THE ART OF MISTAKES

An exuberant guide to nourishing creativity and encouraging artistic experimentation.

In this debut art book, Rothschild encourages readers to have confidence in their creative abilities, develop a tolerance for mistakes, and understand the value of teachers and other authority figures without being constrained by them. The book’s first chapter is a combination of you-can-do-it encouragement and a discussion of the nature of creativity, rules and freedom, using Rothschild’s own experience as both a commercially successful artist and a student intimidated by an instructor’s dogmatic pronouncements as an object lesson. The second chapter is a series of exercises designed to teach basic techniques of painting with brushes, string, tape and other simple tools. Large, clear illustrations make it easy to follow the process from blank canvas to finished product, and the instructions are simple enough for novice artists to follow with confidence. Throughout the exercises, Rothschild encourages readers to lessen the fear of making mistakes both by thinking about potential errors in a new way and by working with cheap materials, and she suggests sources for acquiring inexpensive paint and other tools. High-quality photographs of Rothschild’s picture frames, painted furniture and other creations appear throughout the book, providing the reader with a visual illustration of the discussions of art and creativity in the book’s text, as well as a deeper understanding of the possibilities inherent in the basic techniques explained in the exercises. The philosophical consideration of the role of mistakes in developing creativity is handled effectively, serving as a backdrop to the guide’s overall practical approach and demonstrating one of Rothschild’s central theses—that simple language and an attitude of inclusivity are the most effective ways to encourage both appreciation of art and participation in its creation. The result is an effective, well-designed and engaging book that will appeal to its target audience of creative individuals who have not pursued formal art training or have not found it useful in developing their artistic confidence.

An attractively packaged and well-written handbook for aspiring artists that encourages readers to find value in mistakes as well as successful creations.