Painting Happiness: Creativity with Watercolors

by Terry Runyan

Combat stress and anxiety and release your own inner creative with this beautiful mindful watercolour book.

In this simple and vibrant guide , hugely popular Instagram muse @TerryRunyan explores the art of watercolour through the lens of mindfulness, presenting activities and projects which you can paint along with as you allow your creative side to flourish .

This watercolour guide is easy and accessible for beginners , as Runyan gently delves into the basics of the artform, starting with simple techniques which you can follow along with, as well as presenting some fun projects ideas for painters to explore .

Alongside beautiful examples of the techniques and styles explored in the book, Runyan also encourages readers to practice mindfulness as they paint , and explores the ways in which art can be used to help improve mental health . Exploring the idea of 'perfectly imperfect watercolours' , Runyan places emphasis on self-expression and allowing yourself to make mistakes.

Painting Happiness  also includes fun projects for readers to try at home, From technical skills and notes on materials to insight into the creative process, this book has everything you need to start flourishing in watercolour .

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Crafts, Drawing

160 pages, Paperback

First published April 5, 2022

About the author

Terry Runyan loves animals, particularly cats, and you'll usually find furry, feathery and fishy friends in her work. Working in many mediums such as watercolor, cut paper to digital, Terry enjoys mixing it up when it comes to creating art. She teaches art classes online and enjoys sharing her journey and insights on her highly popular social media platforms. Terry lives in Leawood, Kansas, USA, and you can find her at https://www.terryrunyan.com

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a couple of decades since I played with watercolors. In college, we were taught to paint what we saw, so I have a lot of paintings of rocks, and trees, and old stone houses. Maybe, just maybe, if I'd been taught to paint from my imagination, I might still be creating small works of art.

Runyan's book is all about imagination and creativity, finding inspiration, and stifling that pesky "inner critic." She covers all the basics: supplies, and techniques, including those unique to the medium of watercolor, PLUS helps jump start your imagination with a list of ideas you can borrow to get started.


How to turn blobs into birds.

I love Runyan's cheery, whimsical paintings that look so much like children's book illustrations. If, like me, you're drawn to the cover of this one, I'm guessing you will love what's on the inside. It's a playful, joyous celebration of creativity for beginners, or those considering jumping back into the medium, and anyone who needs a brightly-colored kick in the pants to get painting.



Thanks to NetGalley and Leaping Hare Press for the opportunity to preview this delightful book.

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Painting Happiness is an uplifting and creative watercolour, painting guidebook that leaves you feeling happier for just reading it. I loved the artwork in this book and found it uplifting and enjoyable. The author includes mindfulness within this book which is something I love as I feel we all need to incorporate more mindfulness into our daily lives. The author goes through the usual things at the beginning such as supplies you'll need, equipment, styles etc then breaks down each painting and exercise into nice sized chunks.
This is a very inspirational book and I might have a go at some of these painting ideas at a later date.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Painting Happiness
Creativity with Watercolors
by Terry Runyan
Quarto Publishing Group-Leaping Hare Press

I was just congratulating myself on how I had not requested any new NetGalley ARCs recently, when BOOM, "Painting Happiness" showed up. It's a "READ NOW" title for me, so I downloaded it ASAP and read it hungrily in one sitting.

I adore Terry Runyan's work; she's a favorite artist who never fails to make me smile. Just seeing this cover and reading the synopsis made me supremely happy:

"Combat stress and anxiety and release your own inner creative with this beautiful mindful watercolour book.

"In this simple and vibrant guide, hugely popular Instagram muse @TerryRunyan explores the art of watercolour through the lens of mindfulness, presenting activities and projects which you can paint along with as you allow your creative side to flourish."

My Thoughts:
"Painting Happiness" is everything I hoped for and more. It has stirred my interest in trying watercolor, and applying mindfulness to every aspect of creativity. Terry's personal story of how she healed her self-concept as an artist -- even after 30 years as a working artist -- gave me hope that I could apply her wisdom to a writing project I've hesitated to complete for feeling "not good enough."

Highly recommended for new AND seasoned artists and creatives, for the legions of Terry's fans, and for anyone interested in boosting contentedness by doing art mindfully.

Thanks to Terry, Quarto Publishing Group – Leaping Hare Press, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.

#PaintingHappiness #TerryRunyan
#QuartoPublishingGroupLeapingHarePress
#NetGalley #paintingandmindfulness #paintingandhappiness #mindfulartguide #bookstagramcommunity

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure which is the proper title, the one this is shelved under on Goodreads (Watercolor Wellbeing (working): Exploring art for the fun of it) or the one on the cover of my ARC and the Goodreads listing-- Painting Happiness.

In either case, I absolutely adore this book and may purchase a copy for myself and the free community arts center our family runs. The illustrations are so happy and cheerful, the art is easy to follow along with, the colors are vibrant, it's encouraging and full of tips.... I just love, love, love it in every way.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book via NetGalley.

[Mills · Rating 2 out of 5]

Painting Happiness brought out my sarcasm in a big way.

In fairness, it's partly my fault - I downloaded it on KU, based on the cover alone, because who could look at the cover and not feel happy? Alas, in not reading the synopsis, I missed some vital clues... that the book would be 15% technical advice and 85% motivational speech.

We all need a pep talk sometimes and letting ourselves do something imperfectly can be really hard. But, frankly, bombarding me with messages like "our perfection is our innate wellbeing", "we start out as our beautiful selves", and "you are made of well-being and creativity" does not help with any deep-seated issues. It just feels patronising. And what does "you are made of wellbeing" even mean anyway?

I take issue with the statement "I knew that no matter what the inner voice was saying, my worth couldn't possibly be determined by what I did." Really? Our actions have no role in determining our worth? So you could go and do something truly evil, several somethings, endless somethings, and your worth would remain the same? This is nonsensical.

Look - I do think there is a lot to be said for letting go of the rigid standards we can tend to hold ourselves to. It's enough to enjoy something; you don't have to be perfect at it. But the room to grow is not in the pep talks but in the action.

The author asking the reader to commit to being creative every day for thirty days has power. This is what people need, in my opinion - not relentless cheerfulness, not saying don't worry about being perfect (as if being told not to worry has ever made someone worry less)... but to be willing to try something that might not go well and keep showing up anyway.

I like the artwork but I would have skipped this read if I realised that it was more pop psych than skills.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read and give an honest review of this book.

I would consider this bright and cheerful book a watercolor book for beginners.
It briefly discuses paints, paper, brushes, watercolor pencils, and palettes. Then, it moves on quickly, to the painting part.

The author is very encouraging and it feels good to have a cheerleader
pulling for you as you practice dabbling with your art supplies. Various techniques are explained and demonstrated. There are lists of prompts to get you going when you can’t think of anything to paint. The suggestion to paint everyday for thirty days, no matter how briefly, is a great one. It develops a good habit. Discouraging the beginning artist from being too judgmental of themselves and their work is also helpful.

If you are toying with the idea of beginning with watercolor painting, this is a good book to begin with. It can be very positive and affirming as watercolor can be a tricky medium to start with.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome creative ways to inspire your own style with minimal instruction - perhaps wish it could be a little more in depth on some of the techniques. How she can turn blobs into cuteness, I still have no idea!

I've never thought of "cat hair" in such a way before.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advance reader copy.

[JenniferJennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is low on stress and heavy on encouragement, which is exactly what I needed to get started with watercolors. The illustrations are wonderful, and Runyan’s approach is very open and accessible. I would recommend it to beginners who need help with seeing possibilities and building confidence and to anyone who enjoys Terry Runyan’s style.

[Betsy Petersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice little book that makes you want to create! Going to do her challenge and try painting watercolor everyday 5 mins a day for 30 days!

[Gina House · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent fun and so much inspiration for creating! Terry Runyan’s art style is incredibly fresh and really cute! I loved the setup of the book—tons of ideas, tips and tricks for making the best watercolor art. Brilliant book!!! 🤩🤩🤩

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Painting Happiness is the perfect name for this book on creative watercolor painting, because just looking a author/artist Terry Runyan's work made me extremely happy! Her paintings are joyful, whimsical, colorful, creative, yet simple at heart.

This is the perfect book for one wanting to push their artistic creativity, or just to practice creativity in general. Watercolor is such a beautiful and fun medium to paint in. The author breaks it down into bite size chapters, awash with beautiful paintings. First she talks about conquering the Inner Critic, that one that tells you you're not good enough and you're certainly no artist. Next is a chapter on learning the basics, what you will need to buy in order to create.

Following chapters include "what stops us", more encouragement for the new artist. Then an exercise on mindfulness and being present. Years ago when I practiced art, I was amazed at how painting a cloud made me so much more aware of the clouds in the skies, and their color shading and nuances. The author tells you how to notice more in the world around you. Eventually there are painting projects and ideas. My favorite was how she took a blob of paint and turned it into a cute animal,

This book certainly made me want to pull out my old paints and brushes and try my hand at some of these painting exercises. It's very inspirational!

Thank you to NetGalley, Terry Runyan, and Quarto Publishing Group for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Tarsila Krüse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book upon seeing Terry herself promoting it on Instagram. I’ve been following her work for a long time and I have recently been playing a lot with painting with watercolours and felt this book would be a perfect fit it absolutely is, so much so I’ve read through it in one afternoon.

Beautifully and cleverly illustrated with Terry’s work throughout it briefly covers technicalities of brushes, paints, papers and techniques and the core of the book lies on creative mindfulness and being present within the creative process.

The premise of Painting Happiness is just that - letting go of perfectionism, inner critic and self-doubt and allowing ourselves to embrace our curiosity, innate creativity, and have fun along the way.

It presents 6 different projects through it: a 30 day kick start, from blobs to birds, flower fun, from can’t paint to cat painting, it’s all in the hair, and characters and faces. All very open to interpretation and peppered with advice on techniques and approaches, always keeping its cozy and welcoming tone.

A wonderful book for beginners in watercolour and also anyone interested in creativity who wish to start or improve their creative practice.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh.. I am always dream to learning painting. But the tutorial in YouTube and other seem intimidating. This book make this skill look approachable. Kinda complicate but still easy enough to follow. The author informing us with step by step training. Simple, cute and adorable illustration project that feature animals, flowers and small things we can found around us. The author provide us with technics and couraging us to trying. I can imagine using the results painting for decorate my diary or personal journal. I will try some of the project for sure.

Thanks Netgalley for providing me with this book. I am learning something new today

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the author's style and sense of humor. Like so many other books in this genre, it is interesting to see into the artist's process. However, I flipped through the ebook over the course of an hour. There wasn't enough in it to warrant further exploration, or to own a copy of my own. The key I took away from this book, and the last couple I read written by professional artists was to just play, explore and create. Only by making hundreds and hundreds of messes will you determine what you enjoy making.

[p · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book

I got impatient waiting for the print version and ordered the Kindle version, so happy I did.
I love Terry's style, her characters are fun and simple so I thought this would be a great book to reintroduce me to watercolor, which I haven't done for over 20 years.
There's some great info and guidance for getting passed imagined blocks and creating every day, which I so need right now.
There's also some good basic info for getting started without devoting the 1st half of the book to materials and technical info like you get in so many art books.
And there's interesting prompts and easy to follow instructions to just get started playing with paint... exactly what I was hoping for.
I would unequivocally recommend this book to beginning watercolorists, anyone looking for a kick start to their creative practice or anyone who just wants some fun happy eye candy to enjoy while playing with paint.

[Gina Lento · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book completely first, because I wanted to have Terry’s message and purpose for writing the book before doing the exercises.

Terry had a lot of really good thoughts on creativity that make a lot of sense. She got to her point without a lot of unnecessary fill and fluff which is very refreshing. She has many years of experience working with Hallmark and one could safely say that 30 years of experience gave her a lot of insight on creativity, creative blocks and blank page syndrome.

This book is very helpful with exercises and ideas for how to find inspiration. Loved this and I will be going back to play with the exercises. I personally find her thoughts to be true, that showing up at your desk to paint or draw ANYTHING, even a simple cartoon, helps to push creativity.

Exercises and instructions are clear and simple. I have done some with Terry during live events and they are fun. Nice to have them spelled out in a book.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn to the whimsical cover of this book. I was taught at school about painting what you see - still life, landscapes etc. I have a background in graphic design and have produced design projects with Photoshop on a Mac for years. During lockdown I returned to drawing and watercolour painting as an antidote to the stress and worry. I could lose myself in creating a piece of art for hours. I loved the author’s creative ideas. The projects in the book brought out the fun of experimenting and exploring creating art just for me, not for work or an exam.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Runyan is so encouraging that you feel cheered on to paint. The project guidance is funny too: start with blobs, add more blobs, pull a stem, add some leaves, and you're painting! She reminds you to silence your inner critic. If you've got 5 minutes, paint. Less time? Do a thumbnail sketch for you to paint later. There weren't many tutorials, but the illustrations are amusing and fun.

I read this one via the Kindle App on my phone and it was fine (it's currently free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers).

[Michelle Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used to love painting with watercolors, well into my twenties. It’s been about twenty years since I last picked up paints and brushes for myself. This book reminded me to do that.

This a joy to look through with wonderful photos of Runyan’s own charming and whimsical watercolors and I am once again excited to paint.



eARC kindly provided by Leaping Hare Press / Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley. Opinions shared are my own.

[Nicky Brinsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Terry's cats for the past 6 months so when I came across this book on Amazon I had to get it. I am so glad I did as it was such a great read and will be such a great resource. I expected it to be a step by step instructional type book and it is but it also has some very sage advice which I really needed right now. Especially the part about the inner critic. Thanks so much Terry!

[maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic and Fun

I am a working artist primarily in oils, gouache and acrylic. I never learned how to play with watercolor and the book is delightful for those who are beginners or like me, interested in trying something for fun or to use with children too. TY Terry for your inspiring example.

[Dana Pride · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! I have been so inspired and encouraged by Terry Runyan’s suggestions in the book. I am new to watercolor painting and never thought I could paint. But she makes it easy and fun. Just a little bit each day, and I can see the improvement. The satisfaction of creating makes up for my need for perfection. Thank you, Terry Runyan! Cats on heads are now my favorite things to paint.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Colorful and whimsical book on getting started with creativity. More images than content, but lovely to look at and some great advice for getting started and staying inspired.

Perfect gift for someone starting their creative journey.

[Alia Makki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick! Such a dose of happiness must be followed immediately with cats! and how to paint those lovely cats in dozens! Oh thank heavens for all sanely focused artists! She actually did !

[Shelly Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a beginner to water coloring, this book answered all of my questions. It provides information about supplies needed, techniques, how to get inspiration, and more. Highly recommend for anyone beginning or looking to expand their water coloring enjoyment.

[OjoAusana · Rating 4 out of 5]

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* this was a great watercolor book, I'm not that great with watercolor but this book seemed manageable! would buy and give it a try

[Katey Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

More imagination, less observation. So much to adore and delight within these pages!Terry Runyan gives practical advice and inspiration for any artist wanting to grow- such as myself.

[Karolina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wunderschön, leicht, motivierend.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome!

[Libraryanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so encouraging and full of the most whimsical paintings. I truly love the artist’s style and non-stuffy philosophy.