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Art & Fear: Observations On the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking Paperback – April 1, 2001

by David Bayles (Author), Ted Orland (Author)

502 customer reviews

in Arts & Humanities Teaching Materials

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"This is a book about making art. Ordinary art. Ordinary art means something like: all art not made by Mozart. After all, art is rarely made by Mozart-like people; essentially—statistically speaking—there aren't any people like that. Geniuses get made once-a-century or so, yet good art gets made all the time, so to equate the making of art with the workings of genius removes this intimately human activity to a strangely unreachable and unknowable place. For all practical purposes making art can be examined in great detail without ever getting entangled in the very remote problems of genius."
—-from the Introduction

Art & Fear explores the way art gets made, the reasons it often doesn't get made, and the nature of the difficulties that cause so many artists to give up along the way. The book's co-authors, David Bayles and Ted Orland, are themselves both working artists, grappling daily with the problems of making art in the real world. Their insights and observations, drawn from personal experience, provide an incisive view into the world of art as it is expeienced by artmakers themselves.

This is not your typical self-help book. This is a book written by artists, for artists -— it's about what it feels like when artists sit down at their easel or keyboard, in their studio or performance space, trying to do the work they need to do. First published in 1994, Art & Fear quickly became an underground classic. Word-of-mouth response alone—now enhanced by internet posting—has placed it among the best-selling books on artmaking and creativity nationally.

Art & Fear has attracted a remarkably diverse audience, ranging from beginning to accomplished artists in every medium, and including an exceptional concentration among students and teachers. The original Capra Press edition of Art & Fear sold 80,000 copies.

An excerpt:

Today, more than it was however many years ago, art is hard because you have to keep after it so consistently. On so many different fronts. For so little external reward. Artists become veteran artists only by making peace not just with themselves, but with a huge range of issues. You have to find your work...

Art & Fear: Observations On the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking

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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Both authors are teachers and working artists. Ted Orland's previous books include Scenes of Wonder & Curiosity and Man & Yosemite.

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Product details

Paperback: 122 pages
Publisher: Image Continuum Press; 1 edition (April 1, 2001)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780961454739
ISBN-13: 978-0961454739
ASIN: 0961454733
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.4 x 8 inches
Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (502 customer reviews)
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,102 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1 in Books > Education & Teaching > Schools & Teaching > Instruction Methods > Arts & Humanities
- #2 in Books > Arts & Photography > History & Criticism > Criticism
- #4 in Books > Arts & Photography > Study & Teaching

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Customer Reviews

502

4.6 out of 5 stars

5 star		75%
4 star		15%
3 star		5%
2 star		3%
1 star		2%

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Top Customer Reviews

Canon

ByAlex Pon December 30, 2015

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

I found one segment of this book particularly helpful, the concept of an artist's "canon." It's a bit of a misleading term - not referring to the body of work but more the routines and rituals of the artist. Essentially, routine is not the enemy of the artist, and you should be conscious of your routines and embrace the ones that make you most productive. Doesn't matter if that's slamming a Red Bull at 11:30 PM and pulling out the Wacom tablet for some gestures, or doing your thumbnails in a specific sketchbook at your favorite park, or just taking the time to sort and organize your materials before you start and after you finish. If it works for you, make it habit, because it'll let you focus on what matters: your art.

0Comment 14 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

I'm a painter and this book is amazing. First I want to state that I am ...

ByAnother readeron October 17, 2015

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

I'm a painter and this book is amazing. First I want to state that I am a strong self-assured person that defines myself through my faith & my painting in order to feel like myself. I began having specific fears that began to cripple me regarding my painting. Had it not been for this book, I was at a point to where I probably would've actually stopped painting. This book has helped me to get back into my studio and embrace painting again with the abundant knowledge the authors have passed along. I had absolutely no idea how many artist feel the same as I do. Most artists hide their fears very well. This book is such an eye opener in that I realized I wasn't alone. By understanding this along with the specific fears, it's helped release much of the tension and fear I've had, and the ones that return to me. It is my favorite book about art because I now see things with more clarity in my own work and that of others. When I view paintings by others then I wonder what was behind the minds of the artist regarding any fears. It would be a lie to state that an artist has no fears at all. The knowledge I now have from the book has made me feel a closer connection to all present artists and all from the past.

0Comment 14 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

Commisseration for when your artist friends aren't available.

ByJ. Bullardon July 12, 2015

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

I didn't know quite what to expect when I picked this up. I bought the book quite a while ago on the recommendation of someone else. What the book is is a commiseration on the trials of art making, marketing, etc., the entire process. Based on my own experience creating art I question the word "fear". Doubt, frustration, creative blocks, external obstacles all apply, but I can't ever say fear has been what has hindered me. If you are looking for confirmation that you are not alone in dealing with these things and you don't have a circle of artist friends with whom you can commiserate, this just could be the book you need to prod you to plunge forward anyway. If you are looking for answers, tips or tricks to overcome the things that beset you, you will be disappointed. Indeed, those can only come from you anyway.

0Comment 6 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

This book really helped me unleash my creative potential

ByDaveon January 10, 2012

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Review of:
Art & Fear: Observations On the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking

This book really helped me relax, get rid of my white paper paralyses, and unleash my creative potential.
I highly recommend it to anyone who has a burning desire to create, but can't overcome the paralysis caused by external and/or internal influences that keep you from doing your thing.

I have spent years reading/learning about art, and how to make it.
I am more knowledgeable about the how and why, the materials and practices of artmaking and artists, than most of the working artists I know.
But I could not overcome the paralysis, caused by the thought that, I will spoil/soil/waste any paper/canvas/ink/paint that I use to make something, if it does not produce a masterpiece comparable or better than, the best artwork I have ever seen, or earn me enough money to pay for my time and materials.

The easy to read/understand words in this book, finally gave me permission to use all those artists materials I have been collecting/hoarding, and actually make things with them.
I feel an incredible sense of relief, excitement, and exhilaration making art, that I have been waiting for all my life.

One of the reasons we feel free to create when we were kids, is that we did not have to pay for the materials, or know how precious they are, and we were given the time to create, that was not otherwise needed to do "more productive/important" things (like earn money, eat, sleep, shop for groceries, clean the house, find a mate, raise children, watch TV, read a book, pick your nose, scratch your butt, etc.)

Even though I still do most of those things, this book has motivated me to also find/make time for creating art, without guilt.

Hope it has the same affect on you.
Now go play!!!
Life dose not last forever, You have earned this, and deserve the joy of making art :-)
If you don't, you'll be depriving yourself and others of the enjoyment of your creations.
Don't sweat it if everyone doesn't dig it, that is an impossible/unrealistic goal.
Focus on the pleasure of the process, and not what happens afterword. That will take care of itself.
Happy trails...
Dave Finberg, the "Playing Mantis"

11 comment 21 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

This book is now a must for all of my art majors

This book is now a must for all of my art majors. It underscores the messages I give daily on staying focused on internal issues (the process and being honest with oneself)and to...Read more

Published 2 days ago by Dee Zimmerman

Five Stars

A real eye opened. Quick read but one of my favorites.Read more

Published 4 days ago by Amazon Customer

An excellent insight into the thought processes and predicaments of art

An excellent insight into the thought processes and predicaments of art. This book is well-rounded, and something every artist should have on their bookshelf.Read more

Published 8 days ago by Tony P

Five Stars

Good Read more

Published 12 days ago by Rolly

Five Stars

A must read for all artists (established or not, young or old).Read more

Published 18 days ago by Robin Johnson

Read this book

I have hadd this book on my shelf for years. They make a great point about the need for a community of artists to support our work.Read more

Published 21 days ago by Bayard White

A must for every artist

Art & Fear should be in every artist's bookshelf. No, by their bed. Pick it up and leaf through it to see what wisdom unfolds to help you through the next hurdle.Read more

Published 1 month ago by Sheron Buchele Rowland

Come back too me

This book is so much more than just the art of picking up a paint brush and pen. This book is about the art of life.Read more

Published 1 month ago by redhead

Five Stars

Very smart the way the author explains artist's life issues after graduation...Read more

Published 1 month ago by David Lopez

Five Stars

Book in excellent condition.Read more

Published 1 month ago by Amazon Customer

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