Art From Intuition: Overcoming your Fears and Obstacles to Making Art

by Dean Nimmer, Gregory Amenoff (Foreword by)

Practical self-help for artists who want to free their creativity. Art from Intuition offers artists everywhere a unique system for freeing their own creative intuition, the sixth sense that directs an artist’s drive and work. By letting go of the self-criticism, doubt, and insecurity that discourage artmaking, artists will be able to soar to new heights of creativity. More than 60 practical exercises take the reader from the most basic intuitive art to more sophisticated techniques. Each exercise, supported by step-by-step instructions, is accessible to artists at every level, and the exercises can be done in any order. After each chapter, readers are encouraged to follow up by evaluating their drawings or paintings to see how they reflect their own personal goals. Works of art by students and contemporary artists exemplify how exciting and how productive a freer, more intuitive approach to making art can be.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Crafts

160 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2008

Reviews

[Teodora · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was considering turning my painting hobby into a profession and I had no idea where to begin, I only wish I had this book as a starting point. A few months later when I saw the “Art from Intuition” title in a bookstore, I said to myself “I must have it”. It wasn't too late for my art to start following the projects within.

The book shows how to paint from intuition as opposed to how to paint what you see. Nimmer emphasizes that anyone with a desire to paint can do it, and this book will help them getting organized and started. He also gives useful advice on time management, discipline, techniques, and surpassing the fear of making bad art. The exercises are for beginners as well as for experienced artists who want to take their practising to a different level.

Written in an informal manner, the book is packed with ideas to choose from and if you haven't tried using straws, smoke, blindfolds, and dance movements in making your art, now is a good time to start experimenting. I surely did!

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hoping for more though a good start for people who want to loosen up and approach art making in a more playful, non-judging attitude.

[Tori · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are a lot of great projects in this book to get the juices flowing, but I wouldn’t consider it a necessity by any means.

[Sabrina Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of great prompts and ideas!!

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Art from Intuition is a book for all ages and backgrounds, from those who have not tried art since grade school, to those who dabble, and on to accomplished artists. It’s well organized, with great illustrations and samples. Creativity and making art is not only for a chosen few. Everyone possesses the intuition that Dean Nimmer writes about. And, he writes in a friendly, easy to follow style- encourages trying new techniques. “Always make art for yourself,” he says. Don’t worry about the product you end up with- have fun during the process! The exercises and instructions are clear and he includes a materials list for each exercise. I especially liked the way he said you didn’t need a special sketchbook- just copy paper and a clip board! This book would be an excellent resource for families, schools, youth groups, anyone!

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good collection of ideas and techniques to get past creative block! Not a lot of new things for me, but since I've taken all sorts of beginner art classes, I've been taught a lot of creative exercises. The advice for keeping a sketchbook (and hanging onto old work to repurpose later) is definitely good, and its nice to be reminded of all the little tricks for turning off the inner critic.

[Lindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Increasing the ability to create from the center and express ones spirit more fully.

[Elusive.Mystery · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great ideas for teaching art classes.

[LadyS · Rating 4 out of 5]

This had some fundamental concepts and advice for the serious or casual starter. If you need ideas on how to release and cultivate creativity, read this book.

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A constant and favorite reference for when I need quick inspiration.