The Art of Creative Living: Making Every Day a Radiant Masterpiece

The Art of Creative Living by Thomas Kinkade is very heavily tilted toward religion, and religious viewpoints. This religious attitude is downplayed in the "official description" and in most of the reviews... so a potential purchaser may not know what they are receiving. I gained some useful information from the book, but the view that everything is due to his focus on religion detracts from a more general "creative living" as some may view it. There may be other books on "creative living" that will suit a less religious reader better than this book.

This book really blessed me a lot and greatly inspired creativity I me. He used personal examples and intertwined them with practical steps to becoming a more creative person. In addition, the book teaches you to be content with your life and to grow in your relationship with God and others. I already loved this artist, but now I also love him as an author.

A thoughtful look at developing creativity in anyone who has the desire to pursue it.

The Art of Creative Living book arrived in a timely manner and it was in very good shape. Looking forward to reading it.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to be inspired creativity. Couldn't wait to get back to this book!

I was astonished to find that there weren't dozens of reviews up for this book by Thomas Kincaid. This is a very creative book, discussing the kind of creativity and artistry that can be found in each of us.Kincaid, a painter by profession and vocation, starts with the basic question - how does an artist do what she or he does? How does one turn a blank canvas or a block of stone (or materials even less 'naturally' artistic in mode) into something that is a work or art, a creative work? Kincaid says that the mechanics of the process are necessary, but far from being the whole story. Kincaid states that the artist needs to believe that she or he can create, that there is inside something that has the power to produce something wonderful.Creativity is not something confined to the visual or aesthetic arts. Creativity is something that belongs to all things in life - from things as basic as everyday cooking to relationships and spirituality, from business to hobbies to art in its more pure forms, these things all afford opportunities for creative living and creative expression.Kincaid touches on spiritual and religious ideas and images throughout this text, but it is not a philosophical/theological text by any means. This is much more practical guide of thinking about and incorporating a sense of the creative and the creator in all that we do. Kincaid writes in a broadly ecumenical way, not being tied to the dogma or doctrine of any particular faith, but rather providing insights that can prove valuable to those of many different kinds of faith and religious practice.Some of Kincaid's suggestions are very practical - finding space for oneself, both inner and outer, physical space; minimising distractions, etc. He incorporates elements of spiritual practice into these - for example, once one has found the inner and outer space in which to explore one's creative side, has gratitude been expressed. 'Your special place of solitude - defined by both your inward values and your chosen work area - is an essential "brushstroke" in your life if you hope to become truly adept at the art of creation. So accept this current place of yours with thanksgiving.'Kincaid draws on the arts and artists from throughout the ages, but also draws from popular and familiar culture as well. For example, he uses the character of Rob Petrie from the television series 'The Dick Van Dyke Show' as an example of a creative soul, highlighting in this particular example the aspect of creativity that is hopeful and optimistic - 'chronically optimistic' in Kincaid's words.One of the very nice aspects of the organisation of this book is that the chapter subdivisions are set at a length so that they can be easily read even by the slowest of readers in one sitting. This is not heavy reading by any means, but those who read over it too quickly will be bound to miss something - the creative process, like the reading of this book, should be a deliberate task, one that often fails in the mad rush of the pace of the world today.This is a wonderful book, with a nice look-and-feel to it, Kincaid's pictures adorning the chapter headings, and the typeface, white-space and page layouts done in a very pleasing manner.In Kincaid's final chapter, he writes, 'worship itself is a creative act.' Kincaid sees the vocation of creation as one of God's highest callings, and can be a form of prayer and praise.

"The Art of Creative Living" by Thomas Kinkade will challenge the reader to think more creatively in all areas of life. Whether in our home, career, relationships, hobbies, etc., we could all stand to broaden our horizons and look at our lives with a different perspective.Kinkade uses the 7-day creation model of creative thinking:1. Art of Solitude - create your own space or find a local area where you can retreat to for quiet and reflective thinking. This was my personal favorite.2. Quest for a Passionate Heart - learn how to focus on the correct things for your life.3. Experience of True Love - loving others and finding a true friend.4. Call to Community - look at your current world and see how you may be a positive impact on others for God's glory.5. The Joy of Work - look for creative ways to improve your job and career. Liked this chapter a lot also.6. The Cauldron of Conflict - instead of running away from challenges, embrace them and use them to help mature you.7. The Spirit of Worship - remembering that all we are and have is a gift from God.Admittingly, Kinkade writes from a Christian perspective, which may turn some people off. Before you do so, read the book and see what you think.Highly recommended. Read and enjoy!