Ian Fennelly Reviews 46

I have all of Ian Fennelly's books. I purchased them in hard-cover because they are and continue to be enjoyed almost daily. I have them easily accessible and visible in my great room for anyone who visits to enjoy. In addition to being absolutely beautiful each is so inspirational. (I am also a huge fan of Ian's classes.) I am back into my art thanks to him!

Finding Your Inspiration is a book with generous doses of quality reproductions of Ian Fennelly’s Urban Sketches and a narrative that sounds like a personal conversation between the reader (artist) and author (Ian Fennelly). After a short chapter describing materials and technique, the bulk of the book is organized by location. From Liverpool, Paris, and Venice to Santa Fe, San Antonio and many others, it is fascinating to learn about the process of highlighting the details and feeling the space you are sketching. I soon learned that a successful sketch tells a story and exudes a feeling that is captured by the artist. It definitely lives up to the book’s title, Finding Your Inspiration. This is a book I will come back to again and again to refresh my inspiration.

Illustrative and inspiring. Excellent!

Really nice quality book with informative illustrations, it will definitely help me to progress my artworks.

There is so much information in this book. Supplies, techniques, color notes, This is the perfect companion to the Finding your inspiration which I had first purchased. The story telling makes it all such interesting reading. I haven't yet completed it because I get sidetracked studying all the paintings. Great Book

Great art , I love it

The latest book by Ian is fantastic. Big bright pictures and the most entertaining of stories told only the way that Ian can tell them. Certainly a book for finding one's own inspiration to draw and to find that inspiration in the simplest of subject matters. Also a quick reference to learn how to position a picture, get the best perspective and use the right colours. A lovely book for the coffee table within easy reach when the need arises.

Ian generously shares his vast experience and technical mastery, guiding us on a worldwide adventure. Through vibrant colors and bold lines, he brings memorable places to life. The book is filled with candid stories and valuable advice for aspiring artists, making it a captivating read. As always, it’s a delightful experience—I can’t wait for the next one!

Hi, I have just this morning finished reading Ian's new book. Apart from the fact that I was maybe expecting some more information on technique with sketching & watercolour, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about all the beautiful places where Ian found inspiration. The book is beautifully presented. The quality is excellent. I have been to a few of these places & the book has inspired me to sift through my photos & hopefully have a go !

I love this book and the excellent sections of various cities and countries you have painted. I hope, only hope, that one day I can make it to Berlin to sketch in a similar style.

The book is just splendid. If it just contained all the wonderful artwork it would be worth the price. But the added delightful text that provides an in depth insight into Ian's thought process during the creative process is a huge bonus. The book has inspired me to dig a little deeper and to interact and engage with the subject matter of my paintings to a much greater extent.

Finding my Inspiration.
I have found Ian's book a fascinating insight into his personal development to reach a style he is obviously comfortable with.
However I am a retired Civil Engineer who does not have the time or money to travel to all these marvellous places with my sketchbook. If only Ian was about when I was working overseas years ago. Now I will have to rely mainly on my catalogue of photographs from home and abroad. As an Engineer I am also finding it very hard to get looser and away from straight lines and right angles. However perspective is no problem.
After first reading through all of Ian's book I now tend to use it as a reference for ideas on subject layout and aspect together with use of the different pens and colours for each part of the subject. What is missing for me are any reference photographs of the original subject to allow me to study Ian's choice, aspect/view, layout and interpretation of the subject.

The team quickly sorted out the delay in my order and I'm delighted to say the book arrived soon after. A beautiful book full of inspirational art. Very glad to have bought it.

It's a great book, good size, great information and nice complement to my library of art books. It's absolutely my favorite. Very helpful in my struggle in urban sketching. I would find it helpful if there were before pictures of the actual scenes. I find it interesting how some scenes have a different perspective which is obviously part of an artists 'interpretation'. This is part of my struggle as an architect. I deal in absolute reality. Again a great book for reference. Thanks.

I would love to leave a review. Good or bad. But a month after acquiring my copy, I'm still waiting for it to arrive at my house. What I can say is that it has tested my patience. If at some point it gets into my hands I will be happy to give my opinion on your book.

Was asked to give a review on Ian’s book . Well, I ordered the book a one month ago, but haven’t received it, so quit difficult to give a review at this stage. Wonder if it turns up

Hi Ian
Recently bought your new book, find this a joy to read and look at all the illustrations. I like the quirkiness of your work, the humour, the colours and can get transported to various places from looking at your book from 5 minutes to much longer.
One thing I find disappointing is that some of the drawings get split over the book crease, can it not be printed in landscape form? It would add much to the overall finish of the book. Enjoy both your books.
I am restarting Free USC then will restart Beginners after. Stay safe.

This book is filled with inspiration and examples of how to interpret the urban environment. Fascinating.

I love this book; I got it after doing a course with Ian and the team in Chester. The book is full of magnificent paintings and Ian's humor. Having met Ian and the team this book means so much more to me. I will use this as my point of reference as I continue to learn.

I so love Ian's new book!! It is beautiful to look at and very informative as to the working methods for the sketches. It is well produced and great reproductions! A real coffee table treasure! Compliments Ian's online courses very well!