Non-Fiction Review

Passion and Paint in Creating "Great Art"
by Shirley A. Dahlsten
ISBN-10: 0977749703
Review by Heather Froeschl

As a Fine Art student in college I would have been quite happy purchasing Shirley Dahlsten's book, "Passion and Paint in Creating 'Great Art'." Such inspiration and guidance would have certainly boosted me up and given much help.

As a tool for beginning artists this book is invaluable to be sure. Offering technique and practice methods, it is a teaching tool that is as necessary as the drive to create and the materials to work with. My professors in college gave many of the same instructions and assignments and it took years for me to complete them. Through Shirley's book you can learn at your own pace and likely be completing great works in considerably less time than it took me. Her lessons in design, drawing, color, texture, and mediums are all spot on. Her deeper instructions on purpose, meaning, intent and preparation are inspirational. The how-to section of the book, on the business of being an artist, is a valuable addition. My favorite parts though involve the numerous quotations that are shared to involve the reader in the creation of art, the creation of an artist in the reader herself. It is an outreach to the part of the reader who needs to hear encouragement, acceptance, and inspiration.

"Passion and Paint" is fittingly named, but whatever the medium an artist chooses, the lessons within are purposeful and endearing if one lets them be. The text is open, honest, to the point, and simply - helpful. This easy to read and understand book is perfect for anyone considering picking up a pencil or brush, from the high school or college student to the next Grandma Moses. On the aesthetic side of things, the book is downright beautiful. Shirley's work is displayed throughout and the captivating images are motivating to say the least. Bright and colorful, exquisitely executed, and used as teaching tools themselves, her work is a delight.