It’s the beginning of the month and this means a new book and new chalkboard quote in my studio. Things are full around the studio, painting, sharing new lessons (check out this week’s Youtube lesson on painting Sunset Skies), snow days, kids activities. I like calling this time “full” instead of “busy.”

This archived blog from over on my Patreon page, The Beauty of Pastel, seems appropriate for this time.  I love to share my favorite books and quotes, things that help me in my daily life.  If my daily life is struggling, my painting also struggles.  I have learned to take care of my heart (which means allowing myself to rest) in order to be healthy in my studio.

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Today I’m writing about the marvelous book World Enough & Time by Christian McEwen. I love to read and sit in the advice of authors who inspire me to slow down and bathe in contentment.

Isn’t this a beautiful thought?  I love it for several reasons and it has more meaning to me beyond the obvious. The entire premise of this book is to slow down in our creativity.  This seems to be a theme of mine! Last month’s was a similar mantra but I guess in the season I’m in, I need to constantly remind myself.  Maybe next month will just be a big STOP sign on the wall.  haha.

As artists, we’re supposed to approach our work with focus and drive.  However, too much drive and stress about our paintings takes the joy out of the play that brought us to art in the first place!

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We can’t just have DRIVE – push, push, pushing and striving.  We have to remember to tread lightly with curiosity and respect towards our purpose.  Only then can our paintings breathe the joy we feel.

Every mark we make has an emotion.  If I’m hurried and stressed and pushing a result, it usually ends in frustration!  Curiosity and tenderness lead to paintings that emanate differently and usually, speak more clearly.

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So, How do we take something ordinary and make it special?  

For me and my work, this specifically applies to photo references that are less than stellar.

We can take a boring (thought “pretty”) photograph and paint a piece with love and care to push it to the next level. We can choose colors and moods to depict the scene differently.  I like to think of  references as just shape and placement suggestions.  When I go out to photograph new scenes, this is what I’m looking for!  I’m looking for shapes because I know I can change everything else!

When you free your mind and allow your art spirit the freedom to play, the extraordinary can happen!

If you’re looking to slow down in your art, your studio, your life, I highly recommend this book. When I take the time to remember the *why* of my painting, I am a bit more gracious with the “how” of my painting.  Note: this book is not an “art” book per se as the author is speaking more to the writing community.  However, I found it most valuable.

If you’re curious about the “slow-living” ideal and are tired of the pace of the current day striving mentality, sit by the fireside with this and think back to happy and simple times.

Below are a few more books on my artist shelf. Each one of them is a gem! I love to read and when the inspiration is lacking, I often turn to books. If you haven’t started your artist’s library just yet, these are wonderful.

1. Perspective Made Easy by Ernest R. Norling

Beautiful, simple, and clear.  If you’d like to master perspective (especially if you enjoy painting buildings/roads/man-made objects), this one is for you.

2. Mastering Composition by Ian Roberts

This book will teach you so much of what you need to conquer when designing your paintings. I often refer to it when needing to remind myself of armature, shapes, cropping, and so much more.

3. Letter’s to a Young Poet by Ranier Maria Rilke

A unique and comforting book. These letters were from writer Ranier Maria Rilke and give some wisdom on “surviving as a sensitive observer in a harsh world.” (um hello that is me).

4. Landscape Painting: Essential Concepts and Techniques for Plein Air and Studio by Mitchell Albala

This is the newest book in my collection and I am so glad I finally hit “purchase!” It’s so full of insight and I want to underline every sentence. A beautiful book both for use and display.

5. The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

Is there anything to say about this book that hasn’t already been said? If you’re in an artist rut, this workbook/inspiring read will get at the heart of the matter and back to creating!

6. Clear Seeing Place by Brian Rutenberg

More of an artist’s memoir, this one reads like an old friend. It’s very cool to get the behind the scenes stories on Rutenberg’s career and the hits (and misses) he had along the way.

7. Painting Brilliant Skies and Water in Pastel by Liz Haywood-Sullivan

The best book on painting these landscape features. If you want to improve your paintings, artist Haywood-Sullivan will take you by the hand and help you learn the ins and outs! One of my favorite books!

8. World Enough & Time by Christian McEwan

I did just write an entire blogpost about this book alone!  This book made me cry big wet tears (in a good way) and yearn for the simpler times.  I think everyone should read it to remember what things used to be like and how we can aspire to live more simply, more in-the-moment, and with more love for the little things (that really are the big things).

9. Hawthorne on Painting collected by Mrs. Charles Hawthorne

Over his teaching career, these quotes and tidbits by Charles Hawthorne were saved and now we can learn from him, too! Pick this book up and you’ll feel like the professor is right next to you, giving you a good note on your work.  Easy to read and is a pick up, put down type of book.

10. Creative Authenticity by Ian Roberts

I have given this book several times to artist friends who are struggling in the studio. Feeling dismayed or lost? Do you struggle with your authentic voice or style? This book is like comfort food for the artist who needs a friend who will not only lift you up, but point you in the right direction.  A+++!

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