Art Before Breakfast: A Zillion Ways to be More Creative No Matter How Busy You Are Flexibound – February 17, 2015

Four stars had been my score if not because the drawings. What is written is engaging, clever and to the point; in one word, charming. But the drawings really look like slices of life, they are very expressive of real moments and that was what I loved. I think this book is a way to introduce art into your life, a personal art, and that is valuable.In reference to my own experience I love to draw so I had already practiced what is written here. If it is your case still it would be a good reading.

I just love that man Danny Gregory. He is a real inspiration to me. He is a warm human being who has become an important part of my life. And to think I had never heard of him until one short year ago when I enrolled in the newly formed Sketchbook Skool, an online set of "lessons" about sketching and incorporating drawing and creativity into your life. If anyone had told me that I would be drawing at this time of my life, I would have said that is the last thing on my bucket list. I would have said that I haven't drawn anything since I was five years old and that I have no talent whatsoever. Well, I am testament to Danny's success in motivating and inspiring people to incorporate "art" (with a small "a") into their lives. He makes you feel that you can do it. When I am discouraged or haven't done anything for awhile, he has a way of speaking right to me through his blog posts and books and getting me going again. He understands the obstacles. "Art Before Breakfast" is his latest compendium of ways to make art a daily habit not because you are trying to make a beautiful picture or something to put in an art exhibit but rather because it makes you happy and brings peace and calm to your life. "Art Before Breakfast" is full of simple ideas of what to draw, how to incorporate drawing into your life all illustrated with Danny's charming sketches and attractive layout. It isn't really a how to book but gives tips and just enough instruction to get you started. One of Danny's mantra's is to not get hung up on having to have any particular art materials. A pen, a piece of paper and five minutes will do. I have others of Danny's books including "Everyday Matters" and I am glad that "Art Before Breakfast" uses typed script for most of the pages as opposed to Danny's scratchy writing with a nib pen which I have found a little difficult to read in the other books. There is enough of the pen writing to reflect Danny's style and personality but it is nice to be able to more easily read the main points.

The media could not be loaded. I like Danny Gregory's books on sketching. They are always lively and inspiring. I've every single one of them since his first book on drawing, The Creative License. In some ways, Art Before Breakfast feels like a sequel to that.Art Before Breakfast is a book on drawing with lots of ideas on what you can draw, a few techniques you can try out and suggestions on where you can find time to sneak in a drawing or two on your sketchbook. The tone is enthusiastic and motivating. The example drawings are accessible and fun. Nothing too daunting and the challenge is to move your pen.This is also a book on the virtues of drawing and Danny Gregory has included many of his personal thoughts on drawing that are bound to inspire.This book works great as one you can pick up from time to time, flip to a random page to read and recharge your creative cells, and to find something to draw. I like the tips on random techniques, such as mixing media, and there are different ways on how you can approach your drawings, using reference, creating themes, silencing your inner critic and more.Those who already know the basics of drawing, observational drawing, will get most out of the book. There are some introductory drawing lessons though, such as contour drawing, spotting negative space and using measurements. I feel that if you're a beginner who knows nothing about drawing, those introductory lessons may or may not be enough for you because they are rather brief. So if you're looking for a book to learn how to draw, this is not the appropriate book. This is a what-to-draw book.Just like other books by Danny Gregory, I enjoy this book and would like to recommend it to anyone looking for inspiration and motivation to draw.By the way, there's no such thing as having enough books on inspiration. Check out the following books too: Playing with Sketches Freehand: Sketching Tips and Tricks Drawn from Art Just Draw It! Keys to Drawing with Imagination Sketch!: The Non-Artist's Guide to Inspiration, Technique, and Drawing Daily Life (See more pictures of the book on my blog. Just visit my Amazon profile for the link.)

Danny Gregory urges readers to tap into the innate creativity that resides in all humans. At first I was skeptical. "This is too simplistic, too easy, too obvious, too silly," I thought. But my innate curiosity kept me turning the electronic pages to see where he was going with this. By the time I got to the last page I was in tears. Danny Gregory had called me on being my own worst enemy, my own worst critic, and an art thief to boot! How many opportunities have I missed, or dismissed, over a lifetime? How many chances to create art have I ignored, or postponed, or crossed out, or tossed in the trash because they didn't meet my inner critic's perfectionist expectations? Danny Gregory will open your eyes and your mind to the creative capabilities you were born with; your inner child. The creativespark that is gradually extinguished as we move up the ladder of regimented society. His message applies to any creative endeavor, not just fine arts. Music, poetry, needlework, cooking, photography, birdwatching...any creative, meditative outlet that appeals to you can benefit from his simple but powerful ideas. And it doesn't stop with the last page...he provides numerous websites to bolster, refresh, and even share your creativity and enthusiasm. Everyone should read this book!

Leggere questo libro è stato come fare una lunga ed interessante chiacchierata con un amico: ho ricevuto consigli, sorriso alle battute, scoperto cose nuove e ricordato altre chiuse nel dimenticatoio. Mi sono sentita supportata e soprattutto spronata a continuare a disegnare. Grazie Danny

From an eating disorder to an art disorder, & two books & ideas mixed into ONE:Art Before Breakfast —> for the anorexic in me that doesn’t eat breakfast but, I will if I can draw most of it. If I eat, GREAT! Even more benefits Calories & Art Collection! the 2nd Art Practise I’ve always tried to take part in myself:“15 minutes of Art Per Day” …. just for me, just for you, just to let the artists screaming to get out of you, when you’re fighting with the Morning finish your cereal time or JUST ON WEEKENDS “hey let’s bring out art to the table today”—> most kids don’t get to do that.THIS IS THEE GREATEST BOOK.The best part is ….. APPARENTLY RIGHT NOW I HAVE THE ONLLY REGULAR HARD COPY VERSION!!!BEAUTY $$$

Je le recommande à tous ceux qui veulent dessiner sans académisme, juste pour le plaisir. Il est adapté aux débutants et aux plus avancés. Beaucoup de liberté et de joie. Plein d’exemples qui permettent de trouver de l’inspiration.

I loved his first section to get you sketching something each day before breakfast. I tried all the techniques and surprised myself by things I could draw, that I’d previously thought were too hard. The rest of the book is a collection of tips and encouragements to try different techniques and locations, so the ‘art before breakfast’ section is really only at the beginning. This is a beautiful, playful and very useful book for anyone wanting to try sketching or improve their skills.

Life changing.Danny Gregory makes you shed inhibitions and/or reservations you may have regarding making art.Well written, delightfully illustrated, a good confidence builder for the beginner to turn them into a regular practitioner. If you always wanted to make art but had hesitation to actually do, this book is your magic mantra. Danny tells you how to enjoy making art.I've been a more active artist post this book and signing up into his Facebook group 'Everyday Matters'.