The Art of Soul: An Artist's Guide to Spirituality

Peter Harmathy teaches fine arts in Victoria.

Regina Coupar is a visual artist, educator, publisher, and author who
lives in Chester Basin, Nova Scotia. She is also “a preacher and
workshop leader who [advocates] the creative process as an accessible
approach to spiritual development.”

This “instruction book” for art and for the soul is divided into
four sections, which are subdivided into 12 chapters containing 10
lessons. Each section, and chapter, builds on its predecessor, moving
the reader toward a higher level of artistic mastery and spiritual
development. The book is meant to be read intently and conscientiously,
while completing the recommended exercises. The 10 art lessons start
with simpler concepts of line and shape, then progress to more complex
concepts such as color, composition, and personal critique. Each art
lesson is followed by a theological discussion that draws on historical,
biblical, and Eastern religious perspectives, which is interrelated to
the lesson. The lessons are reinforced with numerous illustrations.
Coupar encourages readers to keep their own journals in words and
images, and includes blank pages interspersed throughout the book for
this purpose.

The Art of Soul provides excellent lessons and exercises for the
developing artist, as well as a useful review for those more
accomplished. This reviewer was most interested in the insightful
discussions on matters relating to the soul, God, achieving true purpose
through the practice of art. One does not have to belong to any faith to
be enlightened and stimulated by Coupar’s views.