Painting Your Way Out of a Corner: The Art of Getting Unstuck

by Barbara Diane Barry

In the tradition of The Artist’s Way , an exciting program that introduces painting as a jumping-off point for realizing one’s full creative potential in all areas of life.
 
Based on author Barbara Diane Barry’s popular course Art for Self-Discovery and supported by research in psychology and the science of brain function, Painting Your Way Out of a Corner  guides readers through the process of overcoming blocks and expressing themselves freely in painting. Through a series of exercises that emphasize improvisation and risk-taking, readers will learn how to quiet their inner critics and strengthen their creativity. The more we learn to play and accept whatever appears on the page, the more we are able to try new things in life. Readers will be inspired by Barry’s delightful full-color paintings featured throughout the book.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Self Help, Psychology

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 16, 2014

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book about using intuitive painting (whether or not you've ever painted before) to help you get past blocks in your life.

[Niki Pettingill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this, it's what started my painting and creativity journey back in 2015, using watercolors. Everyone can make and use art to help stimulate their brain and bring joy to their life, this is a great for all levels

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book and exploring Barbara's method. It has taught me about how I judge myself and thereby stop myself from fully exploring and playing with the gift of color and shape in this beautiful world.

[Hella]

maar ik bén helemaal niet stuck!

[Candice Humphrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seeing how to make the journals was really cool.

[Tristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really sweet book that essentially takes the basics of Process Painting into a variety of exercises for self-healing. Throughout the book she shares interesting research about the human brain, including how we can re-train our brain to work more creatively. There's also a really sweet section on "myth, magic & psyche" that speaks to Carl Jung's "active imagination" practice as well as a re-connection to the old myths of our cultures (and bonus points for acknowledging how the Grimm Brothers re-wrote all the old myths, removing the "darkness" and complexity of the "bad characters"). She even mentions Baubo, and Baba Yaga, two female characters that do not fit into the "Disney-fied" mold our culture so obsessively puts forth. This is a great starter book, for someone who wants to paint more intuitively and use art to heal themselves.

[Bethany Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Barry's insights into the physiological coupled with creativity were amazing. Plus, her perspective: Fun. Intuitive. No mistakes. Work with your blocks. Who wouldn't like those? I can't wait to delve into her practical steps in moving forward. I would love to learn from her in person. New York, take advantage! What a character! Her journey in thinking through art = love!

[Sandra]

If I could only use one word to describe this book I would say "charming."
I won this book on Goodreads.
Therapy and fun at the same time.
Doesn't get any better than that.

[Allison Denny]

I'll try it again, but I could not get through this the first time. Probably I should have painted along instead of just reading. I'll try it again sometime.

[Bobi Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring

[Vivacia K. Ahwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Totally got inspired to start up my own "painting journal." Nice way to start a year, following several months of feeling stuck in a corner.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Very interesting and creative.