Spirit of the Brush: Chinese Brush Painting Techniques: Simplicity, Spirit, and Personal Journey

I wish i can return books because the content is not what i expected but i just keep it. this book is not so much on instructions but more about a few demo of the author's work. I do not recommend buying this book if you seriously want to learn. There are better ones for that purpose.

One of the most beautiful introductory books on Chinese Brush Painting. I have a selection and each goes over the basics as does this one and then offers how to and examples. The book is a wonderful reflection of Sungsook Setton's style. Wonderful illustrations and and quality book production. The Spirit of the Brush: Chinese Brush Painting Techniques: Simplicity, Spirit, and Personal Journey

Beautifully written with easy to follow techniques for a beginner. I also like the fact that she combines Western watercolor technique along with classical Chinese brush painting. Her work is very beautiful.

I have had the privilege of studying with Sungsook Setton and love this book. It translates to paper what she was able to communicate in class with clear illustrations and written descriptions. Her pictures are beautiful, unique and translate well to the book (though any opportunity to see them in an exhibit is well worth it). I have looked at many varieties of watercolor books and find this is one i return to again and again. Appropriate for both beginners to watercolor and chinese watercolor, and for experienced watercolor painters who want to expand their technique and style. It also expands the ways you will look at scenes in nature. Highly recommend.

I have had the privilege of studying Chinese Brush Painting with Sungsook Hong Setton.Therefore, I am thrilled and grateful to that she has summarized her philosophy and painting techniques in this wonderful new book illustrated with many samples of her exquisite sumi-e paintings.This inspiring book-a course in itself- is helping me to continue my painting journey on my own. Beginners and more experienced water color and ink painters will find it an informative and inspiring guide. Helen Cohen

Love the name, and the essence of the book. I teach YOGA and this flows with me. My intention is to capture a fraction of what she shares.

I don't like this author's art work but the book itself is chock full of the practical things you need to know and approaches to think about when you are trying to learn something from this ancient art that helps you to improve your own efforts at watercolor.

If this were the only book I had ever seen on the subject, I might be impressed, but I am not.

A lovely book, very inspiring. I ordered it after trying Chinese brush painting at my art club. It demonstrates the brush strokes and techniques very clearly, so there is plenty of 'how to', but it also provides beautiful examples of the author's paintings to show what can be achieved. What I particularly like is that this is a more modern take on Chinese brush painting, using more colour and more contemporary subject matter, than other books on the subject. The tradition and spirituality of this art form are covered in the book, but are not over-dominant.

I am a mature Artist of 50 odd years. Mostly a graphic Artist I was trained at art collages and also in 1999 was working for a fine art degree. JW

Excellent. I showed it to my friends and they bought a copy as well.

Lovely book showing how to paint in her style

Easy to follow instructions