Sample Projects
Meet the Author
Hey there, can you introduce yourself?
Hey there!
I’m Courtney and I am an artist and blogger located in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. I’m a former elementary school art teacher and have been sharing my creative projects online for the last decade. Being a former art teacher I feel like I am a ‘jack of all trades, master of none’ when it comes to art, but acrylic painting is by far my favorite and what I do and share the most of.
Tell us a bit about the book?
My book, Love Acrylics is full of fun, approachable projects to encourage anyone, no matter their artistic skill level to loosen up and have fun with their paints. Teaching elementary aged students taught me just that and it is actually what inspired my love of abstract acrylic painting. I share many of the techniques I use in my own paintings, as well as exercises I do to get over the fear of the blank canvas.
What was the inspiration behind it?
I knew I wanted to write a book that would be enjoyable for adults and children, alike. Teaching people to paint, regardless of age, is less about the outcome and more about the process. The book covers technical techniques but focuses on having fun with paints and the use of color, texture and composition. The idea of the book was to give the reader 100 reasons to get started painting, because there is nothing worse than wanting to be creative but not knowing what you want to do.
Which is your favourite project?
Oh, that’s hard! There is a lot of little quick + cute prompts in the book that I loved how they turned out, but my favorite may have to be the paint pour platform shoes. Paint pouring with acrylic paint is so much fun, you never know what you’re going to get! It was kind of a (small) risk to do it to a pair of my shoes, but I am so happy I did. Most of the prompts and projects in the book are done on canvas, paper or in an art journal, but there is one chapter where we go beyond the canvas and a share other ways you can use acrylic paint.
What is your craft space like?
My husband and I just got our first home, so just now (after completing the book) I got my first craft/writing space. Previously, we lived in an open 1 room loft space. Now, I have my own room (with walls) that I have painted with a funky pattern and bright colors that inspire me. My writing desk is bright orange and up against a handpainted (acyclic paint, of course) cowprint wall. The space is filled with art, plants, nick-nacks and vintage finds that I love. I work better in a clean and inspiring space. If I let it get too messy, I find myself avoiding it.
Have you always been creative?
Oh yes. For as long as I can remember I have been making messes and ruining my moms carpet with my art projects.
When did you first start crafting?
I am very lucky that my parents and grandparents ALWAYS supported my artistic interest and talents. So from a very young age, at the very least, by kindergarten when I took my first art class in school it was always my favorite thing. While dolls were cool and wanted, I definitely always wanted art supplies and whatever new kid craft activity was popular at the moment (tie-dye, friendship bracelets, beaded keychains, etc.). In 3rd grade I won my first art show and had my drawing displayed at Hartsfeild International Airport, here in Atlanta. From then on, if anyone asked, I was going to be an artist when I grew up! It’s always been my passion.
Who are your crafty heroes?
This a tough question, but I think I would honestly have to say Martha Stewart. I remember looking at her magazines and tv shows with my grandmother and prior to the age of pinterest and blogging, she was a huge source of inspiration and probably the only woman I knew of doing anything like that. Nowadays, I would says Elsie Larson and Emma Champman of A Beautiful Mess. I’ve been reading their blog for the past 10 years and when I first started blogging (heck, now too) I was always looking to them/their blog as inspiration and a guide of what I was trying to do myself.
Where do you find inspiration?
As cheesy as it sounds, I look everywhere! I try to go to the internet last, as I don’t want to get too influenced by ‘mainstream’. Book stores and libraries are a great place for me to start, flipping through old art text books and magazines. Also, when I travel I take a ton of pictures of things that catch my eye, be it a color or texture or beautiful scenery, when I’m feeling stuck on what to paint, I flip through the photos and let inspiration spark!
What's next for you?
This weekend I am hopping on a plane to head to New York City to paint a big mural for the Rose' Wine Mansion. Which is a really fun opportunity for me and I am so excited and thankful for it!
Publisher's Description
Break all the rules and explore acrylic paint in a free and fun way!This book encourages you to get over the fear of the blank canvas and the anxiety over the outcome, and focus on the process of painting and the joy of creating. Whether you're a nervous novice who doesn't know how to get started or a skilled classical painter looking to try something new, you will benefit from the activities in this book - ranging from quick, messy and expressive exercises to relaxing and meditative paintings.Artist and teacher Courtney Burden shares 100 prompts and projects that will build your confidence and inspire you to roll up your sleeves and play with acrylic paint in a pressure-free way. There is no right or wrong way to create a painting, so enjoy the journey, relax, unwind and have fun!
