Folk Art Fusion: Learn to Paint Colorful Contemporary Folk Art in Acrylic 
Judy Osborn is an artsy circulation clerk at GCPL’s Geauga West Branch.
Author: Heather Galler
Description and Reflection: Folk Art Fusion is a non-fiction book with great step-by-step projects, done with black marker and acrylic paint, in a naïve childlike style. Included is an introduction to folk art, suggested list of tools and materials, painting techniques, information on naïve style, color choices, sixteen art projects, and an inspiration gallery. Finished paintings are bright with bold vivid colors. The author encourages everyone to be an artist, to just let go and try. I was inspired by the Frida Kahlo project and made a collage style painting with a portrait of a woman at its center. I like the forgiving style of naïve folk art in that anyone can be creative and enjoy making art.
I would recommend this book to adults, senior citizens, teens, and school-age kids.
Currently, I am reading, Old in Art School: A Memoir of Starting Over, by Nell Painter.
Judy’s next book is 100 Little Christmas Gifts to Make, by Search Press.
