TAKING A LEAP 10
Anyone can paint 12
Why you should paint 16
Mood changing 22
What we need 28
COLOUR FLOW 32
Simple landscapes 34
Simple colour flow exercises 38
Facing obstacles 44
Nature’s calming influence 54
Calming thoughts 60
THE PEACEFUL ZONE 64
What is the peaceful zone? 66
Lifting the mood 70
Finding energy and strength 74
Sands of time 82
Colour from the sun 88
Healing herbs 94
Nothing but blue skies 100
Healing lavender 104
Well-being 110
INNER PEACE 116
That peaceful feeling 118
Life experiences 120
A positive attitude 124
Index 128
Prize-winning and inspirational watercolourist Jean Haines is well-known for her love of her chosen medium and the ability to instil enthusiasm and motivation in all around her. Having lived and travelled in many countries, this popular international artist and teacher has developed her skills while under the influence of masters from many countries, including Asia, the Middle East and Europe. The magical free flow of water and colour straight on to a blank working surface creates amazing results, often leaving her sell-out audiences breathless with delight.
Jean runs hugely popular international watercolour workshops for artists from around the globe, and her highly sought-after paintings can similarly be found in homes all over the world. Jean is a member of the SWA, Society for Women Artists, and has won numerous awards for her work, including the Anthony J Lester Award during the SWA Annual Exhibition, and the SAA Professional Artist of the Year, Experimental and Abstract Award. She regularly writes for art magazines and exhibits in a number of galleries.
Jean lives in Hampshire, UK.
I am a crafter, but not a painterm so I wondered if I would like
this book, From its opening of "colourful, creative mindfulness
through watercolour" to "finding energy and strength... red is a
powerful colour", it grabbed my attention. I like how Jean
describes the different colours and, as the rainbow is seen all
around at the moment, it was nice to start "...thinking about
colours as blankets to wrap around you." I decided to follow Jean's
guidance and paint a poppy. I read it through and immediately
wanted to paint one. With clear instructions, nice anecdotes, and
no pressure for it to be a certain way, I enjoyed going with the
flow. While we are being peaceful and mindful (using calming blues
and greens), it is important to remember we also need to
re-energise (energising red, orange, yellow). This is an uplifting
and calming book for stressful times.
*Third Age Matters*
This book is absolutely beautiful, full of gorgeous images, colour
and inspiring quotes, 'Anyone can paint. Not only anyone, but
everyone.' In Paint Yourself Calm, Jean has created an
inspiring and uplifting book that will encourage anyone to pick up
a paintbrush, dip it in your favourite colour and experiment.
Magical!
*Hot Brands Cool Places*
Longtime watercolor art instructor and painting how-to author
Haines (Jean Haines’ World of Watercolour) tries something a bit
different in her latest title. Starting from the premise that
everyone can paint, Haines frees readers of the goals and
expectations of end results, and encourages simply enjoyment of
painting. Open-ended, detailed exercises guide readers through
experimenting with paint to gain a sense of control; to relieve
stress; to escape; or to be in a better mood. The emotional and
psychological properties of color are discussed as are obstacles to
creativity and happiness. VERDICT Open-minded readers of all ages
and skill levels can benefit from the unique blend of self-care and
expression offered here.
*Library Journal*
September 2016 This is a really beautiful book about learning to
paint, but with a real difference. Jean takes you on her own
personal journey, revealing how her career has brought her to a
magical realisation: that painting is therapeutic and calming for
the soul. This book shows you how you can calm and enhance your
outlook thorugh the movement of a brush. Jean leads you
page-by-page on a journey through paint, showing you how to wip
away your worries with the soothing gentle strokes of watercolour
paint. She says 'Painting is something that you can do at any stage
in your life... and no painting experience is necessary
*Love to Make*
Anyone can escape a stressful life and find inner peace, simply by
playing with colors. These words of introduction by the artist Jean
Haines describe aptly the content of her latest book. This
time it is not the teachings of her fascinating watercolour
technique in the foreground, but the process of painting
itself. Many people believe they cannot meet the high demands
of painting because they consider themselves untalented. But
Jean Haines believes we do not paint to please others, but we
should paint to relieve stress and find peace. In addition to her
expressive watercolors we find meditative texts that reflect
the personal attitude of the artist to the creative process in
aptly. It is therefore worth the thorough reading before the
first drawing exercises. The lessons build progressively on each
other. We learn the ink flow to control and observe the
interaction of two colors. Each chapter impressed by one hand,
color-rich, on the other hand also by delicate screens. The
accompanying texts are easy to understand and fun and with the
heart and soul of the painter incorporated.
Now the most impressive chapters of the book follow: The calming
effect of nature. Each section covers a different
color. From experience we know that red, orange, yellow,
green, blue, indigo and violet evoke certain moods in us. Jean
Haines explains the effect of each color on the viewer. It
shows step by step - instructions the watercolors of large-sized
flowers, delicate grasses, feathery painted plants and the creation
of sky blue. With this acquired knowledge we can apply this to
a delicate landscape. In the final pages, the artist note
summarizes the positive effect of painting on the inner peace of
mind. Conclusion: The therapeutic effect of relaxing learning
is generally known and is practiced in many rehabilitation
facilities. Jean Haines shows us that every person can find by
simple drawing exercises an oasis of calm, allay fears and worries
can forget. Without having the coercive attend a painting
class, succeed with simple exercises in a very short time stunning
images. For advanced watercolor artist, this book is
recommended as we can free ourselves from the pressure of
expectations of a perfect view through the learning of a loose
brushwork. Originally publishing in german:
http://kreativreview.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/paint-yourself-calm-von-jean-haines.html
*Kreative Review*
Summer 2016, Issue 2 There are many of us who just don't do art,
for whatever reason. The beauty of this book is that it coaxes us
into painting for therapeutic purposes and takes away the pressure
and takes away the pressue of any self judgement for what we
create. I can't recommend this book highly enough. It is large
format and rich in stunning illustration (of course). The author
was a painter first, then she became a painting teacher and now she
is teaching calm through painting. When you become fully absorbed
in an activity - and painting is a supreme example of this - your
mind becomes much quieter.
*Cygnus Review*
This book should appeal to both the beginner who would like to
paint but doesn't know where to begin and the 'improver' like
myself. I found painting relaxing and exciting when I started some
years ago but now tend to get bogged down in the complexities of
techniques and different media. This book takes you back to colour
and 'playing'. Not trying to create anything for exhibition or sale
but just enjoying painting. Jean has suggested just the basic
materials required and that is ample to get started. The book is
very readable
and would make an excellent gift.
beautifully illustrated. The text contains descriptions and simple
exercises with the emphasis on easy methods and keeping
yourself relaxed and calm. I particularly liked the sections on
herbs at the end as I felt it introduced a sense of reality with
looking at and painting an object. The fragrance of herbs around is
well known for providing a calming atmosphere. This would make an
excellent gift for any painter.
*Dorothy Barton*
This is a visually stunning book. My first thought when I opened my
parcel was of the impact of it's gorgeous colour. Inside the
beautiful watercolour painting continues. Jean Haines strives to
make her reader comfortable with the concept of simply 'playing
with colour' and the wonderful examples of abstract painting which
fill the beginning of the book help with that - they look so
playful and not at all intimidating.
While I understand Haines' need to make her reader comfortable, I
do find the intro pages a little repetitive - really trying to
drive the point home that anyone can pick up a brush, it could be a
fantastic experience, etc. I do love her concept of 'playing with
colour', though, it takes a step back from 'Art' with a capital 'A'
and introduces an idea that one can simply play and experiment -
what better way to learn? Even better, it sounds far more relaxing
that launching in with the idea that you'll be creating beautiful
masterpieces.
I do love the materials section as well - it's very concise and to
the point: you don't need masses of expensive materials and
equipment, just two brushes, an old white plate, a clear jar, and
three tubes of paint will do. That makes things less intimidating
for a beginner. I've read several 'beginners' art books that
contain pages and pages of different materials and tools that leave
even someone with experience wondering where to begin.
The practical section starts with 'Colour Experiments', getting you
used to different techniques, the way the colours flow - the
'playful' part. It's about building up confidence. It flows almost
seamlessly into the more complex and less abstract exercises.
Again, the art is beautiful yet not intimidating - encouraging the
reader to 'give it a go'. The step-by-step instructions are clear
and easy to follow.
At the end of the book, there's a quick summary about 'painting
yourself calm' and positive thinking, and a useful index, and yet
more wonderful watercolour paintings. Even just flicking through
the pages is a lovely experience. Looking forward to working my way
through the book!
*Leanne Cane*
With no painting experience necessary, Jean proves that anyone can
put paint to paper with the object of relieving stress and
exploring emotion to achieve a sense of calm. I can most heartily
verify that painting is calming, because I feel that myself when I
paint. It is all about the experience of painting and not the
end result. The exercises are rather simple and
basic shown as step-by-step. All in all, if you want
some very basic ideas to get you into the routine of painting
without taxing the mind, and to use painting as a way to find
solace, you will find this book useful. It covers
techniques such as salt, clingfilm, pouring and some ideas on
colour. Jean's excellent use of colour and her finished paintings
hold this book together
*Karen Platt -yarnsandfabrics.co.uk*
As I have been reading about the preparation and build up for this
book the overall impression I have had is that it would be
different and that is just what it is.... different!
Not the usual format of materials, techniques, step by steps....
there is a small section on materials where Jean talks about what
you will need to get started and how good paper is the most
important thing, but this book doesn't dwell too much on things
mundane!! It does however dwell on the joy and happiness we can
find by pursuing this lovely pastime, how painting somehow helps us
find a special place unknown to us before we painted.
Since reading it I have been trying to think where it might fit
into the painting population at large and I have come to the
conclusion that although it isn't an instructional painting book
per se it actually transcends all abilities and levels and I found
myself once again inspired by Jean Haines, this time in a totally
different way.
As I am a painter who teaches, sells my work and occasionally
exhibits I have worked hard on the techniques I have been taught by
Jean and a number of other artists to the point where I have more
recently been finding my own way but decided that as I have all
Jean's other books I "needed" this one to add to my collection.
While it isn't a teaching book in the way her others are, it has
some wonderful inspiration, some beautiful illustrations ( I do
like pictures in a book!!) and it gives a "can do " message to its'
readers which a lot of painters need. I had read some of
Jeans' blogs where she has talked about the book and how it was a
departure from her previous publications and I honestly think this
book is one which would be a fit for artists at any level including
complete beginners.
I have always felt that painting is available to anyone and
everyone and it is very encouraging to read Jean's conviction that
anyone can paint, how painting can enrich lives beyond
comprehension and that no-one needs any special talent or skill to
start. Joy to my ears!
Art Therapy is known to have very beneficial effects and while
we're not actually talking about that here Jean talks about aspects
of colour and it's mood enhancing qualities, about the joy of
creating, not for a finished masterpiece, but for the sole purpose
of enjoyment and how painting for it's own sake can bring about a
wonderful calmness and contentment. She very eloquently puts into
words what a lot of us who are passionate about our art feel as we
are creating and have the brush in our hand.
As for my own inspiration, I don't tend to spend as much time
playing with my paint as I once did and have had some art work I
want to do for my own home which has been on the back burner for
some time. Having read this book and looked at some of the simple
exercises Jean has put together to get people started I have had
lots of ideas as to how I might go about creating this illusive
work!! The exercises look quite simple but the end results in turn
look so effective leading me to feel that the book is worth buying
for these little studies alone.
I don't want to say anything frivolous about this book as it
carries a more serious message beyond that of regular painting
books. It talks about the mental benefits of painting, how we can
escape to our little painting havens and become completely consumed
and absorbed during the time we spend watching the paint and water
do their magic on the paper. It also provides very persuasive
arguments for allowing us to spend time painting...
Finally, I loved the quote
"It was only when I made a conscious decision to treat painting
like eating, as part of my daily routine that my life and art
career changed"
That really struck a chord and separates the artists from the
wannabes and something I need to incorporate into my daily routine
too, another snippet of inspiration.
*Judith Farnworth Art*
July 2016 Jean Haines' Paint Yourself Calm shows you how to use the
medium of watercolour to overcome anxiety and escape the stresses
of everyday life. Aimed at the complete beginner, Jean describes
how the action applying paint to paper can help you control your
life, enhance your mood and improve watercolour painting at the
same time. Illustrated with watercolour paintings this is a truly
'feel good' book.
*The Leisure Painter*
It’s hard to convey just how much I hate all that new-agey stuff.
Most of it’s just an excuse for a load of self-obsessed navel
gazing. And it’s never cheap, either. Do please feel free to
disagree with me, but please read the rest of this before you write
in! It would be a shame to dismiss this on the basis I’ve outlined,
or even to regard it as having nothing to do with practical art. It
has everything to do with the practice of painting and, above all,
of getting yourself into the state of mind where you can put down
on paper what you feel in your head and see with your mind’s eye.
If you want a book that explains the creative process in a way
that’s completely relevant and comprehensible, this is it. It may
or may not be Jean’s prime purpose, but, for the artist at least,
it’s the result she’s produced. The thing about painting is that
it’s so much more than a mechanical process. Sure, there are things
you have to do, such as prepare grounds, mix colours and lay
washes, but these can take on Zen-like properties if you let them.
A lot of people say that routine helps set them in the right frame
of mind for what comes next, which is pretty much the same thing. A
lot of the content of this genuinely intriguing book is what might
be called pure watercolour. This isn’t a step-by-step how-to manual
at all, not one that tells you how to paint specific subjects.
Rather, it’s about the use and application of colour to create a
state of mind. Jean’s intention, I think, is that this should be
within yourself, but the thing is that paintings have an audience:
other people will see them and that state can be induced in them as
well. Art, as Edgar Degas said, is not what you see but what you
make others see. It’s not exactly abstraction – most of the
illustrations are entirely recognisable – but the form is
definitely more important than the function. If you know how to
paint, but want to understand why, and why that why is important,
read this book. It’s beautiful, rewarding and full of insights.
*Artbookreview.net*
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