The Inner Life of the Artist

The third Monacelli Studio title from Aristides, The Inner Life of the Artist contains a series of short, insightful essays and significant, meaningful quotes by contemporary and historical artists, each accompanied by a moving and inspiring selection of nearly 100 artworks from the past and present.

For those interested in drawing, painting, and other art forms, important principles of Atelier teaching (classical and traditional art training and instruction) and fun practical exercises are applied throughout, with an emphasis on cultivating the artistic mind, along with the hand and the eye.

'The latest in a series of books by Juliette Aristides, 'The Inner Life of the Artist' is a new departure. Like her other books relating to atelier practice, this is a very handsome volume, richly illustrated and expertly bound. Where earlier books deal principally with studio technique - observation, composition, execution - her most recent reads like a collection of meditations, ‘conversations from the atelier’ as she titles it. How to cultivate an artistic mindset? How do art and making art affect the mind, body, and spirit? How can we tap into our inner lives to better communicate the things in our world that move us in a way that will be revealing to others and to ourselves? These are some of the philosophical musings that make this book an essential reference in the library of every student of art and beauty.' – Romas Viesulas, Art & Architecture Editor, Five Books

'Juliette Aristides offers us a rare gift — an extraordinarily wide-ranging meditation on art and artistry, and also on how anyone might live life to its fullest. The structure of her case is clear, and her points are made convincingly through words, images, and even handy exercises, yet our overall impression is the joy of taking a leisurely stroll with a trusted friend. Aristides wears her profound insights lightly, calling upon an intriguing mix of creative people – from the past and the present – to help illuminate the path. Would that all great artists could articulate their ideas so deftly.' – Peter Trippi, Editor in Chief, Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine

Juliette Aristides is a Seattle-based painter who seeks to understand and convey the human spirit through art. Aristides is the founder of the Atelier programs at the Gage Academy of Fine Art in Seattle. She teaches workshops as well as exhibiting nationally and internationally. Aristides is the bestselling author of Beginning Drawing Atelier (2019) and Figure Drawing Atelier (2019), both published by Monacelli Studio, amongst other highly regarded Atelier art instruction books.

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