3 out of 5 stars
I would like to thank Quarto Publishing Group – Fair Winds Press for providing me with a free – temporary – electronic ARC of this book, via Netgalley. Although I’m auto approved with them, the decision to read this book is my choice and any reviews given are obligation free.
As my regular readers would know I am a fan of rock painting and so was really looking forward to reading this book. And I can tell you now, I wasn’t disappointed! I mean, yes, on the outside it looked like “just another book on how to paint rocks” … but each book on this topic is different, and each contains the voice of the artist. And I really liked the voice I got from ‘Meditative Stone Art’. I really felt that the author was giving her gentle opinion on how to paint, how she preferred to do it, the media and tools she preferred… but wasn’t demanding that the reader MUST do exactly the same to get the same results. She really came across as a good art teacher, more than someone dictating her way or the highway… and, trust me, I’ve come across a lot of “how to” books with the latter tone. You just don’t see them reviewed due to my policy of not leaving reviews for books I don’t finish. 😉
Something I did find interesting about ‘Meditative Stone Art’ is that it was set up to be an interactive eBook as well as working well as a paper book. I didn’t see this in my Netgalley copy, but I always like to peek at the Amazon preview option, and it shows interactive links to other areas of the book. I am hoping this option is available if you were to buy an electronic copy of ‘Meditative Stone Art’ as I can see it being very helpful to those wanting to try out rock painting while having the book open on their device. A simple tap to see more detail on a specific topic – listed else where in the same book – could be a great asset and good selling point.
And, although I generally prefer my craft and cooking books to be in paper format, I am actually attracted to the eBook concept of quick reference. I mean, one tap on a screen mid creating, vs thumbing through a book and getting distracted by other things… that’s a benefit to someone like me. 😀
So, there are definitely benefits to owning a paper, or electronic, version of ‘Meditative Stone Art’.
As with other books on stone art I’ve read, there are many great themes to learn to draw/ paint in ‘Meditative Stone Art’. Some I preferred more than others, so it was good that there was a decent selection, and not just one or two themes. It added to the flexible feel of learning to paint stones the book seems to offer.
Now for the book nerd side of things. I found the layout and formatting easy to read and follow. They weren’t all jumbled together or in odd places. The instructions for projects were clear and precise, and continued in the light, suggestive tone I enjoyed.
There was the detailed contents page at the start (also interactive in the eBook version), and a lot of good, clear detail throughout. A very satisfying read.
Would I recommend this book to others?
I think we all know the answer to this would be yes. ‘Meditative Stone Art’ would be a great addition to anyone’s arts and crafts bookshelves, whether you’re strictly into stone painting, or like variation. I also feel – for the stone painters – it would still be a great edition for any level. Yes, beginners would get a great deal of help from it, but I feel the more experienced stone painters would also find some good inspiration from it too. Definitely a book I would recommend to others.
Would I buy this book for myself?
Yes, I would. Sadly these days I’ve move away from stone painting and more into wire weaving and beading… but I’d like to think I will return to this art form at a later date and, when I do, ‘Meditative Stone Art’ is the book I want to be reaching for to inspire me.
In summary: A great reference book to stone painting for all levels of this art form. I highly recommend it.
Janis's Journal 