Embodying the entire system of Robert Henri’s teaching, The Art Spirit contains much valuable advice, critical comment, and inspiration to every student of the arts.
The Art Spirit
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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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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
76 of 76 people found the following review helpful
By anteKA
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Henri would not relate directly to his students while they were working; instead he would return to the classroom when it was empty, observe the various works of his students, and leave them notes to encourage and give direction to their work. Mostly these notes were poetic, metaphorical, oblique to the actual work. Henri, this great artistic soul, spoke through the work of his students, to the essential artist in them, deepening their connection to this in themselves and opening the doors for this essential artist to a truer expression. This book is a collection of those notes, to read cover to cover, or to open and read a page for insight into one's art or one's life. I myself have found that I have no apparent artistic ability, but through this much read and much appreciated little book, I have been made into an artist in my own inner and outer life and expression. I live a little deeper and with a greater clarity. My heart is opened with each reading. Every artist, philosopher and Lover of life should have the pleasure of this , the heart of Robert Henri.
37 of 40 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
The Art Spirit is a classic. No artist should ever be without a copy. This book invites reading time and time again. It brings us back to the principles. The value of things. Right thinking. Relationships. As a practicing artist, I can think of few books that have meant so much.
35 of 39 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
The Art Spirit is the best book about art ever written.
Since "The Art Spirit" was given to me by my girlfriend's mother in high school (what was her name?),
it has ridden my shelves, and my hands- as I have given it and bought it many times. I read it to my students weekly. It is the essential and quintessential hearthplace wherein the flaming art spirit of Robert (Cozad) Henri ("Hen-rye"- his preferred mispronounciation- how American!) still lives. How often, even in dreams, have I intoned, "Art, when really understood, is he province of every human being".?
To be clear: ALL ARTISTS SHOULD HAVE A COPY OF "THE ART SPIRIT".
Like many of the best "books", The Art Spirit (TAS) was not written by Henri, nor was meant to be published necessarily- I think of van Gogh's heartwrought letters to brother Theo, Hammarskjold's hidden diary while Sec. General of the UN; "Markings", and of Gerard Manley Hopkins' groundbreaking poems published by friend Robert Bridges years after his death. One of RH's students took good notes- and in spite of all else, published them! Thank God for all of us!
It , TAS, has comforted, consoled, angered, made me cry, inspired, and taught philosophy, skills, and
design/color fundamentals for more than 30 years of my life as an artist and teacher. Henri was, perhaps, our country's greatest art teacher- look at all those he directly taught, as well as all those he has indirectly (me, etc.) taught. And I pass it on to mine- nearly every day- along with many others. Manifesting the elusive fire of "being", which Henri worked to capture as he painted what he called, "my people", is still the core of the visual experience as it becomes art. We contain it- but it is elusive and difficult to see much less paint . You are "my people".... Read more ›
Since "The Art Spirit" was given to me by my girlfriend's mother in high school (what was her name?),
it has ridden my shelves, and my hands- as I have given it and bought it many times. I read it to my students weekly. It is the essential and quintessential hearthplace wherein the flaming art spirit of Robert (Cozad) Henri ("Hen-rye"- his preferred mispronounciation- how American!) still lives. How often, even in dreams, have I intoned, "Art, when really understood, is he province of every human being".?
To be clear: ALL ARTISTS SHOULD HAVE A COPY OF "THE ART SPIRIT".
Like many of the best "books", The Art Spirit (TAS) was not written by Henri, nor was meant to be published necessarily- I think of van Gogh's heartwrought letters to brother Theo, Hammarskjold's hidden diary while Sec. General of the UN; "Markings", and of Gerard Manley Hopkins' groundbreaking poems published by friend Robert Bridges years after his death. One of RH's students took good notes- and in spite of all else, published them! Thank God for all of us!
It , TAS, has comforted, consoled, angered, made me cry, inspired, and taught philosophy, skills, and
design/color fundamentals for more than 30 years of my life as an artist and teacher. Henri was, perhaps, our country's greatest art teacher- look at all those he directly taught, as well as all those he has indirectly (me, etc.) taught. And I pass it on to mine- nearly every day- along with many others. Manifesting the elusive fire of "being", which Henri worked to capture as he painted what he called, "my people", is still the core of the visual experience as it becomes art. We contain it- but it is elusive and difficult to see much less paint . You are "my people".... Read more ›
29 of 34 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I first read about this book while reading "Lynch on Lynch" about the artist David Lynch.He mentioned that "The Art Spirit" opened his eyes to what art could be,and I figured "hey,if he got something out of it I'll bet that I could too!" Then a few weeks ago my Art Appreciation class instructor mentioned that it was top-notch reading(he's involved with the biggest art museum in Minneapolis)--then I knew I had to pick this book up.It's amazing reading and contains great ideas you won't soon forget!
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
My godfather Don Llanuza, who was the only child of Hearst Newspaper artist Pete Llanuza, told me about this book years ago. He always quoted the first page: "Art is the province of every human being; it is not a single, separate thing." Many people are not aware of Henri's contribution to 20th century art, nor of his quixotic early life. But his ongoing influence is indisputable: He helped organize the Armory Show, which brought many new artists- Picasso, Cezanne, Matisse and the Impressionists- to America for the first time. Among his many students was Edward Hopper. Henri insisted on the role of the artist as honest observer. This collection is a valuable part of any serious artist's library, and will be a source of great inspiration, especially in those dry times when one needs some encouraging words.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By dick nolan
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Here's my review - I don't do many. But I do want to say something to those who may be interested in this one. You'll like this book if you want clear, practical, almost poetic-in-thought teachings about art AND life. Although it has many specific and useful "how tos," it is much more than a detailed "how to" book containing lots and lots of techniques.
As you'll see as you read, this book was written by a man who was obviously a lover of life, sharing-oriented, and natural communicator. It is quite thought provoking in the best sense. Easy to read, and, you can pick it up and start reading anywhere in the book - for a few minutes, or hours. I've learned a lot from this book - both about art and life. If he were alive today, I'd take the time to write him and tell him that.
As you'll see as you read, this book was written by a man who was obviously a lover of life, sharing-oriented, and natural communicator. It is quite thought provoking in the best sense. Easy to read, and, you can pick it up and start reading anywhere in the book - for a few minutes, or hours. I've learned a lot from this book - both about art and life. If he were alive today, I'd take the time to write him and tell him that.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
An oldie but a goodie
This particular copy of The Art Spirit was published in 1951 but it is very good condition including the dust jacket. Read more
Published 5 days ago by Shari Evans
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great art book
I am fairly new to art but I love it! A nice read that talks about art-making for the soul. Not just techniques but what it feels to be an artist. To live it day to day. Read more
Published 7 days ago by Jenny
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the Classics!
Henri's "The Art Spirit" was required reading when I was in art school in the early 70's. I slogged through it, dismissing most of what he wrote because it wasn't part of... Read more
Published 11 days ago by Armak
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Art Spirit
I got all 6 in time - perfect. Not so with the aprons last month. See below? I never got it.
Published 1 month ago by Deda Jacobsen
4.0 out of 5 stars
interesting
This book has very interesting information and insights from the artist and his teachings- it has many good rules of thumb....
Published 1 month ago by harry nickelson
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must have for all the Artist
Rented out the copy from Library , as i Progressed through the pages I realized of having a personal copy of myself
Published 1 month ago by om prakash varma
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspireing
It connects the spirit with the brush in a surprisingly no nonsense way. There seems to be a novel way of " seeing" on ever y page
Published 1 month ago by A David Marshall
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Art Spirit
This is very inspirational. This is good just to pick up and read random thoughts and ideas about the painting process.
Published 2 months ago by cheryl
4.0 out of 5 stars
Rich, textured reflections on life as a painter
These heart-felt reflections on the richness of being a painter came as a bit of a surprise to me. It was recommended to me by my mentor and I got more than I bargained for. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Pamela Hochstetter, M.Div
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great thoughts on artistry
A lot of food for thought when it comes to being an artist. Great for anyone pursuing an interest in drawing or painting.
Published 2 months ago by hokeypeat
