Art books are essential for any artist, from experienced professionals to those just starting out on their creative journey. The right art book can provide valuable insight, give the artist inspiration and direction, and help them to refine their craft. Here is a list of some of the best art books every artist should read.
Art Theory
- Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking by David Bayles and Ted Orland
This book is a must-read for any artist. It offers a great introduction to the world of art theory, exploring the psychology of making art and the fear that can often accompany it. It gives the reader valuable insight into why we make art, how to stay motivated and get the most out of the creative process.
- The Lives of the Artists by Giorgio Vasari
This book is an excellent source of inspiration for any artist. Written in the 16th century by Giorgio Vasari, it provides biographical information on the lives of many famous Italian Renaissance artists. It is a great way to gain understanding of the history of art theory and development of art techniques, helping provide context and discover great sources of inspiration.
Drawing and Painting
- Keys to Drawing by Bert Dodson
This book is an invaluable resource for anyone just starting out in the world of drawing and painting. It offers a step-by-step introduction on how to obtain the basic skills of observation, value and proportion. It is an accessible, yet comprehensive guide which provides an excellent foundation for anyone who is just beginning to learn about the technical aspects of art.
- Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards
This book is an excellent way for the reader to learn and develop an understanding of how to create meaningful artwork. Exploring concepts such as illusion and visual perception, it takes a creative approach to learning and encourages the reader to improve their understanding and execution of artwork.
Coloring and Mixed Media
- The Master Guide to Drawing Anime by Christopher Hart
This book is perfect for those interested in exploring the world of Japanese anime art. It explains the fundamentals of anime drawing and provides detailed instructions on how to create professional level artwork. The great mix of step-by-step tutorials and examples make this an excellent introduction to the world of coloring and mixed media art.
- The Art of Seeing – A Drawing Course by Paul Calle
This book is a great way to learn how to draw and paint with an emphasis on observational drawing. It encourages the reader to take a traditional approach to art instruction, exploring composition, composition, and the fundamentals of light and shade. It is an excellent resource for anyone looking to develop their observational drawing skills.
Design and Composition
- The Principles of Design Applied to Painting by John Ruskin
This book is a timeless classic which explores the principles of design and composition as they apply to painting. It provides an in-depth look into the aesthetic properties of art and goes into detail about the use of colour, light and shade, and perspective in creating a beautiful painting. It is a must read for any artist who is interested in exploring the fundamentals of design.
- Composition in Landscape Painting by J.M.W. Turner
This book is an excellent resource for any artist wanting to explore the fundamentals of composition. Written by the great British painter J.M.W. Turner, it provides an insight into the importance of composition in landscape painting. It demonstrates the use of effective design elements in creating beautiful pieces of art and provides a great foundation for any artist who wants to create more compelling compositions.
Art books are an essential resource for any artist, providing valuable insight and a great source of inspiration. There are many great art books available, from books on theory and design, to those which focus on specific types of art. This list provides just a few of the best classic art books that every artist should read, with something for everyone, no matter the artistic experience or discipline.
