Have You Read The Book?

Please feel welcome to leave your own feedback to Paul Dorrell's book. The staff at Hillstead Publishing, and Paul himself, love to hear of readers' experiences and responses to the book. Below are many responses typical among readers.

Readers' Response

Dear Paul,
A note of genuine appreciation for your fine book: Living the Artist's Life. As we say here in the 'hood' in Chicago...you're keepin it real. I am a professional sculptor and came across your book a few weeks ago. I read it in a night and have since recommended it to other artists, my collectors, and a gallery owner.

You do a wonderful job laying down the raw facts and leaving out the pretentiousness. I will require my students to read it in my up-coming class. Thanks for your honesty.
A reader from Chicago.

Greetings Paul,
I'm assuming you have received a billion emails about your book...so I'll keep this short. I found your book to be very inspiring towards the knowledge of the artworld 'as a whole'. Truly a guide for the unknown artist. I often sit and wonder why do I put up with the people that I do in order to get projects complete. I am a mural artist and have been for about 12 years now. I am currently transitioning from murals to more paintings and eventually prints to stay at home more with my family.

During this transition, questions come up...I have no clue where to look, I have no idea about galleries and what they expect of me, as well as me of them. I ran across your book online....it was recommended by a print company here in Delaware. After I finished it, the first thing it seemed for me to do is...reply.

The whole time you spoke in the book, it was like you were speaking directly to me. You seem very down to earth in the way you convey your ideas and I thought to email you and tell you "thank you" for your contribution to my career, my thinking, my art and my inspiration.

So, THANK YOU...
A reader from Delaware

Mr. Dorrell:
I wish I had found your book Living the Artist's Life when I was a student; it's profound in its basic approach. I'm now 67, with a modest reputation as a painter, however, the preamble suggested in your book was not available in 1963. It should be a must-read for every art student and made available in every library.

I was particularly interested in the bouts of depression, an omnipresent situation in my life. I stumbled (literally) on your book in Simsbury, CT at the library. I thought that I would never read a "how-to" book again. Thank you for your contribution to so many young artists.
A reader from Connecticut

Dear Mr. Dorrell,
Just finished reading your Living the Artist's Life. I must confess that while it is a little out of the ordinary for an artist's career manual, it is the best book on the topic I have read. And surely the most readable.

Actually I have read all the books of this type that have appeared over the years (this is sort of a guilty pleasure of mine). Yours is the most insightful probably because your unique struggles with writing your novels have unceremoniously dumped you on the same rough terrain as all the struggling painters and sculptors. In particular, your detailed account of the insane difficulties you had starting your gallery probably will do more to humanize the image of "The Art Dealer" in the minds of all the artists who read the tale. This is no small thing.

Also your discussion of artist's self doubt being necessary to growth, the comments on art world snobbery, and the closing quotes from Shaw and Wright are all perfectly said.

Thank you for your open and thoughtful book. For any artist who aspires to work with the world of art galleries, this is the best book I have seen.
A Professor of Fine Art
Maryland Institute College of Art

Hi Paul,
Thanks for the no nonsense talk in Portland. The way you wove the personal with the business adventure was inspiring. You are inspiring.

I've been reading some of the book every day, hopping around different chapters on whim. I'm glad you decided not to reveal some details to protect your family, etc. I think it takes just as much guts to leave something out as to reveal/confess. I like your approach. You are informing us with your life lessons, but not trying to make a sensation out of "tell-all" "reality show" reality. I really do appreciate that! Loved your story about the gallery fire and the firefighters saving the art!!

It's a great thing you are doing.
A Reader from Portland, Oregon

Dear Mr. Dorrell:
Just finished my "first pass" through "Artist's Life" and simply want to thank you for passionatly retelling your own gallop down the artist's trail.

For me, "Life" turned out to be a wonderful and very timely window into my own "dark/light" spaces. So, at just the time when the thought of giving up was nibbling at my resolve, your "writin' it straight" reminded me to just keep on, keepin' on - 'cause that's The Way It Is!

Thank you! Very, very much!
A Reader from Los Angeles

Dear Mr. Dorrell:
I very much enjoyed reading Living the Artist's Life. It is really inspiring to me as a budding artist. Your advice will certainly save any artist a lot of trouble, and actually gives us a roadmap to success. Thank you for the wonderful book, and the inspiration that you provide through the book, and your life, as you described it.
Kind regards,
A reader from Cape Town, South Africa

Dear Paul,
Once I started your book, I couldn't put it down. In fact I started it a second time with pen in hand and notes made in the margins. You are terrific! It's so human, humble, real...and at the same time, it's basic information that all artists need to function. This should be a 101 course taught in art school. It hit home! I'm at a difficult cross-roads in my art life now and your book literally fell into my hands to answer many questions. Thank-you! I won't give up.
A reader from New Mexico.

Dear Mr. Dorrell:
This last weekend I flew to Vegas for some work. Before heading out I picked up "Living the Artists Life" - the last one at the local B&N. Wow. What a ride.

I swallowed it up on my trip, filled it with notes and underlines, and promptly handed it over to a writer/filmmaker friend of mine. He is going through many of your early struggles, and also has a wife and two kids at home, as well as a masters degree on the shelf. I look forward to his response...

My favorite things about your book? Your drive, Your honesty, and the fact that you used the word "freakin" so many times. Thank you.
A Reader in Denver, CO

Dear Mr. Dorrell:
I just got through reading your book, "Living the Artist's Life". I never thought one person could understand so completely the mind of the average artist. I almost never read books and yet, when I was flipping through it in the bookstore, I knew I couldn't pass it up. Thanks for confirming so many things and making me feel so normal!

I'm recommending it to all my artist friends.
A reader in Bandera, TX

Dear Paul Dorrell:
I just finished reading "Living the Artist's Life" appreciating every page...your inspirations and your spirituality, the intricate business journey which one must travel while maintaining your balance as you honor and love your family. Very well done!
A reader in Sausalito, CA

Dear Paul,
I love your book and it now belongs with the rest of the books that I own and consider to be my bibles as I develop as an artist. A close friend of mine just told me that he would like to open a gallery this year. I told him that I just finished reading your book and by reading it, you will be able to guide him in his decision, for you are an experienced gallery owner. I wanted him to start reading the book right away, so I gave him my copy and bought another one for myself.
Sincerely,
Reader from San Francisco

Dear Mr. Dorrell
My son (a grad student) picked up 'Living the Artist's Life' for my Christmas present. Oh my God . . . Thank you SO much! I've been slaving for a number of years to finish my BFA (Herron School of Art/Indianapolis) while working & trying to submit to competitions, etc., etc. Your book has given me fresh encouragement in this pursuit. I've already recommended it to my professor who is involved in our course that covers 'practical' concerns for artists.

And although I've been doing it somewhat haphazardly, I've been following your advice. Again - THANKS so much.
A reader from Indianapolis

Dear Paul,
As often happens, your book found me when I really needed it - depressed from a long Maine winter and having one of my my recurring cases of the "I can't paint, why am I doing this" disease. Having read a number of books on art marketing that made someone a few bucks but didn't get me off the couch, I had to get in touch with you even before I quite finished the book. Thank you for your grounded, practical, oh so human advice and lack of nonsense. You have demystified the business, and made me feel for the first time unashamed to be a slightly manic, antisocial,selfish, off-kilter individual who has to paint or else. At 56, it's about time.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
A reader from Maine

Dear Mr. Dorrell,
I just, this moment, finished reading your book "Living the Artist's Life". I want to thank you so much for producing a book like this. You have related to many of my concerns about being an artist and someone who also works in a gallery. You have instilled faith that my direction is right and my efforts to pursue my career in the arts are valid and necessary. Your writings reminded me that this entire pursuit is for my own happiness, and for that I cannot give enough thanks.
Sincerely,
A reader from Washington, DC

Dear Paul,
I just wanted to let you know that I love your new book! I was lent it from a friend who was lent it by another, the phrase was "you need to read this". I've never found a book before that comes close to yours in describing what it's like to be an artist and how to be a more sucsessful one. Very well done!!! I enjoyed your writing style and am intersted in reading other things you've written. Your book helped me feel that I'm on the right track, actually doing pretty well, and maybe not as odd as I thought. I would like to have you sign a hard copy for me, for the shelf, but I need a paperback too as I will refer back to it regularly, wear it out and occasionally fall to sleep with it.
Thanks for writing the book and best regards.
A reader from Lawrence, KS

Dear Mr. Dorrell:
I learned of your book from the article in Art Calendar. I just wanted to thank you for writing it. You have truly given a beautiful gift of yourself to artists everywhere. I so appreciated your openess and honesty. I came away inspired and with a comfort that I wasn't alone. The struggle truly IS the journey, and makes one realize how alive we really are. You are an extordinary man and I am so happy that you have been able to gleen success from all your efforts. I am forwaring the Art Calendar article to the Chicago Artists Coalition with a strong recommendation that they endorse and offer this book to all members. Again, thank-you for developing and sharing your gifts. You have sincerely blessed my life.
May God Bless and Keep you always,
A reader from Chicago

Dear Paul Dorrell:
Thank god you wrote this book. So many times I have bought books that claimed to provide guidance in the life of an artist, but usually wound up throwing them against the wall before I was halfway finished, since to me they were dull, unimaginative and uninspired. Your book is alive and so compelling that I read it in two sittings. In fact I had trouble putting it down. I especially related to your discussion of depression, and your own struggles with it. So many times the "D" word is passed over, or ignored, when in reality this is a major part of most artist's lives. Then there was your practical advice that I found very helpful too.

You've made me believe that I can actually achieve my goals as an artist now. Thank you for lending me the benefits of your experience.
Good luck to you and your family.
A reader from Kansas City

Dear Paul,
I attended your book-signing in Springfield last week and enjoyed reading your book. I've sent an email about Living the Artist's Life to the QuiltArt email list which has around 7000 subscribers, from beginning fiber artists to very professional. I think many of them would appreciate your book.

Thanks for coming to Springfield and for writing the book.
Sincerely,
A fiber artist in Springfield, MO

Have You Read The Book?

Please feel welcome to leave your feedback to Paul Dorrell's book. The staff at Hillstead Publishing, and Paul himself, love to hear of readers' experiences and responses to the book.

A Guide to Growing, Persevering, and Succeeding in the Art World