The Landscape Painter's Workbook

Essential Studies in Shape, Composition, and Color

by Mitchell Albala

Pub Date 25 Jan 2022

Rockport Publishers

Mitchell Albala has had years of experience in conducting workshops on landscape painting and his expertise in teaching shows in this book. The difference from other books on the same topics include the exercises and what questions artists are to ask themselves as they paint.

I feel that this would be suitable for intermediate to advanced painters. I love the many gorgeous paintings that are used as examples, some executed by Mr Albala himself and also some by other obviously accomplished artists. What a joy just to leaf through the pages!

The author's first book has been a bestseller for many, many years and I won't be surprised if this one becomes a hit as well.

5 stars all the way!

The Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook

Over 100 Fabulous Recipes to Use Eggs in Unexpected Ways

by Lisa Steele

15 Feb 2022

Harper Horizon

If you love eggs and/or try to have at least one every day, this cookbook would be a great one to have! There are so many yummy-looking and wholesome recipes and I spotted many that I definitely want to try (for example, the cream fried eggs - never knew there was such a thing!) There are also recipes for sauces and other things that would go nicely with eggs.

You will find all the info you need on cooking eggs. I have to confess that I did not know that you can actually steam eggs to get them hardboiled too.

Then I was delighted to see that there is actually an index to recipes that shows what you can cook if you have a certain number of egg white or yolk to use up. Now that would be so useful!

Almost all the recipes have an accompanying photo and the photos are beautiful. Certainly a worthwhile book to have for the egg lover. Because I am on a therapeutic low carb diet, I will not be able to eat some of the food in here but I can see how it would appeal to someone not on any diet.

A yummy 4 stars.

The Urban Sketching Handbook Understanding Light

Portraying Light Effects in On-Location Drawing and Painting

by Katie Woodward

28 Dec 2021

Quarto Publishing Group – Quarry Books

This excellent series just keeps growing and growing with the most marvellous additions! I loved Understanding Light and plan to go through it in detail, examining each of the wonderful examples on how to bring focus and visual impact to any painting. Surely an essential help for any urban sketcher or art journaler who wants to improve on that! The author was a scenic artist for many years in theatres and have given sketching workshops too. They really know how to include the best contributors to this great great series. A resounding 5 stars from me. One of my most favourite so far. Can’t wait to see what’s next!

A resounding 5 stars!

The Lady's Mine

by Francine Rivers

Tyndale House, Feb 2022

Francine Rivers books are always a must-read and a must-buy for me, I have also bought a few for the church library. Ms Rivers is a fabulous storyteller and her latest was hard to put down and had me reading till the wee hours. I found myself chuckling and even laughing out loud on many an occasion. The main characters are adorable and the romance very sweet (loved how he was so protective towards her.) I also loved reading how she managed to change the lives of those living in the poverty stricken mining town.

Ms Rivers remains my all-time favourite author!