18 Art Books That Teach You More Than Art School

Introduction

This tutorial highlights 18 essential art books that provide valuable insights and techniques for artists, whether you're self-taught or looking to refine your skills. Each book has been selected based on the expertise of the author and the clarity of the content. By exploring these resources, you'll deepen your understanding of various artistic concepts and improve your practice in areas like drawing, painting, and composition.

Step 1: Explore the Foundations of Skill Development

• Book: Peak by Anders Ericsson & Robert Pool
  • Focuses on the science of skill acquisition.
  • Emphasizes deliberate practice to achieve mastery.
  • Apply principles of focused practice to your art routine.

Step 2: Master Drawing Techniques

• Book: The Practice & Science of Drawing by Harold Speed

  • Covers essential drawing techniques and principles.
  • Practice exercises in observation and rendering to improve your skills.

• Book: The Practice of Oil Painting and Drawing by Solomon J. Solomon

  • Offers comprehensive insights into oil painting and drawing techniques.
  • Engage in practical exercises that enhance your understanding of materials.

Step 3: Understand the Human Figure

• Book: The Human Figure by John H. Vanderpoel
  • Delves into the structure and anatomy of the human body.
  • Use figure drawing exercises to strengthen your understanding of proportions and anatomy.

Step 4: Develop Perspective Skills

• Book: How to Draw by Scott Robertson
  • Focuses on perspective, form, and design.
  • Practice the exercises on drawing objects in space to improve your perspective skills.

Step 5: Dive into Landscape Painting

• Book: Landscape Painting by Asher B. Durand / Birge Harrison

  • Discusses the techniques for capturing landscapes.
  • Experiment with plein air painting to apply concepts in real settings.

• Book: Carlson's Guide to Landscape Painting by John F. Carlson

  • Provides insights into composing and painting landscapes effectively.
  • Practice the suggested exercises for outdoor painting.

• Book: Composition of Outdoor Painting by Edgar Payne

  • Explores compositional techniques specific to outdoor settings.
  • Use the guidelines to enhance your outdoor painting compositions.

Step 6: Study Composition Techniques

• Book: Composition by Cyril C. Pearce
  • Theories and principles of composition that apply across various mediums.
  • Analyze your artwork through the lens of composition theory.

Step 7: Enhance Your Understanding of Nature

• Book: Trees and Tree Drawing by Edward C. Clifford

  • Focuses on the anatomy and representation of trees.
  • Practice drawing different types of trees to enhance your landscape work.

• Book: The Artistic Anatomy of Trees by Rex Vicat Cole

  • Offers a deeper understanding of tree structure and form.
  • Utilize this knowledge to create more realistic landscapes.

Step 8: Explore Color Theory

• Book: Color and Light by James Gurney

  • Explores the interaction of color and light in art.
  • Conduct color mixing exercises to better understand color relationships.

• Book: Light and Color in the Outdoors by M.G.J. Minnaert

  • Discusses how natural light affects color perception.
  • Observe different lighting conditions to apply these concepts effectively.

Step 9: Learn Alla Prima Techniques

• Book: Alla Prima by Richard Schmidt
  • Teaches the direct painting method known as alla prima.
  • Practice quick studies to improve your efficiency and spontaneity in painting.

Step 10: Understand Flow and Creativity

• Book: Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
  • Discusses the psychology of creativity and achieving a state of flow.
  • Create a conducive environment for your art-making process to enhance creativity.

Step 11: Overcome Mental Barriers

• Book: The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey

  • Explores mental aspects of performance and overcoming self-doubt.
  • Apply techniques to enhance your focus and confidence while creating art.

• Book: The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

  • Addresses the challenges artists face and how to overcome resistance.
  • Reflect on your artistic journey to identify and combat personal obstacles.

Conclusion

These 18 art books serve as powerful resources for anyone looking to advance their artistic skills. Each book covers different aspects of art, from technical techniques to psychological insights, providing a well-rounded foundation for growth. Consider selecting a few to start with, and integrate the lessons learned into your daily practice for maximum impact. Happy creating!