Here’s an article about the best books to read as an artist. First, If you have been following me for a while, you know that my second hobby after creating art and writing about it is reading. I read EVERYTHING! But art-related books, articles, blogs, and any other content that could possibly share an experience, a perspective, a story, or even tips from another artist is just my jam.
In this post, I have gathered a selection of 15 top books to cover all your needs as an artist. From discovering your life call to practicing your techniques, and making and maintaining a career out of your art. For that, these books will help you with your creativity, discipline, struggles, and so much more.
I behoove you to read them, as they have changed my perspective and are guaranteed to influence you as a creative professional.
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Discover your craft and boost your creativity as an artist
1- Mastery (Robert Greene)
Whatever you’re doing or planning on doing, read this book first! It will change the game for you and give you a clear guideline to attain Mastery in your field of choice. The book includes success stories and accurate strategies followed by the biggest masters (old and contemporary ones). I highly recommend it!
2-Steal like an artist (Austin Kleon)
This book is one of my all-time favorites. It’s a very fun and inspiring guide to creativity in the digital age, and the author presents ten transformative principles that will help you discover your artistic side and build a more creative life.
I have these articles about creativity as well, feel free to check them out:
12 creativity killers to deal with today
And 5 Art Exercises to Boost Your Creativity (even if you’re non-artistic).
Find Inspiration and empowerment
1- Big Magic (Elizabeth Gilbert)
This is one of the most highly recommended best books to read as an artist. The author is known for her inspiring and empowering writing style.
In Big Magic, you will find Elizabeth discussing the attitudes, approaches, and habits we need in order to live our most creative lives. Balancing between soulful spirituality and cheerful pragmatism.
2- A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future (Daniel H.Pink)
Pink outlines the six fundamental human abilities that are absolute necessities for professional success and personal fulfillment, drawing on research from around the world, and reveals how to master them. The book thus takes readers to a daring new place, as well as a provocative and necessary new way of thinking about an already-here future.
3- Catching the Big Fish: Meditation, Consciousness, and Creativity (David Lynch)
In this book, Filmmaker David Lynch discusses his personal methods for capturing and working with ideas, as well as the enormous creative benefits he has reaped from meditation. The author sees Ideas as fish. If you want to catch small fish, stay in shallow water. But if you want to catch big fish, you have to go deeper. Deeper down, the fish are more powerful and pure. They’re huge and abstract. And they’re quite interesting. Each one of us, depending on the ideas we’re looking for, can find our aim in the deeper waters.
4- Art & fear: observations on the perils (and rewards) of artmaking (David Bayles, Ted Orland)
“Art & Fear explores the way art gets made, the reason it often doesn’t get made, and the nature of the difficulties that cause so many artists to give up along the way.” “This is one of the best books to read as an artist, it shows you what it feels like to sit in your studio or classroom, at your wheel or keyboard, easel or camera, trying to do the work you need to do. It is about committing your future to your own hands, placing Free Will above predestination, choice above chance. It is about finding your own work.”–Jacket.
Practice and Techniques (Drawing/Painting)
1- Introduction to Art Techniques (Smith, Ray; Wright, Michael; Horton, James)
All you might ever look for in an artist’s guide. This book is the best tool to keep on hand forever (although it’s a bit heavy to carry around). The illustrations included are very spot-on, clear, and beautiful. Not to forget, the layout is very attractive without it being overly busy. And my favorite part is the super straightforward information.
2- 1,500 Color Mixing Recipes for Oil, Acrylic & Watercolor: Achieve precise color when painting landscapes, portraits, still lifes, and more. (William F. Powell)
An amazing, in-depth guide to everything Color Mixing related. This book is tabbed for quick reference and includes two removable color-mixing grids, one for oil or acrylic and one for watercolor. You have to have this one. Hands down one of the best books to read as an artist.
3- Anatomy for the artist (Sarah Simblet)
Learning about the human body is always a source of joy for any artist. This imaginative reference guide will help you improve your anatomical drawing and painting techniques at all levels.
If you are a painter, you will enjoy these articles:
How to Find Your Art Style: Easy Guide for Beginners
The 7 Elements of Art? Learn How To Upgrade Your Artworks Right Now!
Move Past your Art Block – Mindful Art Experience
1- Mindful Thoughts for Artists: Finding flow & creating calm (Georgina Hooper)
Mindful Thoughts for Artists is a beautiful read on the joy of making and the journey of self-discovery it can lead us on. This collection of 25 reflections, encourages creators to live in the moment, to see beauty in everything, and ensure that the creative process is driven by love and enjoyment.
2-The War of Art (Steven Pressfield)
Nobody, in my opinion, has captured the struggle of a creative life like Steven Pressfield did in his book. According to Pressfield, the book is about the single greatest enemy of creativity and fulfillment: resistance.
3- The Artist’s Way (Julia Cameron)
The Artist’s Way (the book) remains one of the best step-by-step guides for overcoming self-doubt and “rediscovering your creative self,” in Cameron’s words. The book includes two core exercises, “morning pages” and “artist’s date,” which have taught countless writers, painters, photographers, designers, musicians, and more how to silence their inner critics and get back to work.
You can check these articles as well:
5 Painting DO’s and DON’Ts: Secrets to a Successful Art Session
Moodboard… What is it? and how to create your own?
Make a career out of your art
You may also enjoy: How to Make Money with KDP: Artist Guide
1- Art, Inc.: The Essential Guide for Building Your Career as an Artist (Lisa Congdon)
Professional artist Lisa Congdon reveals the many ways you can earn a living by making art in this practical guide, including illustration, licensing, fine art sales, print sales, teaching, and more. Art, Inc., which includes industry advice from successful art-world professionals such as Nikki McClure, Mark Hearld, Paula Scher, and others, will arm you with the tools—and the confidence—to turn your passion into a profitable business.
2- The Artist’s Guide: How to Make a Living Doing What You Love (Jackie Battenfield)
Jackie Battenfield expands on her highly successful classes and workshops to provide a comprehensive guide for artists in their early and mid-career stages. First, Battenfield provides readily applicable advice on all aspects of the job by using real-life examples, illustrations, and step-by-step exercises. She then provides self-management strategies such as marketing, online promotion, building professional relationships, grant writing, and portfolio development, in addition to planning and assessment tips.
3- Arts & Numbers: A Financial Guide for Artists, Writers, Performers, and Other Members of the Creative Class (Elaine Grogan Luttrull)
The last one from this best book to read as an artist selection is Arts and Numbers. CPA, author, and artist Elaine Grogan Luttrull wrote Arts & Numbers to help creative professionals feel as confident in their financial dealings as they do in their chosen mode of expression. The book is an engaging, approachable guide that covers a variety of must-know topics in a simple, straightforward style, such as budgeting, cash management, visual charting, taxes, employment, and business etiquette.
Make sure you check out these 11 Top Websites for Artist’s daily creative inspiration.
Conclusion
I love reading art books and would love to know your recommendations for the best books to read as an artist. Make sure you leave them in the comments down below and enjoy creating <3
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