Books and Guides for Creative Well-Being
Journals, guides and stories to help you create more, feel steadier and express what matters.
Hi, I'm Soma.
Everything on this shelf started the way my classes did: with the belief that creativity is for everyone, and that a little art, a little gratitude and some honesty about how we feel can change an ordinary day. I've written or co-written these books and guides to help you live a more authentic life at the crossroads of three things I care about most: creativity, a positive mindset and self-expression. Choose the shelf that fits where you are right now.
CHECK OUT OUR BOOKSHELVES!
Create:
Start making
You don't need talent or an expensive kit to begin. These free guides help you set up, choose simple supplies and take the mystery out of colour.
Art Made Simple
By Soma Mandal Datta
Format / price: Free ebook
Tags: Creativity
Drawing Supplies & Materials
A simple checklist of what you actually need to start drawing.
By Soma Mandal Datta
Format / price: Free guide
Tags: Creativity
The Zen of Colour Mixing
A free guide to mixing colour with more confidence and less stress.
By Soma Mandal Datta
Format / price: Free ebook Tags: Creativity
Reset: Find your footing
Some days it isn't one big thing. It's everything at once. These tools help you pause, get clear on what matters and take one small step at a time.
Note: These are reflection and practice tools. They can't promise particular results.
Too Much
By Soma Mandal Datta
Format / price: Digital guide (PDF) / 7.99 USD
Tags: Mindset
Capturing Dreams
A journal for writing down your dreams and goals and keeping them in sight.
By Soma Mandal Datta
Format / price: Paperback/ 25.95 USD
Tags: Mindset · Expression
The planner
An undated, printable and fillable planner for mums and busy entrepreneurs balancing home, family and work. Simple checklists and a "brain dump to next steps" page help you see what matters and take one small step at a time.
By Soma Mandal Datta
Format/Price: Digital download · printable and fillable PDF · undated · 44 pages · 9.99 USD
Tags: Mindset
Not ready to buy?
Start with a free guide: Paint Your Way to Well-Being →
Express: Put it on the page
Some feelings are easier to draw, write or tell as a story than to say out loud. These books give you, and the children in your life, a gentle way in.
draw your gratitude
By Soma Mandal Datta with Rashmi Yadav
Format / price: Paperback/ 9.99 USD
Tags: Creativity · Mindset
The Crab Who Couldn't Find a Friend
A gentle story about friendship, made for reading together. Children's stories keep life lessons simple, which is why they can mean just as much to grown-ups.
By Soma Mandal Datta
Format / price: Paperback, Kindle / 15.50 USD
Ages 4-8
Tags: Expression
The Mark-Making Playground
30 Easy Marks to Start Drawing — Even If You Think You Can’t Draw
A gentle introduction to intuitive and expressive drawing for complete beginners.
By Soma Mandal Datta Format / price: Ebook / FREE Tags: Creativity/ Expression
About Soma
Visual Artist, Author and Educator
I'm Soma Mandal Datta, an artist, art educator and author. I have a Bachelor's and PhD in Architecture [[confirm]], a teaching and learning qualification and coaching training. For over 16 years I've been showing beginners, more than 1,500 students so far, that anyone can paint. My art blends my Indian heritage with the landscapes of Australia, and my best ideas tend to arrive on quiet beach walks. I founded Tranquil Canvas Art Academy because I believe creativity is for everyone.
Our books and guides are creative and self-reflection resources. They are not therapy, medical treatment or a substitute for professional support. If you're finding things hard, please talk to your GP or a qualified mental health professional. In Australia, Lifeline is available 24/7 on 13 11 14 (confirm the number at lifeline.org.au before publishing).
