The War of Art by Steven Pressfield: Winning the Inner Creative Battle

I just finished reading this powerful little book after recently finding myself devoid of any desire to paint for several weeks.


Steven Pressfield writes that "we don't tell ourselves, I'm never going to write my symphony." Instead we say, "I am going to write my symphony; I'm just going to start tomorrow." I can relate. 


Pressfield is better know as the writer of The Legend of Bagger Vance, (which was made into a movie with Matt Damon and Will Smith).  In this book about winning the inner creative battle, he talks about the major creative block we will ever encounter, Resistance, with a capital 'R' and how that keeps so many of us from doing that which we were destined to do.  Not exclusively as visual artists, writers, or creative types but those who have a "mission", or who aspire to "evolve to a higher station morally, ethically, or spiritually" and for whatever reason, don't pursue it, as they know they should. 


This little absorbing book is divided into three sections. In the first section Pressfield describes Resistance in its many varied forms. The second part is spent on ways to combat it.  And the third is the most controversial part of the book where he talks about his muse, angels, and the  New Age type of mysticism  that many people believe in, but I personally can't relate to. However, I don't think you should let that detract from the important message he conveys.   


At 165 pages, I read it in no time but I plan on a second reading. Pressfield packs a lot of wisdom in his little tome and I highly recommend it, particularly if you know that you need a kick in the pants to do that "thing" which you are neglecting in your life. Read it!

Oil Painting for Dummies

One of my "teachers", Anita Giddings, co-author of Oil Painting for Dummies  describes, in this video, painting a copper pot in a still life. If you only had one book available to you in order to learn how to paint, I would pick this one, without a doubt.  It's so comprehensive and takes any newbie through all the steps necessary to develop your painting skills or improve upon those that you already have. I read it some years back and now I'm on my second reading and have picked up new tidbits that I missed the first time. This is a great book for all of us self-taught artists and I highly recommend it! 

The Rhythm of Success by Emilio Estefan

I've truly enjoyed reading Emilio Estefan's book. It's not only a very interesting biography but also his own personal account of how he has succeeded in this country. He shares many of his guiding principles that he feels, have helped him reach success in his own terms. He tells us that certain habits, like being highly organized, and always being prompt, having a positive outlook, devoting yourself to your family, and planning for your future, are paramount to his success.

He explains that if you follow his example, you will have time and energy to come up with great ideas for your life and your business endeavors, what ever they might be. These disciplines, if you will, have helped him succeed in his life and business and served him well and of course, will help anyone who is willing to sacrifice, as he has.

Truly inspiring account for anyone, not only for the recent immigrants but for those who desire to better themselves and who enjoy an interesting story about one of the most successful music industry moguls and his famous and lovely wife, Gloria. Can you tell I loved it?