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Art & Art Related Books
17
items Here is a smattering of books that I enjoy and find valuable as a visual artist.
Art Critic Jerry Saltz has a lot of advice that could benefit any creative person. He shares his insight here to help you with your art making and career choices. Now get to work! (As he says)
How to Be an Artist|Hardcover
If you find yourself held back by anxiety and creative block this book can help you move forward in your art making and career.
Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking|Paperback
The publisher Taschen makes a simple and affordable series of hardcovers with a focus on individual artists and their work. They were very helpful to me in art school and I like them on display around my home
Taschen - Van Gogh|Hardcover
I loved reading about the intricate histories behind hues and pigments throughout time and place.
Color: A Natural History of the Palette|Paperback
This book is useful inspiration for many projects and also just sitting and staring at patterns from all over the world.
The Complete Pattern Directory: 1500 Designs from All Ages and Cultures|Hardcover
You need to see these illustrations. You need to have them in your life and let your eyes feel the joy of scanning their marks, colors and glorious detail.
Ernst Haeckel's Art Forms in Nature: A Visual Masterpiece of the Natural World|Hardcover
Someone stole my favorite anatomy book at some point when I was in college and I still want it back.
An Atlas of Anatomy for Artists: 189 Plates: Enlarged Revised Edition with 85 New Plates from Leonardo, Rubens, Michelangelo, Muybridge, Vesalius, et al.|Paperback
If you are interested in having more information about traditional figures, artists, symbolism and religion in Western Art and a book and enough to bring on museum or gallery visits this is my top recommendation. Full of vivid pictures of stunning wo...
The Gallery Companion book by Marcus Lodwick
A great book for understanding symbolism of the occult and it's usage
Astrology, Magic, and Alchemy in Art|Paperback
Japanese wood block prints are full of gorgeous detail and color. This makes the perfect coffee table book, however I might be more immersed in this than the conversation.
Japanese Woodblock Prints. 40th Ed.
I love folk art and this book has examples from all over the world throughout history
Folk Art (The World's Greatest Art)
To better understand the human need for creative expression, it's place in history and culture, let's start from the beginning with cave art. I like this book in particular for it's images and layout.
Cave Art|Paperback
This is next up on my reading list, I find it to be a fascinating subject to consider. What do thoughts look like in physical form?
Thought Forms|Paperback
This is one of my favorite books of all time. It has many important messages and it branches into many stories while following artist Ellen Cherry's unique trip in her metal turkey.
Skinny Legs and All|Paperback
This book was my introduction to Tom Robbins' work, he has become my favorite author. While you may or may not decide Sissy is an artist of her own accord with her developed style of hitchhiking, her partner is involved in the NYC art scene of the 19...
Even Cowgirls Get the Blues|Paperback
David Sedaris is a hilarious story teller. Amongst his recollections of life experiences you can find his description of when he was attempting visual and performance art in NY's underground art scene. Wild times 😂
Me Talk Pretty One Day|Paperback
Many of Tracy Chevalier's works contain creative themes. Girl with a Pearl earring is the fictional account of artist Johannes Vermeer's house maid. I love Vermeer and although this is not an accurate portrayal of him I do believe it has creative val...
Girl with a Pearl Earring|Paperback