Art at the Speed of Life: motivation + inspiration for making mixed-media art every day

I have been following Pam Carriker and her art journey for quite some time. I could hardly wait for her book to come out!!!! I had pre-ordered it and was so anxious for it to arrive. This is a book filled with Pam's insight and talents on mixed media painting. She shares with you so openly how she does her creating; her willingness to share astounds me. It is full of step by step projects and inspirations. She takes you through the techniques and all the supplies you need to accomplish your very own artwork. The photographs are beautiful and her written word is done so beautifully, it is truly speaking with passion and knowledge. She truly does inspire you to make art an everyday part of your life. You don't want to miss this opportunity to learn with Pam. Reading her book is like having her right there in your studio and she is teaching you every art step along the way. I have purchased this book for friends who are just beginning into the world of mixed media painting and they have loved this book as well. I feel it is a gift that I can give to them, a gift of creative motivation to get them started in this incredible art journey.So curl up with a cup of hot tea, a comfortable place to read and visit with a very talented and sharing friend. You won't want to put it down unless you are ready to get into the studio and begin your own painting journey.

I got this book after Christmas using an Amazon gift card that my nephew and his wife gave me. After the decorations were all put away, I picked the book up and began to read. I like the idea of creating a journal (10-minute journal) that you use throughout the book. It took me longer than ten minutes though because it was so simple and easy that I got caught up in making backgrounds. Then the next day I started a piece working from the instructions in the book. I loved how it came out and there were pictures for every step of the way. I look forward to working through more of the projects and trying my hand at some different techniques or ways of using products that I have but don't use often. I've re-discovered the fun of using light molding paste which was sitting forlornly on my shelf. If you are short on time, you'll like this book. Most of the "chapters" or articles are 1-2 pages long and filled with photos so you won't feel overwhelmed trying to read, comprehend and follow the process. It was short enough to finish a piece and eagerly look for the next step in my journal. Happy creating!

When looking for a book to cover in my studio's book club I rarely come across a book as perfectly suited as Art at the Speed of Life. Each project has detailed instructions and photos that are extremely helpful. I loved the way Pam took inspiration from multiple artists then offered a "speed of life" project that was inspired by their work. The book offered diversity and inspiration for taking my art to the next level. As a side note...I have a hard time not using Pam's "grungy glaze" recipe on everything!Even more rare is to find a book I will cover a second time for a book club! A group of 11 of us met for 7 weeks to go through the process of the "7 day journal." As an added challenge we spent only 1 hour per week covering the techniques. What an amazing experience! At the end of the 7 sessions we had a lush art journal ready to continue layering and living in.Thank you Pam for an amazing reference book. This is a staple in my library and I refer to it often.

The cover of this book is delicious and the journey through it made me hungry to try out some of the many mixed media techniques shown in it.The size of it makes you want to reach out and touch it.I took it along to my acrylic painting class that I run at Rotorua Arts Village in New Zealand and everyone wanted to borrow it.But I wouldn't let it out of my sight. I told them to buy their own copy.I have noticed some negative reviews about it online and I want to assure people that I find them unwarranted. I am an experienced professional artist/teacher and for the purpose of exploring mixed media techniques this book has plenty to challenge me.It is beautifully produced.You can also google the author Pam Carricker and watch her free videos which also adds to the experience.Pam is attractive and talented and it shows in the production of this book.Buy it you'll love it.If she produces another one I will get it.Regards Janet Keen from New Zealand [...]

Over the past several years, I've participated in several of Pam's online workshops, purchased her original art and have been a cheering fan of her budding career. Although I am not an avid journal writer, I have taken what I learned from this lovely and humble artist and applied it to what I do. I am a professional calligrapher, mixed media artist and a member of a women's co-op art gallery in Venice, CA where I sell my art.I signed up to purchase this book before it came out because I felt that I would once again find inspiration and new techniques to apply to my art...and I did. I think the contributing artists were complimentary, informative and thoughtfully chosen to add just the right extra touches to present a book filled with encouragement, fresh ideas, helpful hints and wonderful examples. Congratulations, Pam for a wonderful addition to my art book collection.

I found myself on vacation in Pam Carriker's new book. I get a cup of coffee, sit in my favorite chair and immerse myself in the beautiful pictures and honest, well written articles by some of my favorite artists. Here's what I love. I love that it's mixed media, and I love that I can create any of these beautiful pieces of art myself. Here's why, Pam has given me not only the materials and tools lists, but also step by step instructions and tips. At the end of each chapter, she provides a seven-day journal technique, which is fascinating. This is a book that will stay on my go-to book shelf for inspiration and to help break those pesky blocks. I highly recommend it to the beginning artist as well as the seasoned artist. Anyone will get inspiration for these techniques and projects. Vacation over, time to jump into my art at the speed of my life. Thanks Pam.

Love this book! I have been venturing into mixed media recently but have been held back by lack of confidence. Also, I have always done very precise work with lots of detail and I have wanted to pull away from this and be more free and adventurous. This book has really inspired me. It has encouraged me to work one small step at a time, to fit around the rest of life, without any pressure. I have always worried whether I am doing the right thing in my artwork-which is daft-you can do whatever you want-there are no mistakes in mixed media! I love the presentation of the book, the colours and layout which all suit my particular tastes. There is a basic formula to help you on your way and loads of inspiration once you are ready to branch out in your own direction. The author is helpful without being patronising and also very encouraging and in no way arrogant. Great delivery and packaging. Happy!

I've had artist's block for some time, and I came across this book while browsing on Amazon. It promises ' Motivation and Inspiration ...', and as I'd always wanted to try mixed-media, I thought I'd give it a go. I have not been disappointed! I have made an artist's journal, and I'm painting again, and full of new ideas. I have recommended the book to other artists who are stuck - but I'm not lending it! I'm not ready to part with it yet.

I was looking forward to receiving this book as I love art but the style just isn't for me.While I am mad about Art Journaling, I am not keep on faces and abstract.But do not get me wrong, the book itself is a brilliant publication full of inspiration.Pam Carriker is one of the best artists around.

I quite like this book, but probably would not have bought it if I had looked through it beforehand. Most of the pages have a green background page and I feel this detracts from the artwork. I like bright crisp colour schemes and the green really didn't inspire me. Full of things to try but would have been better with a white background.

Excellent. There are not many times when I treat myself. This book contains clear instructions and is truely inspirational. Thank you Pam Carriker.