Some of my recent articles have talked about the generous donations the libraries have received in the past few months from various groups and individuals. We’ve had financial donations which allow us to do some special things, such as buy contractor manuals, thanks to the Marlinton Woman’s Club, or quilt books, thanks to the Cranberry Piecemakers. Well, our luck is holding strong. I want to thank the Pocahontas County Artisans Co-op for a recent, generous donation of art and craft books. Part of the co-op’s mission is to promote the arts here in Pocahontas County. I was contacted by Charlotte Slagle, who suggested that the group would like to donate some books, but wondered if I could select a few. Asking me if I can buy books is like asking – well, the answer is, “yes.” I checked our collection at McClintic and noticed a few areas that were either lacking or non-existent. While we have a nice collection on watercolor painting, our oil painting books were few. We also had very little on basketmaking and sculpture. These three areas were the focus of this order, and so I’m happy to announce we now have the following books for both budding and experienced artists to borrow: Daily Painting: Paint Small and Often to Become a More Creative, Productive, and Successful Artist, by Carol Marine. This book is all about the process of becoming disciplined and the benefits of regular work. The Oil Painting Course You’ve Always Wanted: Guided Lessons for Beginners and Experienced Artists, by Kathleen Lochen Staiger. Brush control, creating the illusion of three dimensions, foolproof color mixing, still-life painting, landscapes, and portraits—every topic is covered in clear text, diagrams, illustrations, exercises and demonstrations. The Encyclopedia of Oil Painting Techniques, by Jeremy Galton. Discover and practice different techniques to bring your paintings to life. Sculpting Basics: Everything You Need to Know to Create Three-Dimensional Artworks, by Karin Hessenberg. Perfect for beginning sculptors, this books outlines tools and materials and gives directions on completing 17 different projects using various materials. The Sculpting Techniques Bible: an essential illustrated reference for both beginner and experienced sculptors, by Claire Waite Brown. This book is a complete step-by-step guide for sculpting in a wide range of media, and will show how to model with clay, plaster, and papier mache; select and use wood and stone for carving; make armatures and molds for building and casting. Includes advice on setting up a studio, and safe working practices. The Basket Book: Over 300 Magnificent Baskets to Make and Enjoy, by Lyn Siler. This is an older book, and yet remains a standard in basketmaking techniques, plus it provides 30 projects. Pine Needle Basketry: From Forest Floor to Finished Project, by Judy Mallow. Another standard, this book explains a simple, yet beautiful technique for turning pine needles into finished baskets. Many thanks to Charlotte and the Pocahontas County Artisans Co-op for thinking of the library and providing us with the means to expand our collection of art materials. It is greatly appreciated.
