The Best Books for Artists

Book of the Month - March

This Month's Recommendation

I just purchased this book for myself and I'm very excited to share it with you!

The Artists Way Every Day by Julia Cameron
If you liked The Artist's Way or Vein Of Gold you will love this small book of daily inspirations for artists. This is a wonderful way to fill your inner creative well every day and nurture your inner muse.

I look forward to reading each day's selection because i come away enriched, renewed and ready to create.

Great gift, or great for yourself!

Plein Air Painting Books

Now's the time to get ready for the plein air season. I've chosen a few good reads and a couple of DVD's to get you inspired.

The Fundamentals: Drawing and Sketching

Let's start at the very beginning, learn the basic tools of art with these highly recommended books.

Drawing and Sketching Tools

A blank sketchbook is an invitation to take a creative journey. Good quality sketchbooks and pencils and markers are the essential tools of every artist.

Need Some Help Getting Started with a Sketchbook?

These books actually take you through the process of creating a personal sketchbook. Fun and motivating!

Sketchbooks that are Sure to Inspire

There's nothing more intriguing than to get a look inside an artists sketchbook. Find your way into the artists creative process and watch as ideas and inspiration come to life on the pages of a sketchbook.

More Inspiring Sketchbooks

Books on Color Theory

understanding and using color effectively

Color is the element of art that is most recognizable, most expressive and communicates the most emotion. It can also be the most difficult to get a handle on. Here are some books to help you unlock the secrets of color and make it work for you in your own paintings. These books skip the very technical snoozefest of more scholarly works and give you practical, easy to understand concepts you can put to work right away.

Oil Painting Books for Beginners

If you're just starting out with oil paints you'll need information about paint, brushes, mediums, supports, canvas, and techiniques. These books will get you started.

Essentials and Fun Stuff for Oil Painters

Watercolor Books for Beginners

Watercolor is the most popular medium among beginners. It's easy clean up with soap and water and use of paper as a support seems to be very appealing. However, mastering this beautiful medium with its glowing transparency is no easy task. Here are some good books to get you started.

Watercolor Sets to Get You Started

When you're just beginning it's nice to get a set of materials rather than try and choose from the hundreds of colors, brushes and papers available.

Starting out with Acrylics

Acrylic paints are the medium of the choice for many contemporary artists. They are the most versatile of all the different types of paint. You can use them like watercolor or like oils, there's a broad range of colors and additives that can modify the consistency of the paint. Paintings can be varnished and don't need to be framed under glass, but can be if they're on paper. Clean up is easy with soap and water. Lots of advantages, few drawbacks. Here are some great instruction books to get you started.

Ready to Paint with Acrylics?

Here are some acrylic painting kits to get you started!

Pastel Painting for Beginners

Imagine painting with hundreds of intensley pigmented pastels. Rich, smooth color gliding onto the paper. These books will tell you how.

Great Products for Pastellists

More Portrait Painting Books

Recommended Books on Colored Pencil

Colored pencil is a beautiful medium and a nice bridge between drawing and painting, for those new to creating art.

Colored Pencil Sets

Below you'll find artist quality colored pencil sets that you're sure to love.

Learn How to Paint with Oil Pastels

Oil pastels are completely different from "soft pastels", they are, as the name suggests, made with oil, and are something like oil paint in stick form.

Learn to Paint Portraits

Portrait painting is a wonderful pursuit whether you want to paint your family and friends or take on commissions for profit, these recommended books will get you started.

Oil Pastel Sets for Beginners

Learn to Paint Pet Portraits

Don't forget our furry friends! Painting pet portraits can be very rewarding, and a good source of commissions for the accomplished artist.

"HOW TO" Art Books for Kids

Here are some fun books that teach kids the fundamentals of art.

Art Books for Children

Introduce your children or grandchilddren to the wonderful world of art!

More Great Art Books for Children

Give the Gift of Art to your Children

Art can be such a positive force in child's life. It helps them see beauty, express themselves, encourages thoughtfulness and they can have fun too!