Five Must Read art instruction Books for Artists of all ages, some free!
Whether you're new to art or just a fan, here are 5 excellent art books to help you develop your skills in drawing and painting...
1. Andrew Loomis Creative Illustration.
Available at: https://amzn.to/3YxNb55
Available free as a PDF CLICK HERE
Published in 1947, Andrew Loomis' Creative Illustration is considered an artist's how-to-book masterpiece! A very successful illustrator and instructor at the Academy of art in Chicago, Loomis's book is a blueprint for the aspiring illustrator in his day.
It remains a classic to this day and is the perfect primer for the drawing artist at every level. This book is filled with instruction, tips, insider experience, and incredible illustrations.
If you are serious about improving your illustration skills, "Creative Illustration" should be a part of your art library!.
2. The Bargue drawing course
Available at: https://amzn.to/3LVkyHo
Click here for Free PDF
The Bargue Drawing Course, originally created in the 19th century by Charles Bargue and Jean-Léon Gérôme, is a comprehensive series of drawings designed to develop drawing skills through the systematic study of plaster casts. Its emphasis is its approach on training the eye to accurately observe light, shadow, and form.
I own the Charles Bargue: Drawing Course (by Gerald Ackerman): This edition includes high-quality reproductions of all 197 plates, along with historical context and commentary by art historian Gerald Ackerman. There are different versions available at Amazon.
This is another comprehensive book that no doubt will improve your drawing skills..
3. The color of light James Gurney
Available at: https://amzn.to/4fBhfmu
I wish James Gurney's book, "Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter," was around as a young aspiring artist! Besides tackling all the principles of color and light in painting, this book is filled with Gurney's beautiful illustrations from his classic book, "Dinotopia" and many more.
I have many books on color and light and consider "Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter," by far the most valuable resource for anyone interested in improving as an artist..
4. Richard Schmid Alla Prima: Everything I Know About Painting by Richard Schmid
Available at: https://amzn.to/46DVuhw
Richard Schmid's "Alla Prima: Everything I Know About Painting" is a book you can really get lost in, lost in a good way! You can't help but love Richard Schmids' style of painting, one that stops you in your tracks where you declare, "I want to paint like that!"
"Alla Prima," does a thorough job of covering his personal materials and techniques but my most valuable takeaway is his demonstration of making color charts so the artist has a better, more personal understanding of the colors you use
Lots of great information packed in this book.
5. The Art Spirit Robert Henri
Available at: https://amzn.to/4dCeuiZ
I pulled this off the bookshelf the other night and couldn't put it down...again!
First published in 1923,The Art Spirit by Robert Henri is timeless, one of those books where you read a paragraph, then reflect on the engaging way that the author opens your mind to the subject.
The Art Spirit is another must-read for anyone interested in an inspirational view of art, the artist in society, and the creative process.
Have a favorite art book you think could benefit others? Please let me know, Thanks