Painting for the Rest of Us: Making Art Just for Fun

by John Kirkley

Painting for the Rest of Us is a lavishly illustrated e-book for beginning painters, happy amateurs, and dedicated artists who are not part of the commercial art scene – they are painting just for the fun of it. As the book’s Preface states: 'If you plan to take the New York art world by storm or make a living as a professional artist, this book is not for you.' But if you just want to paint and have fun, then read on. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never painted before. Or if you only paint once and a while. Of, if like me, you’re a dedicated hobbyist who paints all the time. If you’re interested in painting strictly for enjoyment, then this book is for you. In Painting for the Rest of Us, I’m sharing with you some of the things I’ve learned over more than six decades of painting for fun, in the studio, and out under the sky. I hope it will encourage you to either begin or continue this enjoyable and, to me, endlessly fascinating activity. This is not your usual “how-to” painting book, although it does contain some tips, techniques, and discussion of various mediums. However, its primary emphasis is on how the act of painting creates a new relationship between the artist and the world. Numerous paintings by the author and several other highly talented artists are used to illustrate the text. The tone is light and lively and directly addresses the reader. The final chapter is a celebration of plein air painting. According to the author, “After a session of painting outside, everywhere you look the world seems more vibrant, more colorful, more interesting. The ordinary things that many people pass right by vividly reveal themselves to you in all their glory and mystery.” In essence, Painting For the Rest of Us is an invitation to its readers to follow the path of painting and discover how it can enrich their lives.

56 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Autumn Ridenour · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed a book on art for my July Book Bingo and chose this one simply because it was available. After reading it I have learned three things:

1.) I will never be artistic
2.) I will never understand art
3.) Watercolors are the hardest medium to work with 🤷‍♀️

Giving 4⭐️ because even though the tips will never be used by me, I'm sure someone will find them useful and the author knowledgeable