Even your local library can be a great place for art supplies.

Artist Mike Stilkey reclaims the book covers of dozens of old books that otherwise would have been thrown out. Using ink, colored pencil and paint to create his whimsical works of art, Stilkey asserts that painting on book covers came to him more naturally than painting on a canvas.

"I began painting on them almost accidentally ... I was always somewhat afraid of pristine white pieces of paper or canvas," said Stilkey to Mashable.

The creatively stacked hardcovers do not just create a mixture of painting and sculpture, they also create a story within a story. Dozens of books filled with dozens of stories are given new life with Stilkey's paintings.

"I liked the idea of layering a visual narrative over the written stories in the books. I also liked imagining the past lives that these books experienced before they fell into my hands."

Stilkey's works were recently on display at The Frostig Collection in Santa Monica, California in June 2014. More of his book cover art can be seen on his website or on his official Facebook page.

Book Paintings by Mike Stilkey

BONUS: Artist Uses the Force to Upgrade Thrift Store Paintings