THIS MAGAZINE GOT ME TO MAKE ART ASSIGMENTS AGAIN

During my summer vacation in the Dutch town Dordrecht, I visited Villa Augustus. This is a hotel-restaurant-shop concept in contemporary style. I ate lunch at the reading table (with ear plugs, because man, the sounds echoed and it was packed). And there... I discovered magazine DADA. 

I read a number about Prehistoric Art. Not something that I'm usually interested in. But surprisingly, I really loved it and I ordered some more editions of DADA when I got home. And the fun was: it got me to make art assignments again! 
Usually during an art training there will be assignments that I dread, but then turn out really great. It makes me discover new techniques en styles. But when at home I just don't do creative things that I don't like haha! Yet this magazine was so low key and interesting, it made me take up the fun and the not-so-much-my-cup-of-tea assignments again. Just to train myself in drawing and painting and scrapping.

The only rule I follow: until I’ve made the assignments, I may not read a new/different edition. 

DADA Magazine

DADA magazine originated in the 1990's and has a French origin. It has short articles, for the age of 6-106 (good news for sir David Attenborough!). 
Descriptions and explanations that are on point, not too much blabla or sought. An upbeat magazine with illustrations and design. Every issue has an art theme. From colours to painting styles to fashion and architecture. It speaks happiness.  

Some pages to give you an idea of the style:

Art assignments

Some examples of the assignments. Both succesful ánd unsuccesful. Because hey, failures count too.

Where to buy

Find the website and magazines in French and Dutch via PLINT. Other available languages are Simplified Chinese (Citic), Japanese (Asahi) and Russian (Knizhnik). The magazine is distributed through libraries in Belgium, Canada, France and Switzerland. 

P.S. When visiting Villa Augustus, make a reservation if you want to eat something in company. They grow their own vegetables and fruit in the garden, and have a small trendy shop. I didn't expect it too be so crowded, but I like their unique corporate identity and renovated water tower turned hotel. I'ts worth a visit! 

Images of the content of the magazine and illustration are courtesy of Revue Dada. Illustration of Villa Augustus are courtesy of the company; obtained via their website.