From the article: 10 Best Art Books of the '00s
What's the title and who's the author of the art book you've had the longest or used or enjoyed the most? What makes it so special? When and/or where did you get it? Share the details of your favorite art book here. What's Your Favorite Book
The Eye of the Painter by Andrew Loomis
- Good, solid, thorough, true, no nonsense analysis and advice, like gold. All the books by Andrew Loomis are freely downloadable.
- —Guest Tony Konteos
Art of The 20th Century
- This two volume set covers, as its name implies, every movement of the 20th Century. The first volume covers painting and the second volume includes sculpture, mixed media, and performance art. Thousands of full color photographs make it an invaluable reference and the writing is NOT the boring stuff of textbooks, but rather a combination of history, artist statements, and reviews. All of this is written in a style that keeps your interest. Its one of the few art books that I've spent more time reading than looking at pictures. From Taschen books online or, as I did, you can have your local bookseller order it for you. The best money I've ever spent on an artbook and I'm an art book junky.
- —Guest Josjor
The Art of London
- One of my favourite artists, this is a beautiful book which spans almost 60 years of oils, watercolours, drawings, pen and ink pictures. His use of different media is astonishing, and the colours - often dark and muted - are occasionally incredibly bright and vibrant. He has been an inspiration to me for many years, and this book is a constant delight. Published by the Royal Academy of Arts here in London (Williams was one of the 80 academicians until his death in 2006) I happened to be there just before Christmas and noticed that there was only one copy left. Two days later it had been sold. If I ever lose my copy I will be completely bereft.
- —Guest Julie Higgins
The Yin/Yang of Painting
- This book is totally beautiful and fascinating. By using only four different palettes, the artist creates some very beautiful but different color schemes in the paintings. Great book for learning the finer points of color mixing and use of color. I thought the book was brilliant.
- —MarcelleHooks
An Artist's Handbook
- This book of materials & techniques by Margaret Krug has been a most helpful reference guide covering drawing and painting materials. It is full of demonstration photos along with color art reproductions. Her text clearly describes a variety of historical and contemporary techniques including egg tempera and encaustic painting. If you have ever wondered how the old masters created their works of art you will find the answers and recipes in this wonderful book.
- —Harrietotis
The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
- Although written from the perspective of writing, it addresses the life of the artist regardless of medium. It discusses fear and loathing, tricks and trade all with a compassionate touch. It reminds us to be kind to ourselves and that while we are all creative beings, only a few brave souls venture out to the many, faceted forms of expression. This alone should enstill respect for one's efforts and compassion to oneself. The chapters are well written and each addresses a different aspect of the creative life with some excercises at the end which are great fun. Stimulating and thought-provoking but breakthrough fun.
- —Guest Beltane
Painting Landscapes with Atmosphere
- This book by Ray Balkwill is the best that I have studied this year. If you are painting mixed media or would like to, then this is a must read.
- —Guest Graeme Ladbrooke
'Picasso on Art" Dore Ashton
- This is from the Documents of 20th century art series that was edited by Robert Motherwell. It is basically a collection of quotes from Picasso that are arranged in different chapters and categories. It is truly astonishing and insightful and amply illustrated with the great man's drawings and prints.
- —Guest sage890au
