books about Art

Modern Watercolor Botanicals: A Creative Workshop in Watercolor, Gouache, & Ink

Modern Watercolor Botanicals: A Creative Workshop in Watercolor, Gouache, & Ink

Modern Watercolor Botanicals: Relax, Create, and Master the Art of Watercolor

Unwind and spark your creativity with Modern Watercolor Botanicals, the perfect guide for anyone looking to explore watercolor painting as a relaxing and rewarding hobby. Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned artist, this comprehensive book teaches you everything you need to know to create beautiful botanical art with confidence.

Artist Sarah Simon (@themintgardener) shares the full experience of her popular watercolor workshops through step-by-step lessons, detailed diagrams, and traceable artwork—no drawing experience required. You’ll learn to paint wildflowers, tropical leaves, eucalyptus wreaths, and more while building your skills progressively through each chapter.

The book includes 15 traceable pieces, tips on tools and materials, color mixing techniques, and guidance on adding shape, movement, and depth. Along the way, you’ll discover how watercolor can help you focus, reduce stress, and unlock your creative style.

Modern Watercolor Botanicals is more than a how-to book—it’s your invitation to relax, explore, and create frame-worthy art.

Michelangelo: The Complete Works: Paintings, Sculptures, Architecture

Michelangelo: The Complete Works: Paintings, Sculptures, Architecture

Michelangelo: The Genius of the Renaissance

By the age of 30, Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475–1564) had already created Pietà and David—two of the most iconic sculptures in art history. A master of sculpture, painting, drawing, and architecture, Michelangelo’s vast and multifaceted body of work remains unmatched in its influence and brilliance.

This richly illustrated TASCHEN edition traces his extraordinary rise to prominence during the Renaissance. Through ten detailed chapters, the book explores his major works across disciplines, with special focus on his legendary frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Full-page reproductions and enlarged details invite readers to study the depth, technique, and emotion embedded in his art.

Alongside the visual journey, a compelling biographical essay reveals the complex man behind the masterpieces—his reclusive personality, his relentless drive for commissions and wealth, and his unexpected success as a property investor. This volume offers an essential look into the life and legacy of one of history’s greatest artistic minds.

Michelangelo: The Complete Works: Paintings, Sculptures, Architecture
The Complete Book of Chalk Lettering

The Complete Book of Chalk Lettering

The Complete Book of Chalk Lettering: Create, Design, and Doodle with Style

Say it with chalk! Learn the popular art of hand-drawn chalk lettering with Valerie McKeehan, a celebrated Etsy artist known for her elegant, whimsical style. With chalk designs showing up everywhere—from cafés and boutiques to Pinterest and home decor—this book gives you the tools to master the trend yourself.

Through more than 60 approachable lessons, you’ll learn the fundamentals of lettering, including serif, sans serif, and script styles. Valerie walks you through layout techniques, combining letterforms, and adding shadows, depth, and decorative elements like banners, borders, and flourishes. As your skills grow, you’ll explore advanced styles such as ribbon, faceted, and vintage circus lettering.

Twelve fun projects help you put your creativity to work—make everything from festive signs and custom cards to charming party invitations. Best of all, the book includes three foldout chalkboard surfaces built right in, giving you a perfect space to practice your new skills.

The Complete Book of Chalk Lettering
Daily Painting: Paint Small and Often To Become a More Creative, Productive, and Successful Artist

Daily Painting: Paint Small and Often To Become a More Creative, Productive, and Successful Artist

Daily Painting: Break Through Creative Blocks and Build a Thriving Art Practice

If you’re stuck in a creative rut, struggling to finish projects, or finding it hard to stay motivated in the studio, Daily Painting offers a powerful, practical solution. Artist and author Carol Marine once faced the same struggles—until she discovered the transformative practice of painting small and often. This simple approach not only reignited her creativity but also helped her grow as an artist and increase her sales.

In this inspiring and accessible guide, Marine shares how the daily painting method can jump-start your creativity, encourage experimentation, and help you develop a consistent, joyful art practice. Through easy-to-follow lessons and exercises, you’ll learn to master composition and value, work confidently in any medium, choose compelling subjects, and stay loose and inspired in your technique.

Marine also offers valuable advice on photographing, posting, and selling your work online, helping you connect with a global community of daily painters and turn your creative practice into a fulfilling and sustainable path.

Daily Painting: Paint Small and Often To Become a More Creative, Productive, and Successful Artist
Van Gogh: The Complete Paintings

Van Gogh: The Complete Paintings

Vincent van Gogh: A Life in Art

Today, Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890) is recognized as one of the most celebrated and influential artists in history. With iconic works like Sunflowers, The Starry Night, and Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear, van Gogh is known for his extraordinary ability to capture emotion, light, and atmosphere through vivid color and expressive brushwork.

During his lifetime, however, van Gogh struggled with mental illness and the indifference of the art world. Battling depression and anxiety throughout his life, he died by suicide in 1890, just after turning 37. His genius was largely unrecognized until after his death, when his bold, emotionally charged paintings began to receive the acclaim they deserved.

This definitive volume offers a complete catalogue of van Gogh’s 871 paintings, accompanied by essays and writings that explore his life, artistic evolution, and enduring legacy. It is an essential tribute to a visionary whose impact on art remains profound and timeless.

Van Gogh: The Complete Paintings
Light, Shade and Shadow

Light, Shade and Shadow

Light, Shade and Shadow: A Classic Guide to Mastering Depth in Drawing

Even the most detailed drawing can appear flat without proper shading. Light, Shade and Shadow, a timeless instructional guide by E.L. Koller, teaches artists how to bring depth, drama, and realism to their work using techniques grounded in the principles of light and shadow.

Originally written in the early 20th century as part of a home-study series for both beginners and experienced artists, this book remains just as relevant today. Koller begins with the basics—casting light on geometric shapes—and gradually guides readers through more complex forms, including the human figure. His clear explanations, step-by-step illustrations, and hands-on exercises help artists understand key elements like gradation, contrast, texture, and atmosphere.

Whether you’re new to drawing or refining your skills, this essential guide will help you master the art of shading and achieve professional-looking results. With practice, you’ll learn to create drawings that are visually rich, dimensional, and full of life.

Light, Shade and Shadow
Colored Pencil Painting Bible: Techniques for Achieving Luminous Color and Ultrarealistic Effects

Colored Pencil Painting Bible

Colored Pencil Painting Bible: Transform Your Art with Innovative Techniques

Discover groundbreaking methods for creating luminous, painterly, and incredibly realistic artwork with colored pencils. In Colored Pencil Painting Bible, acclaimed artist Alyona Nickelsen introduces her unique techniques for achieving vibrant color, depth, and detail—unlike anything you’ve seen before in this medium.

With clear, step-by-step demonstrations and easy-to-follow instructions, artists of all levels can master effects such as blending, layering, and creating translucent finishes. Nickelsen’s fresh approach pushes the boundaries of what colored pencils can do, allowing you to achieve rich textures and stunning realism.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, this book will inspire and equip you to elevate your work. With Colored Pencil Painting Bible, you’ll unlock the full potential of colored pencils and transform the way you create.

Colored Pencil Painting Bible
Landscapes in Oil

Landscapes in Oil

Landscapes in Oil: A Modern Guide to Classical Landscape Painting

Landscapes in Oil is a comprehensive guide that reinterprets classical landscape painting for the modern artist. Drawing inspiration from the Hudson River School masters—like Thomas Cole, Frederic Church, and George Inness—artist Ken Salaz updates traditional techniques for today’s painters, offering valuable insights for beginners, intermediates, and advanced artists alike.

The book explores key elements of landscape painting, including drawing, value, color, composition, and light, while providing expert advice on materials, color selection, and palette setup. Salaz emphasizes the importance of plein air studies and demonstrates how to transform outdoor sketches into full-scale studio works.

Featuring step-by-step breakdowns of four of Salaz’s own paintings and a curated selection of masterworks, this book highlights both technique and artistic philosophy. Landscapes in Oil is a vital resource for any artist aiming to create powerful landscapes that reflect the profound connection between humans and nature.

Landscapes in Oil
Realistic Oil Painting: Contemporary Guide to Realistic Oil Painting

Realistic Oil Painting: Contemporary Guide to Realistic Oil Painting

Realistic Oil Painting: Master the Art of Lifelike Depiction

Creating high-quality, realistic art is a skillful blend of knowledge, observation, and technique. Unlike casual observers, artists view the world with a deeper curiosity, focusing on the essence of objects and the natural laws that shape their appearance. Realistic Oil Painting is a comprehensive guide designed to help you develop the skills needed to accurately and beautifully depict any subject.

The first part of the book focuses on the fundamental principles of realism, exploring how light and shadow influence color and form. You’ll learn essential color-mixing techniques, how to select the right colors for underpainting, and the various types of underpaintings that lay the groundwork for successful compositions. Clear explanations guide you through these foundational concepts, making it easy to apply them in your own work.

The second part of the book moves into practical application, offering step-by-step examples of painting different subjects using a variety of techniques. You’ll gain hands-on experience with both layered and direct painting methods, deepening your understanding of how to achieve depth, texture, and realism.

Realistic Oil Painting serves as both a foundational resource and a practical guide, empowering artists at all levels to refine their skills and bring their visions to life with accuracy and expression. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to perfect your technique, this book offers everything you need to master the art of realistic oil painting.

Creating high-quality, realistic art is a skillful blend of knowledge, observation, and technique. Unlike casual observers, artists view the world with a deeper curiosity, focusing on the essence of objects and the natural laws that shape their appearance. Realistic Oil Painting is a comprehensive guide designed to help you develop the skills needed to accurately and beautifully depict any subject.

The first part of the book focuses on the fundamental principles of realism, exploring how light and shadow influence color and form. You’ll learn essential color-mixing techniques, how to select the right colors for underpainting, and the various types of underpaintings that lay the groundwork for successful compositions. Clear explanations guide you through these foundational concepts, making it easy to apply them in your own work.

The second part of the book moves into practical application, offering step-by-step examples of painting different subjects using a variety of techniques. You’ll gain hands-on experience with both layered and direct painting methods, deepening your understanding of how to achieve depth, texture, and realism.

Realistic Oil Painting serves as both a foundational resource and a practical guide, empowering artists at all levels to refine their skills and bring their visions to life with accuracy and expression. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to perfect your technique, this book offers everything you need to master the art of realistic oil painting.

Realistic Oil Painting: Contemporary Guide to Realistic Oil Painting
Everyday Art Exercises: Daily Activities to Boost Your Creativity

Everyday Art Exercises: Daily Activities to Boost Your Creativity

Everyday Art Exercises: Unlock Your Creativity and Relax

Everyday Art Exercises invites you to spark your imagination and boost your creativity with over 110 on-the-page drawing and coloring activities designed to help you doodle, draw, and de-stress every day. Whether you’re looking to relax or explore your artistic side, this book offers a fun, low-pressure way to let go and play with your creativity.

Designed for all skill levels and ages, the activities allow you to interact with prompts however you like, making it an inclusive space for self-expression. The book features spacious pages, thick artist-quality paper that prevents bleed-through, and a durable sewn binding that lays flat for a comfortable drawing experience.

Created by artist and popular Instagrammer Jane Maday (@JaneMaday), this book encourages you to enjoy art as a form of self-care and creative exploration. Dive into prompts that have you adding stars to a twilight sky, turning watercolor blobs into imaginative shapes, coloring floral gardens, or drawing playful faces on pumpkins.

Everyday Art Exercises is more than just a drawing book—it’s a tool for mindfulness and mental well-being. Engaging in coloring and doodling has been shown to reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall brain function.

Everyday Art Exercises: Daily Activities to Boost Your Creativity

Books About Art

Books About Art offer an essential gateway into the world of creativity, technique, and artistic expression. Covering a wide range of topics—from art history and theory to step-by-step tutorials—these books provide invaluable insights for both aspiring and experienced artists. Whether exploring the works of great masters, discovering new artistic movements, or learning practical skills, books about art serve as both inspiration and education for anyone passionate about visual storytelling.

For hands-on learning, art books guide readers through various mediums, including watercolor, oil, acrylic, and drawing. They offer detailed instruction on techniques such as composition, color theory, and texture, helping artists refine their craft and expand their creative abilities. Many books also include exercises and demonstrations that allow readers to practice what they learn, making them a useful tool for developing artistic confidence.

Beyond technique, Books About Art also delve into the philosophies and creative processes behind great works. They explore how artists translate emotion and perspective onto the canvas, revealing the thought and intention behind masterpieces. Whether you’re looking to study renowned artists, improve your skills, or find inspiration for your next project, art books provide a rich and diverse resource for deepening your artistic knowledge and creativity.