Living the Artist's Life

Rating:
Summary: Not What I Had Expected
Review: Being a former student at the Kansas City Art Institute and recently getting back into painting and showing after some time off due to work and starting a family, I became interested in this book thanks to an interview with the author in a local newspaper. The author was quite bold and interesting with his answers and I had high hopes for the book.

40 pages into Living The Artist's Life, I felt like I was living Paul Dorrell's life and it was not pleasant. While his prose is breezy, it is mostly lugubrious and occasionally manic.

Dorrell's stories of depression and workaholism at the expense of his family (even going as far as to not reveal the troubled financial condition of the gallery to his wife while he slams back whiskey after a long day) are embarrassing and pathetic. His editor should have pulled in the reins.

Dorrell preaches against the use of alcohol and drugs in a manner reminiscent of a recent graduate of a 30-day rehab stint or the religiosity of somebody who wears their 12 Step program on their sleeve. This part served no practical purpose in the book and turned me off.

As for the art advice, it was towards the end of the book and mostly boilerplate. Any experienced amateur artist or recent art school graduate would probably be better off with a book like "The Business Of Being An Artist" if they want to make the leap and to find a good CPA to talk to about business matters.

Rating:
Summary: This book will ignite your heart!
Review: Dorrell's words come at a time when so many artists hunger for this type of direction and guidance. Never has an artist been so open and engaging with the reader with regards to the technical and personal requirements needed for today's artistic development. Paul Dorrell, fully qualified in his life long experiences, bears his soul and in doing so offers himself as a lantern for all aspiring artists. This book is a must read where artist professional practices are discussed, and for all artists and non-artists interested in an honestly reflective story about the validation for life.

Rating:
Summary: Practical advice for a life in the Visual Arts
Review: Good book - at its best where he narrates his own personal travails as a gallery owner, promoter of artists' work, and an aspiring writer - held my interest even though my own bent is more directed to the field of creative writing (though for myself I work - happily - in the world of financial services on Wall Street: got tired of the geography of my existence being defined by the distance from my hand to my mouth) and I would certainly recommend it to the attention of any one working in or attempting to break into the world of the visual arts. There are some very instructive chapters providing practical advice and encouragement on how to best to represent oneself in this world and words of advice on what to do/ what not to do. It took a couple of chapters for me to warm up to it but his narrative flows fairly smoothly thereafter and, as mentioned, engaged me most with his personal narrative. Strong recommendation to anybody interested in the visual arts, aspiring to work in that world or, for that matter, those already engaged in efforts to promote themselves and their work.

Rating:
Summary: A Pathway for the Artist Within!
Review: I can't remember the last book I read completely before discovering LTAL. As a wannabe who has fantasized for years about becoming an artist (and famous), Paul's book grounded me in the reality of how most artist's lives must be. Everything he said was logical and real, and made me consider just what it takes to be a truly successful artist. Do I think I have these qualities within myself? I don't know. But I do think that Paul hits on the essence of what constitutes the needs of the artist within.

I could relate to many of his personal experiences, and found myself nodding in agreement to the words of a fellow traveller. Paul writes in first person, directly addressing the reader, much in the manner of a Salinger or Brautigan. His easy style is a joy. I look forward to many great fiction works from the writer of this important non-fiction work. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has a struggling artist within.

Rating:
Summary: Finally a down to earth book offering guidelines to artists!
Review: I enjoyed the book very much, especially learning what steps need to be taken in presenting your work to a gallery. As an artist, that is one of the hardest things for me to master. Paul's advice and storys about his journey as a writer and gallery owner were inspiring. I am happy to have found a book that is enjoyable to read, but also gives you good advice in dealing with the "artworld" at the same time!

Rating:
Summary: Strangely compelling
Review: I surprised myself by readng Dorrell's book in almost one sitting. It was compelling largely due to the fact that he shared details of his own life which makes him seem approachable and the information he shares more accessible. Books of this nature can be ponderous but his is not. I not only learned tons but feel I have spent a day with a friend who dares to be real. I am a developing artist and now feel it is at least possible to find some level of success from reading this book. Also, his thoughts on the sometimes snobby ways of those involved in "art" were refreshing. He seems one cool dude and this was one cool read.

Rating:
Summary: Steve Schmidt
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Having read many books on the subject, Dorrell's approach of sharing his life and experiences was very helpful. Telling his story in the first person allowed me to share in his walk. I was then able to compare his experience with my own, giving me valuable points of reference for a sometimes challenging journey. I would recommend this book to anyone who is considering living the artist's life.

Rating:
Summary: Practical Advice for ALL Artists
Review: Paul Dorrell has taken anecdotal evidence and true-to-life experience to deliver a book that is both refreshing and reassuring. For those of us pursuing the artist's life, it came as a comfort to read of his trials and tribulations, not only as a gallery owner, but also as an writer. His candor and humor only add to a great read! I read it in one sitting.

I am a composer and writer and I found this book incredibly helpful. I reccomend it to all artists: painters, musicians, sculptors, writers, et al. Especially if you deal with consumers of art (i.e. "snobs"), Mr. Dorrell's advice is priceless!

If you create, you need this book!

Rating:
Summary: A Great Tool for Fine Artists
Review: Paul Dorrell has written a remarkable book aimed at artists. He has empathy for the artist as he himself is a writer who knows full well the emotional toll of working for years unknown and in isolation. And he is open about the struggles he endured in starting an art gallery and keeping its doors open. Artists, who face a pack of their own challenges, need to become aware of the hurdles facing art dealers.

The book contains useful, practical advice for the visual artist, but its greatest value is in how it humanizes the image of the art dealer. For so many younger artists the art dealer seems often an impossibly mysterious and difficult figure. Dorrell's book brings the artist reader a far more understandable picture. He writes a lively and insightful, often painfully funny tale.And he shares both the pleasures and the pain and vulnerability of those of living in the art world. I think any artist who reads the book will have a much easier time relating to the dealer as whole person. And as a partner in the delicate business of helping people become collectors of the arist's work. This is no small thing! An important book, and a fun read.

Philip Koch
Professor of Fine Art
Maryland Institute College of Art

Rating:
Summary: an inspiring resource for artists, an inspirational read
Review: What a great read, couldn't put it down. I am a working artist and designer of Landscapes and historic gardens. I work in the creative field. What a great resource and inspirational read this book is!!!! Couldn't put it down. This man really understands the art wold and the problems we deal with every day. This is such an enjoyable book, highly recomended!!!!
Spiritual, fun, and perceptive, a thouroughly enjoyable book.
Rob at www.groups.yahoo.com/group/THEARTISTSGARDEN.