Life, Paint and Passion (Paperback)

~ Michele Cassou (Author), (Author) "Fate played a trick on me when it made me a teacher..." (more)
Key Phrases: nice painting, spontaneous images, painting process (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Explains how to use the creative process as an important tool for self-discovery, encouraging the reader to embark on inner exploration through the unfettered practice of painting as a means of spontaneous expression. Original.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Tarcher (January 3, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0874778107
• ISBN-13: 978-0874778106
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #84,466 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book on the creative process, December 16, 1999

By	Carol Hickler (Florida) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is the best book I have read on what it means to truly enter into the creative process. Although painting is the medium talked about, this is for anyone who is interested in getting in touch with their own creativity, whether you have never painted, or if you are an accomplished artist. I was inspired by the examples of how to go beyond opinion to get to what is authentic and true. One of my favorite quotes from the book is "Beauty is in the honest gesture." I love this book and have given it to friends.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Direct access to visual expression, January 31, 2000

By	Anthony P. Hume (Sydney) - See all my reviews

Michelle Cassou and Stewart Cubley have done for painting what Betty Edwards(Drawing on the right side of the brain) has done for Realistic drawing. Given us direct access to enhanced, hot-wired visual expression and the creative process. These books heal the wounds inflicted or indeed self-inflicted in the struggle for creative expression in or out of art school. That treasured page where Michelle describes her encounter with the children in the Paris artclass. Her journey from despair to inner sanctuary and healing in a moment will stand with pure contour drawing (see Edwards) as two powerful transcendent becons ligthing the path to bliss. The bliss that I have experienced painting and drawing in the presence of Mother Nature. Such a simple act, offering such tremendous rewards, so rarely performed. There aren't enough stars in a Starry Night for these books.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Life Changing Experience, November 19, 2003

By	fayleta guilian (International Teacher Bahrain) - See all my reviews

I stumbled upon this book while I was getting a Master's in Art. Needing to work through the issues of ego and being a good enough artist, I found myself constantly turning to the pages of Life Paint and Passion.

Subsequently I have introduced the book to my students grades 11 and 12 and the reaction was phenomenal. One of my students commented that this book changed her life. It may sound overstated, but the fact is that she may be right.

For young artists as well as old, relying on the process can be daunting. Life Paint and Passion allows one to feel free enough to trust painting in the moment.

For all artists this is a remarkable work, for teachers it is invaluable. I am now ordering copies (at the request of my students) for the entire class.