing the winners separately (and Savannah’s contact info is: savvangogh@earthlink.net). THANK YOU, Savannah!
And thank you to everyone who commented… I was really touched by ALL of the comments… thank you.
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This post is part of a Two-Week Book Release Celebration for my new book, “Drawing and Painting Imaginary Animals: A Mixed-Media Workshop with Carla Sonheim.” For the schedule, which includes book and art giveaways, contributing artists features, tutorials, and assignments, click here.
carlasonheim.wordpress.com 
Carla,
I don’t know if this post will “speak” to you, but I am coveting your book. Since I started taking classes with you, several people have commented on the positive direction my art has taken. They love my creatures and can see how much freer I am. So I thank you very much for all your inspiration!
The tutorial was fabulous – really love that kind of work – line, color and doodling! It has it all. Would love to win a copy of your book. I have the Drawing Lab book – probably need to go back and “play” there a bit more.
Thank you Carla for this great celebration, lucky us! Why I’d like to win this book? Because your drawings are an inspiration to me, I mean like a breath, and I’d like to learn how to open much more my lungs to breathe much better!
Why would I like a copy of your book? Because your process for uncovering the artist within is unparallel to any instruction I have received or seen. Through your vision I have been given permission to let go and trust in the process than trying to create a predetermined product. I thank you for offering your talents to the world-at-large so many other people can find their place as well.
WOW what a great celebration this is! Congrats, on another amazing book! I would love to win a copy of your book 🙂 I would teach what I learn to my boys! We have loved all the other classes we have taken with you!
Congratulations on your new book, I can’t wait to get one! Your drawings have been so interesting but I always thought to difficult for me. Your tutorial breaks down the steps to make it easy to follow so that I can learn to make these kinds of drawings too! Thank you!
Today’s my birthday! 30, in fact! And I’ve always loved elephants — this one speaks to me particularly with the blue and the eye and the dots… It’s got a presence that I really like.
I was planning on buying a copy of your book for my birthday, but if I win, I’ll just buy a copy for a friend — or two! Pay it forward!
So much love and appreciation for you and the work you’re doing!
i love the style of your drawings and would like to develop my own style. Like you I love to draw animals … especially for my grandsons! And what a wonderful birthday present it would be! 🙂 (Sept. 30, 1954!)
I got Drawing Lab from the library (after an almost two month wait for Inter library loan) and loved it, and it really helped me loosen up with my art and enjoy the process more. I cant afford to buy it, or this book, or any of your e-classs, so it would be awesome to win.
I love the looseness and great form of your work, until I had seen how it was done I can’t believe it is so simple and what great effect even the everyday pencil or felt tip pen could make. It just goes to show you don’t need expensive art materials to have fun.
Would love to win a copy of your book. You really know how to get the creative juices flowing!
I love looking at your work. There is so much whimsy in your drawings. And I’d love to challenge myself to get back to drawing. This is something I’d love to teach my two kids as we homeschool. Thanks for the giveaway!
At first I thought the winning comment was what one thought not why one wanted the book. So I will blend my answer. I was thinking of marketing stratedies for the book. So I would want this book to show my girlfriend who is a Special Ed. teacher. I think this book is an excellent tool for teaching several concepts aside from drawing for Special Ed. children or teens. Because the drawings are engaging, and simple to grasp it lends towards a universal quality. Therefore, It can be used to initiate a discussion in diversity, parts of a whole in discussing concept structure and also in discussing the body as a biological concept or in drawing.
I know this may seem way out but I love using different tools to teach my patients in medicine as a nurse practitioner. Make the complex idea simple and it will stick!!
My 81-year-old Dad – AND my 50-something sister (she’s just a little younger than me) – have both just started painting and drawing. Both are even going to show a few of their pieces in my home / studio during the St. Paul Art Crawl next month!
You should have seen them last Sunday, jumping around from piece to piece, figuring out what to frame, imagining their art hanging on my wall (they have never shown work before). They are so excited that they act like little kids!
Both my Dad and sister want to learn your techniques, and would totally, TOTALLY love owning a copy of your book. I’d love to win one, then buy the other. I so love watching them grow and expand their sense of creative self at any age!
Congratulations to you! The book is beautiful – as is all that flows from your imagination. Today’s post spoke to me…I have a 3rd grade class auction project looming in my near future and have been revisiting so many of your tequniques in hopes of finding something “just right” for the kids to do. I’ve thought something in the vein of that little dotted elephant could work great! I’m always blown away by what those little kiddos can pull out. I strive for their lack of fear and your free-spirited whimzy every time I sit down to create! Thank you for what you do!
What a wonderful way to celebrate the release of your new book! The elephant tutorial offers whimsy and joy, and delight in color and line. I love animals. I love drawing and painting them, and I really think this book will help me explore the fantastic electricity of animals that is so difficult to capture, yet doesn’t seem so hard after reading your tutorial. I can’t wait to open this book! I plan on doing a schnauzer version of the elephant lesson for my two little Miniature Schnauzer trouble-makers. Congrats on your new book!
Oh, oh, pick me, pick me !!
Signed,
Crazed Silliness Fan in Colorful Socks hoping to use the book with her super groovy 3 year old daughter for those sunny days spent outside on an old quilt, drawing silly pictures in the sunshine.
Oh Carla, your art is so wonderful! I love this tutorial! My grand niece and I have used your Drawing Lab book to create together, (we both have a copy) and I’m just imagining how much fun we’ll have using this book as inspiration for our art sessions! Thanks for sharing your fabulous art techniques!
CANNOT WAIT to share these projects with my middle school art students! Your creativity will run their imagination wild!!!!
I adore the gorgeous cow on the cover of your new book! I also have the Drawing Lab book and have been fascinated with your work ever since I discovered it. I would love to have Imaginary Animals to devour as well.
I am an elementary art teacher and I would love to have a copy of your book! I love your artistic style and I know my students would too.
I am working on a collaborative project with a poet friend to make a children’s picture book with silly rhymes and mish-mashed animal creatures like the Mousefish and the Dragonhare. I’d love to have a copy of your book for inspiration and ideas. Your work is so fun!
You book has set us all free to play in our imaginary world, thanks!
Hi!! I have your Lab book and love it. You are true to yourself and your imagination and that’s what I like best. My art journaling is perhaps how I fit into the world…you, you add the drawings that take an extra leap. Love it! ~ kath PS. i would love to win your new book! I do really enjoy drawing…
Hi Carla,
Your book arrived yesterday and WOW I love it! Great activities and I am especially excited to try the washi tape imaginary animals. If I was selected to win a copy of your book I would donate it the Schack Arts Center in Everett for their teen night program. Once a month teens come to the center to experience art and to socialize while doing it. It is a great experience for them to explore a variety of art materials in an amazing environment.
Just from reading your posts I have started seeing imaginary critters in all my art scraps – yikes! 🙂 such fun! I can just imagine what I would see with your book as a guide! I’ve even gotten my husband seeing imaginary critters now. Love your work and truly appreciate this opportunity to win a book!
I would like to win the book because I love all your work
I am so psyched about your new book! I’ve loved working from “Drawing Lab” and have it carried it with me so many places. Its been to the beach where my two oldest grandchildren and I used it for inspiration and to the mountains where its been my comfortable companion on rainy days. Its traveling with me this weekend to the lake with some creative friends for a little “artist’s retreat”. I plan to lead them through a “Picasso dog” and some watercolor blob imaginary animals that I learned in your class earlier this summer. Whether or not I win your book I will be getting a copy. Thanks for sharing your unique approach to drawing–its given me so many enjoyable art moments!
Marge Cadaret
P.S. On our last trip to Tennessee to visit our grandkids Mia, who is seven, showed me a sketchbook full of “scribble drawings” she had done on her own! The inspiration continues 😉
Carla, thank you for inspiring so many of us to have fun creating art! My theme for this years Art at The Library Program I teach, for 5 – 10year olds, is Animals in Art! So, I think you know why I would love to win a copy of your new book (-: I and the children have thoroughly enjoyed many of your other art activities from the Drawing Lab for Mixed Media Artists Book that I know we would continue to be inspired by this new book for celebrating and creating animals with art.
Thank you for sharing your celebration with so many of us!
P.S. I can’t wait til after I get home in October to tell the children that I met you in person (-:
I’m so excited to see this new book of yours. I love your work. It is so whimsical and absolutely fun! It is easy to just play around with the techniques and not worry so much about the outcome. What could be better than that?
aaw such a nice and beautiful gift of yours
Your work inspiring me, it’s like looking to clouds and watch them and suddenly you find floating animals, creatures and mostly they will change , like mouth will be opening.
That’s what i experience with your art work as well.
it’s beautiful and inspiring and …. just to watch;-D
and then a exploiting of craftivity will come.
I hope to see everyweek more of your work. it’s just a gift to follow you;-D
so thank you for that part as well;-D
I’d love to win a copy of your book. I think it’d be great to incorporate into creative writing workshops with kids. We could do a lot of fun character drawing and writing from the book! I love to incorporate drawing and painting exercises from your on-line classes and Mixed Media book into the workshops. In some of the schools and places I present, kids don’t have access to a lot of art, so it’s a good way to present art to them.
I think all art forms influence one another and ourselves. Right now, I volunteer at an inner city elementary school teaching choral music but I am constantly looking for other art forms to help them embrace their music. Your images are extremely powerful and I believe that drawing imaginary animals will inspire and free up the children’s voices. Also, I am presently creating a nonprofit center for spirituality and the arts. I would love to incorporate some of the ideas for creative exploration for your book with those children and youth as well.
I would love to win your book. I have your other book and took one on-line class from you. It inspired me to draw every day–a gift to myself. Doesn’t take long and yet it does get you to look at “things” differently in everyday life.
Why should I win the book?
Because I would so much love to own the book signed by you as your course in Imaginary Creatures has meant such an improvement to and inspiration in my work, AND because I simply adore your creatures and the way you work. Thank you so much for all you have given me over the past year and a half.
Birthe, Denmark
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I have to admit that I don’t have any lofty reasons for wanting to win a copy of your book. I admire your work, and I know the book will be awesome, and I’ll enjoy it immensely. What’s not to want?
Hi Carla, thank you for the chance to win your fabulous book! I would like to win this book to share the freedom that comes with enjoying the process of making art. My 7 year old daughter loves animals, and loves to draw. This is a wonderful way for us to connect. My son, who just turned 4, is learning to enjoy making things. He is far too critical of himself and his drawings, though! (At the tender age of 4!) I encourage him to have fun with art and enjoy making things. I think your book would help with that. Also, a friend of mine has told me for 20 years that she is not artistic at all. Recently, she did an intuitive painting of an angel with me, and she loved it. I think your book has projects in it that she would enjoy making as well. I can share it with my grandmother, too. So, not only would it be great fun for me, the people that I love will enjoy it with me!
I am very excited to win a chance at your book…looks like some great inspiration!
“Well then, how will I remember you?”
“You could draw a picture of me.”
“You don’t look like other people’s elephants. What will people say? How do I even start?”
“Try picking up a pencil and piece of paper and making a mark. Let’s see what happens next.”
And the girl began to draw her friend. First an outline appeared and then an eye. She smiled at her picture.
“This is how I see you. And this is what I will tell people.”
Her friend smiled back from the paper.
And like a wisp, her elephant disappeared leaving behind a book on drawing imaginary animals and the picture of himself. And the girl’s journey began.
Taking your Imaginary Animals ‘camp’ class really broadened my eye’s ability to see past the obvious of ‘what is’ and gave me more ability to explore ‘what can become’ [of this]. A tweak here, some lines there, and voila! a smile happens, cute happens, the absurd happens; the imagination explodes with endless ideas! For me, this book would serve as a unique reference and reminder of things learned in this class.
Wow, you win in my book!
L.
That is the cutest elephant art ever! Love it! I think you should pick me. Not because of my words (everyone I know know that I can’t write worth beans) but because I’d love it the mostest and the bestest. 🙂
Why would I like a copy? Why wouldn’t I? Loads of fun and besides I have your other one. I kind of need to see this one, too. 😉
Just have discovered your blog this morning. Congratulations on your newest book. I like your style of artwork because it reminds me of some drawings I had as a child. The last time I tried to draw animals was way back then! But you make it look doable 🙂
I would like to win this book because I have taken tentative steps in my sketchbook with drawing imaginary animals. I think your book would help me get over my need to have them look realistic and my subsequent disappointment when they don’t look that way! Plus, what’s not to love about imaginary animals!!
Just found you thru a post on Quinn’s blog when she reviewed your book. Can’t wait to explore more of your blog history and begin to receive your updates – love to draw but feel so restrainted when i do – so perhaps some of your “tutorials” will help!!!! of course i would love to win a copy of your book. p
I would love to win this book because I tend to draw realistically and have a hard time loosening up and drawing from the imagination. You’re first book was an inspiration to me and I believe that this would be just as inspirational.
Hi Carla, I would like to win a copy of the book because I want to share the JOY I’ve had in doing your tutorials with: my sister, the art specialist at my school, my friend who thinks art is only for certain people and cannot be done by anyone, my third grade class, there’s more but I have to go to work. My class would really like that elephant posted in my classroom!
WOW! Your Oaxacan Dotted Elephant is beautiful! I would love to win our book! Being semi-retired, I’m teaching myself new things in art and I would love to incorporate your methods into my mixed media collages. Thank you again for sharing your talents and gifts with us! =)
Congratulations on your new book!!!!
Pick me! Pick me! Pick me!
Seriously though – LOVE your first book, and have enjoyed the various on-line courses. I have been stalking Indigo and Amazon waiting for the book to come out! Can’t wait to try new things from the book!!!
You’ve already given me a gift beyond measure. I did the tutorial and it’s as though my wonderful Oaxacan dotted horse has opened a doorway into a whole new reservoir of creative urgings. They were there all along just waiting for him to come. Many thanks for this important inspiration!
Congratulations on your books!! I know they are fabulous!! I love your animals cause they make me laugh and my heart sing. So I’d LOVE, LOVE to win both your book and notecard. I just quit my job and so I am imagining myself having lots of time to play painting silly animals. My absolutel best to you.
I just love your classes and books-such an ingenious teaching method that good work sneaks up on one-hope to win a copy of this book.
What lovely inspiration…a call to me to play more and loosen up! Thank you for sharing your elephant tutorial on The Sketchbook Challenge.
I would love to win because I love your artwork! I took your imaginary animals class and it was just what I needed to free up my art. I usually make folk art quilts and this is a perfect complement. Thank you!
What can I say? I love elephants!!! and other animals, too:) Would love to win your new book. Thanks.
Yay a book is born!
I love the idea of winning a book from you. I’ll keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best. My turtle stack would be so happy for me 😉
Carla, I’ve taken three online courses from you and thoroughly enjoy the calm manner in which you instruct. I love the results as they are out of the box thinking and fun! I’d love to win your book ( I’ve never won anything before but keep trying) as there is something special about being able to flip the pages and hold a book! Then as a bonus you are also including the elephant picture – wow! Thanks for being so generous 🙂 – Heidi
I love to have this book, because I loved following some of your workshops and I love making crazy animals of my own. Will look nice on my bookshelf next to drawing lab
I have loved your free spirit style of making art since I found you earlier this year. I was excited when I saw your book was out but then the voice in my head said you don’t need another book! But now the kid in me sees all the awesome fun I can have (looked at all the tutorials). So if it’s in the cards for me to win I’ll be so HAPPY if not I’ll definitely be buying your book!
carla thank you for another inspirational tutorial — I have your first book and have been enjoying it along with my granddaughter — I also love your silly workshops — I have taken two workshops and most recently loved flower crazy which I have used in much of my mixed media work — I would love to win your book, but if I don’t I will surely buy it– I have also enjoyed seeing Liam grow up and how lucky is he to have such a talented grandma :0)
I want to win a copy of this book because I think it will be awesome. I am going to order it anyway if I don’t win a free copy but then I don’t get the elephant!
I have Drawing Lab already, and would love this one too! I am a middle school art teacher, and it is sometimes difficult to get this age of kids comfortable about drawing. They are so afraid of making a “mistake”! I would love to have a copy of your animal drawing book to help them loosen up and realize their art does not have to be an exact representation of their subject! Perfect does not always equal creative!
I love your work and how you teach, of course. What I like about this is your method is soft and relaxed along with being totally inspiring. This is a great way to loosen up and create fun.
I would love to win your book. I’ve taken two of your courses online and they have lead me to believe that I can do it. I am particularly fond of creating flower designs which I am planning to use to crate themofax screens and print on to scarves and other fabrics.
I have your book on order at my local bookstore, but….I have 14 grandchildren and I encourage them to explore the artist that is within them. I have already gifted one of them with another of your books for her birthday, and I would love to gift my 10 year old granddaughter with your newest book. It is so exciting to watch them grow up and to see the artist emerge. One of them is now a design student in college. I think your books are wonderful for adults (Me!) and children. Such fun!
I would love to win the book because I learned so much in your 101 faces class and this looks like even more fun!
Rinda
The criteria to be an artist, I thought, was being able to draw a horse, or an elephant for that matter. Years ago the lack of that “ability” excluded me from being a bona fide artist, but no longer! Now I can draw my own elephant!!!
Thanks for the elephant, horse, and the whole menagerie!
Claire
Dear carla, i just wanted you to know that I use your book and lessons whenever I teach at my favourite public school. Last week grade 3s did some big eyed monsters, heard a story about Picasso and then creatively made Picasso dogs. They were awesome and we had so much fun! I would love to win to use with my students!
Why would I like, no cross that….LOVE to have your book??? Hmmm Let me count the ways : ) Your style of work is fun, playful and energetic and most of all inspiring. To be able to learn from you would greatly further my own abstract work. I have only recently found your work and look forward to continually reading your blog.
To win your book would be just great,
If I do, it can only be fate.
Your style is out there, one of its own,
Nothing to with colour or tone.
Just sheer inspiration laughs & fun.
You have it all, by the ton.
I’d like to win because I enjoyed your first book. I also think it’d be fun to share with my nephews and suggest that art doesn’t have to be realistic. Thanks for the chance and congratulations!
Carla, I’ve been waiting with baited breath for your new book! You are the consumate master of simple yet deep! I love how in your workshops and your book you make the stresses of the world fall away. Many times in my own workshops I credit you for giving me ‘laser’ vision. Your exercises have helped me focus on what is really truly all I need in my art. Grow from the basics. Stretch from a good foundation. I have grown by leaps and bounds since shedding the unneeded “art pressure/product/clutter/trends/others opinions noises from my creative process thanks to your wonderful teaching style! I would love to win, but rest assured, even if I don’t win a copy, I will buy one!!!
I am so glad you published this book. Here is what I love about your art/instruction. It gives those of us that cannot draw or paint….HOPE!!! I can feel like a REAL artist when using your techniques. It also reinforces in me, that one does not have to draw realistically, to still have fun. I think whimsy is so much more FUN!!!
Your book of imaginary animals would be an exciting addition to my lime green studio’s collection of inspiring objects. The book would join the colored bobble lights, the assortment of fairies dancing from the ceiling, butterflies and dragonflies found on walks, and paint and crayons and paper and paper and all stuff bubbling with potential.
Carla, even with no signature I would recognize your artwork for the unique spirit I feel in the flow and expression of everything you create. I have a special affinity for your critters and have taken the Imaginary Creatures class which was fun. I also have your first book as most of us do and like everyone else here, I’m a total fan of both your art and your inspirational, freeing teaching style. So I’d dance with excitement to be picked as a book winner! Congratulations on having found a way to be totally YOU in this world.
Oh Carla – I would love to win your book because I am hopeless at lifelike drawing and I think that your animals are absolutely adorable! I would love to learn to draw creatures like yours. Congrats on the book!
I love your work and have been doodling animals ever since I took your class at Art Fest several years ago. Your art takes the gloomy out of my day! Would love to win a copy of your new book so I can continue t add to my imaginary worlds!
I’m a big fan of your are and I really loved your first book. I would love to win this one. 🙂
I would love a copy of your new book because Drawing Lab for Mixed Media Artists taught me to have fun and not worry about being perfect, and finally got me drawing! 🙂
Hello! I am a commercial artist looking for ways to turn my skills and talents into more art for art’s sake. I am burned out and would love to added your new book and get some creative sparks flying. Thank you!
I love your work and own Drawing Lab. I think this book would be an inspiration for me as much as Drawing Lab.
it´s so great and I have to try it!
Thank you for this all and for the chance to win!
I would like to win the book because I adore Drawing Lab and it is one of my go-to books for kick starting me. But I could also be a suck-up and say how beautiful, talented, witty and especially funny you are.
Congratulations on your new book release Carla! I promise to do a silly dance the first moment I come across it in stores…
Perhaps you can pick me to win because you can pick your comments, you can pick your friends, you can pick your nose but you can’t pick your friends comment’s nose.
Love and laughter, tj
I would love to win the book because since I took one of your online courses even though the course was a mini course it has helped me find my inner child, where I can draw , colour and paint without having to worry if it’s perfect. It pleases me and it’s the first time I’ve not been self critical about my art worrying about what other people think or perfection. Beauty is now definately in the eye of the beholder …yay..that’s ME !!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 so grazie 1,000.
I would love to add this book to my art/art lessons/inspiration library because: I have long admired you Carla for your undying dedication to your voice and to putting it out there in a variety of media and always with honesty and a humble tone. I love being inspired by ideas to offer my adult students that allows them to open up in ways they never knew was possible. And FUN! I want to bring more fun into my art and life and what better way then through the portal of a fellow artist who I admire?
Hi, Carla! Thanks for this great giveaway! My comment is a little poem. I hope you like it.
I’d like to win your nifty book so I can have an up close look
At all the fancied creatures that are there.
It might help me get my hand to thawing and loosen up my silly drawing
By drafting mythic critters everywhere.
Although I dare not presage, I hope you’ll pick my message
And ensure this versy fan will walk on air.
I should win because I’m greedy 🙂 Actually, I’ve been trying to regain my creativity. I used to be much more creative, but life got me down and I lost it. I miss that side of me.
Creating new things brings life to my heart. My girls and I love making art together.
ME!!! MEMEMEMEME! pick MEEEEEEE!
elbow
Please Please Pleasepleasepleaseplease with sugar and saspy and cherries and elephants on top! ME!
Over here! Look! ME I luuuuuuuuve you and your drawing and can I have your autograph too? PLEASEity please? Pleaseoramma. Pleaseagoracal. The Big Please-ouski. And a Big Thank you -ouski too.
L.
Hmmmm, being a zookeeper for 20 years has had me drawing all kinds of animals, but not imaginary ones. Elephants are my fav (and I’d include a pic of my friends new baby girl-I’ll put it on your FB page I think.) and I’m going to Oaxaca in 1 month. I think all the planets have aligned for me on this one!!! Can’t wait to see the book!
I would love to win your book. I love books! I also need help me learn to do art and to use art supplies. Someday I hope to have my own style and ideas but for now I need books to follow and tutorials to help me on my way.
Hello!! I am so excited for your new book! I have your other drawing lab and it is so great! I go in and volunteer in my sons class and do art with all the kids and your book would be perfect to help me out with that. 🙂
Your art always makes me smile! I am learning more about my own style from your other book, Drawing Lab. I forgot how nice it was to sit somewhere and quietly go into your own imaginary world.
I would love to win a copy of your new book…have enjoyed the peeks and the tutorial!!
Carla, I have LOVED your style since the first time I took a class from you at Art Unraveled. Your new book looks to be awesomely whimsical, and I would love to win it. I create things in paper, fabric and fibers for my little grand-daughter, and this would be totally inspirational! Thank you for the opportunity.
I have your drawing lab book too, and it is so exited to look in it and found so much inspiration there. PS. My cats are already better. It is like look into a magic world; like I could become a kid one more time. I love illustration books and if I could see under the illustrator arm even better, and your illustrations and tutorials are something that I need to try and learn and enjoy, and the best part is I could do them together with my kids or just by myself over and over again. The more I play the better it is…and yes drawing is fun; I love it.
I simply love your poetical style and enjoyed going through the first book with you on artists of the round table. Drawing is not an easy thing for me, and your tutorials help me to work a bit looser. Your new book looks very promising too; therefore I would love to win a copy of it!
Love your work and ease with which you teach, would love a chance to win this delightful book!
I have your first book which I raved about on my blog last year http://www.byshena.blogspot.ca/2011/05/drawing-lab-for-mixed-media-artists-by.html and in all my classes since maintain that if you could only ever buy one art instruction book: this is the one! On a more personal note I have had so much sheer pleasure, relaxation and pure fun painting imaginary creatures from your online class. My sashaying rabbits have a whole story unfolding around them! When I can afford to I will be buying your latest book and signing up for more classes. I want to write and illustrate a book about the antics of my daft black Lab, Magic who was with me for 14 years and who I still miss so desperately. He taught me so much and I intend to pass that on. Thank you for your unending inspiration, and congratulations on your latest book!
My oh My. two gifts in one. an elephant fantastico (even thou I am not a republican) and the newest Carla book of fun quirky creatures I am sure to meet on the yellow brick road. My oh my. this must be a scam for pam. does it include a run with Ian?
Hi Carla! I just love your artistic style.I have your first book…love it….and I am thoroughly enjoying the online tutorials and photos that you’ve posted BUT it would be SO nice to have that book beside me, and to just sit down and relax and practice art without glaring into the computer screen. I’d much rather sit comfortably…. listen to my favorite music ….and be creative!
How wonderful – thanks so much for this opportunity! I grew up with the believe that I can’t draw… your wonderful online class brought back the fun of playing around with pencils and colours! A whole book filled with fun and bringing joy – well, who wouldn’t want to win this… 😉 I would love to! :-)))
… belief… sorry about the typo! 🙂
My daughter and I could have so much fun with this – I hope I win!
If I win, I’d like to take it with me when I visit my family in Japan next January. It would be something I and my mom could do with nephews 16 and 11 (both love to draw), and niece 6 (who doesn’t, but would do anything the boys do). We have a hard time finding something the three can engage in together. Having said that, I think a teacher or grandmother would be a more deserving recipient of this book as I feel they can reach a lot more young’uns than I, and I think this would be a great tool for flexible, young minds. OR, people who care for the elderly; they’d have a good time, too!
Hi Carla, I’ve already ordered your book, but wanted to let you know how much you have inspired so many people (who thought that they weren’t creative) to enjoy the creative process. Your art is an awesome thing to share. Thank you.
I would love to win your new book , and adopt all the animals !
Ahhh ! , walking imaginary dogs or elephants in Lyon must be a great experience !
I love the look of your new book. I am always preaching about your art to my secondary pupils (UK) and giving them warm up exercises based on your fantastic ideas! Your endless creativity and ‘warm’, welcoming style is so generous, you should be famous worldwide x
Well, I’ve already ordered the book but I’d still like to win one because then I could give one of them away to my own blog readers. I can’t think of anything that would be more fun for them to win! I know they’d be excited about it!
I love your work very much and following the instructions of your first book, it was a joy for me and my little daughter, to draw and paint, even if we “can’t” draw. Your book is a great way to learn not to be such a perfectionist as I am – and that’s what I hope to find in your new book.
Jorin
I would love to win a copy of your new book so I could share it with my niece who loves art but thinks she can’t draw. Since she loves animals it would be so much fun to follow the chapters together with her and show her that she really can have fun while drawing. Thanks for all the inspiration!
I love the idea of creating imaginary animals–I find they often fill my sketchbooks. My godson was scoping out one of those sketchbooks last year and asked if he could draw in it but then panicked a bit and said he didn’t want to “mess up the book” in case his drawings weren’t “good” and such. I gently explained that the wonderful thing about drawing monsters (the sketchbook contains mostly friendly, goofy monsters–my version of imagine animals sort of) that there is no “wrong” so go for it. He relaxed and dove in drawing not one but three pages full of creatures telling me detailed stories about each one along the way. I think imaginary animals is similar in that drawing them frees us up and allows the creative juices to flow.
Your Drawing Lab book sits on the bookshelf near my art space and is becoming lovingly dogeared. I’m looking forward to buying this one and soaking it all up, too. Your writing and art style are a true gifts–thanks for sharing them with the world!
This is so interesting and I think my son who is very interested in art would love the book. Thank you for the chance to win!
me, please? I really really enjoyed the art of silliness and while I currently don’t even have time for sleep (or food) while I finish of my thesis over the next 6 weeks, I’d love to have something for the time after. And your book would certainly make the time after much much nicer!
I have my own book on it’s way but I would love to have another copy for a friend of mine who introduced me to watercolour and mixed media. She would really enjoy your imaginary creatures and would have so much fun making her own.
Your book will come to live at my house if you draw my name or not.This is why – My 8 year old neighbor and I have an art date scheduled this fall and winter. We had random ones this summer and “Drawing Lab” was a favorite go to for inspiration. A’s mom decided she didn’t like being a mom anymore, so A and I are creating a bond through art. We sew, draw, paint, whatever her heart desires. It is a way to rest her 8 year old mind. What she doesn’t know is the gift she gives me every week. The peek into an 8 year old’s mind and how they view the world. She teaches me each and every time. Your critters will be part of our winter project and A is excited, but not as much as me. Thanks for bringing joy to a little girl and a woman who is embracing her own little girl.
I discovered you yesterday, and yes, it appears I’ve been living under a rock! I’ve just spent 2 weeks in Central Australia and was drooling over the incredible landforms and wanted to draw them as I saw them, coming alive and emerging from the rock into surreal animals. I suspect your book might give me the insight into how to attempt the impossible.
I am looking forward to getting a copy of Imaginary Animals, one way or the other. I got myself a copy of Drawing lab for mixed-media artists that I had to purchase for my very own after checking it out from the library last spring on my quest to learn how to draw. To be honest what I am really taken with today is the chance to have that sweet little elephant drawing. Thank you for bringing so much inspiration and joy into the world with your creations.
Hay Carla! I would love to have a copy of your book for my middle/ high school art classes. I’m working on building up a strong library of great books to inspire them to try out new techniques.
Dear Carla,
I would love a copy of your book, because I already use your drawing lab in school. I teach art to 10-12 year old kids in Germany and your ideas and instructions are brilliant.
Thank you!
Steffanie
I’m working to re-establish my drawing skills. There are two things I want to be able to do; 1) draw looser (i.e., not as realistic… it brings out the OCD in me!) and draw from my imagination. That doesn’t always work and I think your book could help me with that.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! And the Oaxacan Dotted Elephant has my eye on it! He/She is so cool!!! I can just tell by your tutorial(s) that the book will allow those of us to trace to perhaps actually draw!!
Thank you for the chance to win what looks like a very inspiring book…I would love to win the book as it would refresh my paintings and give me a great boost for my artmaking. Thank you also for posting so much from your book – very generous!
I would love to win a copy of this book! I am just starting to explore all kinds of art to fine my own art voice. r
Yes I would love to learn how to draw / animals.
*wave* I am so thrilled you have another book I can get my hands on. Oh how I love your work. You make art seem easy. I have gifted Drawing Lab 52 Creative Exercises to Make Drawing Fun to many an artist. I plan to use some of your ‘lessons’ when I sub at the public school this year. Like you, I ‘see’ animals, faces, bugs, things, etc in condensation left behind on a table or a pothole in the road or a crack in the sidewalk (what I find most is smileys in the dirt). I appreciate your honesty and integrity and your genuineness. Even if I don’t win the book, I’ve got it in my Amazon cart. So I win either way. Oh and as for the artwork, I will just have to come back to the blog everyday to look at it. Thanks Carla for your calling, it is a gift worthy of sharing. *blowing kisses*
I would love to have a copy of your book – I am currently doing multipe programs with tots, 3rd/4th graders, middle school kids, High schoolers and a family program (Whew!) and I am hungry for inspiration – especially ideas that can be done with multiple age groups!
Simply because!….. Your books make me dream and see fun in every line and dot…..
Suddenly drawing is……just is!
Something to really celebrate! Gives hope to those of us who can’t draw realistically!
I have also ordered your book…but if I won the copy from your giveaway I would give it to my mother!
Greetings Carla!
I am really looking forward to leafing through your book and trying new things! I am always looking forward to your blog posts in my mailbox, especially when you attach a piece of your artwork. I was just telling my boyfriend, that they always make me smile. I love the bright colors and the animated character of your animals. Its a great way to start my school day.
Now, why would I love a copy of your book?
I have always enjoyed mixing different media together in my artworks, but haven’t really found the “perfect method” for my creative style. When I started following your blog and trying out some of your tutorials, things started to click. …I had been using mixed media, but in a more traditional – non risky way, my media was on different parts of the paper but not usually overlapping and interconnecting. Then, as a professional development opportunity, I took your Silly 5 class, and had a blast! I am a perfectionist, and the class encouraged me to loosen up, and worry less about the control in my artwork, instead I became more involved in the process. Which is great.
I can’t wait to try out some more of your tutorials and see what comes alive on my paper!
I am not in the same needing league as the other comments and feel a bit guilty trying to win a copy, but that being said, I would love your book because I admire your style and I also have a soft spot for the magnificent and majestic elephant. I would be honoured to hang your art on my wall
Wow thanks for the opportunity to win this latest work of yours Carla , Drawing Lab has been my go to book since i got it when it first came out its so inspiring without being daunting like some books , small steps thats what i love and it tends to get me taking huge leaps. Imaginary Animals is going to be a wonderful resource to add to kick start my muse , shes so flighty lol
hugz bev
thanks for the opportunity! i’ve seen the sample pages on amazon and it looks like so much fun. i’m looking forward to drawing some animals with my sons (8 and 9 yo).
Love the dotty elephant! I really appreciate that your art and lessons use simple materials. I love seeing my supplies in a new way and seeing old school supplies etc as valuable art tools as well. I would love to win a copy of your new book. I took one of your classes last year at Journalfest and had soooo much fun, and have taken 2 art camps with my girls, so I know your book would bring many happy arting sessions!
Your work puts a smile on my face and a spring in my step. With your book I might even develop wings!
I would love to have a copy of this book. I bought Drawing Lab when I was trying seriously to get my drawing better. I adore animals, and none of my drawings or sculptural heads actually look realistic. That’s just not me – even assuming I could 🙂
I really really really love the elephant demo. That is priceless. Thank you for that!
Congratulations on the new book ! I have Drawling Lab and woild love to have this one also…. your drawings reflect a lot of things I see in my dreams ! Nice to find a kimdred soul !
Meredith in NC
Why would I like to win? Work is a little crazy right now, and playing with art supplies is the best way I have found to unwind.
What a fantastic idea to provide a tutorial for imaginary animals. The older I get the more I explore my creative side and I can so see using this book during story times at the library. The fantastic imaginary animals that the children come up with all on their own can be embellished using the techniques in your book. I would love to have a copy to add to the library collection.
Oh, that is the cutest elephant ever! I am going to draw some. I enjoy your art and would love learning to draw more from your new book. Thank you for sharing it!
Hi Carla, Former student here, like so many others. And like some of the others, my “win” would be passed along like a torch to someone younger, less experienced, or more financially deserving…..and who has ALL the burning enthusiasm! I have loved reading the comments, and want to throw my hat in the ring, with your help, and purchase some of your books to GIFT to a couple of your followers on this blog. Thank you for expanding my horizons through the “Silliness” class!!! Please get in touch with me so I can gift some books. Oh, and High Five….again! ~Savannah Dawn O’Brien
I love your books. I find that they help me loosen up and be more forgiving with my drawings…and they are fun! I’d love to win this one!
Well to begin with….mine is on order. (waiting impatiently for it to arrive) But I think this book would be an excellent companion to your imaginary creatures class which I took last year. I learned so much from this class and reccomend it to anybody who has a desire to learn how to draw while letting go of the need for perfection. I learned that its ok if its just what it is, even if its not what you intended to draw. : )
The tutorial was very good and I would love to own a copy of this book. I own your first book and refer to it often.
I have always wanted to draw but am hopeless at it. I love the idea of making whimsical drawings. I think I would be able to make that kind of art and so, that is why I would love to win the giveaway. Thank you for this opportunity and congratulations on your new book!
My Mum collects elephants… I would love to receive a copy of your book, so I could do a kick ass picture of one, like you’ve done. Pictures don’t take up large amounts of space or require dusting like the rest of her collection, so I’m sure she would love it!
😀
Cheers, Deb.
I don’t know what would “speak” to you the most. But i am an Art Education major, yes you heard me right I’m going to school to help kids develop their natural talent. I believe every child has natural talent and i feel that people are so “stuck” in their way of things they tend to stifle a child’s creativity. Oh! Elephants don’t have purple spots! I think your book would be fabulous to have in my future classroom. It shows the students their is no wrong way to create an animal that is solely yours. Btw your tutorials are fabulous.
Your creatures are delightful and delectable. I’m loving the tutorials and would be absolutely thrilled to have a copy of the book so I could play with all the techniques and create an army of fantasy fauna!
Your new book is so charming and whimsical. I have two grand daughters (ages 11 and 15 ) who love to visit and play with my art materials. I enjoy spending time with them and introducing them to new and interesting media. The oldest is quite artistic and loves Art Lab. She has done some very interesting pieces using your book. I would love to share your new book with them – having that special grandma time and also passing on a passion and love of art to our girls.
Thank you for this wonderful opportunity.
Hi Carla, I would love to win a copy of your new book, of course, just like everyone here. My favourite part from your lab book was the animal session, and you know, I’m dying for the kids to grow up to kindergarden age so I can visit the zoo with my sketch book!
I am not sure that I deserve your book but , I certainly covet it!I love your approach to art with its’Whatever happens can be worked with” approach. And sillyness .The world needs more sillyness. I wanted to draw my dog yesterday, squatting to pee with a stolen toilet roll in her mouth.. and now I shall.X
Now that image is toooo funny and I can hardly get it out of my head.
Yay for impromptu inspiration!
I am an artist and have been very interested in robots, aliens and monsters and would like to explore imaginary animals.
looking at your critters always makes me happy. learning how to create my own critters would be fun and make me twice as happy.
Oh Carla, another ex student, cant wait for my book to arrive, the tutorials are wonderful, just love that spotty elephant. Not a lot of time to play unfortunately, but if I should win a book, I would give it to a grand daughter who also loves what you do, if I dont win we will share mine when it arrives.
Love the excerpts from your book on your blog and over on the sketchbook challenge. I’ve taken a couple of your online classes, Faces101 and Junk Mail Artist Book, and had a blast with the lessons and everything I learned. I haven’t had a chance to take the Imaginary Creatures class, so this book looks like a fun way to play with the ideas at my own pace.
I love your whimical animals. My daughter was an artist. I lost her last October and having your book would give me a way to honor her talent
Hello Carla. Thank you for your gift(s). I am currently enjoying your Drawing Lab book from my local library. My husband just commented “nice cats” as he glanced over my open sketchbook. I am 40-year old, stay at home, first time mom (late bloomer) working on releasing all my years of collected inspirations (wallflower) through painting/drawing/collage. I would be ever so grateful to have your newest book alongside me as a trusty companion on my journey. All the best.
I am so excited for the opporunity to not only have a chance to win your new book, but to have a chance to win your original Elephant drawing. Oh how I love it. The colors and patterns are fabulous. Why would I LOVE to win your book? I can’t tell you how happy I feel inside just looking at the cover of your book. Just the thought of thumbing through all of your amazing tutorials and looking at your creative and inspirational drawings simply make me smile inside. I am a mother to two little budding artists, a lover of the arts, and a new Elementary School Art Teacher. Not only would I love to win your book to have such wonderful inspiration in my home, but I would love to win your book to share your tutorials with my two young children, as well as get inspiration for art lessons for the 800 children I teach at school. Thanks so much for this wonderful opportunity! I am so excited for this chance to win!
I have your book Drawing Lab For Mixed Media Artists and use it all the time to inspire and refresh me. So I would love to win a copy of your new book …… But failing that I shall be asking family for it for Christmas.
Love the elephant. And your blog.
Being an non-native spaker of English, and arriving late at this book give-away, I stand in awe for all the wonderful comments and reasons that are given for wanting the book. I simply love the little elephant, and would love to be able to give away a copy of your book to a friend. Happy drawing everyone!
And besides, Carla , I applaud you for your lovely drawings, your wonderful teaching ánd your online marketing skills. 🙂
I would love to win your give away for your new book. I preordered one for myself a long time ago and it is still to come but if I won a copy I would give it to my daughter. She is a school teacher working in a low socio-economic area. The children are very underprivileged and many of them have problems of one sort or another but one thing they all enjoy is your style of art as I gave her a copy of your first book and they are so proud of the art they produce after working through one of your lessons. Your art makes them all equal and their problems forgotten.
When I knew that you were writing this book I wanted to have it! I just love your creatures! But then I saw it wasn’t coming until october… 😦 (It was january, I think…) So I made this sign for myself that said; ‘Patience is a virtue!’ But now I don’t want to wait any longer… Patience had worked overtime the last months… 🙂
I love each little fella that you create. Over the past months reading your blog and looking at your work has helped me-I think- to loosen up and take that wild and crazy step with my art. Thanks so much. Congratulations on the book–it is lovely!
Dear Miss Sonheim,
First off, congratulations on your two books, This and your “Art of Silliness” book that will follow shortly after. Your “Drawing Lab” book and “Creative Illustration Workshop” by artist Katherine Dunn re the first two books that have helped me to overcome my fear in art (artist block, if you will) and just have fun. And of all the drawing and painting exercises, I find the ones about drawing and painting animals (particularly birds and cats) to be my favorite. I have always enjoyed drawing animals since I was a child and I feel that this book would be right up my alley! I mean: animals+silliness+imagination+inspiration+fun= this book. how can anyone NOT be excited!? I would use the fun techniques to create portraits and art of the cat and her kittens who are now living in my garden among other things. Thank you for giving fans the opportunity to participate in this wonderful and generous giveaway and to own a piece of your fantastic art. Take care and congratulations again. I look forward to more tutorials and cute critters :-).
Best wishes,
Reem
Dear Carla,
congratulations on your new book! I have your Lab book. It is a very inspiring book for me. I would love to win a copy of your book and I just love that spotty elephant..
Thanks for all the inspiration!
Kristina
At first I thought, I will never win. Then I realized that if I didn’t try, of course I wouldn’t win. So here I am. My niece will be visiting at Christmas time. Her mom asked me, “what artsy fun will we do this year?” Imaginary Animals seems to be a book we would have a blast creating from!
Let’s give this give-away a try… 😀 I am not the girl with the lucky numbers, but who knows? I would love to win this book since I am on a book-buy-restricted diet and am not allowed to buy any new books for the next 2 months. Loved the Drawing Lab, which I managed to buy a while ago!
Hi!
(Firstly would like to say that I’ve just discovered your blog and am in LOVE!)
For the past year or so I have been trying to experiment with art inspired by my imagination rather than real life. So far I have worked on people and on flowers/plant life and I think animals would be a great place to go next (but I have no idea where to start).
Also, I have a slight obsession with elephants and have an empty frame that looks like it would fit your elephant perfectly!
Thanks for the great tutorial on The Sketchbook Challenge, my fingers are itching to get home to my art supplies!
D x
Love your work Carla! My illustrative style is much more linear and graphically oriented, I would love to win your book as I would use it as a way to learn new techniques that I would then incorporate into my work!
Love Love Love this book! Can you please inspire me as I’ve been locked inside this computer technician body and lifestyle when all I really wanted to be was an ARTIST!! Your book could be that key to setting me freeeeee!! (So happy to have found you on the sketch book challenge!)
I love this elephant and all your adorable imaginary animals. I would love to learn more about how you create them.
You are one of the reasons I am drawing, for the first time in my rather long life. I started last summer with your sillyness course and now I try to draw every day. Your drawing philosophy is helping me to play and to enjoy the process and not be so worried about the outcome! And as for the wonderful elephant – there is so much happening to and around elephants these days and some of it is so tragic and they are such amazing creatures and this little whimsical one just makes me smile.
Congratulations on the new book! It looks fantastic! I love that its focus is all about making animals that are interesting and creative, not necessarily ‘real’. At our house the kids draw a lot of dogs, some a lot like this, and I wish that I were able to let go of my mental picture of what a ‘dog’ is enough to join them sometimes. This book might help!
I’ve drawn for a long time (I remember getting serious about it when I was in high school – 25 years ago!), and the one thing I’ve always had difficulty with is drawing from my head. I can do realism, and I can do sketchy, but I have always had a hard time with cartoony or whimsical. I am hyper-critical of what comes out when I try those sorts of things. I’d love this book to help me with that. Just glancing over the elephant tutorial showed me a few things I really liked – particularly starting off by drawing multiple elephants and then choosing the best one. I like not being locked in, and able to draw without feeling pressured to force the whimsy. 🙂
Anyway, I’m off to try the tutorial now that I’ve had my morning coffee. Thanks for the opportunity to enter!
Hello Carla-
I received your book on Monday from Amazon and haven’t put it down yet! I can’t wait to do some of the tutorials with my art students. I just wanted to share with you how thrilled I am with your book- you are such an inspiration!
Meg
P.S. Please don’t enter me in your book giveaway since I already have a copy! :0)
a great inspirtation
Carla, I have been impressed and inspired by all your books, but this one tops them all! What incredibly imaginative animals you are able to see in a mere stain or crack. Really awesome!! Whimsical!!! Delightful!!! Tickles my funny bone and touches my heart. It also reminds me of Leonardo da Vinci who saw images in water stains on walls and elsewhere. Sometimes I’ve been able to see them myself, and once sketched a “face” I saw in a water stain on my neighbor’s stucco wall. As a children’s book illustrator “in training,” your book reignites my passion to create such magical creatures, and more than that, inspires me to explore this fascinating world by pushing myself beyond the conventional into the fantastical realms of artistic expression. Your guidance would really help me to develop my imaginative and creative artistic skills, and open me up to new avenues of expression. I hope you’ll choose me as one of the winners of your exceptional book. Thank you for introducing this exciting technique to the art world!! I wish you much success.
Congratulations on your book! Your blog is so inspiring – I would love to read more!!
I’m so excited about your new books! Your first book is one of my 3 favorite art books (and I am an avid read/collector) and I always have it close at hand. I love your style and approach to art – whenever I feel like I’m taking my work and my life too seriously I do an assignment out of your book. 🙂 I just popped over after noticing that the new book is live on Amazon and I could 2-day 1-click it (so, so tempting) but I have 2 7th birthday parties (well, my daughter does) this weekend and I just spent my spending money on gifts. It is at the top of my wish list, though… Thank you for all of your great work and generosity!
I would love to win your book and especially a piece of your original art! I have had so much fun with Drawing Lab for Mixed-Media Artists – I can only imagine how much fun this book will be!
I am new to the Sketchbook blog and saw your posting there. I love whimsey and your work really speaks of whimsey to me. Your drawings also remind me some of Edward Gorey’s work that I also love.
I “used to be an artist” when I was younger. (40+years ago) I have recently started reconnecting with that long lost person! I find I need ideas, inspirations, techniques, and more, to help me grab those old roots. It is like having an old dear friend come back into my life!
I would love to add your book to my meager library of artsy books. I will be working on the elephant tutorial over the next few days too. Thank you for sharing and for the chance to win your book!
Sherri
How exciting! I had the chance to take a class with you at Art & Soul in VA a few years back and have kept every one of the drawings I created. Loved the class and I’d love a kickstart from this book!
It would be cool to win your book and get to do some of your art styles!
I’d like to win a copy of your book simply because I enjoyed your online class so much. It would remind me that I too can draw strange creatures if I want. And I could do it with my little granddaughter who’s a true budding artist.
I would love to win this book. I often get stuck… more and more recently it seems. It becomes a very big battle to put pen to paper. I’m too critical of my work and it’s preventing me from creating. I hate it. I think your book would really inspire me to let go and get creating again! Every step in that direction is a welcome one!
I only ‘found you’ a couple of weeks ago and from that day, for the first time EVER I have made a picture that makes me smile AND it is not in the bin! Thank you.
amazing amount of messages here for you! 191
that is such a lovely elephant…. charming
i also would enjoy winning your book. I rarely draw animals…. and love that you magically create them. Sometimes i make up animal like beings from things i see in clouds. I feel your book would be inspiring. thank you for the chance.
As much as I would love this book to be all for me, I think my 10-year old daughter is the perfect recipient for the book! She has always been artistic, and this past year she has really been exploring her creative ideas. In fact, this past summer she won the Jim Pittman Award in Lunenburg Nova Scotia … a contest open to kids grade 4 – 12, and she won first over all! Meanwhile she has friends and teachers trying to tell how to make art … How things “should look”. There is nobody but me and my artist sister encouraging her to let herself go. She loves looking at your work, and I really think having your book would help her learn that real people agree … Not just her totally uncool mum … That making art doesn’t mean following set rules!
Well, I adore your previous book and I’ve taken your Imaginary Creatures e-course, so I would love to win your new book. I have have two little ones at home so my art time is limited. I set a timer for 15 minutes and just create. Your methods are perfect for my timer method! And to create more imaginary creatures! Would love to do that!
What a fantastic giveaway. I love your whimsical animals and I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of your new book. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
my artist way is stucked these days because of my full-time job at a youth club. i would love to use your book in my club with the kids, so all of us can have fun with painting, scribbling, doodling, creating… me AND the kids!
i love to doodle and play around, so i feel very related to your tutorials and art. it would be so great to have your book! thanks a million for your give-aways and sharings!
I woud like your book because (when I draw), I tend to draw from life – and then get hung up on whether it looks exactly like my subject (forgetting that art is, inherently, an interpretation of life). I think it would do my brain and spirit good to stretch into drawing from my imagination and I can’t think of anyone better to shine a light on that path for me. Thank you
“Hello again.”
“Hello.”
“Do you like my book?”
“I do. What a book! I like it! I like that Imaginary Animals book!”
Why do I want your book? To read silly! and draw and and play and learn!
And of course, to SHARE!
“Good-bye again.”
“Good-bye”
I was in your first Silly Class on-line, and had such a great time. I am hoping the new book will be a poke to remind me to take a few minutes and just draw!
I love your first book and your blog! It makes me happy to see your drawings and I would love to draw freely and with imagination. I know your book will inspire! Thank you for the give away”
I cannot wait to read this book! I remember stumbling across this blog ages ago and finding Drawing Lab! The book impressed me so much and helped me with my over-thinking my drawings problem. I’m hoping to relive that experience and have some more fun in the process.
I would love to win your new book because I’m always searching for ways to overcome my fear to start drawing…It’s a huge struggle every time I haven’t drawn for a while, and the silly thing is that drawing gives me such an awesome good feeling…silly uh? Your books are really helpful, they’re literally “feel good” books to me!
I loved your drawing lab book so can’t wait to see this one. I would love a copy as i always draw girls or ladies and have been wanting to put animals nearthem in my art but i just haven’t found my way with that yet … I think your book would be great inspiration to Help add an animal buddy to my “falling ladies”!
I’d like to win because your work is AWESOME and very inspiring. It really gives me the confidence to try to draw and not be afraid if it doesn’t look like the real thing! Also, I would like to win because I JUST ordered a book from Amazon and if I’d known about yours I would have ordered it too and gotten free shipping! Bummer. Maybe I’ll win. But thanks for the tutorial on the Sketchbook Challenge blog!! Now I’m signing up to get your posts in my e-mail too.