THE BOOK LIST

The Art Spirit by Robert Henri

The essential beliefs, insights and theories of an exceptional teacher and American artist who taught at The Art Students League in New York City from 1915-1928. No other American painter attracted such a large group of followers as Robert Henri. There is both wisdom and insight hidden within the pages of this true classic.

Carlson’s Guide To Landscape Painting by John F. Carlson

Written by a famous American painter and teacher whose landscapes are found in many of the world’s noted museums. This venerated classic and helpful guide provides a wealth of advice on specific topics and concerns that will be relevant to the landscape painter. John Carlson is a master painter with a gift for communicating his craft. 

Composition of Outdoor Painting by Edgar Payne

Excellent teacher and talented California Impressionist, Edgar Payne, wrote this little 6x9” book, often referred to by plein air and landscape painters as the ‘Bible’. He is a uniquely gifted designer. This famous little book is packed with insights, ideas and techniques for the serious painter. 

Alla Prima II - Expanded Edition, Everything I Know About Painting – and More by Richard Schmid

One of the great living painters of our time, Richard Schmid,now in his 80’s, has had a significant influence on my approach to painting. He signed my copy back in 2005 of the original edition of Alla Prima. Now, this expanded edition builds upon the original with further chapters and more images in this treasure trove of practical wisdom. It’s an extraordinary work of generosity representing a lifetime of commitment to the craft of painting. Sure to be a classic, the sage counsel found within these pages will assist you in painting for a lifetime.

Other books by Richard Schmid: The Landscapes – Newly Enhanced Edition, My Still Life Art 

Not Far From Home: The Paintings of Daniel F. Gerhartz by Daniel Gerhartz

Daniel Gerhartz is one of my favorite living artists in the painterly approach. Whether painting the figure, landscape or still life, his brushwork and poetic expression are equally exceptional. This gorgeous book is a collection of his beautiful work with128 full color illustrations of highest quality. There is a full step-by-step demonstration in the back of the book to reveal his working process. 

A Proven Strategy for Creating Great Art by Dan McCaw

Now out of print, this book is not as easy to get your hands on. But I can’t help but share it with you for the impact it had on my growth. The book was a total surprise to me in terms of the depth of insight I would gain from it’s pages. Dan McCaw is a wonderful and expressive painter. I’ve always admired the unique textural and painterly beauty of his work, but the teaching set forth in this book really spoke to me. He unpacks everything from designing with shapes to understanding light and form and making the painting your own. There is a color freshness and painterly sense of personal expression in his work that is truly magical. 

Landscape Painting Inside & Out by Kevin Macpherson

Mastering Composition: Techniques and Principles to Dramatically Improve Your Painting by Ian Roberts

Classical Painting Atelier: A Contemporary Guide to Traditional Studio Practice by Juliette Aristedes

Lessons in Classical Painting: Essential Techniques from Inside the Atelier by Juliette Aristedes

Painting Brilliant Skies & Water in Pastel by Liz Haywood-Sullivan

This book is a must have for pastel painters who want to bring light and life to their landscape paintings. Liz is a personal friend, a great teacher and an exceptional pastel painter. Her strong sense of design alongside an excellent conveyance of light and atmosphere make this richly illustrated step-by-step guide a real treasure.

Harley Brown’s Eternal Truths for Every Artist by Harley Brown

As a young painter, I discovered Harley Brown’s colorful work, and it had a liberating influence on my approach to pastel. This book served as a hand guide to me as I learned to loosen edges, express myself with color and bring a fresh approach to backgrounds. I loaned my copy to a student and it never returned. They must have thought is was worth keeping!

The Painterly Approach by Bob Rohm

A solid exploration of painterly methods in both pastel and oil by a fine landscape painter. From landscape to portrait, figure and beyond, Bob Rohm shows us his painterly approach to seeing, painting and expressing. 

Mastering Pastel by Alain Picard

My small-sized fully illustrated step-by-step hand guide to pastel painting. Filled with step-by-step painting demonstrations that walk you through the development of a pastel painting.

The Human Figure by John H. Vanderpoel

Beautiful reproductions of drawings by this masterful draftsman, a living record of Vanderpeol's impressions of the human figure and face. Recorded in mass and in detail, these drawings are unparalleled with drawings of the eyes, nose and mouth. 

Bridgman’s Life Drawing by George B. Bridgman

 A wonderful book of illustrations by a great draftsman of the figure. Bridgman shows us how to block the human form and understand the structure of the figure in movement and gesture. 

Perspective For Artists by Rex Vicat Cole

A little more complex and very thorough exposition of perspective for artists. Dives deep into a variety of applications in paintings. 

Perspective Drawing Handbook by Joseph D’Amelio

Start here for a fully illustrated and comprehensive guide to perspective for artists. Remains today as an excellent explanation of the fundamentals of perspective. 

Drawing the Head and Hands by Andrew Loomis

For those seeking to gain a strong foundation in drawing the head and hands, this book is a real gem, filled with illustrations and practical know-how to assist you in your growth.

Figure Drawing for All It’s Worth by Andrew Loomis

Hailing from the golden era of illustration, this book is a thorough examination of the human figure. From proportions and planes to light and shadow and rendering techniques there are so many fundamentals to learn from this master draftsman.

Perspective Made Easy by Ernest R. Norling

Mastery of perspective is a basic skill every artist must have. This simple, nontechnical guide will enable you to master its essentials in a relatively short time. Clear and concise, this book is an essential addition to any artist's bookshelf.

Beginning Drawing by Alain Picard

My full-length guide to drawing that covers all the basics, from tools and materials to basic drawing techniques like perspective, tone, light and shadow, and composition. Then we apply what you've learned to step-by-step drawing demonstrations. It's a beautifully designed book for those who seek a foundation in drawing.

Classical Drawing Atelier: A Contemporary Guide To Traditional Studio Practice by Juliette Aristedes

Juliette Aristedes is a leader in the atelier movement of classical realism which has experienced a great renaissance in recent years. She is an outstanding teacher and artist. This book was her first offering in what has become an entire collection of elegantly designed and knowledge-rich teachings from the atelier methods. A great communicator, Juliette connects the wisdom of art history with the current day practices of contemporary realism. With an emphasis on drawing the figure, this book is an excellent overview of classical drawing foundations. 

More Books on Drawing by Juliette Aristedes: Beginning Drawing Atelier, Figure Drawing Atelier: An Instructional Sketchbook

Lessons in Classical Drawing: Essential Techniques from Inside the Atelier by Juliette Aristededes

 The followup to her popular book, Classical Drawing Atelier, this book goes further in revealing the important principles, concepts and techniques that artists must consider when creating a masterful drawing. Aristedes has done it again with this beautiful and thoughtful guide.  

Noah’s Ark by Rien Poortvliet

A masterful dutch wildlife painter takes us into the ark to discover an extraordinary collection of animal paintings and drawings. Other wildlife landscape paintings are shown in this richly illustrated oversized coffee table book. 

Dogs by Rien Poortvliet

 For the dog lover, this book will fill your cup to overflowing!

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

A field guide for overcoming the internal creative obstacles the hinder our success as creative people. 

Creative Calling: Establish a daily practice, infuse your world with meaning, and succeed in work + life by Chase Jarvis

 I enjoyed this book from the entrepreneurial creative powerhouse and sports photographer, Chase Jarvis, who invented the original learning website, Creative Live. It's one part memoir, two parts motivational manifesto. Great insights for those who want to make a career out of their creative work. 

Real Artists Don’t Starve: Timeless Strategies for Living in the New Creative Age by Jeff Goins

For those who want to turn their art into a business and their business into art, this book will bring fresh inspiration and encouragement to move you forward so you can trade in your starving artist myth for a thriving artist’s life.

Creative Authenticity: 16 Principles to Clarify and Deepen Your Artistic Vision by Ian Roberts

A great living painter shares valuable insights on finding your authentic expression.

Steal Like An Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon

An inspiring guide to unlocking your creativity in the digital age, Steal Like an Artist presents ten transformative principles that will help readers discover their artistic side and build a more creative life.

Walking on Water: Reflections On Faith And Art by Madeleine L’Engle

This book a beautiful response to those who seek answers to questions like: What does it mean to be a Christian artist? What is the relationship between faith and art?

The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity, 25^th Anniversary Edition by Julia Cameron

When I graduated from college, this 12-week program unlocked a fresh reservoir of creativity and creative discipline within me. It’s a time-tested classic for creative recovery and renewal.

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown

This is not written for artists, but it is excellent in harnessing your potential. Learn to focus on only what is essential so you can make the greatest impact.

Your Best Year Ever: A 5-Step Plan For Achieving Your Most Important Goals by Michael Hyatt

This is not written for artists, but I have used it’s excellent approach to goal setting and creating objectives to develop my art business and accomplish my goals.

John Singer Sargent, Princeton University Press

Sargent: The Masterworks by Stephanie L. Herdrich

John Singer Sargent: Portraits in Charcoal, by Richard Ormond

Sorolla: The Masterworks by Blanca Pons-Sorolla

Sorolla: The Hispanic Society, Muller; Burke

Joaquín Sorolla (Arte Moderno) by Blanca Pons-Sorolla

Degas: A Passion for Perfection, by Jane Munro

Degas: Impressions of a Great Master by Gerhard Gruitrooy

Nicolai Fechin: The Art and the Life by Galina P. Tuluzakova

Drawings of Nicolai Fechin by Galina P. Tuluzakova, Forward by Sherrie McGraw

Anders Zorn: Sweden’s Master Painter

Cecilia Beaux: American Figure Painter

Monet or The Triumph of Impressionism by Daniel Wildenstein

William Merritt Chase: A Modern Master

Mary Cassatt: An American Impressionist in Paris

Van Gogh: The Complete Paintings

Edgar Payne: The Scenic Journey