Read Along With Me

Over the weekend, I made a trip to my local library, in search of some new reading material. I find it incredibly relaxing to wander among the shelves, browsing the spines until something jumps out at me. On a recent trip, I discovered a biography on Charlotte Bronte, a favorite of mine, and the Lucy Worsley on Jane Austen I’ve been meaning to pick up for ages.

My most recent library excursion had me on the hunt for art books. I find doing art helps me transition from my very technical 9 to 5 to a more creative mindset so I can focus more effectively on writing. It’s also a good way to manage stress, process feelings. The benefits of doing art go on and on.

This is the complete body of work of Virginia Woolf, including essays, short stories, novels, writing journals. It’s an impressively lengthy volume. I’m looking forward to working my way through it, a little at a time.

Encaustic art is a medium that involves painting with melted wax. I first discovered it at an art fair, where I had the chance to speak with an artist who specializes in it. With the use of heat, it’s possible to create smooth, blended colors. Brushing melted wax onto a piece creates layers and texture. It’s also possible to embed paper and photographs into the wax, creating mixed media work.

I’ve done a number of pieces in this medium, including vases, coffee mugs, even an old window. It’s always nice to learn new techniques and find new ideas.

I bought a set of pastels ages ago and have done nothing with them. I’m looking forward to getting started with them soon!

This is also a new medium to me, one I was introduced to by my dear friend and artist, Maggie Boraz. She works in a variety of mediums and created the cover art for my debut novel, The House on Maple Street. Visit her online gallery at maggieboraz.com.