Rembrandt Is in the Wind: Learning to Love Art through the Eyes of Faith

What are we trying to say when we create?  What do we want people to see? Feel? Learn? Where do we want to take them through our creations? What do we want them to discover? Whether we are creating through painting, sculpting, sewing, drawing, acting or other ways these are questions we ask.Russ Ramsey's book Rembrandt is in the Wind is a book that explores these questions. This book is part art History, biography, art exploration, and looking at art through eyes of faith. I was not sure what to expect when I saw this book but I was taken on a journey on how to look at and appreciate art. How to discover lessons of faith through viewing art. Rembrandt is in the Wind is a unique book which needs to be read slower and savored. It needs to be pondered over. Russ Ramsey uses the lives of master painters such as Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Michelangelo, and others to illustrate Biblical themes, such as community, loneliness, beauty from brokenness, and more. I found this book interesting and informative. It was a little harder to read as I am not as familiar with art, art terms, and artists. I did however expect more content on faith or the Bible as this sometimes got lost to me in the book in the midst of the artists life stories. I think I was expecting the book to examine paintings of Biblical scenes and relate them to Scriptures and examine the Bible stories behind the paintings. Instead Russ Ramsey relates the artists life, experiences, paintings and more to Biblical themes and concepts. This book was enjoyable to read and opened my eyes to a new way of viewing art and other creative works. The author includes appendixes that further go into art exploration and the eras of art. I was introduced to new artists by reading this book and a new way of viewing art. I recommend this book to artists and non artists alike as it gives an overview of some master painters and their paintings; the different art eras such as impressionism, renaissance, and more; and art appreciation and exploration.I received an advanced copy of this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Before visiting the Isabella Gardner Museum in Boston, I simply read the chapter on Rembrandt’s famous painting, The Storm on the Sea of Galilee, to better acquaint myself with one of the 13 pieces of art that was stolen -and never recovered- in the infamous 1990 heist. Ramsay’s writing is so accessible, informative and inspiring that I was compelled to continue digging for information on the other 12 missing masterpieces culminating in the most informative and enlightening visit to an art museum I’ve ever had. This book has opened my eyes on how to visit an art museum, how to look at art (both are covered in the end chapters), and most importantly has filled me with a yearning to discover more. After my museum visit, I couldn’t wait to come home and finish the book. It is transcendent.

I loved this book for many reasons. Having studied both Art History and Fine Arts years ago, I loved the stories of the artists. Describing the support they received from family, friends, and acquaintances gave me pause. How many would not have become famous without critical people in their lives? The artists came across with more humanity than a typical art history book that often only looks at art movements, techniques, and an artist's place in history.The book showed the struggles and successes of nine artists. The writing was not highbrow but showed sympathy towards the artist while describing the culture they were living in. The book was inspirational in showing how certain artists survived and thrived. It was sad when talking about artists whose lives were cut short due to circumstances.Being a Christian, I appreciated the references to scripture, but I think most people could appreciate the stories outside of those references. (Hopefully, it would not deter someone from reading the book.)I would have dearly loved to have read this book when I was in school. Often Art History will elevate an artist to only reflect on his/her genius and put them on a pedestal. This book makes these artists real and approachable.Finally, the Epilogue spoke to me on a personal level that is hard to put into words.It was an act of faith to buy and read this book because the author was new to me. If you have any interest in the arts, I think you will enjoy it.

This was a supplement to our Sunday School Class. Two artists from the class facilitated the lessons. Not knowing much about art/artists, the book was a tremendous help. Wonderful pictures of masterpieces, and mini-biographies of famous artists.

A wonderful book on the way that art can inspire our faith. I love this quote from the book. "The pursuit of beauty requires the application of goodness and truth for the benefit of others. Beauty is what we make of goodness and truth."

This was a very interesting and informative read It kept my interest constantly. I was introduced to lives and works of formally unknown artists. Quotes were challenging and profound. Having read many books especially on art and artists, this is especially well written.

Meu livro chegou com algumas páginas grudadas… achei o material (papel das páginas) de baixa qualidade, e qdo fui separar as páginas, algumas até rasgaram um pouco 😞

I loved this book and have already recommended it to so many friends! It takes you through the lives of various artists to see how the mystery of faith is outworked in different lives and circumstances. I found so many more books to read through the notes and appendix and it has increased my appreciation for art.