Painting Happiness - by Terry Runyan (Paperback)

About the Book

"Instagram muse @TerryRunyan explores the art of watercolor through mindfulness, providing inspiration, practical advice, and step-by-step projects. Whether you are picking up a brush for the very first time, or seeking new impetus and flow, Terry's approach is fresh and empowering. Focusing on the creativity that is revealed in each new moment, overcoming perfectionism, and freeing yourself from the inner critic, Terry encourages you to explore, experiment, and play"--Back cover.

Book Synopsis

Combat stress and anxiety and release your own inner creative with this beautiful mindful watercolour book.

In this simple and vibrant guide, hugely popular Instagram muse @TerryRunyan explores the art of watercolour through the lens of mindfulness, presenting activities and projects which you can paint along with as you allow your creative side to flourish.

This watercolour guide is easy and accessible for beginners, as Runyan gently delves into the basics of the artform, starting with simple techniques which you can follow along with, as well as presenting some fun projects ideas for painters to explore.

Alongside beautiful examples of the techniques and styles explored in the book, Runyan also encourages readers to practice mindfulness as they paint, and explores the ways in which art can be used to help improve mental health. Exploring the idea of 'perfectly imperfect watercolours', Runyan places emphasis on self-expression and allowing yourself to make mistakes.

Painting Happiness also includes fun projects for readers to try at home, including:

• Turning blobs into birds
• Creating wild hairstyles
• Experimenting with different prompts to paint at least one thing a day

From technical skills and notes on materials to insight into the creative process, this book has everything you need to start flourishing in watercolour.

Review Quotes

"In this simple, vibrant guide, Terry Runyan explores the art of watercolor through the lens of mindfulness, presenting activities and projects which she can paint to nurture her creative side."--YourTango

"Especially in these stressful times, Painting Happiness is an ideal pastime and approach to combating stress and anxiety while releasing our inner creative aspirations."--Midwest Book Review

"Remember when your grade-school art lesson was the highlight of your week--when creativity was pure joy and the inner critic hadn't yet found its voice? That's the feeling artist Terry Runyan taps into with her book Painting Happiness: Creativity with Watercolors. Those who are new to watercolor will find all the basics in this book, but more importantly, will find encouragement to set their creative spirit free through playful explorations in watercolor painting."--Artists Magazine

"The brightest and most joyful thing I've encountered in a while...Beautiful."--GeekDad

About the Author

Terry Runyan is a visual artist and creative encourager. After a long career as an in-house illustrator for Hallmark, Terry now runs her own business, creating art and videos, and leading classes at Skillshare to help others explore their creativity. She loves painting cats, cats on heads, big hair, and encouraging imperfectly perfect watercolour. Terry is the author of Draw 62 Animals and Make Them Happy, Draw 62 Characters and Make Them Happy, Painting Happiness, and Painting Cats. She lives in Leawood, Kansas, with her two creative cats, Tucker and Riley. To learn more about Terry and her work:

Website: terryrunyan.com
Instagram: @terryrunyan
Her popular Instagram hashtag: #catonheadwednesday
YouTube: Terry Runyan
Facebook: @terryrunyancreative
Daily Creating Group on Facebook: @dailycreating