Essential Art Books For Artists
Every artist needs good learning material to progress and there really is nothing like a good old paper art book. The problem is there are so many out there, it's hard to know which ones to get and which ones to ignore.
We've compiled a list of our favorites covering various artistic subjects we think would provide you with the best foundations.
Here are the essentials:
(this is not a sponsored post, we don't make a penny on the sales of these books, just our honest opinion!)
Anatomy
-An Atlas of Anatomy for Artists
Cheap book filled with anatomy studies from the old masters, a real gold mine.
-Strength Training Anatomy, 3rd Edition
Great book to learn the anatomy of the muscles in various positions. This also doubles as a muscle-training guide showing what muscles are activated during various exercises.
-The Art of Animal Drawing
Really simple to understand animal anatomy book that breaks down the animal anatomy in simple shapes with explanations.
-Anatomy for the Artist
This book has great photo-references with gorgeous models. The book features see through pages allowing you to overlay the bones and muscles on top of the body which is a great way to learn how everything is connected.
Figure Drawing
-Figure Drawing: Design and Invention
This one of our favorite books of all time. It simplifies everything to simple geometrical volumes making this difficult topic extremely easy to understand.
Color Theory
-Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter
Everything you need to know about colors, thoroughly explained by renowned artist James Gurney. This is one of those books everybody should have.
Concept Art
-Big Bad World of Concept Art for Video Games: An Insider's Guide for Students
This guide reveals everything you need to know if you ever plan to jump into a career as a concept artists. This is a close a shortcut you will ever get.
-The Skillful Huntsman
A great book for concept artists on how to brainstorm ideas and move forward with your designs, all the way to the final product.
Composition/Storyboard
-Dream Worlds: Production Design for Animation
Fantastic book on animation pre-production. It covers composition, layout brainstorming, storyboard & color scripts.
Animation
-The Animator's Survival Kit
The one an only book you should be required to buy as an animator. It's a legendary ~400 page book covering every aspect of animation.
Basic Perspective
-Perspective Made Easy
A small (and cheap!) handbook if you're starting to learn perspective. Great for beginners and has lots of info on basic perspective rules and tricks.
Perspective & Design
-How to Draw: Drawing and sketching objects and environments from your imagination
A 200+ page book filled with perspective knowledge and tips on what makes a good design; good for artists of any level.