Windows to Imagination

"Windows to Imagination" is, at first glance, a coloring book. But there is so much more. The book is also a unique combination of tips about color theory, color mixing, and art techniques for various coloring media. Insights into how we see our spaces, color psychology, and an introduction to creating a quiet state of mind to best enjoy the coloring process add yet another dimension. And that's just the beginning. From very simple shapes and spaces to extremely complex, stimulating image-rich pages, there is something to enjoy and explore for "colorers" of all levels from second-graders to accomplished artists. The images are varied and of diverse inspirations, in two distinct sections. The natural world, symbolism, and a focus on hands are at the core of each image in the "Fantastical Voyages" series. This group is followed by "Patterns for Exploration" that includes open or detailed geometric, abstract floral, and uniquely styled combinations of shapes that are not always what they seem at first glance. The longer you look and get involved, even more opportunities appear for creating your own unique shapes within each coloring page. Taking it to the next level, far more than simply coloring-in Barbara's defined shapes, she invites you to take the image wherever you want it to go, with areas to add your own lines and shapes that build the image to different directions in a personal way. You'll also find the helpful "Color Journal" pages and other areas throughout the book where you can add and record your own story ideas that relate to the images, as well as using the pages for recording your color mixing inspirations. For those who want to read and try the tips, they are there. If you just want to simply jump right in and start to color, that's always an option that Ms. Jacobs encourages. For inspiration and just plain enjoyment, she has included a wide variety of quotes-one for each section and image-from sources as far-ranging as Marcus Aurelius, Picasso, Francis Bacon, Johnny Depp, Queen Victoria, and many more. Somehow, each has a way of pertaining to the subject it accompanies. "Windows to Imagination" is exactly what the title states. Get ready to open and enjoy your own Windows!
About the Author: Barbara Jacobs is a native of Minnesota. Growing up in a household with an artist father--where color and design were part of everyday life--she's also been a lifelong "doodler!" Barbara's formal artistic education includes work done at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze in Florence, Italy; the University of California, Berkeley, where she studied with Adja Yunkers and David Hockney; and the University of Minnesota, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in studio art with a concentration in painting and printmaking. In addition to private commission work, Barbara enjoys participating in exhibitions whenever possible. While living in Massachusetts, from 1986 to 1990 she was awarded grants from the Mass. Council on the Arts to teach hands-on design seminars on the traditional design methods and decorative arts techniques of many cultures. In 2000 she was awarded color design accreditation by the IACC (International Association of Color Consultants/Designers), the subject of her thesis project being on the importance of color in the elementary school environment. Her work has been shown internationally through the IACC. Barbara's programs on color and design have been enjoyed by audiences in various educational settings, including through grants to teach high school students. Architects and designers have enjoyed her programs that she has presented in professional organizations like NeoCon in Atlanta and Chicago. Her professional affiliations also have included ASID (American Society of Interior Designers / Industry Partner) and CMG (Color Marketing Group). Barbara has been published in a variety of professional and shelter media, both in print and online. With her unique perspective as an artist, designer and colorist, Barbara's vision and interest in incorporating a variety of materials and textures in her work result in mixed-media, two-and-three-dimensional art work and mixed-media fibers in the rug designs and print pattern designs that explore an eclectic range of color, space, texture, and emotional appeal. Her fine art and designs range from the "painterly" to more structured, sometimes including historic or inter-cultural design references or whimsical motifs. "Windows to Imagination" is a combination of Barbara's color and design experience and her own artwork. Barbara enjoys playing music, reading, cooking, and being inspired by her five children and their families in New England and Northern California, where she lives.