The Books Every Artist Should Have

We all know that our dear artist finds their inspiration in many different places. Some find their muse and technique in nature, while others in books. If you are in need of some new and fresh motivation for your art project, consider these books for artists, which will give you a new point of view!

In this blog post, we hope to provide you with essential literature – the books every artist should have in their collection. Without further ado, let’s dive into the world of fine art books!

Why Books are Important for Artists

Before we give you a list of artistry book, let’s discuss why books are important for artists in the first place.

Books are more than just sources of information. They open the door to the entire hidden world of expertise and imagination. For artists, in particular, books serve as gateaway into many different artistic cultures, histories, and styles. They will inspire your new projects and offer you new set of skills and techniques.

In addition, in today’s fast world of digital media, they will provide a much-needed break and focus on exploring art without distractions. Books encourage deep thinking and reflection. They are loaded with wisdom, technical guidance, and inspiration every artist needs.

The Best Book on Every Artist

You understand that it’s impossible to cover every artist completely in just one book, however, some books get pretty close. These books express the essence of many artists’ philosophies, works, and techniques that make them unique.

One such book is “The Story of Art” by Ernst Gombrich. Ernst wrote about Western art history, making this piece a great source for a better acknowledgment of the evolution of art through the ages.

Another book that must be on your shelf is “Ways of Seeing” by John Berger. Berger encourages readers to understand the socio-political context of artworks. In addition, this book will equip you with tools to interpret art in a broader framework. Great way to enrich your creative process!

“Art Through the Ages” by Helen Gardner is another must-have. It’s loaded with art history, not only Western but also Eastern and African forms. You have to read it if you wish to broaden your understanding of art on a global scale.

If You Seek Inspiration..

“Steal Like an Artist” by Austin Kleon will give you that spark of inspiration you need! This book reminds readers that creativity is a combination of remixing and borrowing ideas in novel ways. It’s filled with advice that will encourage you to find your inspiration in unexpected places.

This amazing piece by Patti Smith will inspire you with its visual storytelling for sure! “Just Kids” offers a glimpse into the creative process back in the 1960s in New York City.

Alan Fletcher helped many artists spark their creativity with “The Art of Looking Sideways”. Draw inspiration from this treasure trove of quotes, images, and humorous insights.

Artistry Books to Elevate Your Craft

For those looking to hone their skills, “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain” by Betty Edwards is an invaluable resource. It revolutionizes the way artists understand the drawing process. Inside, you can find exercises that will help you shift the cognitive approach to drawing.

If you love to paint, “Color and Light” by James Gurney will help you understand how light interacts with color to create depth and mood. A great addition to your library!

John Ruskin provided us with timeless principles of comsposition and observation in his book “The Elements of Drawing”. It will change the way you look at your subject.

Art Project Books to Unlock Your Creativity

If you are looking for practical projects to improve your skills, search no more than “The Artist’s Way” written by Julia Cameron. A series of reflections and exercises will unlock your creativity. The book focuses on breaking through psychological barriers.

To expand your drawing skills, “Keys to Drawing” by Bert Dodson covers basics such as shape, line, and form. This book is excellent for both beginners and experienced artists.

Danielle Krysa wrote “Creative Block”, which includes interviews with 50 successfull artists who share their stories on how they overcome creative obstacles.

Happy Reading and Creating

Books are more than just pages, they are the door to the whole world out there waiting to be explored. They provide you with the inspiration you need for your future projects, guidance, and a sense of connection to a broader artistic community.

Whether you are looking for new inspiration or improving your skills, the right book can make a huge difference. Creating a personal library is like an investment in your creative future, and that same personal collection offers a lifetime of learning. It is a neverending source of knowledge, inspiration, motivation, and everything you will ever need. Start by exploring some of the books mentioned in this blog! Happy reading!