This is a selection of highly readable, non-fiction books on art that painters wanting to improve their general art knowledge (and ability to critique paintings) are likely to enjoy. They're perfect for dipping at any time. I usually approach collections of essays by first reading those on my favorite artists (if they're included), then artists whose names I recognize but don't know much about, the any that are left over. And I always read with a pencil in my hand to mark "the good bits".
1. Hang-Ups by Simon Schama
Image © Marion Boddy-Evans
Hang-Ups is a collection of Schama's short writings on art, selected by him from the various publications, but primarily from The New Yorker. Schama the art critic and columnist is as entertaining, opinionated, erudite, and informative as you'd expect if you've read any of his (famously long) books. But Hang-Ups consisting of more bite-size you don't have to give over a week of your life to read it. It's a book about art shows as well as the art on show, from the second half of the 90s onwards, written to encourage you to see familiar paintings and the artists behind them anew. Sit down for a great romp
2. The Penguin Book of Art Writing
Image © Marion Boddy-Evans
Some 640 pages of essays, reviews, letters, and extracts, The Penguin Book of Art Writing is a great book for curling up with when you want to fill your mind with something on an art topic. Its thematic arrangement (from artists in their studios, humanity in art, art and psychology, to art and travel, and beyond) makes it easy to turn to a subject that appeals to you on a particular day.
3. Nothing if Not Critical by Robert Hughes
Image © Marion Boddy-Evans
Robert Hughes constructs his distinctive opinions about art and artists with humor, critical acuity, and eloquence. This collection of art essays presents his views on more than 80 different artists and/or shows from the 1980s, most initially published in Time magazine. There are no sacred cows, but Hughes' writing isn't provocative just for sake of being provocative. It'll make you think, it'll make you laugh, and it'll keep you turning the pages. You certainly don't need to be a painting history buff nor contemporary art expert to enjoy it. Above all, it shares a love of art.
4. Writers on Artists
This book is a heavier read than the three above in the literal sense -- it's a medium-format coffee-table book rather than a text-only paperback. Choosing which of the 39 articles (originally published in Modern Painters magazine) to read first is difficult: do you select your favorite artist or writer? Either way, it's fascinating reading that showcases great art criticism. The short biographies of each artist and writer outline their achievements and 'claim to fame'. If you're wanting to learn more about art, develop your own art critique skills, or simply looking for a good read, Writers on Artists provides it.
