Imagine a Forest: Designs and Inspirations for Folk Art by Dinara Mirtalipova - Non Fiction - Hardback

Details
Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781631062353
Publisher: Rock Point

Overview
Imagine a Forest is a beautifully illustrated drawing and design guide from folk artist Dinara Mirtalipova, inviting readers into a whimsical world rooted in Eastern European folklore. Packed with 45 step-by-step tutorials, this hardback guide teaches you how to create charming flowers, birds, animals, fairy tale characters and mythical creatures in Dinara's signature modern folk-art style. With generous space to draw directly in the book, it's the perfect companion for aspiring artists, hobbyists and folklore lovers alike.

About the Book
Imagine a Forest explores the distinctive artistic voice of illustrator Dinara Mirtalipova, whose work draws deeply on the rich visual traditions of Eastern European folklore. Across 144 richly illustrated pages, this drawing and design guide walks readers through 45 step-by-step tutorials, breaking down Dinara's signature folk-art style into approachable, encouraging lessons. Each tutorial guides you through creating charming flowers, birds, animals, fairy tale characters and mythical creatures, layering simple shapes and bold folk patterns into finished, storybook-worthy artwork. Beyond the technical instruction, the book delves into the history and meaning behind folk art traditions, helping readers understand the cultural roots and symbolism that inform Dinara's whimsical visual language. Design ideas and project suggestions throughout show how the finished drawings can be used to decorate everyday objects, cards, journals and gifts, making the guide as practical as it is inspirational. With plenty of blank space built into the pages, readers can draw directly alongside the tutorials, learning by doing as they build confidence in their own folk-art style. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced illustrator looking for fresh inspiration, Imagine a Forest offers a warm, encouraging path into a captivating and highly giftable art form.

• 45 step-by-step tutorials covering flowers, birds, animals and fairy tale motifs
• Learn the history and symbolism behind Eastern European folk art
• Generous blank space to draw and practise directly in the book
• Design and project suggestions to use your art on everyday items
• Beautiful hardback format, ideal as a gift for art lovers
• Written by an award-winning professional illustrator and educator

About the Author
Dinara Mirtalipova is an award-winning folk artist, illustrator and surface designer whose work is rooted in the rich traditions of Eastern European and Uzbek/Russian folklore. Born and raised in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, she is largely self-taught and brings a bold, primary colour palette and hand-drawn folk floral patterns to her narrative-driven illustrations, working primarily in gouache and pencil. She spent several years illustrating for American Greetings before pursuing an independent creative career, and she now also teaches as an Assistant Professor at the Cleveland Institute of Art from her home studio in Ohio.

Why You'll Love This Book
Imagine a Forest turns learning to draw into a joyful, meditative escape into folklore and fairy tale. With clear tutorials, gorgeous illustrations and practical project ideas, it's a beautiful gift for artists, crafters and dreamers of any skill level.

Please Note: Book cover and edition shown reflect the UK ISBN listed above.