*Thank you to the author and Netgalley for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

<b>4 stars</b>

A very interesting and useful book if you want to learn or just know more about Sumi-e, which is an art form I hadn't heard of before coming across this book. I love the correlation between art and mindfulness. I would like to try out some of the ideas the book offered.

Beautiful, beautiful book on how to paint Japanese/Chinese/Korean style flowers, birds, plants and some landscape.

The author provides step-by-step instructions, and encourages the reader to visit her youtube channel to see how the basic strokes are made (I think all authors of art instructional books should provide such a benefit as some instructions are best demonstrated in a video, rather than on a page.)

I think some of the techniques are now incorporated in Western painting especially in rendering loose flowers, so even if you are not into Asian painting styles, it will still be of use to learn some of the brush strokes.

Silly me, I didn't realise that I had already subscribed to her channel long ago! I didn't realise when I requested for this ARC (based solely on the cover!) that she's the author. Just shows how much I admire her work.

Thank you Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Walter Foster for this review copy. This is my honest opinion.

Beautiful book and inspirational pictures. The book is full of excellent tips for beginners (like myself), I would highly recommend the book if you are interested in trying out this amazing painting style.

Mindful Artist: Sumi-E Painting by Virginia Lloyd-Davies
Master the Art of Meditative Brush Painting

Having gone through a watercolor phase that included watching Chinese painting techniques and trying a few on my own I was interested in reading and reviewing this book because it mentioned incorporating mindfulness, a topic that has been of interest to my husband for some time. I found some new ideas and some that reinforced what I had learned before. I believe this book, along with the YouTube channel mentioned by the author (@Virgina Lloyd-Davies or https://www.youtube.com/user/virginiald) might prove a great resource for anyone wishing to try their hand at this type of art. The book mentions but does not show the brush strokes thus the recommendation of visiting the author’s YouTube uploads.

Along with the definition of Sumi-E painting, a bit of history about its origin and discussion of the four treasures and four gentlemen a materials list and brief discussion of ink and color were given. Various subjects were illustrated from waterfalls to people to insects and flowers. The idea of “boneless” vs “outline” in painting was new to me and made me want to rush to my art room and wet my brushes.
Others were:
* mindfulness: focus on what is now/strokes being made/not the finished product
* Brush strokes/Paintings are living things
* Sumi-E is brush strokes are based on Calligraphy strokes

I found it interesting that I was chatting online with a friend that mentioned Findhorn and a few days later found that the author of this book has worked at Findhorn. Serendipity, perhaps.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Walter Foster for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

"Sumi-e Painting" is an art instruction book on sumi-e, or ink wash painting. The author briefly talked about the philosophy behind the style and the needed tools and materials. I liked that only two brushes are needed, but I would've liked more information about the different papers. She provided step-by-step instructions on how to make different flowers and animals. For each flower, she first talked about how to make each part: a petal, a stem, and so on. Then she did a demonstration project that combined all of these parts into a finished painting. She demonstrated bamboo, orchid, plum, chrysanthemum, iris, peony, wisteria, grapes, lotus, insects, birds, rocks and water.

I felt like the instructions were more for someone who was familiar with the style. Her instructions tended to be 'use this color and this brush and hold it in this way' along with the picture showing the result. I felt like this required the reader to figure out what she meant by how to hold the brush and make the mark. There were only one or two photos showing how to hold the brush, though she did reference a YouTube video you can watch which shows a full bamboo demonstration painting. I enjoyed learning more about sumi-e and would recommend this book to people who already have some experience with watercolor or ink painting.

Mindful Artist: Sumi-e Painting: Master the meditative art of Japanese brush painting by Virginia Lloyd-Davies has far too long of a title if I'm being honest. But the book itself it great, I really love that the author promotes painting simply for the joy and relaxation of painting, not on obsessing over making the perfect painting.

The sample pictures are gorgeou and the pages are layed out beautifully, but I will say that I wish there had been more or a breakdown for the different brush strokes and and layering of paint in order to make your own, similar painting. There are several samples of each flower/insect/bird, but if you're a visual learner, like me, you need more of a step-by-step breakdown.

Although I really like the concepts and the meditative practice of this style of painting, I don't believe that I will be picking it up. It would require me to purchase a lot of new supplies that aren't as universal as the painting tools I already own and use. I do believe, however, that I will adopt some of the meditative practices to incorperate into my other painting mediums(watercolor, oil. acrylic).
_____

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for sharing an eARC of Mindful Artist: Sumi-e Painting: Master the meditative art of Japanese brush painting by Virginia Lloyd-Davies with me for reviewing purposes. This is my honest review.

Mindful Artist: Sumi-e Painting is a detailed instructional guide on how to understand and create artwork in the beautiful style of Sumi, Japanese ink wash paintings. It should be noted that the artwork in here is really more inspired by the art style, rather than a faithful follower. But personally, I love that Virigina Lloyd-Davis wasn’t afraid to add her own flair to the work itself.
Is Mindful Artist: Sumi-e Painting an art book? Absolutely. But it’s also more than that. Lloyd-Davis is also seeking to teach us about meditative artwork. How artwork can be a direct link to mindfulness, and how empowering that knowledge can be.
The artwork inside Mindful Artist: Sumi-e Painting was stunning, and the philosophy fascinating. Together these two elements made for an education and inspirational read. It’s not quite like any other art book I’ve read, but I enjoyed it immensely. And would encourage others to give it a try as well.

This is a gorgeous and inspiring book! I love the way the author described the mindful approach to take with this style of painting. The supplies needed are minimal, which makes it easier to get started, The examples/exercises in the book are many and very beautiful, and made me want to start painting straight away.
I received a free digital copy via NetGalley but the opinions expressed are my own.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is an interesting take on art and mindfulness. Its rather like a Eastern version of zentangles. The author is a very talented painter and her paintings are tranquil and charming. I like how encouraging she was and the little tips she gives on each page. Most projects have step by step photos. My only wish is that I would like to see more close ups of brush strokes - what brush was used and how to hold it. All in all a beautiful book.

A beautiful step by step guide to Japanese brush painting.
Lovely illustrations and help to start this wonderful style of painting
#MindfulArtistSumiePainting #NetGalley

Mindful Artist: Sumi-e Painting is a tutorial technique and project guide for Japanese & Chinese calligraphy brush painting by Virginia Lloyd-Davies. Due out 3rd Dec 2019 from Quarto on their Walter Foster imprint, it's 128 pages and will be available in ebook and paperback formats.

Walter Foster are familiar and loved by readers everywhere for their specialized technique tutorial books and this one follows the same format. The introductory chapter (~12% of the content) includes beginning to intermediate techniques and information about form, composition, brush strokes, preparing ink, as well as tools (brushes, inks, paper) and supplies and how to use them.

The following chapters provide a really immersive and engaging group of specific subjects including classic stylized bamboo, orchid, plum, and chrysanthemum (the four gentlemen), iris, peony, insects, birds, and all in the instantly recognizable classic sumi-e style. The text is accessible and the author's voice is positive, encouraging, and meditative. I intend to work my way through the included studies and projects, but I am pleased with the progress I've already made beginning with this book.

There is a nice links and bibliography included with suggestions for books and videos for further exploration. Well done!
Five stars.

A really nice book with a lot of information that is probably brand new to many readers, definitely to me. I like western watercolor and have been slowly collecting how-to and inspiration books for this and this was a nice read. Every aspect of this book was new to me, so there were no wasted pages for tools/materials because they are so different than the regular ones I have. I learned about ink stones, and ink sticks and some pretty cool info. The downside is that I could jump right in and do any of the activities because it would require purchasing a whole lot of new materials.

Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for a digital ARC to review. If you want to learn this type of painting and are ready to invest or just read and appreciate this is a good book for you.

This beautiful book is about brush painting and how to learn it. It has step-by-step tutorials with marvellous drawings. With practice and dedication you can achieve anything you want.

Mindful Artist: Sumi-e Painting

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Arts & Photography, Crafts & Hobbies

I've always loved the “less is more” approach of oriental paintings. I struggle with the concept, and fiddle too much, and that loses the lovely light serenity of these works. This books shows me some of where I've been going wrong and has some simple exercises to get started along this way.
I enjoyed too the focus on mindful painting, ensuring you are in the correct way of thinking, relaxed, not rushed, that enables such simple but harmonious works. I can see that's something I haven't paid attention to enough in the past. I had noticed in my art that seasons and my mood influences what I paint and the results, but haven't tried to consciously influence my mood. That's something worth trying in future.

I quickly learned another reason my attempts have been massive fails. I have good watercolour paints, brushes and paper, but they are not correct for this type of work, and as the basics are inexpensive I've ordered a few brushes, a couple of pots of ink and some rice paper to try once more, and of course this time I'll pay attention to my mood, my consciousness.

Its a beautiful book, simple and effective and one that's well worth any artist taking a look. I have it as an e-book, but I think as for so much non fiction practical books a physical copy would be better, and of course allow me to really savour those gorgeous illustrations.

Stars: Five a fabulous practical book, for both painting and relaxation techniques. When my supplies arrive I'll be trying out the exercises here and hopefully improve upon my past attempts at painting in this style.

Arc via Netgalley and publishers

This is instructional artist book about Japanese Sumi-E art techniques is really quite wonderful.

I’ve found the instructions to be clear and precise. Also due to a few other reviews I was very excited to discover that the author has a youtube channel and gives recommendations of other artists to follow. I’m very interested in exploring this form of art so I am avidly looking at the videos and other artists.

I am vert impressed by the thoughtfulness and thorough information that has gone into this book you will not be disappointed.

It has wonderful suggestions from paper and brush choices to how the ink is prepared and loaded onto the brushes.

Following the tutorials you will find page after page of beautiful art, hints, tips, and step-by-step instructions on how to get optimal results. I was very impressed. I recommend this book as a useful tool for anyone who is interested in painting asian inspired artwork.

This was so much fun and relaxing! The art is beautiful, delicate, and inspiring it exceeded my expectations on traditional Asian art.

The author will take you through selecting brushes and paints, and other materials needed.

I highly recommend this book I received this from NetGalley for an honest review and I am incredibly happy to find a new art form to embrace.

I found the philosophy behind this form of art to be very interesting. I was always specially captivated by paintings I’ve seen of plum trees and the meaning of plum flowers (which, in part I blame Rurouni Kenshin for that, too), and I found really interesting the introduction the author of this book did about the four components that represented the seasons and the meanings people gave them.
I’ve found the instructions to be very clear and precise and it helps that the author has a youtube channel and has given recommendations of other artists to follow. I’m very interested in exploring this form of art, and I’m sure my mum will as well.

This is art book about Japanese Sumi-E art techniques.
This technique uses black ink on special paper in a particular manner.
Various layers and densities of colour brings things to life.
Master artist who has vast experience, tells few basics to interested amateurs artist.
She starts with small part of a picture and slowly depicts how to get various effects.
She has famous YouTube channel and travels a lot.
I liked picture of water spring and rocks around it.
Book is complete and provides details about starting materials and at end how to sign your creation.
A good book of young artists venturing into East Asian arts and painting.
Thanks publisher for review copy.

I love the idea of painting, although I do none of it myself these days. I don't have the time! This book, written by a woman named Virginia who lives in Virginia, but who has studied with the masters in the East and the West, struck me as particularly interesting because it is also about mindfulness and Asian art. I imagine all art is about mindfulness in one way or another, but this book focuses on it particularly, and it has a lot to say about technique too, so I concluded that it will be of immense value to anyone who wants seriously to get into this art form - and likely of interest to other artists too, regardless of which style they favor.

On a technical note, I have to say that the book doesn't work well on an iPad which means that the publisher wasn't very mindful about how it would look in other formats! Unless you have the large-format tablet, the text is far too small to read comfortably, meaning I had to enlarge the page and read, then slide the page around to the reach next section; then shrink it to swipe to the next page. This didn't always work well and was quite annoying - not at all conducive to mindfulness! Then there were problems in moving to the next page, requiring several swipes sometimes before it would slide over, so I wouldn't advise getting the ebook version - and unfortunately that's the only kind of book a reviewer like me gets to read! Maybe it's not available in ebook format? I dunno, but if that's the case it makes me wonder why it's issued for review in such a format! I now claim the record for using the word 'format' more times in a single review than any other reviewer! Yeay!

Amazon's website was predictably hopeless when it came to learning the print book's dimensions. I have no idea why so many publishers and authors sell-out to such an abusive behemoth. Obviously they claim that it's where everyone goes, but it is we who voluntarily give that power to Amazon. They wouldn't have it if we didn't kiss Billionaire Bezos's ass so passionately and routinely. But Waterstone's tells me the book is about 11" (2.96cm) tall. My iPad is only 7"x5" so the height of the book in landscape mode was less than half the actual print height. From this, I imagine the print version is a lot more legible! And now I'm exhaisted. I have to go lie down. Kidding. The book was 65 pages in ebook form, but it's twice that in print because both the Adobe Digital Editions app and the Bluefire reader app were counting each double-page spread as one page. Had the book been published in ebook form as single pages. It would probably have been more legible on my iPad at least.

So enough with the technical. Let's look at content! This was much less frustrating and much more relaxing! The art was beautiful, and delicate, and inspiring, and eye-catching - everything you expect from traditional Asian art. The author took us through selecting brushes and paints, and other materials and the kind of environment you might want to find to paint in. One issue I, as a vegetarian, had with the brushes was that the author recommends animal hair. For me, it would be hard to be mindful when painting with a brush that had animal hair in it because I'd be wondering where that animal was, and how the brush manufacturer got that hair. If it came from a slaughterhouse, I doubt that would make me feel good about using it to paint with! But maybe that's just me!

That aside, I was impressed by the thoughtfulness that had gone into this book, and the useful information with which it was replete. It had all kinds of suggestions from the type of paper to the type of brush, to how the ink was prepared and loaded onto the brush. Following this was page after page of beautiful art, with hints, tips, and step-by-step instructions on how to get there from here.

I was impressed and I commend this book as a useful tool for anyone who is into painting.

This how-to art book was both cute and informative! I loved the abundance of pictures that went along with the instructions for each section, especially since they were painted by the author. I learned a lot about Sumi-e painting, including the fact that it involves a lot of different brushes and inks - but the easy-to-follow instructions make it seem like painting bamboo and orchids is easy enough. The whole book's layout is pretty, too!

This is a very beautiful work of art.
The instructions are clear and the samples and step by step guidelines is purely inspiring.
If you are thinking of a way to express yourself and relieve some of the tension of day to day life, this is a great way to channel the energy.