Are there any books on how to paint portraits,still life, etc?Any books on how to crochet,knit,etc.?

Question

I love art.I have gotten more interested in art since doing this art therapy for my depression.I have always been good at doing abstract paintings.I also shine when it comes to making things.I make jewelry,trinket boxes,etc.I also shine when it comes to photography and scrapbooking. I am going to get into soap making later this year. I want to learn how to paint portraits.Are there any books on how to paint portraits?I really want to learn how to knit,crochet,and embroider.I am seeing so many get into knitting,crocheting,and embroidering.Are there any books on how to knit?Crochet?Embroider?I have just been getting more into art since I am doing it as a help for my depression and since I took art history last quarter.Art is just very relaxing and beautiful.

Answer 1

Kate, Painting portraits was my thing up until a few years ago, but now I am losing my eyesight & cannot do the nuances of color, etc, that a fine portrait demands.  I have macular degeneration in both eyes as well as glaucoma.  I will not make less than the best I could do before this tragedy struck, so WILL NOT do inferior work.  I say all this to say YES, there are many books on portrait painting, I have10 or 15 books by many artists, as well as several videos on the subject, & too, several years copies of the ARTIST'S magazine,  which deals with all forms of fine art)  If I could see I could set up my studio right now, I still have everything. I have not gotten rid of them because I just can't stand the thought that I can't use them any more.   I have taken up crochet again, but only in yarn & the larger hooks (an artist HAS to create SOMETHING)  I also am dealing with the depression you mentioned.  I said all that to say if you are interested in portraiture books this could be your chance to secure some at much less than buying them new.   If this idea  appeals to you, you can email me back & I can fill you in on some of the titles & condition of the books I have, but only if you are truly interested in doing portraits.  I also have my medium (I was a pastelist), but you only asked about books.  If you are wary of my intentions or just not truly interested, all you need do is delete this email & forget it.  Otherwise, I'm here & check my emails daily.   Good luck whatever you decide to do.

Answer 2

Check out Amazon.com for any how to books.  There are also websites such as knittinghelp.com that can help you get started knitting.

I've been knitting for many years and also enjoy:

lionbrand.com

about.com/knitting

Ravelry.com

The Knitting Guild of America  tkga.com

craftzine.com

Answer 3

If you live near a Half Price Books store, they have many how-to books on all the crafts you mentioned...at half the price.  Most used book stores will have these type books and there are also craft magazines.  JoAnn stores also carry a lot of craft books and offer classes.  I think some of them are free and none are very expensive.  I like to look through the books before purchasing them because some are more difficult to understand or do not give detailed enough instructions.  Good luck with your new hobbies.