In this book are the essential beliefs and theories of a great teacher and American artist, Robert Henri. While it embodies the entire system of his teaching, with much technical advice and critical comment for the student, it also contains inspiration for those to whom the happiness to be found through all the arts is important.No other American painter attracted such a large, intensely personal group of followers as Henri, whose death in 1929 brought to an end a life that has been completely devoted to art. He was an inspired artist and teacher who believed that everyone is vitally concerned in the happiness and wisdom to be found through the arts. Many of his paintings have been acquired by museums and private collectors. Among them are the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the National Gallery of Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Wichita Art Museum, and Yale University Art Gallery.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Robert Henri was born in Cincinnati in 1865 and died in 1929. He led the Ashcan School movement in art, and attracted a large, intensely personal group of followers. His paintings are shown at major museums across the United States.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
63 of 65 people found the following review helpful
By Bob Pitto
Format:Paperback
My friend who was an artist gave me this book to read. Now it is one of the few that I carry around at all times. Robert Henri saw that there is no division between art and life. To be an artist, or trully alive for that matter, one has to experience life to his fullest. This means finding yourself and the people/things/and way of living that inspire you. When beauty strikes you so, and your full of love and joy it is hard not to do things beautifully. Henri tells us to find that beauty within us and the rest will follow. And one of the most enjoying things I found about this book was that the authors personality is very bright in every sentence. It made the book a great read. To enjoy this book, you need not to know art but to know life.
37 of 37 people found the following review helpful
By Flower Girl
Format:Paperback
"There are moments in our lives, there are moments in a day, when we seem to see beyond the usual. Such are the moments of our greatest happiness. Such are the moments of our greatest wisdom. If one could but recall his vision by some sort of sign. It was in this hope that the arts were invented. Sign-posts on the way to what may be. Sign-posts toward greater knowledge." Robert Henri
Twenty two years ago when I discovered this book I could not have imagined the impact it would continue to have on my life. Robert Henri speaks of both the technical side of art and the art experience. I have re-read this book, a little bit at a time, many times over the years and have found something new to appreciate each time.
While I find less and less time in my life for my artwork, I am able to enjoy beauty and clarity in all of it's everyday forms. The trick is to remember to capture it in your mind. When I feel I have lost the ability to appreciate everyday beauty, I pick up this book. It never fails to rejuvinate my mind and inspire me.
Twenty two years ago when I discovered this book I could not have imagined the impact it would continue to have on my life. Robert Henri speaks of both the technical side of art and the art experience. I have re-read this book, a little bit at a time, many times over the years and have found something new to appreciate each time.
While I find less and less time in my life for my artwork, I am able to enjoy beauty and clarity in all of it's everyday forms. The trick is to remember to capture it in your mind. When I feel I have lost the ability to appreciate everyday beauty, I pick up this book. It never fails to rejuvinate my mind and inspire me.
31 of 31 people found the following review helpful
By Michael
Format:Paperback
I thought this was a very philosophical book that applies to life in general and not just painting. Lots of his quotes are great. Like this one: "Don't ask someone for a critique until you're unable to give one yourself. Then you will be ready to receive it." The main premise in the book is to have the art spirit. That is, instead of just copying what you see, paint what you feel. I think that is something very few painters do. Have you ever looked at a well executed painting but it just didn't do anything for you? This could be why. Really I think this book is a must read for all artists, even non-painters.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good philosophical reference
This is an old text book for students of art. The philosophical comments by the author are applicable to anyone in any avocation.
Published 1 month ago by John Ayres
5.0 out of 5 stars
Uplifting for artists
I am an art student who came to painting late in life and am enjoying the encouragement given in this book.
Published 2 months ago by Cleveland Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant teacher of art....inspiring.
Many find it difficult to articulate the artist's process, point of view, understanding, excitement and flow.
Henri does it brilliantly. Read more
Henri does it brilliantly. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Linda Schiller-Hanna
5.0 out of 5 stars
teacher extraordinaire
Henri teaches about art and life. A wonderful book to dip into wherever you open it for artists and art appreciators. He must have been an excellent teacher. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Gabriele M. Rainey
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Art Spirit
Very inspirational. I wish I had heard of it a long time ago. Exactly what I was looking for! I read it every day.
Published 5 months ago by Jose R Diaz
5.0 out of 5 stars
A wonderful book to inspire and enlighten!
This is not a "how to" book but a book about being creative. It is inspiring to read from another perspective and understand the process it takes to find the artist within. Read more
Published 5 months ago by julene trigg
5.0 out of 5 stars
Robert Henri's Inspiration
This book has been around for a long time and should be on every portrait painter's shelf. Robert Henri was the teacher who inspired the Ash Can School. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Frederick P. Bell Jr.
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Art Spirit
I loved this book, and will definitely recommend it to fellow artist. I found it very informative, and inspirational, in the whole process of picture (portrait) painting. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Nord
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Art Spirit
Robert Henri was a fantastic inspiring teacher unequaled in my opinion. These classroom notes and comments are a must for any serious artist.
Published 20 months ago by Damon Carter
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent
This is my first book review, and only my second review of a product here at Amazon. This should perhaps give some indication of my sincere desire that my opinion be of... Read more
Published on July 5, 2010 by Daniel Joseph Mcafee
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