5 Must-Read Art Books for Artists!
Ever feel stuck in your painting process?
Like no matter what you do, the colours don’t feel right, or your inspiration just… isn’t there? I’ve been there more times than I can count. When that happens, I don’t force it—I reset. And one of my favourite ways to do that? Books.
There’s something magical about flipping through pages filled with wisdom from artists who have been in the same creative ruts, faced the same doubts, and found ways to push through. These five books have been my lifeline when I need fresh ideas, motivation, or just a reminder that even the greatest artists struggled too.
If you’re an artist looking to grow, challenge yourself, or just rekindle that spark, you need these books in your life!
1. Monet by Himself
Monet is one of my biggest inspirations, not just because of his dreamy brushstrokes, but because of his resilience. This book isn’t just full of his breathtaking paintings—it’s packed with his actual letters, giving you an intimate look at his struggles, thoughts, and creative process.
Reading about Monet’s own self-doubt reminds me that even the masters had tough days. If he could push through them, so can we.
2. Plein Air Painting with Oils – Heidi-Jo Summers
If you’ve ever dreamt of painting outdoors but don’t know where to start, this book is a game-changer. Heidi-Jo Summers has a way of making plein air painting feel approachable, even if you’re new to oils.
Her step-by-step exercises helped me loosen up, embrace the unpredictable nature of painting outside, and find joy in capturing fleeting moments. If you’ve been wanting to take your easel outdoors, this is the book for you!
3. Color by Betty Edwards
Understanding colour can feel overwhelming, but this book breaks it down in a way that finally makes sense. Betty Edwards dives deep into colour theory, mixing, and how to create harmonious palettes without overthinking.
After reading this, I started seeing colour differently—how it affects mood, how to balance warm and cool tones, and how to use it to bring life to my paintings. If you ever struggle with colour mixing or creating cohesive palettes, you need this in your collection!
4. Big Magic – Elizabeth Gilbert
This one isn’t a technical art book—it’s a mindset reset. If you’ve ever felt blocked, doubtful, or afraid to share your art, Big Magic will shake up the way you think about creativity.
Elizabeth Gilbert reminds us that creativity isn’t something to force—it’s something to play with. Her words have pulled me out of so many ruts, and every time I revisit this book, I walk away feeling lighter and more excited to create.
5. Art-Write by Vicki Krohn Amorose
Okay, real talk—writing about our own art is hard. As artists, we express ourselves visually, so putting our thoughts into words can feel unnatural. That’s why I love this book.
It’s filled with thoughtful prompts and exercises to help you articulate what your art is about, making it so much easier to write artist statements, talk about your work at exhibitions, and connect with collectors.
If you’ve ever stared at a blank page, wondering how to describe your art, this book is a lifesaver.
🌟 Bonus: Want to go even deeper?
I know how overwhelming it can feel to take inspiration and actually turn it into a painting that feels uniquely yours. That’s exactly why I created The Painter’s Guide—a step-by-step workbook designed to help you find your artistic voice and bring your ideas to life.
It’s packed with exercises, creative prompts, and my personal framework for taking a concept and turning it into a finished painting. You can download it HERE.