Recommended Art and Painting Books
Reviews of how-to painting books and accessible biographies of famous painters, with a personal assessment of their quality and suitability.
What Do the Star Ratings in Reviews Mean?
An explanation of what the one to five stars given in book and other product reviews mean.
An explanation of what the one to five stars given in book and other product reviews mean.
Top Books for Creative Inspiration and Ideas for Artists
My personal choice of the best books on creative inspiration and ideas for artists.
My personal choice of the best books on creative inspiration and ideas for artists.
Top Books on Color (and Color Mixing) for Artists
This is a selection of books I've found useful and accessible for learning more about colors, paint pigments, and color mixing.
This is a selection of books I've found useful and accessible for learning more about colors, paint pigments, and color mixing.
Art from Intuition by Dean Nimmer
A review of the book "Art from Intuition" by Dean Nimmer, which is focused on "overcoming your fears and obstacles to making art".
A review of the book "Art from Intuition" by Dean Nimmer, which is focused on "overcoming your fears and obstacles to making art".
Classical Painting Atelier by Juliette Aristides
A review of the book by painter Juliette Aristides on traditional studio practice, entitled "Classical Painting Atelier".
A review of the book by painter Juliette Aristides on traditional studio practice, entitled "Classical Painting Atelier".
The Artist's Handbook by Pip Seymour
A review of the book "The Artist's Handbook" by Pip Seymour, a reference I find indispensable.
A review of the book "The Artist's Handbook" by Pip Seymour, a reference I find indispensable.
Teaching Art: Academies and Schools from Vasari to Albers by Carl Goldstein
A review of the book "Teaching Art" by Carl Goldstein, which is a survey of art training in Europe and the USA from the Renaissance to the mid-1990s.
A review of the book "Teaching Art" by Carl Goldstein, which is a survey of art training in Europe and the USA from the Renaissance to the mid-1990s.
Color: Travels Through the Paintbox by Victoria Finlay
A review of the book "Color: Travels Through the Paintbox" which is an entertaining read about the writer's quest to track down the sources of the pigments used in paints.
A review of the book "Color: Travels Through the Paintbox" which is an entertaining read about the writer's quest to track down the sources of the pigments used in paints.
How to Read Paintings by Nadeije Laneyrie-Dagen
A review of the book "How to Read Paintings" which aims to explain the elements that make up a masterpiece.
A review of the book "How to Read Paintings" which aims to explain the elements that make up a masterpiece.
Artist's Color Manual by Simon Jennings
A review of the "Artist's Color Manual" by Simon Jennings, which combines factual information with coffee-table book quality photos.
A review of the "Artist's Color Manual" by Simon Jennings, which combines factual information with coffee-table book quality photos.
The Creative License by Danny Gregory
A review of the book "The Creative License" by Danny Gregory, which says it's about "giving yourself permission to be the artist you truly are". So, does it?
A review of the book "The Creative License" by Danny Gregory, which says it's about "giving yourself permission to be the artist you truly are". So, does it?
Guerilla Art Kit by Keri Smith
A review of "The Guerilla Art Kit", a book full of techniques and suggestions for getting your art out into the world in unexpected ways.
A review of "The Guerilla Art Kit", a book full of techniques and suggestions for getting your art out into the world in unexpected ways.
Recommended Artist Biographies
This is a list of biographies of artists and painters that I've enjoyed reading. Biographies are great for finding out more about an artist's methods, their sources of inspiration, and their working life.
This is a list of biographies of artists and painters that I've enjoyed reading. Biographies are great for finding out more about an artist's methods, their sources of inspiration, and their working life.
Great Art Reads for Painters
My selection of highly readable, non-fiction books on art that painters wanting to improve their general art knowledge are likely to enjoy.
My selection of highly readable, non-fiction books on art that painters wanting to improve their general art knowledge are likely to enjoy.
Top 10 Artist's Magazines
There are magazines for artists at all levels, from complete beginners to artists wanting to improve their skills to professionals. Here's your Painting Guide's choice of the best artist's magazines.
There are magazines for artists at all levels, from complete beginners to artists wanting to improve their skills to professionals. Here's your Painting Guide's choice of the best artist's magazines.
Top Books on Figure Painting and Drawing
A selection of recommended books that provide not only help on the basics such as anatomy, proportion, and techniques, but also inspiration through the paintings and drawings reproduced in them.
A selection of recommended books that provide not only help on the basics such as anatomy, proportion, and techniques, but also inspiration through the paintings and drawings reproduced in them.
Recommended Books on the Works of Great Painters
A selection of recommended books which focus on the works of famous and contemporary painters rather than having lots of text on art history.
A selection of recommended books which focus on the works of famous and contemporary painters rather than having lots of text on art history.
Top 10 Art ABC and First Concepts Books
What better way to establish a love for art in a child than to use it to teach them basic concepts and their ABCs?
What better way to establish a love for art in a child than to use it to teach them basic concepts and their ABCs?
The Painter's Handbook by Mark Gottsegen, Revised Edition
A review of the new and expanded edition of the classic artist's reference book 'The Painter's Handbook' by Mark David Gottsegen.
A review of the new and expanded edition of the classic artist's reference book 'The Painter's Handbook' by Mark David Gottsegen.
Matisse Biography by Hilary Spurling
A review of the two-volume biography of the artist Henri Marisse by Hilary Spurling.
A review of the two-volume biography of the artist Henri Marisse by Hilary Spurling.
The Private Lives of the Impressionists by Sue Roe
A review of a book which is a group biography looking at the life and motivation of each of the major French Impressionists.
A review of a book which is a group biography looking at the life and motivation of each of the major French Impressionists.
Turner : A Life by James Hamilton
A review of the biography of the painter JMW Turner, written by James Hamilton. If you want to ensure you die a famous artist, Turner could teach you a lot!
A review of the biography of the painter JMW Turner, written by James Hamilton. If you want to ensure you die a famous artist, Turner could teach you a lot!
Chinese Landscapes Made Easy by Rebecca Yue
A review of the book "Chinese Landscapes Made Easy" by Rebecca Yue. Is it truly easy?
A review of the book "Chinese Landscapes Made Easy" by Rebecca Yue. Is it truly easy?
Painting the Wind
A review of a children's book about a young boy trying to paint the wind that introduces readers to introduces various subjects that artists paint, including still life and portraits.
A review of a children's book about a young boy trying to paint the wind that introduces readers to introduces various subjects that artists paint, including still life and portraits.
The Girl with the Gallery by Lindsay Pollock
A review of the book "The Girl with the Gallery" on the New York gallery owner Edith Gregor Halpert, who ran the Downtown Gallery for 44 years.
A review of the book "The Girl with the Gallery" on the New York gallery owner Edith Gregor Halpert, who ran the Downtown Gallery for 44 years.
A Humument: A Treated Victorian Novel
A review of artist's Tom Phillips's altered book, "Humument".
A review of artist's Tom Phillips's altered book, "Humument".
Colour in Art by John Gage
A review of the book "Colour in Art" by John Gage, which focuses on the way color has been used by famous artists.
A review of the book "Colour in Art" by John Gage, which focuses on the way color has been used by famous artists.
The Unknown Monet
A review of the catalog that accompanied the exhibition "The Unknown Monet", which surveys his pastels, drawings, and preparations for painting.
A review of the catalog that accompanied the exhibition "The Unknown Monet", which surveys his pastels, drawings, and preparations for painting.
Classical Drawing Atelier by Juliette Aristides
A review of the book "Classical Drawing Atelier: A Contemporary Guide to Traditional Studio Practice" by Juliette Aristides, and why painters wanting to work in a realism style ought to read it.
A review of the book "Classical Drawing Atelier: A Contemporary Guide to Traditional Studio Practice" by Juliette Aristides, and why painters wanting to work in a realism style ought to read it.
Essential Reading for Artists: “Art and Fear”
Why every artist should read the book “Art and Fear”, with some quotes to convince you.
Why every artist should read the book “Art and Fear”, with some quotes to convince you.
Freud at Work: Photographs by Bruce Bernard and David Dawson
A review of the book "Freud at Work", a collection of photos by Bruce Bernard and David Dawson of the painter Lucian Freud in his studio.
A review of the book "Freud at Work", a collection of photos by Bruce Bernard and David Dawson of the painter Lucian Freud in his studio.
Art Models for Drawing, Painting, and Sculpting (Book and DVD)
A review of a book and DVD of photos of models to use for life painting.
A review of a book and DVD of photos of models to use for life painting.
Book Review: Bright Earth –- The Invention of Color
Any painter interested in knowing more about the colors they use and the way colors were discovered, developed, or evolved will find this book fascinating.
Any painter interested in knowing more about the colors they use and the way colors were discovered, developed, or evolved will find this book fascinating.
Paint Like Monet by James Heard
A review of the book "Paint Like Monet" in the Masterclass series.
A review of the book "Paint Like Monet" in the Masterclass series.
The Judgement of Paris: Manet, Meissonier, and an Artistic Revolution
A review of Ross King's book "The Judgement of Paris", about the artists Manet and Meissonier, and artistic life in Paris in the mid- to late nineteenth century.
A review of Ross King's book "The Judgement of Paris", about the artists Manet and Meissonier, and artistic life in Paris in the mid- to late nineteenth century.
Book Review Simon Schama's Power of Art
A review of the book "Simon Schama's Power of Art", which looks at the pivotal artwork in the lives of eight famous artists.
A review of the book "Simon Schama's Power of Art", which looks at the pivotal artwork in the lives of eight famous artists.
Book Review: The Simple Secret to Better Painting
Simply the best book on composition I’ve read. Starts at the absolute basics and explains things in an easy-to-understand way. Diagrams clarify the text; finished paintings show it in practice.
Simply the best book on composition I’ve read. Starts at the absolute basics and explains things in an easy-to-understand way. Diagrams clarify the text; finished paintings show it in practice.
Book Review: Photoshop Fine Art Cookbook
A review of a book for digital artists -- the 'Photoshop Fine Art Cookbook' by John Beardsworth, which explains how to create fine art effects from digital photographs.
A review of a book for digital artists -- the 'Photoshop Fine Art Cookbook' by John Beardsworth, which explains how to create fine art effects from digital photographs.
Book Review: Beyond Realism by Brian Ryder.
If you're interested in creating non-realistic paintings, but don't know where to start or how to proceed, the illustrated step-by-step demonstrations in this book should give you the inspiration to try.
If you're interested in creating non-realistic paintings, but don't know where to start or how to proceed, the illustrated step-by-step demonstrations in this book should give you the inspiration to try.
Book Review: Tidying Up Art by Ursus Wehrli
"Tidying Up Art" is hilarious and will appeal to anyone interested in art, whether art history or hands-on creation.
"Tidying Up Art" is hilarious and will appeal to anyone interested in art, whether art history or hands-on creation.
Book Review: The Art Forger's Handbook by Eric Hebborn
A review of the book "The Art Forger's Handbook" by Eric Hebborn.
A review of the book "The Art Forger's Handbook" by Eric Hebborn.
Book Review: Painting Glowing Colors in Watercolor
If you’re someone who can’t resist a new color, this approach is for you – the author has some 80 different colors in her palette. If you prefer mixing colors from a small range, stay away.
If you’re someone who can’t resist a new color, this approach is for you – the author has some 80 different colors in her palette. If you prefer mixing colors from a small range, stay away.
Book Review: Light up Your Watercolors Layer by Layer
A book about building up colors by applying multiple layers of transparent watercolor. If you do all the exercises (twice is recommended) you’ll be well on your way to mastering this approach.
A book about building up colors by applying multiple layers of transparent watercolor. If you do all the exercises (twice is recommended) you’ll be well on your way to mastering this approach.
Book Review: De Kooning Biography
A review of the biography of the artist Willem de Kooning by Mark Stevens and Annalyn Swan. It’s a book that’ll inspire many an aspiring artist and shows just how much hard work and dedication it takes to be a successful artist.
A review of the biography of the artist Willem de Kooning by Mark Stevens and Annalyn Swan. It’s a book that’ll inspire many an aspiring artist and shows just how much hard work and dedication it takes to be a successful artist.
Book Review: Rescuing Da Vinci from Hitler and the Nazis
Among everything written on the World War 2, there's been very little looking at the campaign to loot the best of European art by Hitler and the Nazis from conquered territories. 'Rescuing Da Vinci' by Robert Edsel fills this gap in both world history and art history.
Among everything written on the World War 2, there's been very little looking at the campaign to loot the best of European art by Hitler and the Nazis from conquered territories. 'Rescuing Da Vinci' by Robert Edsel fills this gap in both world history and art history.
Review: Virtual Pose 1 and 2
Virtual Pose 1 and 2 are combined book/CD-Rom sets providing a variety of poses for figure painting. The ability to rotate the figure on your computer gives a feeling of 3-D a book can’t.
Virtual Pose 1 and 2 are combined book/CD-Rom sets providing a variety of poses for figure painting. The ability to rotate the figure on your computer gives a feeling of 3-D a book can’t.
Book Review: Painting Wildlife with John Seerey-Lester
If you want to know what it takes to become a top wildlife artist, read this book. The time spent researching and painting, the effort put in, and dedication of John Seerey-Lester is inspiring.
If you want to know what it takes to become a top wildlife artist, read this book. The time spent researching and painting, the effort put in, and dedication of John Seerey-Lester is inspiring.
Book Review: Color Mixing Bible by Ian Sidaway
If you haven't the time to make your own color-mixing charts, you'll find them in great book (for oils, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, soft pastels, colored pencil, and ink).
If you haven't the time to make your own color-mixing charts, you'll find them in great book (for oils, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, soft pastels, colored pencil, and ink).
Book Review: Skydyes A Visual Guide to Fabric Painting
A review of a book by Mickey Lawler, who is renowned for her hand-painted fabrics, that demonstrates how to create your own sky, sea, and earth fabrics using loose, 'watercolor' fabric-painting techniques.
A review of a book by Mickey Lawler, who is renowned for her hand-painted fabrics, that demonstrates how to create your own sky, sea, and earth fabrics using loose, 'watercolor' fabric-painting techniques.
Review of John Lovett's CD-ROM Watercolour Studio Workshop 2
This is the equivalent of an excellent how-to watercolor book on a CD, with the added bonus of video clips and audio.
This is the equivalent of an excellent how-to watercolor book on a CD, with the added bonus of video clips and audio.
Top Games for Artists
Share your love of art with friends and members of your family by getting together to play an game that involves drawing or sculpting.
Share your love of art with friends and members of your family by getting together to play an game that involves drawing or sculpting.
Top Drawing Games for Kids
Encourage your kids' love of drawing, boost their creativity, and get them away from the television with these games.
Encourage your kids' love of drawing, boost their creativity, and get them away from the television with these games.
Review: Peter Saw's Interactive Watercolour CD-ROM
This is an extremely comprehensive guide to painting watercolor that includes the basics, how-to demonstrations of popular subjects such as trees and skies, and step-by-step demonstrations of 11 paintings.
This is an extremely comprehensive guide to painting watercolor that includes the basics, how-to demonstrations of popular subjects such as trees and skies, and step-by-step demonstrations of 11 paintings.
Book Review: Dogs –- How to Draw Them by Melvyn Petterson
Reading this will not only give you tips on how to render a dog in your favorite drawing medium, but also make you aware of the characteristics you need to observe of any dog you’re wanting to draw.
Reading this will not only give you tips on how to render a dog in your favorite drawing medium, but also make you aware of the characteristics you need to observe of any dog you’re wanting to draw.
Book Review: Draw Like Da Vinci by Susan Dorothea White
A review of the book Draw Like Da Vinci, in the Masterclass series.
A review of the book Draw Like Da Vinci, in the Masterclass series.
Review The Complete Guide to Altered Imagery: Mixed Media Techniques
A review of a book by Karen Michel focusing on mixed-media techniques suitable for artist's journals and collage.
A review of a book by Karen Michel focusing on mixed-media techniques suitable for artist's journals and collage.
Book Review: Richard Scott
A review of the pocket-sized book showcasing the art of South African artist Richard Scott.
A review of the pocket-sized book showcasing the art of South African artist Richard Scott.
Book Review: Alphabetica An A-Z Creativity Guide for Collage Artists
A review of the book by Lynne Perrella called Alphabetica An A-Z Creativity Guide for Collage and Book Artists.
A review of the book by Lynne Perrella called Alphabetica An A-Z Creativity Guide for Collage and Book Artists.
Book Review -- 10 Years 100 Artists: Art in a Democratic South Africa
10 Years 100 Artists: Art in a Democratic South Africa. A review of a book in which 15 writers give their views on South African art after a decade of democracy.
10 Years 100 Artists: Art in a Democratic South Africa. A review of a book in which 15 writers give their views on South African art after a decade of democracy.
Art Magazine Review: American Art Collector
The magazine "American Art Collector" will be of interest to art collectors (obviously), but also to working artists.
The magazine "American Art Collector" will be of interest to art collectors (obviously), but also to working artists.
Book Review -- Quick Art: Art of the Ordinary
A review of the book "Quick Art: Art of the Ordinary", about how to make the type of abstract or modern art one sees in decor shops. The authors believe all you need is a basic sense of color and some determination.
A review of the book "Quick Art: Art of the Ordinary", about how to make the type of abstract or modern art one sees in decor shops. The authors believe all you need is a basic sense of color and some determination.