Art books come in a variety of forms ranging from coffee table books to art history books and practical guides.
If you're new to art, a good technical art book can help you to develop your skills and learn from experienced artists. You can learn how to paint, draw, make prints and much more.
Sometimes a YouTube video doesn't include enough information to explain techniques fully. That's when an art book comes into its own. They're packed with practical tips and advice that you won't find anywhere else.
More experienced artists can learn more advanced techniques from art books and develop their understanding of art theory. In this guide, we'll look at some of the best art books for beginners as well as books for intermediate artists.
Just looking for the best coffee table books about art? We've got a few recommendations for you too!
Looking for more creative inspiration? Check out our watercolor painting ideas, learn how to paint a watercolor galaxy or discover how to use watercolor pencils.
Best art books at a glance:
Best art books to buy in 2024
Art technique books
1. Watercolour Techniques for Artists & Illustrators, DK (Graham Boothe)
If you’re thinking of taking a painting course – don’t! Choose a book instead. You can follow this book almost like a painting course. It explains all the painting equipment available in great detail, so you can decide what you need to buy. This book guides you through the basic techniques of watercolour painting. It begins with simple projects which become progressively harder as your skills develop.
There are lots of creative tutorials to try, so it’s a good book to pick up when you’re struggling to think of ideas. We'd recommend keeping a copy of this book on my shelf for reference, but absolute beginners may find the huge amount of detail on each page a bit off-putting. If you're an art student, you're likely to find it very useful.
2. Anywhere, Anytime Art: Gouache: An artist's guide to painting with gouache on the go!, Agathe Singer
Gouache is a brilliant medium for anyone who wants to get into illustration. As an added bonus, gouache paints are not very expensive. This book was written by the talented painter and illustrator Agathe Singer and it’s packed with beautiful projects to try in her unique style. This book is clearly aimed at illustrators, so if you want to learn to paint realistic pictures with gouache then this isn’t the book for you.
It’s easy to follow and even beginners will be able to produce pleasing finished paintings. This is a good pick for absolute beginners or anyone looking for a fun project to try. These projects would look great on your wall!
Looking for more gouache painting inspiration? Check out our gouache painting ideas.
3. Block Print, Andrea Lauren
Block Print is a great choice for anyone who wants to try lino printing for the first time. The introduction guides you through the basics of this fun craft including the materials you’ll need to buy. However, the best part of this book is the selection of creative projects to try. You’ll learn how to create a range of colourful projects using basic block printing techniques – and you’ll be able to make some very impressive prints in no time!
This book is a good place to start if you want to try out lino printing. It’ll help you to build your confidence and give you a good understanding of the basic techniques involved. Check out our lino cutting guide for more tips to help you get started.
4. Figure Drawing: A Complete Guide to Drawing the Human Body, Jake Spicer
If you’ve ever browsed through drawing books in a bookshop, you’ll almost certainly have come across one by the artist Jake Spicer. Jake specialises in producing accessible drawing guides for beginners and this book is an ideal buy if you want to improve your figure drawing skills. It’s structured like a course, so you can start with the basics and build up to more difficult techniques along the way.
There are some excellent step-by-step tutorials you can try to learn the various techniques. As this is a guide to drawing the human body, it also has a great section on anatomy. This book would be perfect for art students or anyone taking life drawing classes.
Looking for more drawing books? Check out our best drawing books guide.
5. 365 Days of Art in Nature, Lorna Scobie
This creative art book is more of a journal than an instructional guide. This is a good book to buy if you want to bring creativity into your life and get into the habit of painting and drawing regularly.
It's an entry-level art book for beginners featuring art prompts for every day of the year. There are other books in the series, but we like this nature-themed one. This would make a lovely gift for an arty person who loves to spend time outdoors.
6. Abstract Painting, Petra Thölken
Abstract painting can be a great way to experiment with different textures and colours in your work. If you've tried abstract painting unsuccessfully before, this book could help you to see this art form in a new light.
Petra explains what materials you should use and why, guides you through a range of techniques and there are 20 projects to try. This book will really help you to branch out and give you the confidence to try out a new creative style.
7. Birds, Bees and Blossoms, Harriet de Winton
Harriet de Winton is an amazing watercolour artist who regularly shares tutorials on YouTube. She's also the founder of the de Winton Paper Co. Harriet has tonnes of expertise to share in this beautiful book, which includes 30 step-by-step painting tutorials. Learn how to paint Bengal tigers, bumblebees, peacocks and much more.
The book includes an introduction to watercolour painting for beginners at the beginning. At the end of the book, there's a section explaining how Harriet creates some of her stunning patterns. Well worth a read!
8. Watercolour for the Soul, Sharone Stevens
Watercolour painting is brilliant for relaxation – and you don't need to be an experienced artist to reap the benefits. This book keeps things simple and the main focus is on art as a way of unwinding.
There's a variety of art projects to attempt ranging from easy gift tags to much larger paintings. It includes a good introduction to colour mixing so you can learn to create your own beautiful colour palettes.
9. Linocut for Artists and Designers, Nick Morley
Looking to get into lino printing more seriously? This is the only reference book you’ll need. It contains absolutely everything you could ever want to know about linocut printmaking, from types of ink to buy to the benefits of various types of paper.
It’s full of useful information and practical ways to tackle common problems. It’s like having an experienced printmaker to turn to when you get stuck! It's a brilliant buy for amateur printmakers, as it'll always contain the answers you're searching for.
10. Painting with Bob Ross, Bob Ross
Over the years, Bob Ross has inspired thousands of people to take up painting. This book captures Bob’s unique style and painting techniques, so you can recreate his paintings at home.
Each painting project has easy steps to follow with detailed instructions. You’ll be able to master the basics of oil painting and create your own stunning canvases as you go.
Need to stock up on supplies? Check out our Bob Ross painting kits.
11. If You're Bored with Watercolour Read this Book, Veronica Ballart Lilja
This book is perfect for anyone who is stuck in a creative rut and looking for fresh ideas. If You're Bored With Watercolour Read this Book will help you to fall back in love with watercolour painting. There's a very good section covering painting supplies at the start of the book.
There are lots of short exercises throughout the book, which encourage you to try different techniques. For example, have you ever tried turned painted paper into a watercolour collage? Or combining watercolours with embroidery? You're bound to find something new in this book that you haven't tried before.
12. The Art of Gouache: 20 Fun and Creative Painting Projects for Everyone, Viktorija Semjonova
Follow your dream of becoming an illustrator with this beautiful book by Viktorija Semjonova. There's a good introduction to gouache painting, followed by 20 stunning projects to try.
This is a brilliant book to choose if you're looking for fun art projects to paint and you're feeling uninspired at the moment. The paintings in this book look really professional, so if you want to create artwork for your home this will definitely fit the bill.
13. Make Ink: A Forager’s Guide to Natural Inkmaking, Jason Logan
Make Ink, written by Jason Logan, founder of the Toronto Ink Company, explores the history and science of ink-making using eco-friendly, urban pigments sourced from the streets. This book guides readers on foraging materials, such as soot and peach pits, and teaches them how to create vibrant, location-specific inks that honour both artistry and the environment, beautifully captured in minimalist photography.
14. How to Draw, Jake Spicer
- Buy now from Waterstones (£12.99).
Jake Spicer presents a comprehensive drawing course for beginners and experienced artists alike, offering flexible exercises and accessible theory to help you develop your drawing skills and integrate art into your daily life.
15. The Artist's Manual: The Definitive Art Sourcebook: Media, Materials, Tools, and Techniques, Rob Pepper
- Buy now from WHSmith (£23.00).
Elevate your creative journey with a comprehensive and visually stunning artist's handbook, exploring various art forms from traditional drawing and painting to ceramics, sculptures, printmaking, digital art, and animation, catering to the diverse interests of modern artists.
History of art books
16. The Oxford History of Art Series
- Buy now from Amazon.
Explore this 37 book series for a detailed history of your preferred art era, from The Art of the Roman Empire, to Twentieth Century Design.
17. A Brief History of Black British Art, Rianna Jade Parker
- Buy now from WHSmith (£13.80).
A Brief History of Black British Art by Rianna Jade Parker celebrates the significant contributions of over sixty black British artists from the 1960s to the present, shedding light on their work and the unique black British experience, while addressing themes of race, nationhood, citizenship, gender, class, sexuality, and aesthetics.
18. Art: The Whole Story, Stephen Farthing
- Buy now from WHSmith (£23.00).
Art: The Whole Story is a visually captivating book that offers insights into the world's most iconic artworks, presenting an exploration of art history through analysis of masterpieces, genres, and cultural contexts, enriched with illustrations and contributions from international artists, art historians, and curators.
Art theory and criticism
19. Ways of Seeing, John Berger
John Berger's ground-breaking book, Ways of Seeing, published in 1972 and based on a BBC television series, is a highly influential work that challenges and transforms the reader's perception of art, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the subject.
20. Art as Therapy, Alain de Botton and John Armstrong
In this engaging and accessible book, the authors present a fresh perspective on art, highlighting its usefulness, relevance, and therapeutic potential, exploring how specific artworks offer guidance for navigating contemporary challenges in areas such as relationships, nature, money, politics, and mortality.
21. Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power, Mark Godfrey
In Soul of a Nation, a captivating and timely exploration of American art history, Mark Godfrey and Zoe Whitley shed light on the neglected stories of black artists from the transformative era of 1963-83.
With compelling essays and over 170 stunning illustrations, the book unravels the complex intersections of art, politics, and racial identity, making it an essential and enlightening contribution to the reassessment of African American art history.
22. The World According to Colour: A Cultural History, James Fox
- Buy now from Waterstones (£12.99).
In his mesmerising book, James Fox takes readers on a captivating journey through the history of colour, exploring the meanings and cultural significance behind each of the seven primary colours. From ancient civilisations to modern art, Fox unravels the rich tapestry of human experience through vibrant stories, offering a fresh perspective that allows us to see art and our world in a whole new light.
23. The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity, Julia Cameron
The Artist's Way isn't a new book: it was first published in 1992 and has been hugely popular with artists and creative people ever since. The Artist's Way encourages you to look at your creativity in a new way, so this is a fantastic book for anyone who wants to rediscover their creative side.
The book aims to help you get into a state of creative flow, where you can explore ideas without feeling restricted. You may find that this book changes your life and your outlook on the world!
24. How to Be An Artist, Jerry Saltz
This book is a New York Times bestseller and has received glowing reviews from renowned artists Grayson Perry and Tracey Emin.
It has lots of practical advice for anyone who is experiencing creative block, ways to follow your artistic instincts and how to complete a project that you've started (something many people struggle with!). Buy this book if you need to feel motivated and inspired.
Artist profiles
25. Henry Matisse The Cut Outs, Karl Buchberg
Henri Matisse's remarkable cut-outs, created during his battle with illness, are the focus of this captivating catalogue, which delves into his techniques, materials, and the intricate balance between art and utility.
With its 'studio diary' format, the book invites readers to explore the tensions and nuances within Matisse's masterpieces, offering a fresh perspective on his late works and their significance in the realm of modern art.
26. de Gournay: Hand-Painted Interiors, Claud Cecil Gurney
- Buy now from Waterstones (£62.00).
De Gournay: Hand-Painted Interiors unveils the mesmerising world of the renowned design house, showcasing their exquisite hand-painted wallpapers, from vibrant chinoiserie to historical and abstract themes. With stunning interiors created by top designers around the globe, this book offers a wealth of inspiration and a glimpse into the luxurious and influential world of de Gournay.
27. Frida Kahlo. The Complete Paintings, Andrea Kettenmann
- Buy now from WHSmith (£150.00).
Frida Kahlo: An Intimate Portrait offers a fascinating journey into the life and art of the iconic Mexican painter.
With stunning detail shots, personal diary pages, and rare photographs, this XXL book provides an unprecedented exploration of Kahlo's extraordinary talent, making it the most comprehensive study of her work and life to date, and a must-have for art enthusiasts and Frida admirers alike.
28. Steven Klein, Steven Klein and Mark Holborn
Steven Klein: Blurring Reality is a captivating monograph featuring the hyperreal and provocative photography of fashion industry provocateur Steven Klein, showcasing his iconic creations and notable collaborations in a stunning collection that blurs the line between fiction and reality.
29. Vincent van Gogh: A Life in Letters, Nienke Bakker, Leo Jansen, Hans Luijten
- Buy now from Waterstones (£11.99).
Van Gogh's Letters: A Window into the Artist's Soul offers a captivating collection of his personal letters, providing invaluable insights into the mind of this iconic artist.
Delving into Van Gogh's thoughts, relationships, and unwavering passion for art, this book is a treasure trove of biographical and art-historical revelations, offering a lasting testament to a life dedicated to artistic expression.
30. Infinity Net: The Autobiography of Yayoi Kusama, Yayoi Kusama
In her captivating autobiography, Yayoi Kusama, one of the most influential contemporary artists, offers a raw and revealing account of her extraordinary life and career.
With candidness and vulnerability, Kusama takes readers on a journey through her poverty-stricken beginnings in New York's art scene, her relationships with renowned figures, and her ongoing battle with obsessive visions, showcasing her as a fearless maverick who continues to push artistic boundaries.
Coffee table art books
31. The Art Book, Phaidon
The Art Book from Phaidon is the perfect coffee table art book. It's colourful, stylish and packed with information about hundreds of artists. The artists featured range from medieval painters to modern creators. It's the ideal book to pick up and leaf through when you need some fresh ideas.
32. 1000 Record Covers, Michael Ochs
Record Covers: The Art of Musical Expression takes readers on a nostalgic journey through the iconic album covers of the 1960s to 1990s.
From Andy Warhol's legendary designs to lesser-known gems, this visually stunning collection showcases the evolution of cover art, celebrating its significance as a reflection of the times and an art form in its own right.
33. Tiny Pantone Objects, Inka Mathew
Tiny PANTONE Objects is a delightful visual feast that celebrates the vibrant world of PANTONE colours.
Through clever pairings of miniature objects with their corresponding PANTONE hues, Inka Mathew brings a whimsical and captivating perspective to everyday items, making this book a delightful treasure trove that showcases the colours that shape our world.
34. Jean-Michel Basquiat: Of Symbols and Signs, Dieter Bucchart
- Buy now from WHSmith (£36.80).
Basquiat: Decoding the Language of Art offers a captivating exploration of Jean-Michel Basquiat's iconic work, delving into the intricate network of signs and symbols he used to challenge societal norms and address political and cultural issues.
This book provides a profound understanding of Basquiat's profound artistic vision, decoding his rich body of work that remains as relevant and impactful today as it was during his all-too-brief career.
35. Art: the Definitive Visual Guide, Andrew Graham Dixon
- Buy now from Waterstones (£40.00).
Art: The Definitive Visual Guide is an indispensable resource for art enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive journey through 30,000 years of artistic history. With over 2,500 stunning images, this guide introduces major art movements, explores the techniques and concepts behind artistic creations, and provides a captivating context for understanding the evolution of art.
Art books to fuel the imagination
From comprehensive surveys of art history to specialised guides on techniques, artists, and movements, these books provide invaluable resources for artists, enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the artistic realm.
Build up your artistic skills with Gathered
We hope you enjoyed our pick of the best art books to buy! Looking for some creative projects to try? Learn how to draw a tree step by step, how to draw a bird, or have fun with our mug painting ideas.
