An essential examination of drawing as a tool used in the process of making, as well as a form of making or decoration in itself. It is common knowledge that artists often make preparatory sketches before they create a work, but in fact this is only one of the ways in which artists are required to draw. Makers across all disciplines draw in some form or another, but often for diverse reasons, and using very different methods. Informed by interviews with artists across a broad range of disciplines, and often with special access to their sketchbooks and studios, Kyra Cane explores the many ways in which artists use drawing to inform, inspire and create their work. She describes how makers draw to record source material, as a form of planning, to develop surface decoration and three-dimensional forms, as a way of thinking about and reflecting on their work, and shows you how they use new technology in their practice. Lavishly illustrated and thoughtfully constructed, Making and Drawing sheds new light on contemporary artists' practice. It is an essential read for visual arts students, artists who want to use drawing differently or explore its potential in their practice, and anyone who wants to know more about the secret stories behind the creation of these works.

Harness your mind’s innate tendency to wander, stall, rest, and unfocus and become more productive—in the boardroom, living room, or classroom. Named one of Coastal Living’s Best Books for the Beach This Summer To finish tasks and achieve goals, most people believe that more focus is the solution. We rely on to-do lists, calendar reminders, noise-blocking headphones, and sometimes medication to help us concentrate—even though these tactics often fail to substantially improve productivity. Drawing on the latest brain research, compelling stories from his psychological practice, and colorful examples of counterintuitive success from sports, business, education, and the arts, neuroscientist Srini Pillay, M.D., challenges traditional ideas about productivity, revealing the lasting, positive benefits of adding deliberate and regular unfocus to your repertoire. A fascinating tour through brain wavelengths and rhythm, mindsets, and mental relaxation, Tinker Dabble Doodle Try demonstrates how specific kinds of planned unfocus stimulate cognitive calmness, jumpstart productivity, enhance innovation, inspire creativity, improve long-term memory, and, of course, help you stay on target. Tinkering with ideas and with things releases your mind to wander from a state of stuckness into a possibility frame of mind, triggering neural connections and new insights. Dabbling in a new endeavor—whether a hobby or fantasy—disrupts your habitual and reactive thinking, helping you find new solutions to old problems. Doodling can help you tap into another brain frequency to remove obstacles and create opportunities and inspiration. With techniques for training the brain to unfocus, concepts for scheduling busy lives, and ideas for controlling this new cognitive-toggling capability, Tinker Dabble Doodle Try will change how you think about daydreaming, relaxing, leaving work unfinished, and even multitasking. What you’ll discover is a greater freedom, a deeper intelligence, and a more profound joy in your life. Praise for Tinker Dabble Doodle Try “Pillay’s effortless writing style, combined with an excellent balance of popular psychology and self-help, makes this a helpful read for those who enjoy a light dive into psychology with practical applications.”—Library Journal “Pillay cites an intriguing range of brain studies to support his argument, and his case studies of individuals with whom he has worked provide useful insights.”—Kirkus Reviews “Dr. Srini Pillay offers a brilliant, deeply researched, and even more deeply imagined blueprint for using one’s full mental armamentarium, conscious, unconscious, and all the undiscovered rest! A fantastic book!”—Edward M. Hallowell, M.D., co-author of Delivered from Distraction “Dr. Pillay’s new book will help you create a new, fun, more playful destiny and unlock your brain’s inner potential.”—Daniel G. Amen, M.D., co-author of The Brain Warrior’s Way “This book not only gives you license to step off the hamster wheel of focus, focus, focus, but it will show you how to strategically and productively do so.”—JJ Virgin, author of JJ Virgin’s Sugar Impact Diet “This brilliant book shows how to manipulate your brain to alternate between intense concentration and deliberate mind-wandering.”—Mark Robert Waldman, co-author of How God Changes Your Brain

"Visual thinking expert Sunni Brown has created The Doodle Revolution as a kick-starter guide for igniting and applying simple visual language to any challenge. The instinctive and universal act of doodling need only be unleashed in order to innovate, solve problems, and elevate cognitive performance instantly. With humor, wit, and a commitment to disrupting our perceptions of doodling, Brown teaches us how to: Doodle any object, concept, or system imaginable. Invent, innovate, and solve messy problems. Transform text into a visual display that engages an audience. Explain the relevance of visual literacy to leaders at work and at school."--

Doodling isn't necessarily a mindless pursuit. There's hidden discipline, order, and joy behind artful scribbles. Idiot's Guides: Zen Doodling gives readers beautiful, full-color instruction and all they need to start using ordered, repeated "tangle" designs that are great creative expressions and works of art unto themselves. The book includes step-by-step instructions for drawing more than 20 doodle forms and patterns.

Doodles become art in this beautiful guided art journal. The instruction book gives tips on creating, coloring, and ways to use doodles. The art journal provides an elegant place to experiment with all of the techniques described in the instruction book.