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Riverhead Books

How to Be an Artist

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Format: Hardcover


Description

Instant New York Times Bestseller "Inspiration leaps off the pages from Jerry Saltz's new book on creativity. . . . This book is for the artist or non- artist, for the person who gets plain English, for the person who understands that practical talk can coax out the mystical messages that lie underneath." —Steve Martin Art has the power to change our lives. For many, becoming an artist is a lifelong dream. But how to make it happen? In How to Be an Artist, Jerry Saltz, one of the art world’s most celebrated and passionate voices, offers an indispensable handbook for creative people of all kinds. From the first sparks of inspiration—and how to pursue them without giving in to self- doubt—Saltz offers invaluable insight into what really matters to emerging artists: originality, persistence, a balance between knowledge and intuition, and that most precious of qualities, self-belief. Brimming with rules, prompts, and practical tips, How to Be an Artist gives artists new ways to break through creative blocks, get the most from materials, navigate career challenges, and above all find joy in the work. Teeming with full-color artwork from visionaries ancient and modern, this beautiful and useful book will help artists of all kinds—painters, photographers, writers, performers—realize their dreams. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Riverhead Books (March 17, 2020)


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 144 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593086465


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 69


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.2 ounces


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.14 x 0.6 x 7.6 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #63,051 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #134 in Arts & Photography Criticism #190 in Creativity (Books) #333 in Pop Culture Art


#134 in Arts & Photography Criticism:


#190 in Creativity (Books):


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Top Amazon Reviews

    • Great book to read over and over again. Jerry Saltz is a great human being.
Insightful, easy to read, useful, inspirational. Does not dissappoints at all. Jerry Saltz is himself a work of art with his life and sharing it. We're so lucky to have him on planet earth.
Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2023 by Saul Lopez Silva
    • Enjoyable and quick read. Inspirational.
Review Image by JayeGee JayeGee
I love this book. Jerry gives me hope as a struggling artist. I studied theatre in College with an emphasis on design working with a multitude of materials. I can sketch/draw, have been drawing from the age of nine, have taken long breaks from drawing, but my struggle as of a few years ago is painting. My aunt was an oil painting artist and she painted an array of subjects but the most interesting and beautiful were her ocean and water scenes, which I’d love to get good at although my work will never be as impressive as hers was. I also love abstract which is a task in Itself. Jerry’s book is a very quick read yet I found so much usefulness and inspiration in that little hardback book. I know that I will go back to read it again and again. At the end of Chapter 15, “get some perspective” Jerry suggests an exercise in the book which is very interesting. Can’t wait to tackle that. I recommend this book for anyone who has an interest in art, who is learning, struggling as myself, or who would like another viewpoint from another artist. In one of Jerry’s interviews with an artist on YouTube that I recently viewed, the young man asks Jerry, “what if I suck?”. Jerry replies, “we all suck.” That response resonated with me. He’s given me inspiration to go forth and not be afraid if I do in fact suck. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2022 by JayeGee JayeGee
    • great book entertaining read
I read this book on a plane. And it was a really entertaining book. Even though it was written by guy who is more of a critic and not a professional artist. It was very insightful and accurate. There are a number of gems in this book. As an artist my self I can't say I found anything ground breaking. But I do have to say I wish this book came out a few years ago when I was younger trying to figure things out. Theres a lot that goes into being an artist. and I like the way it tackled the question from different angles. it broke things down into different sections. you can tell even thought the writer is better know for critiquing and writing about art. he's lives and breaths this stuff. he has a great love and appreciation for the arts. And not just on the surface. He's an artist himself. And he isn't the cliche of wanna be artist who mad because he stuck critiquing either. it took me a few plan rides to read this. it not a very long book. But it gives you a lot to thing about. And I got more out of my plan ride than if I were to watch a movie. I have since become a fan of jerry and have seen a few of his lectures online. He is a really great guy. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2022 by Willie jimenez
    • Terrific book for any creative mind!
Review Image by Enriquillo Amiama Enriquillo Amiama
I've bought this book eight times. The first one for me and the others to some important people as our President Luis Abinader, our Culture Minister Carmen Heredia, and some artists as well. How to Be an Artist by Pulitzer Prize, art critic Jerry Saltz has more than 60 valuable tips along with practical exercises to develop our talents and abilities. Amazon is my favorite online buying place since 2001. I hope that it will also be available in Spanish soon, with an audience of more than 400 million people. Apart from the content, I'm fascinated by the design of the book, its size, illustrations, and colors. A work of art in itself! Thanks, Jerry, and your wife Roberta whom I know was an especially important part so that you could offer us this delicious dish. Xoxo ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2020 by Enriquillo Amiama Enriquillo Amiama
    • A Lodestar
The temptation is to roar through the book in one sitting, but that is to be resisted. Each chapter should be read and savored individually. Even though I've now read the book through, I know I will continue from time to time just to open it at random and re-read whatever page it turns out to be. It is a hymn--or perhaps better a song-cycle--of reassurance and support for the pursuit of a life in art. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2021 by chris fowler
    • Love This Book!
Jerry Saltz has a talent for connecting with his readers and making concepts accessible. I really loved this book. As an artist, I needed to read "get off your a** and make art" in order to get off my a** and make art. I cried during parts of it. I don't know, am I going through menopause? I'm a biological man, so is that possible? Just get the book. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2021 by M
    • A comforting boon and a kick in the ass
I will read this book again and again. I wish it came in the form of angel cards so I could pick one out to quiet the demon of the day. Jerry, you are a genius and a godsend. Please write more books like this
Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2022 by Melissa
    • the dust jacket is all messed up
I paid for a new hardcover copy of this book and upon receipt it looks like it's been dragged on the floor with a line of gum-tar vertically along the front of the dust jacket. Not cool. At least the inside is the same. But if I wanted a used one with wear all over the front of the dust jacket, I would have ordered one. LP ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2020 by linda plizga

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