The New Creative Artist: A Guide to Developing Your Creative Spirit

This book will get any creative body with a block back into their creative hobby. She gives so many great ideas, like that you should write down all the great creative ideas you think of and put them in to a jar. That way, whenever you can't think of something to get your creative juices flowing, just grab your jar and do whatever the piece of paper says!On a sidenote: I also love that the binding is ring - so that you can fold the book flat and not worry about pages closing on you when you are trying out something new - but that it is also protected by a larger cover so the ring binder doesn't fall apart like they usually do - THANK YOU PUBLISHER!Anyhow, great buy for any artist or artists' library - a book I will forever reference...I only wish that Leland explained more of the techniques behind rare art forms (but that would add a whole other book!).

I was rather surprised by this book. I think anyone who needs some help with creating an abstract piece for the first time should read this book. It has some wonderful ideas. I have been inspired to create my first collage due to this book. It has also helped me to understand why people enjoy abstract art now more than ever before. The author gives you ideas through techniques in various chapters.

I bought this half for me personally, and half for me professionally. I am an high school art teacher, and I am always looking for creative exercises and projects. This book has lots of little and big ideas that are wonderful for the individual artist, as well as an educator. If you're an artist looking for ways to incorporate creative practices into your daily routine, this book has quite a few, doable ideas. I highly recommend this book.

This book was recommended reading while I was on amazon buying another book.I would highly recommend it. I could not put it down till I have overviewed it all. Now back to chapter one and still on chapter one. It is full of good hints. Not only are there hints on how to unleach your inner artist but also basic psychology and philosophy read many times before ... and now hitting home. Jackie

This is a lovely book for someone who has little experience in painting or drawing and would like to explore the scope, options and opportunities in art. Lots of nice examples and lots of basic info for helping the reader to choose the medium that he or she would like to try.

The whole book is a jewel. Buy it, you won't be sorry. The abstractions chapter is worth the price of the book. It gives information I have not found in books about Abstraction (the whole book). The Activity suggestions are excellent too. Pick one at random and do it when you are lost or can't decide and they get your creativity flowing.

A quick scan lets me know that this book is one that I will enjoy. I am delving into the activities that are outlined for creating my artistic ability and I am gaining much more incite into creating the artist in me. It's fun and I'm pleased with my purchase.

great for anyone who loves to paint with the freedom to be free and still have a painting that's worth the effort

Great book... lots of well laid out usable information. The coil bound is a big bonus when working with the examples because the book lays nice and flat. This is a small detail that has made a big difference. Have bought several of Nita Leland's materials and they have all been very useful.Thanks Amazon!

C'est parfait!

This book arrived very quickly and was ordered for a workshop for a quilt guild. I didn't read it yet but it is a very sturdy book, hard cover and almost an inch thick.

Very great for inspiration and easy to read. Original and creative. I enjoy it very much. You have to have a bite of knowledge of art before to use it.

Lots of good information for artists in many mediums at various levels. The information is also arranged in a format that is fun to read.