Books
Category: Books
Books that I have read; reference books related to my interests.
Book Treasure Abounds!
Last weekend on our mini-trip to Berrima for our ‘Other Anniversary’, one of the places we went to was one of our favourite bookshops, Berkelouw’s Book Barn. Berkelouw’s is a long-standing business which used to be a second-hand bookshop with approx. 250,000 books.
A few years back the business was converted to become a bookshop/restaurant/wedding reception venue. It now has only approx. 100,000 – 150,000 books.
Every year when we visit we set ourselves a budget and this year came away with more ‘book treasure.’
I was particularly delighted to pick up the following:
‘Artist’s On Art’ From the 14th to the 20th Century
It is an absolutely fascinating book which I am thoroughly enjoying ‘dipping into.’ To read what the Artists thought about Art in general and their own is indeed a delight!
‘Country Verse’ Edited by Samuel Carr
English Country Verse is set against English Country Landscape Paintings and it simply is wonderful to dive into and be whisked away to the English Countryside.
The other four books are novels and I am continuing to build up the library with classic authors of yesteryear:
‘The Black Arrow’ by Robert Louis Stevenson ‘The Great Gatsby’ by F. Scott Fitzgerald ‘Sweet Thursday’ by Johns Steinbeck ‘The Short Novels by John Steinbeck’ – ‘Tortilla Flat; ‘The Red Pony’; ‘Of Mice and Men’; ‘The Moon Is Down’; ‘Cannery Row’ and ‘The Pearl.’
Our trips to Berkelouw’s Book Barn never disappoint and we are looking forward to our next visit!
Written by David Johnson
25 November 2020
The Story Of Painting
A few weeks ago whilst browsing in a local bookstore, I came upon what I now know to be quite an impressive book titled, “The Story Of Painting – How Art Was Made.”
Almost every day since, I’ve picked up this book and have been instantly engaged by its contents. I find it to be fascinating, interesting, informative, inspirational and well-written.
To see a more detailed description and reviews by other readers, click on the following (shortened) link which will take you ‘Goodreads.’
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Written by David Johnson
30 September 2020
Uncovering Treasure
As mentioned previously, last week, I visited the Argyle Emporium in Goulburn, NSW, Australia. It is home to over 500,000 books plus records and other curios.
As those of you would know who follow my blog, I am an avid reader, book-lover and in particular, I love Art and Communication. I also love visiting second-hand bookstores, though unfortunately, there are not so many around these days.
I spent just under an hour at the Argyle Emporium and really only looked at 3 different sections, ‘Classics’, Poetry and Art.
Recently, I read my first John Steinbeck novel, ‘The Pearl’ and was quite taken with his writing so I was keen to find some of his books. I know we can easily get re-prints/re-issues from bookstores, however, there is something extra-special about reading an older copy of these books. I can’t really explain it but it just feels great.
I was thrilled to pick up 3 John Steinbeck novels (in two books) and managed to add another 4 books to my Poetry collection and also picked up the best book I have seen to-date, on Watercolour.
The ‘treasure’ I uncovered last week is listed below:
- Cup of Gold – John Steinbeck
- Of Mice and Men & Cannery Row – John Steinbeck
- A Farewell To Arms – Ernest Hemingway
- The Old Man and The Sea – Ernest Hemingway
- The Poet’s World – An Anthology of English Poetry – 350 pages
- Collected Poems of Henry Thoreau – 380 pages
- Poems and Poets – 420 pages
- Introduction To Poetry: British, American, Canadian – 690 pages
- The Essence of Watercolor – Hazel Soan
All bought for a combined total of $40.00.
I’ve started reading, ‘Cup of Gold’ and am enjoying it immensely. Also, at various times this past week I have enjoyed dipping into the Poetry books, savouring the words, thoroughly enjoying the experience and have already begun being inspired by, ’The Essence of Watercolor.’
I’m sure that (within the pages) there is even more treasure to be uncovered. Till next time!
Written by David Johnson
September 2020
Maze Of Knowledge
Last Sunday,, I had the pleasure of visiting (for only the second time, surprisingly) the Argyle Emporium in Goulburn, NSW. The Argyle Emporium sells used books, records and an assortment of eclectic things.
As the bookshop is located in Goulburn, only 15 mins away from where my Wife’s parents live (where we have obviously visited numerous times over the years), its a wonder that we haven’t been there more often.
On one hand, though, maybe I can understand that after being there for a bit less than an hour yesterday and buying 9 books. It is truly an amazing place!
Set in a old Police Station, and being a building of largish construction (for Goulburn), it has a number of rooms, so many in fact that is like a maze. All the rooms are positively brimming with books on just about every subject you can imagine. A recent review highlights the fact it houses 500,000 books. A Bibliophile’s dream!
It is not only for a lover of collecting books though, it is an extremely deep well of knowledge and resource, a place I will be visiting more often now.
The owner, Tony advised me that his Father, Stephen had started the bookshop 21 years ago.
It is open 10am – 4pm 7 days a week and is located opposite the Railway Station in Sloane Street, Goulburn.
The Argyle Emporium is such a delightful place to spend time browsing for treasure. So, what of the treasure I uncovered yesterday? That will be the subject of another post…
Written by David Johnson 8 September 2020
Rediscovered Gems
We all like to be organised to some degree, I believe.
Sometime ago, I re-organised one of my bookcases. This particular one is in what I like to call my ‘Escape Room.’ It is where I do my Watercolour Sketches; Oil paintings; read, write my speeches do my photographic editing and meditate, hence the word ‘escape…’
The bookcase is 1.83 metres (6 feet) high and contains Art magazines, books on theoretical Art; Photography; Public Speaking; Art ‘How To’; Religion; Leadership; Communication; Writing; Thinking and a smattering of other subjects.
Over time and especially last year when I had 4 committee/leadership positions across two organisations as well as everything else I was involved in, the bookcase became rather disorganised through tiredness which led to a lack of discipline on my part i.e. not returning the books to the appropriate sections. Am hoping that I am not the only one that this happens to…
Recently, I decided it was ’time to re-organise again’ and given that I have divested myself of all those roles I am now reading more again and am enjoying increased time on other enjoyable things like Sketching, Painting and Poetry.
Whilst re-organising the shelves I was able to re-acquaint myself with books that either I had:
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not looked at in a long time
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or forgotten about
It is indeed amazing what we have on our bookshelves. Rediscovered gems.
As I look across there now I see titles that I cannot wait to get my hands on again. So much to read, so much to inspire.
I can ‘hear them calling me now…’
Written by David Johnson
July 2020
100 Great Wonders Poetry Challenge!
Yesterday, whilst visiting Mum for lunch, I came across a book I didn’t remember seeing there before called ‘100 Great Wonders Of The World’ – A collection of the World’s awe-inspiring places, buildings and landscapes.
As long as I can remember, these sorts of subjects have fascinated me. I love reading and researching them. We have not, at this stage done a huge amount of travelling so until we do get to some more, this has to suffice.
Upon borrowing the book and returning home, an idea came to mind to use the images as reference photos for my Watercolour Sketching practice. I realise I can Google these places anytime and references photos on the Internet are seemingly endless, however, having them all in one book is quite attractive. I still find that, ‘curling up with a real book’ is still far more attractive the scrolling online.
This morning, whilst flipping through the book, another idea came to mind… I have set myself a challenge and that is to write one Poem about each of these ‘Great Wonders of the World.’
I will read about each one, survey the images, go away and think on it and then write a Poem.
The first ‘Wonder’ is ’The Great Fjords of Norway.’ Here is the Poem I wrote:
The Great Fjords of Norway
Where Vikings reigned supreme
Long, narrow gorges
Flooded by the sea
Magnificent waterfalls cascade
Against a backdrop of Green
Majestic mountains rise
Snow-laden figurines
Tiny villages are scattered
Indeed they are so remote
Boats are the optimum way
To keep communication afloat
The Great Fjords of Norway
Where beauty reigns supreme
Long, narrow gorges
Flooded by the sea
I think this will be a very interesting challenge as it will help ’stretch my mind’ Poetry-wise and also further inspire us to do more travel when able.
Only 99 Poems to go!
Written by David Johnson
26 July 2020
Each Book A Symbol
Labyrinth Of Knowlege
Stretching My Comfort-Zone…Flowers
Being still (what I would call) relatively new to Watercolour, I am still exploring the types of subject matter that I would like to paint. Predominantly, I have been painting landscapes, seascapes, sky-scapes with a few buildings thrown in here and there.
I hadn’t really thought of painting flowers. They always looked rather challenging (and still are) and I have so much still to learning about painting them.
Recently, I purchased the book, ’The Watercolour Flower Painter’s A – Z’ An Illustrated Directory of Techniques for Painting 50 Popular Flowers.
Thus far, I have attempted 3 of the exercises 1) Strelitzia (Bird of Paradise); 2) Freesia and 3) Petunia and found the exercises easy to follow, offering detailed instruction and a delight to read.
Under ‘Essentials’ in the front of the book it covers nearly 30 essential techniques to learn that will aid the aspiring Artist in artistically reproducing the subjects.
If you are looking for an easy to follow book that will take you out of your ‘painting comfort-zone’ then I would highly recommend you take a look at this book.
Written by David Johnson
March 2020
Communicating Creatively 