Inside the Painter's Studio

The use of a standard list of questions really helps to keep each interview focused and consistent. Fig does a really great job and the book is nicely illustrated to take you into each artists creative world. I do have some criticisms. Too much of one area, namely NY, you know, Soho, Tribeca and traditional artists havens. It would have been nice that other areas of the country were included to round things out. I have a second comment to make, and its just not only this book, but books about artist studios in general. I am struck by the fact that many f the studios are very, very large, the artists working on what are often enormous sized canvases. And the locations are not cheap either, sometimes they have. besides their Manhattan lofts, places in the Hamptons too. This makes you feel that artists are just rich bums that have much and time on their hands and the money to indulge themselves. Some of the artists make such overly cerebral statements, this is no reflection at all on Fig, but on the artists who often come off (imo) as moneyed phony's. I remember one artist in the book that stated the studio location had no influence on his work, that it would be the same if he painted in a dark basement. Who is he kidding? But the book is still a very good one, despite the things I've mentioned, Fig has done an outstanding job, it would be nice to see a second book but including more down to earth figures. I haven't thought about what other questions he should ask, he seemed to cover most bases. A good book, a page turner, you will be entertained!

Although most of the painters are from a limited age group (thirties) and geographic area (NYC), this book is both fun and inspiring for visual artists like me. I like the frankness with which the artists describe their work habits. Years ago, I saw an exhibition of Joe Figg's miniature studios. The work was reverent, humorous, and fascinating. His book is just as carefully put together. I wish there were new editions with visits to other artists' studios.Update: My wish is answered by the blogs called studio critical, structure and imagery, painters' table, and two coats of paint.

I did not get much from this. Some interesting points and insights but not worth the investment in time and money. If you are really a painter you will not gain much information.

I enjoy all the varied views of artists and their work process. I loved they were all asked the same questions but the interviewer altered his questioning if the artist clicked on a tangent point. Well written and presented. Eye-opening into the creative mind and how it lives in the world. There's no one formula except to show up to the canvas. I'll reference this literature often.

I think JOE FIG is great! Been following him for a few years. I love the insights he gives to the artists work BUT I PURCHSED THESE BECAUSE OF THE MAQUETTE (models) he does of the ACTORS STUDIOS!They are just amazing!! I am a fan. GET THIS book if you are an aspiring artist OR engage in fantastic model work...like me. THANKS JOE FOR THE INSPIRATION!

I used to love checking this book out from the library when I was in college. Now that I’m revisiting it nearly a decade later, I can see how the painters featured represent a very specific time and place (and strata) of the New York art world. It’s a bit of a fantasy read in that sense. Big studios, big paintings (for the most part), blue chip gallery representation. The interviews are good and the frame around them is smart: I like the miniature studio set ups created by the author and interviewer. I am a proponent of “real” books even when they’re heavy art ones, but I would actually recommend the Kindle version of this because you can zoom in on the pictures. You might consider it as a companion to the physical one. The paperback print quality is grainy or softly blurred at times. My favorite interviews remain the ones with Dana Schutz, Amy Sillman, and Mary Heilman. Living legends.

This is an awesome book about artists and there working environment, and how they live and work.It is beautifully illustrated with lots of excellent photographs of artists studios.The artist questionnaire/interviews are great to.It is very interesting to get an inside look at what goes on behind the canvas of a nice variety of working artists.This is a side of art that we rarely get to see. I love it.EnjoyDave

Very inspiring book. Filled with photos of artists' studios and interviews with them...what could be better?! So many of the artists had wise things to say about making art, about the life of an artist and about being true to oneself. Seeing the small, crummy studios (as well as fabulous ones) that some of the successful artists have shows that having the perfect studio is NOT the key to making successful art.

This is a great book if you are an artist and enjoy reading about other artists process and studios. The photos that accompany are great and it's interesting to see each artists setup.

I just loved this book ...having a peek into the artist world is fascinating ...I'm looking forward to his second book

Excellent book.

I really enjoyed this book