Paint Yourself Positive

Bestselling international author and artist Jean Haines’ new book takes readers on an exciting journey through painting. Not just a book for artists, this is for anyone looking for a way of enhancing their life and mood through paint. It’s also a way into art for people who have never painted and may even have been told they 'can’t paint’ at an early age. If you love the idea of sitting down and playing with colour and paint as a distraction from the stresses of modern life, then this is the book for you!All of Jean’s books have promoted the life-enhancing effects of painting, and this is especially relevant in Paint Yourself Positive. Whether you can already paint or not, the aim of the book is for you to create in a way that you find pleasing, increases your self-confidence and leaves you feeling energized. Jean will very soon have you wanting to pick up a paintbrush and start to paint – and loving every second of it.

I received a free review copy of this book and I have found it to be everything I hoped it would be. The author's premise is that by painting we can help ourselves feel more positive about ourselves. This book, via text and illustrations, shows you how to take those first steps towards a more positive you. It contains lots of exercises but not of the kind 'this is how to paint a tree.' Rather of the kind 'allow the red paint to flow over the page and watch the magic that happens.' This book is nothing short of inspirational, and the text is incredibly uplifting and achievable. , If you already love Jean’s work, this is another pearl of wisdom to treasure. If you’re new to it, it’s no bad place to start., Paint Yourself Positive is full of beautiful images, quotes and exercises designed to uplift and enrich you. Jean also includes one of my favourite stories, The Starfish Story, which is inspiration in itself. As well as tips and techniques, every page sings with colour and positive encouragement, from her personal reflections through to each activity.  Some of the content includes: Why paint ourselves positive? Making changes, The power of colour, Being positive, The power of you, Building confidence, Reaching goals, Life plans, The value of a positive wish list, Positive creative energy and much more. Each watercolour example is fluid and surrounded with the key steps, whether you are an experienced artist or have never painted before, this book will encourage you to experiment. This is a glorious book and as Jean says. “Painting doesn’t have to be serious, it can be joyful, bringing with it a fabulous sense of positive energy’  Highly Recommended! , To paraphrase our feature on p69, we all have a bit of a problem when it comes to slowing down. Jean Haines’ positivity-preaching opus couldn’t come at a better time then – it outlines the invigorating physical and mental effects watercolour painting has had on her, and makes clear her belief that it could help a whole range of other people, too., Crafts and mindfulness go hand in hand, providing a welcome distraction from the stresses of modern life. Author Jean Haines demonstrates how to relax, have fun and unleash your creativity by playing with colour. Even if you think you can't paint, you'll be creating beautiful artwork in no time.

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 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.