Recommended Art Books

The cover of this book by Larry Blovits states “NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!”, and I have to agree. The instructions are clear and easy to understand, and the book contains explanations of all supplies needed for each type of media discussed (pencil, charcoal, conte crayon, and pastel). The book also contains a number of “Skill-Building Exercises”, short lessons you can sit down and follow step by step. A parent could even guide a child through these exercises, a fun activity to do together.


Lifelike Drawing with Lee Hammond

Here Lee Hammond covers a number of differnt subjects including objects, pets, and people, making this book a great reference for any art library. She discusses how to use a grid when drawing as well as paper selection and shading techniques, taking the reader step by step through the demonstrations. Anyone interested in realistic drawing should check this book out!


Secrets to Drawing Realistic Faces

This is a great resource for anyone interested in drawing realistic people in pencil. In this book, author Carrie Stuart Parks goes into such detail explaining the differnt "tools" artists use to perfect their portraits, you'll be able to use those tools as well.




Art for Kids: Cartooning: The Only Cartooning Book You'll Ever Need to Be the Artist You've Always Wanted to Be

This wonderful book by Art Roche takes the reader step by step in creating original cartoon characters – an clear and easy method to follow for both children and adults. A great activity to try together!


Painting Animals That Touch the Heart

This book by Lesley Harrison is full of pastel paintings of animals by Lesley Harrison, and they are beautiful! Some of them are so realistic it’s hard to believe they are not photographs. She uses soft pastels, hard pastels, pastel pencils, and velour paper. After looking through the book, I’m ready to purchase some more supplies and follow her tips – this book is highly recommended!


Artist's Photo Reference: Landscapes

North Light Books has put together a number of these photo reference books, and this is one of my favorites. Topics in this book include skies, water, trees, flowers, mountains, rocks, deserts, and the seasons. You can use the photos as they are or combine them to compose your own original work. I used two of the photos, one of a waterfall and one of fall trees, to create a completely new picture. All in all, it's a great resource for any artist!


Do you have a favorite art book? Let us know! We'd love to add it to the list!

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