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Art Books
17
items Art books! Debated whether to make this list or not because art is so subjective and it’s very seldom that everyone’s tastes align completely. But one thing I know about artists is their never ending search for inspiration. If it would help anyone, i...
Sections
4
American Art
British Art
European Art
Asian Art
American Art
You could argue that Rockwell was the main character of “The Golden Age” of American illustration. A time where illustrators were more revered, known, and had higher income than athletes and celebrities. Yes, such a time existed in the USA! Norman Ro...
My Adventures as an Illustrator: The Definitive Edition|Hardcover
Noone does “quiet” like Hopper. His work has a hushness to it. It drowns out the outside world and puts you in a cinematic scene. To some it feels uncomfortable and eery, and to others comforting. I believe how someone views a Hopper piece truly depe...
Edward Hopper: Masterpaintings|Paperback
Bookcase, make room. No such thing as “oversized” for an art book! Especially for a Sargent art book. The most iconic portrait artist. His masterful brushstrokes are simply suggestions of shape placed with precision. A master with color and light. To...
John Singer Sargent: Oversize Edition|Hardcover
It is unfortunately difficult to find art books dedicated to women illustrators and painters from years past. This looks to be an excellent one highlighting women from The Golden Age of American illustration. It includes Beatrix Potter, Kate Greenawa...
Women Illustrators of the Golden Age
Whimsy is Mary Blair's specialty! A woman who influenced a film production and animation giant. Her style is still echoed by those who wish to follow in her footsteps. She was the blueprint for all animation following Cinderella.
Art and Flair of Mary Blair, The-Updated Edition: An Appreciation|Hardcover
British Art
It's difficult to find a JW Waterhouse artbook still in print. Most pre-owned are well into the $100s, but I've managed to find an e-book! Waterhouse went by Nino during his lifetime and created the most romantic bodies of work. He incorporated deep ...
Delphi Complete Paintings of John William Waterhouse (Illustrated)|eBook
A French-born British illustrator. Dulac's storybook illustrations dominated fantasy books of his time. They deliver a heavy dose magic fairy dust. His work was heavily sought after during the reign of the deluxe ver illustrated books. Everyone was g...
An Edmund Dulac Treasury: 116 Color Illustrations|Paperback
Perhaps the only artist from the Pop Art movement I enjoy. Hockney used new technologies like photography, fax machines, and combined realism with his abstract style to challenge artistic norms at the time. He began to pave way for making art with new technologies and eventually - digital art. His stylized shapes, bold colors, and effective compositions are a joy to ca...
David Hockney: The Arrival of Spring, Normandy, 2020
European Art
Gustav Klimt. The beloved Austrian painter who needs no introduction. His name alone is now a style. So instead of me boring you with the same old intros I'll share a fun fact. Did you know Gustav Klimt loved cats so much that even if they damaged hi...
Klimt: The Bigger Picture|Hardcover
Beloved Austrian painter Gustav Klimt. I enjoy his landscapes so much. He has a way of making everything feel like a dream. For being one of the most influential artists of all time, somehow his landscapes feel underappreciated. They are ornate, sere...
Gustav Klimt: Landscapes|Paperback
When we think of Paris, we think of Toulouse-Lautrec! You could say that Toulouse-Lautrec fully immersed himself into the Parisian nightlife. Despite his short life, his work portrays Paris's vivacious, fast-paced chaos in an indescribably passionate...
The Paris of Toulouse-Lautrec: Prints and Posters From The Museum of Modern Art|Hardcover
An artist who changed the human shape in the public’s eye in the span of 8 short years. Depictions of humans at their most intense, raw, and distorted forms. Described by some as grotesque and too erotic, his work was a breakaway from the idealized a...
Egon Schiele. The Paintings. 45th Ed.|Hardcover
Pieter Bruegel, the Elder is a Dutch & Flemish Rennaisance era painter and printmaker. His paintings have incredible storytelling and fantastic composition. The lighting feels magical. The pieces are so immersive that you immediately stay to stud...
Bruegel. The Complete Paintings. 45th Ed.|Hardcover
Asian Art
My favorite Shinhanga Japanese wood block print artist. I would love to do an Uncoded Beauty episode on Kawase Hasui. Read up more on Kawase Hasui's process here: shinhanga.net/hasuiwc.htm
Kawase Hasui: Capturing the Soul of Japan|Hardcover
An art form that is at the heart and soul of a nation since 10,000 years ago. Korean pottery has a unique elegance and simplicity that is magnetic. Influencing tea ceremonies throughout all of Asia, including the Japanese idea of wabi-sabi, the potte...
Precious beyond Measure: A History of Korean Ceramics Hardcover
I was fortunate enough to see an Ai Wei Wei exhibit at the Hirshhorn and it changed me for life. Ai Wei Wei is an activism artist and uses art in various ways to challenge and highlight global issues. He has an ingenious use of materials for installa...
AI Weiwei. Updated Edition - by Hans Werner Holzwarth (Hardcover)
Yoshitaka Amano is a fantasy art lover's dream! His work has a haunting aura that is like an escape from reality. His high fantasy style to this day is truly unique and recognizable. His work provided a pivot for the entire game development industry ...
Yoshitaka Amano: Illustrations