Paint Yourself Calm

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.

• TAKING A LEAP 10Anyone can paint 12Why you should paint 16Mood changing 22What we need 28COLOUR FLOW 32Simple landscapes 34Simple colour flow exercises 38Facing obstacles 44Nature’s calming influence 54Calming thoughts 60THE PEACEFUL ZONE 64What is the peaceful zone? 66Lifting the mood 70Finding energy and strength 74Sands of time 82Colour from the sun 88Healing herbs 94Nothing but blue skies 100Healing lavender 104Well-being 110INNER PEACE 116That peaceful feeling 118Life experiences 120A positive attitude 124Index 128