Creating something on your own gives an intense feeling of joy, doesn’t it? Art is aesthetic and releases happy chemicals inside the brain. So, today we have handpicked the best books for art lovers to improve their artistic skills and get new ideas.
P.s: We have arranged all books artistically in alphabetical order because art always keeps our creativity in order!
So, let’s get started with the best books for art lovers:
#1 Creative Paint Workshop for Mixed-Media Artists by Ann Baldwin
About the Book
Title: Creative Paint Workshop for Mixed-Media Artists
Author: Ann Baldwin
Genre: Art/Visual art
Publisher: Quarry Books
Type: Standalone
Pages: 144
Goodreads rating: 4.0/5
A book for art enthusiasts. It is a workshop-style book oriented to the broad community of crafters and artists, including those interested in paint, surface design, mixed media, and collage. It explores a wide variety of innovative and experimental paint techniques. Chapters cover composition, abstraction, texture, layering, using found objects, encaustic, integrating text, and adding digital imagery. It speaks about breaking some art rules. The author writes about several mediums and allows one to flow the creativity. The book is aesthetically presented, along with the works of the author. Also, tips are given frequently and described in detail. After a brief introduction, there is a step-by-step project. Then, one can work on it by themselves or in a group.
Why do we recommend this book?
This book pleased me visually with its inspiration and motivation. Mix media has always been an intriguing theme. However, there are no specific rules here for the flow of creativity. Instead, I found it a handy book giving a brief idea and style to create your piece. Projects with step-by-step guidance gave ideas to include collages and words in the work. The book is amazingly creative and handy for all art lovers.
To buy/gift Creative Paint Workshop for Mixed-Media Artists, click on the below link :
#2 Drawing in Black White by Deborah Velasquez
About the Book
Title: Drawing in Black White
Author: Deborah Velasquez
Genre: Art/Drawing
Publisher: Quarry Books
Type: Standalone
Pages: 144
Goodreads rating: 3.8/5
As the title speaks out loud, it’s all about black and white art. Working with only positive and negative lines and shapes focuses on the basics: composition, balance, and harmony. And using white and black gel, ink, and paint pens on black, tan, and gray papers allows you to experience drawing in a new way! Drawing in Black & White is a clever drawing and design book that contains 36 inspiring exercises, a gallery of artwork, and 16 black, gray, and tan sheets for drawing, doodling, and experimenting. You’ll find lessons on drawing, pattern drawing, drawing with cut paper, and simple collage. Learn to see your drawings in a new way by drawing in black and white! This book gives a clear idea of why to follow the black and white approach.
Why do we recommend this book?
This book is perfect for one who wants to play with black and white. As an artist flowing the pen through paper is the best feeling. I loved the simplicity and the wide variety of exercises with two primary colors, black and white. The author is focused. I found most of the materials are economical and how can I forget inktober month! The book is practical and short, crisp and to the point.
To buy/gift Drawing in Black White, click on the below link :
#3 Drawing on the right side of the Brain by Betty Edwards
About the Book
Title: Drawing on the right side of the brain
Author: Betty Edwards
Genre: Art/Drawing
Publisher: Walter Foster Publishing
Type: Standalone
Pages: 315
Goodreads rating: 3.8/5
Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain Workbook accompanies the world’s most widely used drawing instruction book by Betty Edwards. This workbook reinforces the five basic skills of drawing and includes: 40 exercises to practice your drawing abilities, a range of subject matters from portrait drawing and still life, to landscapes and imaginative drawing, advice for a variety of mediums such as pen and ink, charcoal and graphite and a pull-out viewfinder tool. The original Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain helps artists nurture the creative right side of the brain, dramatically improving your ability to draw, whether you are a professional, an artist in training, or someone who draws for a hobby. This workbook will help you practice that knowledge with success at every step.
Why do we recommend this book?
One thing that changed after reading this book is my perspective. How many of us notice what we see? Why do some drawings so realistic? Is it inherited, already embedded in DNA, or something we are missing? Betty took me on an enlightening journey of understanding how to see things before starting a sketch or a drawing. Sketching portraits was an impossible zone for me with distorted lips and eyes. After practicing the exercises in this book, I saw drastic changes in my sketches. My portraits were at the edge of the similarity I was trying to achieve!. I would like to say this is the best shot book to try for all art lovers.
To buy/gift Basic Drawing on the right side of the Brain, click on the below link:
#4 Draw 50 Flowers, Trees, and Other Plants by Lee J. Ames, P. Lee Ames
About the Book
Title: Draw 50 Flowers, Trees, and Other Plants
Author: Lee J. Ames, P. Lee Ames
Genre: Art/Drawing
Publisher: Watson-Guptill
Type: Standalone
Pages: 278
Goodreads rating: 3.6/5
Draw 50 Flowers, Trees, and Other Plants show artists of all levels to draw easily by following simple, step-by-step examples. Celebrated author Lee J. Ames shows you how to create a lush garden of roses, orchids, cacti, a variety of fruit, and forests of towering firs, sequoias, and weeping willows. Ames has bought a visual approach to flowers and plants. It is a simple book with 50 illustrations. Before the introduction, it follows the name and family of the flowers and plants, etc. Adding to this, this is a practical book with no theory. Then on each page, each step of the picture is presented. These are easy and simple so that the artist can look at each stage and create the designs.
Why do we recommend this book?
A sketchbook, a coffee sip, and a pencil make a day for an artist. This book comes with a handful of ideas for those who are into floral designs. If you are expecting theoretical instructions, I would like to say that this book follows only a visual approach to drawing things. Each step of drawing is presented until the result. Then, the reader has to try it on their own. Though it depends on one’s preference on what one is looking for in this type of book, I loved the virtual tour of the drawing things the most. This is an excellent book for all beginners. The best guide for those who love more visuals than theoretical instructions.
To buy/gift, Draw 50 Flowers, Trees, and Other Plants, click on the below link :
#5 Origami Artist’s Bible by Ashley Wood
About the Book
Title: Origami Artist’s Bible
Author: Ashley Wood
Genre: Art/Design/Craft
Publisher: Chartwell Books
Type: Standalone
Pages: 192
Goodreads rating: 4.1/5
This book’s stylish design and interior photographs, illustrations, and diagrams make the learning process fun and straightforward for origami beginners and provide valuable tips for more advanced folders. Ashley Wood has came up with this collection of a vast range and styles for beginners to advanced learners. The Origami Artist’s Bible starts with a simple set of origami folds, illustrated with clear step-by-step diagrams and three basic origami “bases” starting point for project models in the rest of the book. The models are arranged according to the theme; some are complex, require patience and practice, and some are suitable for beginners.
Why do we recommend this book?
How many of you experienced the sheer joy of your handmade paper boats floating in the ponds during the rainy season? When my art teacher showed me how to fold paper to form a house, I was curious! I prepared that same house repeatedly! The complex part of Origami is when the folds become advanced and confusing. This book helps break down that complexity and visually shows how to reach the desired goal. There are many videos on social media, but the book is my all-time favorite. This is the best book for all Origami lovers.
To buy/gift Origami Artist’s Bible, click on the following :
#6 Special Subjects: Basic Color Theory by Patti Mollica
About the Book
Title: Special Subjects: Basic Color Theory
Author: Patti Mollica
Genre: Art/Drawing
Publisher: Walter Foster Publishing
Type: Standalone
Pages: 100
Goodreads rating: 4.0/5
Understanding how to effectively use color is the first step to becoming a well-rounded artist. And, Special Subjects: Basic Color theory is your guide. A perfect resource for new artists and art hobbyists, Basic Color Theory demonstrates the color wheel at work and covers all the essentials, including complementary, primary, secondary, and tertiary colors; hue, saturation, and value; color mood, temperature, and schemes; and how to create a color chart. Basic Color Theory allows artists to widen the scope of their abilities, demonstrating how to create color and value charts, basic color mixing techniques, and a comprehensive approach to understanding color relationships. One can expect a decent explanation of colors, light, and color wheel and an insight into the role of colors in artworks. As students, we have learned color combinations in science classes. The book is not only about colors but is as well amazingly colorful.
Why do we recommend this book?
Colors always play a crucial role, don’t they? How did you feel for the first time when you discovered that mixing blue and yellow gives green? A eureka moment, right? In this book, Patti takes us to the world of colors. I felt this book was like a guide to recall the color rules and a basic manual to know the theory of certain concepts of color, light, shadows, etc. This book is theoretical but serves as a foundation to practice!
To buy/gift Special Subjects: Basic Color Theory, click on the below link :
#7 The Complete Book of Calligraphy Lettering by Cari Ferraro, Eugene Metcalf, Arthur Newhall, John Stevens
About the Book
Title: The Complete Book of Calligraphy Lettering
Author: Cari Ferraro, Eugene Metcalf, Arthur Newhall, John Stevens
Genre: Art/Design
Publisher: Walter Foster Publishing
Type: Standalone
Pages: 240
Goodreads rating: 4.2/5
A complete guide for Calligraphy, divided into three main parts, Traditional method + Modern Hand lettering + Creative Lettering projects. A beginner book starts by selecting tools like brushes, nibs, and pens to position the boards to learning optimal hand positioning and understanding the intricacies of lettering angles, heights, spacing, and strokes, The Complete Book of Calligraphy & Lettering will help lettering enthusiasts swiftly master their craft. Colorful designs of letters are aesthetically pleasing. Here and there, you find a few blank pages for practice. The practical approach makes it helpful for self-learning enthusiasts.
Why do we recommend this book?
Handwritten gives me a feeling of a personal touch than typing in digital space. Calligraphy is my favorite topic. After watching various Instagram tutorials, I bumped into this book. This book is a good start for beginners. The best part is illuminated calligraphy; my favorite is designing the words with colors and floral designs. The author has given step by step approach to practicing this style. This is a perfect book to start for all quote lovers who want to make handmade cards or a visual diary.
To buy/gift The Complete Book of Calligraphy Lettering, click on the below link :
#8 365: A Daily Creativity Journal by Noah Scalin
About The Book
Title: 365: A Daily Creativity Journal
Author: Noah Scalin
Publisher: Voyageur Press
Genre: Non-fiction/Self Help/Journaling
Type: Standalone
Pages: 240
Goodreads rating: 4.0/5
Noah Scalin’s “365 methods” concept is simple but inspired: Choose a theme or medium, then make something every day for a year. The basic idea is to keep the writer’s creativity intact. The book offers 365 project prompts to kick start your creativity, plus plenty of room for journaling, sketching, and jotting down ideas. Learn how to choose your subject, document your work, and see examples from other artists and crafters who took the 365 challenge. In addition, master new techniques to incorporate into your projects, including quilling, clay-making, paper pop-up engineering, and more. The book is all about creating. There are creative activities like doing something out of paper without scissors or glue, going to the kitchen, and preparing something from the fruit you find first!
Why do we recommend this book?
In my experience, these activities boost your creativity. This book will help you get through creativity blocks through its simple activities, some are too simple, and some are too open-ended. If you want to find the motivation to unstuck yourself, this book is for you.
To buy/gift 365: A Daily Creativity Journal, click on the below link:
That’s all for now. These books will surely help you as a guide to enhance your artistic skills. These are the best books for art lovers.
P.S: Some books recommended here are available on Kindle Unlimited. If you have subscribed to it, then you can read these books for free. Check out this article: Is Kindle Unlimited Worth It?
SO, to conclude, here is the list of the Best Books for Art Lovers :
| 1 | Creative Paint Workshop for Mixed-Media Artists by Ann Baldwin | Buy Now |
| 2 | Drawing in Black White by Deborah Velasquez | Buy Now |
| 3 | Drawing on the right side of the Brain by Betty Edwards | Buy Now |
| 4 | Draw 50 Flowers, Trees, and Other Plants by Lee J. Ames | Buy Now |
| 5 | Origami Artist’s Bible by Ashley Wood | Buy Now |
| 6 | Special Subjects: Basic Color Theory by Patti Mollica | Buy Now |
| 7 | The Complete Book of Calligraphy Lettering | Buy Now |
| 8 | 365: A Daily Creativity Journal by Noah Scalin | Buy Now |
Do read books on this list of best books for art lovers. They will help you to inspire in your creative journey.
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Disclosure: All our recommendations are honest. Also, some links in this post are affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we recommend.
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