The Zen of Creative Painting: An Elegant Design for Revealing your Muse (Practical Art Books) [Paperback]

Jeanne Carbonetti (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1998 | Series: Practical Art Books

By the author of The Tao of Watercolor, this book, the second in her “Path of Painting” series, offers creative artists of all levels empowering guidance based on Zen principles.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Creativity is one of the great mysteries of life. Everyone may possess it to some degree, but why do some people seem completely in touch with their creative powers while others struggle to connect with it at all? How do you unlock your creative potential--or maximize it, if you're already utilizing some level of it? This inspirational book--meant primarily for painters but full of sage advice for other types of artists and crafters, too--teaches how to release your muse by exploring the basics of the language of art and by applying the Zen principles of blending body, mind, and spirit and of following an intuitive rather than purely logical approach. The author's own lyrical, vividly colored paintings (as well as works by other artists) complement her highly readable discussions of self-awareness, instinct, mandalas, harmony, and mindfulness, as both important general concepts and as they pertain to landscape, still life, and figural art. In short, she teaches you how to know yourself as a creator, and to recognize that "creative vision really is your natural birthright" and that "art has something to offer everyone ... as a means of self-knowledge." --Amy Handy

From Library Journal

Inspiration may be the most important element in the psyche of an artist. These volumes represent three widely different sources of inspiration, one from the spiritual world of Zen, another from the personal guidance of an accomplished mentor, and the last from the wildest reaches of the imagination. Carbonetti had a surprise hit with her first book, The Tao of Watercolor. This one may also find a wide audience, despite its rather superficial use of Zen. It is a bold attempt, but those seriously interested in Eastern religion as artistic inspiration will be disappointed. Howard is a master of light in both watercolor and oil. Appointed Official Artist in Northern Ireland and a member of the Royal Academy, he is a stimulating teacher with strong views. Going from the sublime to the hideous, Jefferies's book on fantasy art will either stimulate the imagination or provoke nightmares. His is one of the best manuals for creating beasts, angels, demons, wizards, and cursed castles. He even gives tips on making maps for lands where your creatures can roam. Three good volumes, each sure to find an audience.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Watson-Guptill; First Printing edition (October 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823059731
• ISBN-13: 978-0823059737
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 0.4 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #448,542 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extraordinary inspiration for personal/artisitc creativity., December 18, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Zen of Creative Painting: An Elegant Design for Revealing your Muse (Practical Art Books) (Paperback)

This book provides a fascinating and groundbreaking description of the elements of human nature which direct and spark our creative selves. Through the use of illustrative examples from the author's own remarkable art, as well as the works of others, both professional and amateur, she establishes a clear link between three elements of our creative natures, which she identifies as Logical Mind, Heart Mind and Body Mind. Then, the manner in which these three forms of thinking combine to form our creative skills, or can be accessed to enhance these skills are beautifully presented. The book is both a visual and literary treat, and would be found fascinating by artists of all skill levels and experiences, as well as anyone curious about developing personal creativity in any endeavor.

45 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars this book is wonderful, February 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Zen of Creative Painting: An Elegant Design for Revealing your Muse (Practical Art Books) (Paperback)

for so long art has been has jeanne put it, "left Brained" very logical, in an attempt to teach art so everyone can understand it. but what these artists, teachers, are forgetting is that creativty is a mystery. art is about feelings. even if the piece is very abstract, its still trying to in a sense "say" something. this book gave me a voice on how to explain myself as an artist to teachers who i have had who lean toward a logical kind of art that has shape but no feeling, and does not allow for differeces in style. i love this book, i plan to go into art education and this well definitely be a reference

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding book for anyone, artist, or not., December 21, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Zen of Creative Painting: An Elegant Design for Revealing your Muse (Practical Art Books) (Paperback)

Jeanne Carbonetti's book is an outstanding piece of literature that will inspire artists and would- be artists. I do not consider myself to be creative at all, but would now consider looking into that aspect of my life. Her prose is written so beautifully that it inspires you to consider your own inner artistic abilities. The paintings shown in the book are absolutely breathtaking. Her talents are evident. I am inclined to visit Vermont to see her gallery. It would be a worthwhile trip. Her book is not just a book about painting, it is a book about life. Very inspirational.