15 Great Books for Artists

Do you enjoy a good art book during your downtime from painting? That is probably a big YES! Artists love to read about other artists, get inspiration or learn about new techniques. Maybe it has something to do with the individualistic nature of painting. We love to have private time to reflect and think about creativity. With that in mind and the coming holiday season, I compiled a list of books from my library. See if you want to add any of these titles to your library.

A video summary:

Tried and Tested Books for Artists:
Now we're getting to that time of year where people are looking at presents for their friends, family, and if you got an artist in that circle, some art materials, always a good choice. And, of course, some art books. And I had a look through my art library. I've got tons of books. Some I read more than others, and some I go back to all the time. So I pulled out a whole bunch of my favorite ones and I'm going to show them to you and they might give you some ideas as well of things you'd like to add to your library or gift to a special friend or family member.

These are print copies from my personal collection. Books that I have read and can suggest as great additions to any artists library. They appear in no particular order:

The Art Spirit by Robert Henri 
It's a really fantastic, inspirational book, written by an artist and famous art teacher who taught some of the greats in the early 1900s. Filled with anecdotes. My copy has lots of bookmarks and notes in it. I've used this book often and you can read it whenever you need some insights into the art life, art process, or even some painting tips.

No pictures, just excellent writing. And you'll refer to this book often if you love art. 

Van Gogh in Arles by Ronald Pickvance. 
It's filled with information about Van Gogh's time in Arles.
I think he created some of his most iconic work while in Arles. There are his sketches, there's his famous paintings and descriptions about what he was up to, his letters, fascinating information. Now, for more art inspiration and discovering in your creative Self, the famous bestseller by Julia Cameron. The artists will develop your artistic inspiration, your artistic process, finding out more about yourself and how to break through many of the barriers psychological and practical. 

Capturing the Moment in Oils by David Curtis
I have several books written by famous artists and one of my favorites is the British artist David Curtis.
Capturing The Moment In Oils, and filled with beautiful photographs of his fantastic paintings and descriptions of his painting process and tips, etc. So if you're a landscape artist and you love the light in the landscape, then Capturing A Moment In Oils but over Curtis is a must. 

Inspired By Light by Ken Howard 
Another great British artist who sadly passed away this year is Ken Howard. And his book, Inspired By Light, is also filled with beautiful pictures of his work and descriptions of his painting process and how he developed his art over the years. Really wonderful book.

Ken Howard is going to be sadly missed. 

Landscape Painting by Mitchell Albala 
Now, for an instructional book, I could also recommend Mitchell Albala's book, Landscape Painting. Just about everything you need to know about landscape painting in what really is a monumental work. So much information, very useful. And you can refer to this many, many times in the future.

Landscape Painting Inside and Out by Kevin Macpherson
Now of course, I cannot leave out Kevin McPherson's books on landscape painting inside and out and Fill Your Oil Paintings With Light and Color. As you can see, these remaining are studio, close at hand, covered in paint I'm sure Gavin McPherson would approve. Tons of really beautiful paintings, beautiful photographs, information that is essential to any contemporary Impressionist painter. 

Reflections On A Pond by Kevin Macpherson
And on the subject of Kevin McPherson is his book Reflections on a Pond in which he records his pursuit of painting one particular scene on every day of the year. And this was a gift to me from my wife and inscribed by Kevin McPherson as well.

So it's a treasured gift and something I can sit back and look at from time to time to inspire me. 

Carlson's Guide to Landscape Painting by John F. Carlson.
Another excellent instructional book. Carlson's Guide to Landscape Painting by John F. Carlson. This is an older style book, written in the early 1900s, as you can see, black and white.

But the information is timeless and it's certainly for the dedicated artist who really wants to hone their craft. Carlson's Guide to Landscape Painting will do you right.

Alla Prima by Richard Schmid
Another great artist who passed away a few years ago, Richard Schmid Alla Prima. There's also an Alla Prima ii. My copy is his first edition of the book. And as it says, everything I know about painting.

Some wonderful information and photographs, but information that you won't easily find except through the words of a master and Richard Schmid is exactly that. 

The Life and Works of Monet by Susie Hodge
Now, this list wouldn't be complete without something involving Claude Monet. I refer to this book very often. There, of course, probably hundreds of different books on Claude Monet, but the life and works of Monet by Susie Hodge. A book that is always close at hand.

And if you've been doing any of my lessons and courses, you'll note that I refer to this book quite often to illustrate or provide examples of great Impressionist painting. 

52 Weeks of Creative Living by Malcolm Dewey ?
Now perhaps you can forgive me for a few shameless references to a couple of my own books. An Artist's Survival Guide and 52 Weeks of Creative Living. Available in Kindle format, epubs and also paperback, as you see here.

Trees and Lanes, A Collection of Paintings
My latest little book, a collection of paintings and anecdotes etc, Trees and Lanes. And you can find this on Blurb as hard cover or soft cover. I've put links to the books below this video or you can find them in your local store, perhaps have a look and you may be able to find something really great. 

So if you think I've left out a great book, perhaps one of your favorite books, let me know in the comments what is your top book and it might give me something to read over the coming holidays as well. Now, if you haven't got your free printing course, remember there's a link for you up here or also in the description.

And if you haven't subscribed, well, do so now. Just get that done, click subscribe, hit notifications, and you won't miss another video. Well, all I can say is happy painting and happy reading, and we'll see you in the next video. 

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