Informative book with beautiful art designs and step-by-step instructions to making beautiful stone art. Something that I really appreciated was that the author gave instructions to create your own dotting tools if you don't have the means to purchase a set or don't want to shill out the money for tools you may never use again.

I loved the idea of this book & it did not fail to make me smile. I have always loved the idea of rock art & this started me off on the right path. Thank you for the inspiration.

This was an interesting book to read! I had fun learning the various techniques and trying them out for myself.

I would like to thank Quarto Publishing Group – Fair Winds Press for providing me with a free – temporary – electronic ARC of this book, via Netgalley. Although I’m auto approved with them, the decision to read this book is my choice and any reviews given are obligation free.

As my regular readers would know I am a fan of rock painting and so was really looking forward to reading this book. And I can tell you now, I wasn't disappointed! I mean, yes, on the outside it looked like “just another book on how to paint rocks” … but each book on this topic is different, and each contains the voice of the artist. And I really liked the voice I got from ‘Meditative Stone Art’. I really felt that the author was giving her gentle opinion on how to paint, how she preferred to do it, the media and tools she preferred… but wasn’t demanding that the reader MUST do exactly the same to get the same results. She really came across as a good art teacher, more than someone dictating her way or the highway… and, trust me, I’ve come across a lot of “how to” books with the latter tone. You just don’t see them reviewed due to my policy of not leaving reviews for books I don’t finish. ;-)

Something I did find interesting about ‘Meditative Stone Art’ is that it was set up to be an interactive eBook as well as working well as a paper book. I didn’t see this in my Netgalley copy, but I always like to peek at the Amazon preview option, and it shows interactive links to other areas of the book. I am hoping this option is available if you were to buy an electronic copy of ‘Meditative Stone Art’ as I can see it being very helpful to those wanting to try out rock painting while having the book open on their device. A simple tap to see more detail on a specific topic – listed else where in the same book – could be a great asset and good selling point.

And, although I generally prefer my craft and cooking books to be in paper format, I am actually attracted to the eBook concept of quick reference. I mean, one tap on a screen mid creating, vs thumbing through a book and getting distracted by other things… that’s a benefit to someone like me. :-D

So, there are definitely benefits to owning a paper, or electronic, version of ‘Meditative Stone Art’.

As with other books on stone art I’ve read, there are many great themes to learn to draw/ paint in ‘Meditative Stone Art’. Some I preferred more than others, so it was good that there was a decent selection, and not just one or two themes. It added to the flexible feel of learning to paint stones the book seems to offer.

Now for the book nerd side of things. I found the layout and formatting easy to read and follow. They weren’t all jumbled together or in odd places. The instructions for projects were clear and precise, and continued in the light, suggestive tone I enjoyed.

There was the detailed contents page at the start (also interactive in the eBook version), and a lot of good, clear detail throughout. A very satisfying read.

Would I recommend this book to others?

I think we all know the answer to this would be yes. ‘Meditative Stone Art’ would be a great addition to anyone’s arts and crafts bookshelves, whether you’re strictly into stone painting, or like variation. I also feel – for the stone painters – it would still be a great edition for any level. Yes, beginners would get a great deal of help from it, but I feel the more experienced stone painters would also find some good inspiration from it too. Definitely a book I would recommend to others.

Would I buy this book for myself?

Yes, I would. Sadly these days I’ve move away from stone painting and more into wire weaving and beading… but I’d like to think I will return to this art form at a later date and, when I do, ‘Meditative Stone Art’ is the book I want to be reaching for to inspire me.

In summary: A great reference book to stone painting for all levels of this art form. I highly recommend it.

A gorgeous guide full of ideas that will help anyone get started on stone painting, or give you new ideas.
The designs are full of beautiful mandala patterns that could also be adapted to decorating boxes, canvases and more.
These would be beautiful to make and hide as part of initiatives like #islastones where you paint stones, leave the hashtag on the underside and post photos, rehide the stone elsewhere.
#islastones

Meditative Stone Art is a tutorial guide for painting nature inspired and mandala-like patterns on stones. Released 14th April 2020 by Quarto on their Rock Point imprint, it's 144 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.

This is an appealing all-ages accessible guided instruction book for transferring and painting designs onto stone surfaces (it would work on many surfaces other than rock also). The book has a very useful and graphically appealing gallery style table of contents showing each of the tutorial projects in color. They are grouped by category: mandala inspired projects, and nature inspired objects. The introduction covers tools and supplies (including making one's own dotting tools), sourcing stones, transferring designs, and a little bit of color theory.

Each of the tutorials contains a color photo of the finished object, tools and supplies in a bullet point list, followed by step by step instructions (including color process photos). The designs are very pretty and varied; there are both naturalistic and stylized flowers and animals along with the circular designs.

There's enough inspiration here to keep crafters experimenting for ages. This would make a great selection for a family activity or library group (when we're allowed to congregate again) as well as solo-mindfulness exercise. I also liked the creative philosophy of the book - the author emphasizes the meditative and mindfulness of painting and art without being strident or preachy. It's a well written book full of lovely things to paint. These would make great gifts, garden decor, or inspiration stones to release back into the wild. I believe I'm going to paint some to leave on friends' and neighbors' porches until we can safely gather together again.

Five stars. There really are quite a number of these which have my fingers itching to paint.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

This is such a colourful book. As explained in the introduction, this book is aimed at inspiring the reader and it certainly achieves its goal. Divided into two sections: Mandala stones and Nature-inspired stones, the reader is guided through the choices for brushes, inks and paints, marker and pens, etc. It also explains how to source and prepare stones. Each project includes step by step photographs alongside the instructions. At the end of the book there are some really useful templates. Thank you to Maria Mercedes Trujillo Arango, Net Galley and the publisher, Rock Pont (Quarto Group) for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to Quarto Publishing Group - Rock Point and #NetGalley for providing me with a temporary digital ARC of #MeditativeStoneArt for an unbiased review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Meditative Stone Art:Create over 40 Mandala and Nature Inspired Designs by Maria Mercedes Trujillo Arango brought back memories of a summer holiday in the country. My daughter and her friend spent hours at Mother's kitchen table painting designs on rocks.
This book is appropriate for beginner and expert crafters. It has beautiful photographs and illustrated step-by-step instructions to make mandala designs and nature-inspired designs such as butterflies, leaves, flowers and more.
I highly recommend this fun, well illustrated book of helpful ideas, patterns and tutorials to create stone art.

On April 19, 2020 posted to NetGalley, Goodreads, Savvy Reader, Twitter

Fantastic! Great book on how to start stone art. There are plenty of designs to follow with templates included, or the author takes you through the steps to create images freehand, or how to build up a butterfly in stages.

The patterns are either for mandala, flowers, butterflies, beetles and fish. Whilst the author has all the pictures of the stones at the beginning of the book, each design is then shown in stages with easy to follow steps, alongside an image of the completed stone art. Each project also lists the materials required and it's level (easy, intermediate, etc). There are details on the tools and supplies required, how to make dotting tools and sourcing stones.

This is a great craft to do if you can get hold of the supplies in this current lockdown and whilst it appears aimed at adults, I'm sure many of the designs can be used by older children.

I received this book from Netgalley in return for a honest review.

Rock painting is having a moment. People often find painted rocks outside the library and bring them to us at the desk. I would be happy to see someone bring us any of the gorgeous painted stones in this book. Arango starts with the basics--collecting stones (and checking to make sure you have permission), making your own dotting tools, color selection, etc. Most of the book is step-by-step directions to make specific patterns, from mandalas and color wheels to butterflies and fish. Instructions seem easy to follow. Will appeal to teens and adults with an interest in art.

This book is fantastic the pictures are just beautiful! It is filled with step by step instructions on how to create incredibly detailed and beautifully colored designs on rocks.. I feel so inspired to make these beautiful designs.. It is a perfect book for beginners who want to express themselves through painting and the few I tried left me feeling calm and excited about doing this simple artistic technique for self expression. Each design starts with an unpainted rock with easy to follow steps from start o finish. Something else awesome is the book has templates in the back of the book. Fantastic gift for anyone who loves painting Mandela designs as this can be done on other surfaces if you don’t want to paint rocks.

I received this book from NetGalley and Quarto Publishing for an honest review.
#NetGalley
#MeditativeStoneArt

If you're looking for a book about stone art, look no further. Everything you could possibly want is in this book! The information presented is both comprehensive and easy to understand. Not only does the author cover the basics (recommended tools and supplies, preparing the stones, how to transfer designs, and choosing colors), but she also details over 40 projects.

I love that the table of contents has a picture beside each project, making it easy to go directly to a pattern that interests you. I also appreciate that each project gives the difficulty level, materials needed and step by step directions with each step having a photograph! And to top it all off, templates for all of the designs are included in the back of the book! Could it get any better?!? I don't see how! This book rates 5 stars from me.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - Rock Point for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Step-by-step mandala and nature inspired stone paintings. I think even if you don't paint on rocks, it's even cool to have for the meditative purposes of sketching mandalas. It's mindful and peace inducing.

Thank you #NetGalley for the review copy of #MeditativeStoneArt

This book starts with a few introductory sections about supplies, tools, colors, etc. before getting into the projects and the end of the book has a special techniques project and some additional templates. The table of contents has a small image of each finished project next to the title and page, for easy of navigation.

The introductory parts are comprehensive enough for a complete beginner to be able to jump right into the stone decorating right after reading (and getting the supplies together). The first set of projects are mandalas, and there are a few pages with general instructions on how to draw mandalas using two different methods. The second section is nature-inspired stones, and there are also pages with instruction on drawing a flower, butterfly, etc. before getting to the individual project instructions for each type. The end of the book has black and white line drawing templates for each project from the book, for anyone who doesn't want to draw freehand. Throughout the book, the instructions themselves are simple to understand and there are pictures of each step.

I would recommend this to people who are completely new to drawing/painting, people who have a bit of experience but not with the specific types of illustration (mandalas, flowers, fish, etc) included in this book, or people interested in learning how to draw or modify certain patterns and designs freehand.

A book that takes you through all the stages of making a beautiful, personal piece of Art. The instructions include gathering the right stones, preparing the surface for painting, creating the design and choosing the colours. Designs and step by step instructions are included. It also has a section on designing your own mandala, my personal favourites. Themes include mandalas and nature.
The therapeutic nature of this activity shines from every page of the book. Have fun!
Thank you Netgalley for giving me a review copy. I loved it!

Great art/craft book that has detailed step by step instructions and images to take readers from blank stone to mini art piece. Each chapter starts with an introduction to the basics of the design and then follows with specific instructions. There is a variety of pieces and tools used, but I think many substitutions could be make. A great jumping off point for discussions on the healing power of arts/crafts or just a fun way to bring patrons into the library to have fun.

Nice ideas and patterns. At end gives templates for the designs or basic outline for patterns or animals. Good for those want to try art on stones using a few materials that would work on them.

This book is filled with step by step instructions on how to create these lovely little painted stones. I came away from the book feeling empowered to create. It is a perfect book for beginners who want to express themselves through pain. Each piece of artwork is demonstrated from blank, unpainted rock to its final artistic piece. There are even templates in the back of the book.

Thank you to Netgalley and Rock Point for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book is about creating small pieces of art on top of stones. I have done that in the past and loved it but what really drew me to this book was the mandalas. I've been trying to learn how to draw mandalas and I loved the ones that were on the cover of this book. So I was hoping it would help me to learn more about how to draw them.

As the title indicates, this book has step by step of 40+ designs. It also has a template for every single one of them at the back of the book. for me, it was the perfect starting book. Besides the mandalas, it also has wonderful examples of beetles, butterflies, fish and other animals and plants.

If stone painting or mandalas are interesting at all to you, you will enjoy this book!

with gratitude to netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

Brilliant resource. Absolutely loved everything in this. From the author's suggestions on art tools to the different skill level of designs!