OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Art Completes You" by Shraddha Nithyananda (pen name for Elena Zelenina).]

In Art Completes You , Shraddha asserts that art skills and life skills go hand in hand. She believes that by improving one you automatically improve the other. Interestingly, "completion", as referenced in this book, is a "state of being where past hurts and doubts no longer produce negative effects". The author explains that as you heal your self-doubts and clarify your artistic vision, you begin to see immediate improvement in the quality of your art.

Throughout the chapters, Shraddha presents a specific concept and then applies it to both the spiritual path and the artistic journey. At the end of most of these chapters, she offers several exercises that help the reader to understand, and even begin to practice, that concept. She also gives the reader the option of skipping to the exercises first to "get your own insights".

Upon reading the initial description of this book, I was immediately intrigued by her idea of relating an artistic journey to a spiritual one. The author proceeds to make a very solid case for this concept. I like that Shraddha weaves these two journeys together seamlessly with her numerous examples. She also convinces the reader that making art of any kind is possible. In fact, one of my favorite quotes by Shraddha was "Art is not separate from life. It is life". She explains that creativity is not limited to artists. In fact, everyone exhibits creativity in finding a new solution to a problem, being resourceful, choosing clothes to wear or even setting a table for guests.

I particularly enjoyed trying my hand at the exercises throughout the book. Some of my favorites were searching for lines in life, drawing lines, looking through trees and other objects to perceive depth, seeing how various textures in paintings correlate to distance, seeing and drawing the same object from different vantage points, and expressing the proper proportions.

I give Art Completes You by Shraddha Nithyananda 3 out of 4 stars. Based on the content and impact of this book, I would have loved to have assigned the full four stars; however, I did find numerous grammatical errors. In fact, finding these errors was my only dislike about this book, as it would certainly have benefited from another editing pass.

This very informative and engaging book should certainly appeal to people of all ages that are interested in either removing self-doubt as an excuse for not attempting art or for improving their skills as an artist. It will be beneficial to both the beginner and the seasoned artist. Consequently, this book will probably not appeal to someone who is not at all interested in growing spiritually or as an artist.

In the past, I have often entertained the notion of keeping a sketchbook and colored pencils for the practice of sketching landscapes, flowers, plants or any of Nature's other offerings. After reading this book and practicing some of her exercises, I have collected the sketchbook and pencils and am now beginning to sketch. I would like to thank the author for helping to make a longtime dream come true. Also, I recommend this book to anyone else in need of inspiration and confidence to embark on this very special artistic and spiritual path.

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Art Completes You
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Like Bluebird03's review? Post a comment saying so!

That sounds like a great read. Personally art helps me unwind and relax when I feel like I've been sprinting all day. Good to know there is a great book to turn to in these times to make it eveen better.

I also believe that art is intimately connected to the unconscious psyche! Thanks so much for this insightful review. Sounds like a delightful book!

Oh, I wish I had snagged this book for review. As an artist, I can relate to so much of what your review explores. It certainly is important to do some personal work if you are an artist. The creative process requires courage, and being healthy in mind is a good start. Thanks for a great review.

There really is something relaxing about art, but I never looked at it from that perspective before. I will add this to my list of books to read. Thanks for the great review.

This sounds a bit like art therapy, which I believe is very real and helpful. However, my art is more in the way of music. So, I probably wouldn't enjoy this one as much. Still, I'm glad it's out there!

spencermack wrote: ↑19 Mar 2019, 11:50 That sounds like a great read. Personally art helps me unwind and relax when I feel like I've been sprinting all day. Good to know there is a great book to turn to in these times to make it eveen better.

Yes, I think you will enjoy the author's suggestions. They should elevate your unwinding and relaxing to a higher level. Thank you for your comment.

nooregano wrote: ↑19 Mar 2019, 12:39 I also believe that art is intimately connected to the unconscious psyche! Thanks so much for this insightful review. Sounds like a delightful book!

Thank you for your comments. If you get the chance to read it, I think you will enjoy the exercises at the end of the chapters. I find myself continuing to automatically do some of them.

Eva Darrington wrote: ↑19 Mar 2019, 17:30 Oh, I wish I had snagged this book for review. As an artist, I can relate to so much of what your review explores. It certainly is important to do some personal work if you are an artist. The creative process requires courage, and being healthy in mind is a good start. Thanks for a great review.

Thank you for your comments. While I have just taken up sketching- as a result of this book, I had done some clothing design in the past. And, yes, it does require courage to put yourself and your work "out there". Congratulations on already being an artist. What type of art do you pursue? You would love the book!

Radiant3 wrote: ↑20 Mar 2019, 07:44 There really is something relaxing about art, but I never looked at it from that perspective before. I will add this to my list of books to read. Thanks for the great review.

Thank you for your kind comments. I hope that you do get the chance to read it!

kandscreeley wrote: ↑20 Mar 2019, 08:19 This sounds a bit like art therapy, which I believe is very real and helpful. However, my art is more in the way of music. So, I probably wouldn't enjoy this one as much. Still, I'm glad it's out there!

Thank you for your comment. Yes, I found her art therapy to be very inspiring. Congratulations on your musical art!

Bluebird03 wrote: ↑26 Mar 2019, 10:17

Eva Darrington wrote: ↑19 Mar 2019, 17:30 Oh, I wish I had snagged this book for review. As an artist, I can relate to so much of what your review explores. It certainly is important to do some personal work if you are an artist. The creative process requires courage, and being healthy in mind is a good start. Thanks for a great review.

Thank you for your comments. While I have just taken up sketching- as a result of this book, I had done some clothing design in the past. And, yes, it does require courage to put yourself and your work "out there". Congratulations on already being an artist. What type of art do you pursue? You would love the book!

I am an abstract painter. I paint with acrylic on canvas. That’s great that you are sketching as a result of reading the book. Good for you.

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I am an abstract painter. I paint with acrylic on canvas. That’s great that you are sketching as a result of reading the book. Good for you.
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I’m envious of your abstract acrylic art abilities. I attended a few oil painting classes (fashioned after Bob on “the joy of painting”). Talk about abstract, mine really were.

I like how the author phrases her sentences and words I felt like she is talking to me through your review. I wanna know more about how art completes people

Hayley2-0 wrote: ↑08 Apr 2019, 09:15 I like how the author phrases her sentences and words I felt like she is talking to me through your review. I wanna know more about how art completes people

I think you would really enjoy this read! Thank you so much for your kind comments.