It's an absolutely charming book about sumi painting, It describes the essential tools, the way how to use them before treating numerous subjects like bamboo, orchid, chrysanthemum, and plum (representing the four seasons), iris, grapes, lotus, various insects and birds, trees, rocks and waterfalls. All this in simple steps showing the needed brushstrokes,, richly illustrated with gorgeous paintings . Very important the state of mind, the mindfulness, the spontaneity and the energy of the brushstroke. It is really inviting to try this different approach to painting and experiment its benefits for artistic development but also for the soul.

This is a beautiful book and very therapeutic to try. The author shares two main techniques for using the Chinese brush and gives clear instructions so anyone can have a go. The pictures themselves are calming and beautiful and the style of painting is accessible to all levels. It is a great book for established artists wanting to try something new and also for the complete beginner. The theory and history of the methods are also included for those wanting to delve further into the techniques. overall an excellent book.

I wanted to read this book because I am an aspiring artist and I love incorporating mindfulness with my art. I love oil and acrylic paint. I draw to become a better painter. I also love painting Icons because it is a transforming religious experience. When I saw the book “Mindful Artist” I thought it was a perfect fit for me.

In the introduction, the author says we will learn to express ourselves in the moment, without judgment. This was exactly was I was hoping to get from this book. However, I didn’t think much more was said about how to be more mindful while painting.

It starts with listing the supplies for Japanese brush painting. I already have a full set of acrylics, oils, I can pigments and specific brushes for each medium. I decided to use my oil and acrylic paints to begin the practice before I invested in the materials.

Virginia provides many beautiful paintings in the book, some with step by step instructions. She refers to her youtube page which has numerous videos on Japanese bush painting. I highly recommend her videos. However, I didn’t notice any videos labeled specifically for mindfulness while painting.

The paintings start with simple leaves, branches, birds, grapes, flower and then progresses to full landscapes.

I received this galley from NetGalley.

If you want a serious and high quality book to star learning about sumi e painting I would recommend this one. It’s full of step by step images of the projects to low up, very well explained. I´ve really enjoyed this book.
Thanks to #NetGalley for the Advanced copy in exchange of my opinion.

This is an interesting how-to art book in that it not only teaches the techniques of Japanese brush painting but also teaches how it was historically used for meditation and mindfulness, and how to use it in that way. The author has been studying the art for decades and gives good information on what you need to get started, which is not a lot but very different from Western supplies, how to do brush painting, and lots of example works to follow along with.

I enjoyed learning about this art style and loved the way most of the objects she taught were illustrated two ways -- boneless style and outline style. Boneless style means that you just use the brush strokes to paint the object. For instance, painting a butterfly with the boneless style you do fat sweeping strokes for each of the wings and then go back with a detailed brush and do strokes to show the small parts like antennae. The outline style means that you use a detailed brush to first paint the object, and then fill it in with your ink. I'm really drawn to the organic feel of boneless style, so it was neat to see that demonstrated for lots of things like insects and flowers.

Step-by-step tutorials are given for lots of plants and a few other natural items, including bamboo, irises, peonies, insects, rocks and birds.

I don't know that I'll invest in these materials and take up this style of painting, but I am excited to experiment with the techniques here and I'm definitely interested in at least attempting the basics and then working it into my own art adventures.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.

Not only is this book a wonderful introduction to mindfulness but an excellent guide to painting with a Chinese brush.
Lots of valuable information and beautiful examples. I need a lot more practice but I now understand the importance of how to hold the brush in the right way. It makes a lot of difference.
I highly recommend this book.