The Journal of an Artist

I gave this to a friend who was an artist in her younger years and traveled the world. It's a beautiful journal to help him remember the days.

For over 20 years, I have been trying to find more work done by artist David Palladini. I treasure the two Tarot decks he created many years ago,and remember with great appreciation his astrology posters and the occasional illustrations he did for various magazines. But it seemed to me that he had disappeared, and I had just about given up when, lo and behold, The Journal of an Artist appeared! I bought it immediately, and after reading it, and marveling at his story-telling ability, and his candor in recounting his adventures in France, upstate New York, and Jamaica, I bought 4 additional copies to send to friends.I understand that the publisher, Black Swan Press, will soon be publishing a second book which will compare the two Tarot decks he created and discuss in detail the symbolism and usefulness of the Tarot cards as a means to explore one's inner journey and the landscape of one's personal, professional and spiritual life. I can't wait!!!

Upon reading this thoughtful book, I was taken with the artist's ability to reflect on his emotions and express them so well. The art he has created is a reflection of a very unique personality and the adventurous life he has led. I would recommend it for anyone wishing to share the insights of an artist and for the beautiful art work included in the book.Margreta Klassen, Ph.D.Adult Development PsychologistNewport Beach, CA

This is a must read for any Palladini fan, and for any aspiring, professional or commercial artists, or for any artist who may have or is thinking about giving up on his art or career as an artist. The short stories within the book are inspiring true tales & experiences of pretty much every facet of an artists life; the hardships faced, moments of clarity, rejection, appreciation, or seeming chance encounters, humorous stories, emotions, love, sex, serendipity/synchronicity, romance, art sales made/sales lost, things learned...you name it--all written with bracingly honest words from an artist who has made a significant contribution to the art world, not only an artist, painter & illustrator, but also as a respected teacher, photographer and author.The book is written in such a way that each short story is only about a page or so long (some shorter than others, some two on a page), and there are even some poems & original song lyrics included, which all makes for an easy and delightful read. There are 103 individual short stories in all, which include the location & date of each story and some are even titled. I found myself laughing quite often out loud at some of David's phraseology of specific humorous incidents or certain funny statements made within each story. The book is packed with fantastic & beautiful full-color artwork illustrations (and a few B&W's) of David's, most of which have never been published before and/or been seen by the world (35 total images of: Pastels, Oils, Magic Maker illustrations and colored pencil/pencil drawings). The book is 147pgs, with an authors note at the beginning, contents list, and an added index list of the images at the end. I would highly recommend this book to basically everyone, not just artists. Everybody can walk away with something inspirational in this book to help them within their own life-journey. LOVED IT!!!

An insightful and beautiful book of journal entries throughout Mr. Palladini's life. The Journal of an Artist, was much like envisioning what a painting would be with words. Travels, feelings, depth, soul... Real, authentic, and lovely. In Pace Requiescat, The Legend, Monsieur Palladini <3, You will forever inspire me.A.Om

From the very first story in this book, I felt like I was reading about my own life experiences. As I shared it with other artist friends, it became clear that we had all lived through many common experiences, felt the same rejections, were frustrated in many of the same ways, and were flabbergasted by people's inability to understand all that we go through to produce this thing called art. Ego is revealed and torn apart. Loneliness is explored. Misunderstanding of what is unique and wretched from our insides is explored. This collection of short stories is priceless. Whether a fine artist, or artistic in nature... or just trying to understand a friend or loved one that is artistic... you must read this book. I'm sure you will love it as much as I do.

An insightful look into the life, art and emotions of a wonderful man