In A Short Book About Painting writer & broadcaster Andrew Marr tackles the subjects of inspiration creativity politics beauty & form How does the artist make good work? What constitutes good? How important is technique
- & the imagination? Following a serious stroke in 2013 that left him partially paralysed Marr struggled with the physical rigours of painting using oils This led to his wrestling with some of the very fundamental questions about painting as an art form in itself
- & to interrogate himself daily about brushstrokes colour balance line & texture Using his own work in progress as examples of failures & examples of techniques from classical artists right up to the present day Marr examines how the painter can improve & learn from his or her mistakes Marr's provocative political & instructive book is not just an essential resource for all amateur painters it is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the creative process & the limits of human artistic achievement