Paint Yourself Calm: Colourful, creative mindfulness through watercolour [Print Replica] Kindle Edition

I literally read this in bed before sleeping. Jean has such a pleasant way of teaching - that along with the lovely watercolor demonstrations - were perfect for winding down and having sweet dreams. Highly recommended! (The educational component was a bonus LOL…so GOOD!)

If you like the look of loose watercolor paintings but find it hard to loosen up or fearful to even start painting Jean Haines is for you. If you are in need of finding a way to meditate but cannot just "sit" this is also the book. "Paint Yourself Calm" looks in many ways like her other books--full of juicy flowing colors. But rather than an instructional book it is more about how to interact with the act of painting. She does give some basic exercises but they are designed to get you into the act of experimenting and simple enjoyment rather than creating a finished product.In some ways it acts as a self help book. I am not a professional painter. In fact I just started. But I keep at it because it does help me use a very different part of the brain and let go of my stressful world for awhile. Jean gives workplace professional people like me "permission" to just play with watercolor and let go of performance. Following her direction and thinking (I found I actually needed to sit and read awhile to get the full benefit of the book) one is able to let go of the fear of the blank page and get into a relaxing world for awhile--kind of a contemplative place for those of us that don't know how to sit still for long. And in doing it I find I am quickly developing my own style and actually painting better--stressing less over painting and in my life in general.

Coming from a family having artists, I’ve dabbled here and there over the years. This book showed me how to enjoy painting without (self) pressure and fear of “failure”. Her loose painting style also opened up skills I’d never used before and now enjoy immensely-AND totally changed my painting style! I’ve already ordered some of her other books.

Book about nothing . I did not like it(((

I didn’t care for the paintings in this book. Came to the conclusion abstract art just doesn’t look good done with watercolors. I did not care for the pix. I took it back to Kohl’s and they gave me coupons for 25 percent off anything in their store. If you have a Kohl’s that takes back Amazon and returns product to them great way to go. It was easy didn’t have to pack it up or anything. Best thing about buying book. I have never returned anything before.

this author is trying to teach something that does not come across to me. choice of words is everything when teaching and we do not click. however, kees van aalst words and approach meet my thinking style. he is more didactic in description and reduces things to their lowest common denominator. both artists have wonderful styles and enjoyable work. enough said.

This book has given me a different way to see my watercolor art. Definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to do watercolor painting.

I am a pretty capable watercolorist but was losing the joy of this wonderful media. It is really easy to become goal oriented with painting. This book is bringing much joy back into my painting sessions. I am painting more because the exercises in the book don't require much set up or special gathering up a ton of supplies. I am really enjoying just experimenting with the lovely colors and washes that watercolors create pretty much on their own.

Free yourselves from the obvious boring tradition of watercolour painting and enjoy learning, experimenting and being the unique artist you are rather than copying endless scenes of some locations others dictate you need to paint. Watercolour is an excellent way to be able to use it as you choose. Try , relax and learn !

Written with kindness and confidence that no matter what may be going on in our lives, it is possible to find a way to be calm and at peace in the moment. I am working my way through the book and thoroughly enjoying learning about watercolour magic and overcoming my barriers. Thank you Jean Haines for writing it, it's changing my life.

Very comforting and inspiring. Not meant to be instructional, I would say. I like it, it made me feel a bit better about not being able to paint any more. I am having another go and have also retrieved old paintings from the back of the cupboard and like some a bit better and try to save some others. She sounds like a lovely lady, perhaps very trusting and kind.

My friend started painting more after this book

I thoroughly recommend this watercolour book for creating mindfulness.As it is an oasis of calm.