Lessons for Young Artists

A charming book of practical guidance and inspiring insight on living a creative life from David Gentleman, one of Britain’s most beloved artists.

David Gentleman, now in his nineties, and renowned for his drawings, paintings, engravings, and prints, continues to inspire artists the world over. In Lessons for Young Artists, Gentleman shares the tools of his trade, the advice he lives by, and his remarkable commitment to making art every single day in a generous book of creative guidance and counsel.

Here are new ways to:

• Focus, notice the world, and cultivate your own style
• Evolve your work with techniques like playing with time and painting in bad weather
• Get the most out of mistakes and negative criticism
• Take a fresh perspective on your role as an archivist of modern life
• And much more.

Illustrated throughout with the artist’s own sketches and paintings as examples and inspiration, this pocket-sized volume is a treasure to give or receive. In its pages, Gentleman’s work and lessons remind us, above all, to return always to the simple delights of creativity.

BELOVED ARTIST: David Gentleman’s watercolors have filled galleries; his iconic woodcuts are emblazoned on posters, book jackets, and train stations; his stamps have reached the furthest corners of the world.

SAGE ADVICE: Gentleman shares what he’s learned in his seven-decade-long career, including these pearls of wisdom that can translate to any artistic endeavor: start small, step outside, keep your studio uncluttered, and do art every day. Each tip is expanded upon in a short essay.

INSPIRING GIFT: With personal anecdotes and explanations of how he created some of his most famous works, this is a unique guide to the nature and practice of art-making that will encourage and inspire artists of all backgrounds and levels.

Perfect for:

• Artists of any skill level
• Art students
• Visual journalers
• Anyone looking to build a creative habit into their daily routine
• Birthday, holiday, or bon voyage gift-giving