I have previously shared some of my all-time favorite books about art and creativity. And in today’s blog post, I wanted to update the list and add new reads that I discovered over the last few months. This updated list has some practical art books that no artist should ever ignore. Absolutely life-changing reads with tips and enlightening insights (and a lot less self-development, as I’m growing sick of that).

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1- The 30-Day Sketchbook Project by Minnie Small

If I can say one thing about this book, it is that it is going to change the way you see your sketchbook. This practical art book is great for beginners as it contains a lot of prompts and step-by-step projects to help guide you in your practice. One more thing: if you have a fear of the blank page, you’re going to say bye to that thanks to this book.

2- Mastering Composition by Ian Roberts

I have previously talked about this art book in my composition article. And I swear by composition, y’all. It is the most crucial art principle of your entire artistic process.

Although this is a practical art book that is made more for intermediate artists, even as a beginner, you will be able to pick something from it and start developing an idea about what composition is and why it matters so much.

3- The Landscape Painter’s Workbook: Essential Studies in Shape, Composition, and Color by Mitchell Albala

Surprise! Surprise! Another book about composition, because I’m telling you it matters so much, and I mean it. However, this book is not only about composition, as it also speaks of:

  • The complete color strategy What are the three aspects of color contrast that guide a painting’s strategy?
  • Notan. Explore this special type of compositional study, which identifies the underlying shapes and patterns of a composition.
  • Picture Formats. How does the picture format—horizontal, vertical, or square—affect the composition? What are the pros and cons of each?
  • Color Grouping. A full chapter details this special practice, which helps maintain harmony by organizing colors into a limited number of groups.
  • Composition. An in-depth review of variation, movement, and active negative space, with illustrations that diagram the action in each example.
  • Workshop Exercises. Instead of demonstrations that show how the author paints, The Landscape Painter’s Workbook includes 10 skill-building workshop exercises to help you work through essential lessons on your own.

4- Rembrandt: The Painter at Work by Ernst van de Wetering 

I was lucky enough to receive this book as a gift a few months ago. I’ve been reading it every now and then, and I am so obsessed with it. You may think that in order for you to love this book, you need to love Rembrandt, but the book contains amazing information and insights from the master’s work ethics and process, as well as some of his students and mentors who belonged to the Dutch golden age. I highly recommend this book for its educational and historical value.

5- The Style of Loish: Finding Your Artistic Voice by Lois Van Baarle

Lois’ books are so aesthetically pleasing, but I assure you that that’s not why I’m recommending this book (kind of the reason, but whatever). This practical art book is super educational and would be of great help not only to illustrators but also to animators and 3D artists. I don’t know; I’m just obsessed with her books and her art style.

Conclusion

These were some of my favorite practical art books that I found really helpful and interesting to read. Leave me your book recommendations in the comments section down below and enjoy creating <3