This work was a lucky stumble, for though I've seen it in the store before, this time the subject was particularly related to what I was looking for. I highly recommend the work, while I am only 25% through it, for to quote Henri directly,
"If the artist is alive in you, you may meet Greco nearer than
many people, also Plato, Shakespeare, the Greeks.
In certain books-- some way in the first few paragraphs you know
that you have met a brother."
Henri taught at the Art Students League in New York and contained in his book are quite a few letters to his students discussing such subjects as commencement, backgrounds, hair, solidity, color, brush strokes, etc. He often drops artists' names for reference to illustrate specific points, and suggests more books for further reading on certain subjects.
In short, the book is a perfect jumping off point for any art student, covering all bases of study and providing many additional resources with which the reader can choose to envelope himself further. The book's format makes it an easy and fast read, such that it isn't meant to be read necessarily from cover to cover, but to be used and consulted as a guide or resource.
At the same time keep in mind (as Henri states himself) that the opinions and advice expressed are derived from the experiences of one man, and as such the reader is free to agree or contest as he will. Personally I have thus far found Henri's advice particularly enlightening even in so far as being some of those things you already know, but hearing them from a respected voice confirms them and awakens them in your awareness.
I find myself inspired and excited to take on some new work with this advice in mind. It is my recommendation that any artist, but most particularly painters, invest a little in this short, cheap book. Perhaps you too will find a brother in Henri.
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