RATING: 4 STARS
2018; Quarto Publishing Group/Walter Foster Publishing
(Review Not on Blog)

I am SO excited to try some of the techniques and exercises in Laforme's Folk Art Fusion book. I love the artwork in this guide. It is laid out in an easy format that is more about creating than seeking perfection. Even if this is not a guide that can aid in my creative process, it is a great book to look through.

***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***

Sometimes you want to paint but you're not sure what to paint. I know this is a problem I have sometimes, which is why I am excited to review Folk Art Fusion: Americana by Joy Laforme. If you're a fan of American Folk Art or painting, then keep reading to find out why you need this book.
The author Joy Laforme is an self taught artist and illustrator who is inspired by American Folk Art; "This style of art presented a bright, optimistic, and joyous picture of the United States from the 1700s to the early 1900s" Folk Art Fusion: Americana provides step by step instructions on how to paint 16 folk art inspired images. These are split into seasons which I think is a great idea if you're looking to create seasonal home décor.
At the beginning is information on the best types of paint and paper to use, as well as tips on drawing and painting. Perfect for a beginner. I love the range of paintings to complete, they range from shops and landscapes to still life and figurative scenes.
Looking through Folk Art Fusion: Americana the image of a pineapple on a black background stood out to me. It's very bold and something I've never seen before, so I decided to use this tutorial to test out the book. First of all is the drawing. The pineapple was pretty simple, but you could probably trace the image if you're not so confident drawing freehand. Next came the painting. The step by step instructions are so clear that it makes it very easy to follow along. You are also encouraged to mix your own colours, so even though you are following a tutorial, you'll end up with a completely unique piece of art.
Even if I say so myself, I think my pineapple looks great! The instructions really were so simple to follow and I would encourage beginners to have a go. The fact that all the steps are laid out for you, means you can just enjoy the act of painting rather than having to think! (very mindful) All of the paintings in Folk Art Fusion: Americana are so beautiful and I think they would make great handmade gifts, especially the Christmas themed images. I'm also inspired to try drawing some of my own images in this style, it's so colourful and fun. If you'd like to start painting and you want beautiful results, I'd definitely give Folk Art Fusion: Americana by Joy Laforme a try!

This is a great book for anyone who is new to painting or drawing, there are very easy to follow instruction and simple designs to build confidence in your painting skills

I received a DIGITAL Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  From the publisher --- 

Fans of Charles Wysocki, Mary Engelbreit, Grandma Moses, and primitive folk art in general will fall in love with Folk Art Fusion: Americana.
Featuring projects that instruct artists of all skill levels how to draw and paint subjects including quaint villages, pretty patterns, colorful gardens, picturesque farms, beautiful birds, and textured florals, this book features American-themed folk art infused with a modern twist.
 Beginning with an overview of what folk art is, followed by introductory topics like color, tools and materials, and drawing and painting techniques, Folk Art Fusion: Americana also includes 16 simple, step-by-step projects done in approachable and popular mediums, such as acrylic and gouache. Rounding out the book is a gallery of folk-art pieces sure to inspire lovers of all things Americana.  
 Simultaneously fresh and nostalgic, Folk Art Fusion: Americana draws on America’s rich artistic tradition and heritage and provides a fun, accessible take on creating beloved scenes from the heartland.  
I love folk art and this book is chock full of it! The book thoroughly explains how to make folk art without it being a pain in the bum – it is well taught, so much that it may make this part-time artist unemployed! 😊 I look forward to more books in the series Folk Art Fusion a this one is excellent!

This was a great art book about painting as a hobby, perfect for Sunday painters or anyone who wants to draw more but needs some guidance. It's a charming book that features step by step paintings perfect for adults or even children. 

The subjects are typical folk - starting from simple things like still life with flowers, but some of them have more complicated details for when the reader feels ready to try more. Every step is simply explained for everyone to understand. Every painting follows the same steps, but that is perfect for beginners and there is enough spark and creativity involved to not bore you. 

I really enjoyed it and I think I might try a few of the paintings in this book.

Received this book from NetGalley; all opinions are my own.

I could look at these paintings all day long and learn something new about them with every look. From an inspiration standpoint, _Folk Art Fusion_ is fantastic. The artist/author is amazingly talented, and the info at the beginning of the book about the origins of this style is very helpful, as well.

In my own art practice, I'm a little bit beyond tutorials that are step-by-step in nature. Use this paint color with this brush in this order. That kind of thing. For me, that part isn't as helpful, but for a new painter, I can see this book being EXACTLY what they need to get over that fear of starting, and to build a body of experience to use as a jumping-off point. If someone were to follow the instructions as written from the beginning of the book to the end, I feel as if they'd have a fairly comprehensive education into the folk art style, which is pretty impressive for a single book.

The inspiration gallery at the end, too -- pure eye candy for those of us who like this style. I just love Laforme's work!

What we did not notice when we requested this book for review, was that it was an instructional book.  Disappointed for a second, we pondered the possibilities.  Then, we liked the idea.

When we got into the book, we liked the idea even more.

It's not that we were not born into an artist-inducing family, because we were.  However, we discovered after taking an eight-grade art class that, unless we worked on this talent, as have the other McDonald's, we would never be as good as them.  This tired us.  Hence, we never pursued it.

Laforme actually shows you how to create Folk Art creations!  This is a beautiful book.  Aesthetic in every manner.

Nice little book and well explained, this book adds a new look at folk art - it is cute and modern and easy to do.
Not a big book, but certainly not lacking in style, I'm generally not a fan of folk art, but this book does a good job with it, especially with the little more modern twist.

I'm excited every time I get to review an art book. I don't think anyone can ever have enough of those (unlike writing books, whose advice might paralyze or screw you up, art books are always adding to your perception and viewpoint). 

It's hard for me to describe the style found in this book in any other way than picture all the warm and sweet memories in our collective culture as Americans-that is what Americana Folk Art is. And it's stunning. If you've brushed it off or not had an encounter with it up close, please do, because you are missing out on something remarkable if you don't. 

This isn't a list style art book, though you will get several project ideas you can work through with some instruction. It reads paragraphically and you can probably work through a piece just after reading the section and seeing the artist's beautiful example. That's a hallmark of an art book that works. 

You're encouraged to experiment if you want to as well. That was my only worry picking this up; that it would be a paint-by-my-numbers guide but fear not, because it isn't. 

Joy Laforme created a wondrous art book, and if you are creative minded, then you need it for the breakdown of this fascinating style. More than anything else, this book is fun, and a great set of exercises in art.

I love the Americana style - I felt the instructional painting steps were pretty underwritten and I must just now enjoy this style of books.

A charming little book for beginners, or those who wish to paint folk art style. It gives brief information on materials, then has lots of step-by-step paintings to copy. The pictures included are typical folk-art house scenes, charming florals, and birds. The painting style is quite simplistic, but then that is expected in folk art. The author uses gouache, which is ideal for beginners. This book, together with a paint set, would make a lovely gift for those wanting to try their hand at folk art painting.
Thanks to the publisher for a digital review copy.

This book will lead you step by step to produce your own Americana folk art. Its brilliant how with great simplicity you can do your own paintings that are just as beautiful as what they illustrate. This well put together and some hard work must have gone into making this look so simple and effortless. I would recommend this for anyone who is either a starting painting or has enjoyed painting for many years.

A very interesting book that has great step by steps to create several different paintings. I really like how there are some to reflect the different seasons and holidays as well. Never thought much about the movement, as basically just enjoyed Grandma Moses and others works. There are some details on the history, but not a lot, so if that is what you are looking for this book is not for you. If you want a brief introduction, and then step by step ways to create your own, than I would highly recommend this book. Great for inspiring you to be creative.

This book is so inspiring! I honestly haven’t tried doing scenery paintings such as Joy’s style. I do a lot of galaxy forest painting lately but it doesn’t have much details in them. I have a bunch of books that showcases scenery paintings but I’m too intimidated to try them out. I love that American Folk Art doesn’t follow certain rules when it comes to painting and that some of the traditional artists of this art form are minimalists, so I felt it won’t feel as overwhelming to try it out. And seeing that most artists back then didn’t have formal training, it allowed self-taught artists such as myself to express ourselves with more freedom! 

Granted the artworks in this book are done using gouache, but I didn’t have any at hand so I tried out one activity from the book using my most opaque watercolors. And since watercolor is my medium, better go with where I’m comfortable with first (I’ll challenge myself with gouache some time later). I opted to do my own style rather than follow what’s on the book. I was’t really expecting much from my output since this is the first time I’d be dabbling on such a form. 

I was rather hesitant about posting my finished piece, but I did want to show you what I was able to do, even if it’s not my best. You know what they say, you won’t get better at it unless you start. 

If you want a great dose of inspiration, this book is a must-have. I think it’s only available on paperback though but that’s even better, because I love print copies! If you’re wondering where you can find a copy, it’s on Amazon and Book Depository.