Customer Reviews

Creative Authenticity: 16 Principles to Clarify and Deepen Your Artistic Vision

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

On the strength of Obregan's review of Robert's book, I almost didn't purchase it -- However, my better instincts held out and I bought a copy and loved it. It may be true that there is no quick start to turning on your creativity or ridding oneself of creative block but as an artist, particularly a painter, I found the book truly helpful. Yes, some of the principles have been articulated by others in the past, but I liked the informal, down to earth tone of the book and I need to be reminded of these truths again and again. Roberts certainly isn't saying there's a magic bullet. Quite the opposite. Particularly helpful for me was the chapter of Follow Something Along and Limits Yield Intensity. But I liked the entire book. I think as artists we often spend so much time alone, that we can loose perspective on where we are going. The book is a reminder to stay the course, that one is not alone, that the problems I have are common to the process. And that there are concrete principles that hold true to the process no matter what your style or subject matter. Really, there aren't many books out there so openly honest that get to the heart of the artist's angst about their process and provide some guideposts to get you out of the mud. I've read it twice now and put it right up there with Henri's The Art Spirit for insight and inspiration. I highly recommend the book.

I would guess that almost every serious artist has encountered a point in his or her career where he or she is dissatisfied with his or her work. Sometimes it's the failure to gain sufficient technical control, sometimes it's the inability to work, sometimes it's a feeling that you are doing the same thing over and over without saying anything new, and sometimes it's a failure of the work to provide any satisfaction. I would also guess that for just as long as artists have had these feelings, someone has said, reach inside yourself, or, get to know your subject, or, work on through it, or try something new, or even, just suck it up!

I've been blocked from time to time and I've tried one or another of these remedies with varying degrees of success. I've talked to other artists and art educators and asked how to jump-start creativity but there doesn't seem to be any magic bullet.

Ian Roberts, a painter, purports to offer 16 principles to clarify and deepen your artistic vision. I'm certain Roberts really tried hard and believed he had something to offer. If you are an artist and you've never heard the advice I described above, this book may be of interest to you. But if you've ever explored recommendations for creativity, this volume will be just a rambling set of platitudes.

Consider some of the principles: searching for beauty; communication; your home turf. These aren't principles or at least they are not rules of action to guide the artist's conduct. Instead each of these is an art-related subject around which the author wanders through his opinions about aesthetics and the sorry state of the current art world without really clarifying how one can get in touch with the inner artist.

I suspect one of the problems is that artists, with the exception of writers, are not word people, and not used to logical explanation. It's reputed that when Edward Hopper was asked how he developed his skills in handling light and air, he said "I just paint what I see". Similarly Roberts says that the artist's subject is unimportant. It is how the artist feels that counts.

Roberts does have things to say that are important. For example, in a principle called "Limits Yield Intensity" he urges the artist to simplify his ideas. But in the next sentence he quotes another author who says "A state of excitement, and it's like a faucet: nothing comes unless you turn it on, and the more you turn it on, the more it comes." This is a poetic description of inspiration, but it obscures the central idea about simplifying. Roberts doesn't follow his own advice.

Perhaps it's impossible to clearly articulate how an artist can discover or rediscover his creative authenticity. Certainly, this book doesn't do that.

I am a painter. I know all this! Yet, I NEED to read this book over and over! Ian Roberts is RIGHT ON!.....CLEAR and BRIEF. His "painters soul" shines in this small jewel of a book!

Articulate and beautifully written, Creative Authenticity is a must read for artists. This book provides the aspiring or accomplished artist with useful guidance for finding and expressing your artistic voice and defining your path in the art world.

This is not a "how-to" book. Ian offers thoughtful insight and practical advice for resolving many of the "problems" that plague artists, such as: overcoming procrastination, developing subject matter and style, when to seek an appreciative audience for your work, and finding your own truth.

Generously sprinkled with inspiring quotes and personal anecdotes, this book is a delight, an inspiration and one of my favorites.

This book is about what happens after one becomes technically proficient. Then what? It is a difficult topic and rarely discussed in books. A great addition for those of us who struggle for authenticity in their art. I recommend it highly.

A simple, direct commentary on the spirit you need to produce unique original work of art! The brief, easy to read chapters resonate with your creative nature, and give you a positive approach to producing art which will have lasting value to others. This book is a brilliant gift from a master teacher who generously shares his insights into how you can create authentic work from your heart. Review by John Eagle, Painter and Owner Studio 7 Gallery.

A landscape and gallery painter of over 40 years' experience, Ian Roberts has also incorporated the questions and input of over 200 students in Creative Authenticity: 16 Principles To Clarify And Deepen Your Artistic Vision. A very helpful guide to unlocking one's creative potential, Creative Authenticity debunks the "Van Gogh Syndrome" and myth that genius requires torment; addresses the almost universal necessity of dealing with natural tendencies to procrastinate; presents effective working methods; shows how to reap ideas from everyday life, and so much more. Enthusiastically recommended reading for anyone wanting to engage in their own artistic aspirations, Creative Authenticity transcends its focus upon painting to serve as an inspirational guide to artists of all mediums.

"Creative Authenticity" is a refreshing inside look at the artistic creative process. Ian Roberts is an articulate painter whose insight into the practical process of creating art is an invigorating illumination on a subject often mired in irrelevant theory. True to its title "Creative Authenticity" explodes myths and critiques unproductive stereotypes. With a command of historic and contemporary examples Ian delivers timeless advise based on personal experience. This thoughtful analysis is beneficial for professional artists, students and anyone wishing for insight into the creative process.

Visual confirmation of the principles in this book can be seen in Ian Robert's paintings on his web site, as well as information on the educational video "Mastering Composition".

I am impressed by the contents of this book. I have been thinking most of these thoughts but this has put these thoughts all together in a way that solidifies all of those thoughts on creativity. I am about half way through it now and will certainly be going back through this book many times over. I do wish that it was available in an audio format. Those of us with failing vision really could use that kind of help.

Ian Robert's book is inspiring, straightforward, and has served as a continual reference of inspiration for me throughout the years. He has put into words things that I often feel but have never been able to say, things that no one else seems to understand. I highly recommend this book.