The Art Spirit: Notes, Articles, Fragments of Letters and Talks to Students, Bearing on the Concept and Technique of Picture Making, the Study of Ar

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Summary: Want to rething everything you ever believed art to be?
Review: A must for every artist who is doubting their current path. Robert Henri encapsulates the spirit of creativity in this collection of essays, and gives every artist words of encouragement on their road to artistic disovery. Reading his book almost made me feel heroic being an artist. Get this book, and leave it on the edge of your drafting table, or on the comfy chair next to your oils.

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Summary: A very philosophical book that applies to life in general
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: A very philosophical book that applies to life in general
Review: 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.

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Summary: The most important art book I have ever read
Review: I was given this book 11 years ago whilst studying at art college and despite all the many other influences I have had and the many books I have read, this one book remains the most important. In a world in which we are pulled in every direction through media and advertising etc, Henri reminds me of what it is to be a real artist. Time and again his writings inspire me and send me off to the studio with purpose in my step. Here is one quote to give an idea of the importance of this book; 'The country is full of men who are working in the cold, or worse- too much heat- just to get enough to purchase a day's miserable existance. You are working for your character, and your pay is to last you all your life.' Buy it. It will be one of the best investments you have ever made.

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Summary: An Artist needs Philosophy
Review: I'm always suprised when I run across an Artist who hasn't read this book. The good fine arts programs require it, as do thoughtful private teachers. An Artist needs a philosophy more than paint or canvas. This book will show you what a very good one looks like and help you identify your own.

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Summary: An Artist needs Philosophy
Review: I'm always suprised when I run across an Artist who hasn't read this book. The good fine arts programs require it, as do thoughtful private teachers. An Artist needs a philosophy more than paint or canvas. This book will show you what a very good one looks like and help you identify your own.

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Summary: Its good
Review: It is good, but I can't just sit and read continuously. It's just one of those books you just read once in a while I suppose. But, educational.

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Summary: Its good
Review: It is good, but I can't just sit and read continuously. It's just one of those books you just read once in a while I suppose. But, educational.

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Summary: A classic of art thought (a very American classic).
Review: Modern American illustrator Greg Spalunka calls this book the Bible for the artist. It is jam packed with wonderful insights on the "why" of painting and has quite a few great ideas on the "how" as well. The book is perfect for the browser, someone who likes to read a page or two and mull it over for a while and tends ends up next to the toilet. ENJOY!

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Summary: Not just for the artist.
Review: 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.