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What are the best books for teaching yourself to draw and paint? Which are your personal favourites?
This list is an open, crowd-sourced resource. That means that not only can you see this list, you can vote on your favourites!
Help this list get more votes by sharing it on facebook. The more people vote, the more useful (and interesting) it gets:
If you have a personal favourite that you don’t see here, add the title and author in the comments and I’ll add it to a “bubbling under” list at the bottom of the page. A book can live there for six months. If it gets enough votes to make it onto the main list in that time, it stays. If not, it goes.
This list is about books that teach you to draw and paint. Books about the philosophy of art are outside the scope of this list. If you think we should have a “philosophy of art” list, or perhaps an “Art Inspiration” list, let me know in the comments, and if it looks like it’ll be popular, I’ll set up one up 🙂
So them’s the rules. Join in! Vote on your favourite book or add one that you don’t see in the comments.
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How about Carlson’s Guide to Landscape Painting?
Good choice Lauren, I’ll add it to the “bubbling under” list when I get it set up 🙂
This is the best book on landscape painting
If you’re discussing the landscape, check out Edgar Payne’s “Composition of Outdoor Painting” (a pity it is so expensive). I really enjoyed Durand/Harrison’s “Landscape Painting” as well. (And I love Carlson too!)
Also, if you’re interesting in teaching yourself sight-size cast drawing and painting, Darren R. Rousar’s books are excellent.
Thanks Linda. I’ve heard good things about the Payne book, but haven’t seen it in the flesh. Have you seen the Dow Composition book? (I mean apart form me writing about it all the time, obviously 🙂 )
Yes I own it but haven’t done any of the exercises in it! I also own “Composition” by Cyril Pearce (1927 reprint) and Henry Rankin Poore’s “Pictorial Composition” (what do you think of those?) 🙂
I haven’t got those ones. I’ll add them to the list and lets see how they do 🙂 If they do well I’ll buy them 🙂
What I like most about the Dow book is that it stresses development of composition skill through practice, whereas most other composition books I’ve seen take the approach of showing compositional rules and devices by example. Personally I’ve found that lots of repeat practice of laying out compositions has developed my sense of spacing a lot. Dow thinks that’s the most useful compositional skill to have, and I’m inclined to agree – like drawing accuracy and value control, I think it’s one of those basic skills of drawing, but it doesn’t seem to get much attention.
I’m seriously considering trying to figure out how to game the ranking algorithm on this list so I can push the Dow book up 🙂
One other little book I have found very helpful is “Color Structure and Design” by Richard Ellinger, as the title suggests it concentrates on how to design with colour and gives very useful tools for doing so.
That sounds like a really interesting book David, thanks! I’ll add it to the “bubbling under” list. It is coming soon, I promise… 🙂
I haven’t read the ones listed (about to check some of them our, thank you) but I found “The simple secret to better painting” by Greg Albert a bit of a light bulb moment with composition (not something I found instinctive).
Thanks Louisa, I’ll add it to the list. For the record, I don’t think anyone finds composition instinctive. Like everything else, it’s a matter of practice. I heartily recommend the Dow book on composition – you can download it (legally) for free – just search for it on Google.
Harding’s Lessons on Drawing. You have to persevere with the language but I’ve learnt so much from this.
Vicat Cole’s Perspective for Artists. Far and away the most useful book on perspective. Most modern books seem to get a bit obsessed with viewing cubes from underneath (how useful!). This one actually explains things like how to draw a curving road going uphill, or a steeple on a tower.
I’ve given up on recent drawing books – part from Gurney – they are just too “laissez-faire” for me. Now I never buy anything printed after the ’50’s!
Thanks Julie, I’ll add that one to the list too.
I know what you mean about the older books often being more informative. I think it’s probably because representational art was the norm then, so there was that much more readily available information about it. I do think the situation is righting itself though. I have high hopes for more really intelligent and informative books like James Gurney’s coming out in future.
Paul,
I wonder if you could do this ranking by medium. I know some of these books but since technique by medium does vary so much the list may look very different if organized by medium. At the same time… however… some issues are universal – values, composition etc.
I am just conflicted but want to move forward I guess 🙂
Hehe, actually that’s a good idea, but it might make things a little complicated. I could definitely see a best watercolour books list. I did consider making this just a best drawing books list – but there’s so much overlap with painting, where would we draw the line? (pun, um, partially intended)
I think you’re right, it’s best to look at something like this from a pint of view of universals. The best thing you can do to make your painting better is learn to handle value really well. that’s true whatever your medium. But it’s really drawing 🙂
“The Oil Painting Book: Materials and techniques for today’s artist,” by Bill Creevy. “The Materials and Techniques of Painting,” by Jonathan Stephenson. Both are great books especially for the beginning artist. Any book by Jose A Parramon is very informative, again for the beginner. Dan McCaw’s book, “A Proven Strategy for Creating Great Art,” is informative for bringing the painting to fruition. It shows all the stages from thumbnail ideas to finishing touches.
So glad to see Betty Edwards’ book on the list. Her book so often seems spurned by “serious” artists. That is probably because of its intended audience and popular appeal but it is by far the book which got me in the game (as a hobby) through self-directed efforts.
My suggested addition: The Art Spirit by Robert Henri. It’s a compiled set of commentary he wrote for his students and is absolutely packed with wisdom and insight into the student’s role and responsibility in the learning process, regardless of how that is undertaken. And even though he died in 1929, the voice and writing are wonderfully fresh by modern standards.
Love your sight, Paul. I recently stumbled across it and am glad I did. I’ll be back to visit again. 🙂
Mitch
Oops, in my haste, I didn’t read the rules for new submissions very carefully. I guess Robert Henri’s book is probably more in the category of inspiration or philosophy. But still HIGHLY recommended in general. 🙂
Mitch
No problem Mitch, it’s here in the comments now for anyone who hasn’t come across it before. You’re right, though, it’s not really relevant for this list.
Actually, Robert Henri’s book DOES offer information on oil painting, but most of his advice was geared toward portrait drawing / painting. I’m thinking that he was teaching a figure drawing class or something.
So much good books on this list, that I feel that the lower ranked are actually only least popular. For example, right now Famous Artists Course is on 18, with such huge amount of quality information, but expensive and hard to find.
I wouldn’t disagree with you Macário. I’m not entirely sure how the down-votes play into the ranking, but it’s certainly not a straight subtraction. They seem to carry more weight and can push a book further down the list than perhaps it deserves.
I’m hoping that with enough time and votes, the anomalies will right themselves a little. I’m hoping some more people vote up Composition by Arthur Wesley Dow, since it’s my personal all-time favourite and is languishing a little!
I have that book. It is tattered and well worn, but it is worth finding if you can. I found mine- it was FREE! I went to the Boston Museum School and learned practically nothing. My first husband was an excellent painter (RISD- Yale) but he didn’t know the nuts and bolts of figurative realism, That is why he used that book. The ateliers were not really around and I had not heard of them. The Providence Public Library and The Boston Museum of Fine Arts were my best teachers.
Absolutely Macarion, this list is a popularity contest, really, but I hope still useful. I’m not sure you could objectively evaluate art instruction books and come up with a definitive list, but mine would be slightly different than the one here.
Another reference which offers inspiration as well as technical suggestions for fine drawing is J.D. Harding’s book, On Drawing Trees and Nature
Several biggies missing! ANY book by Steven Quiller. Nita Leyland’s Confident Color. Making Color Sing by Jeanne Dobbie.
Thanks Diana, they’ll go on the bubbling under list. Can you give me the title of your favourite Quiller book?
I have one book by Quiller I can recommend, its called Colour Choices (actually Color Choices, of course being American) and is very useful. Not least for his patented colour wheel constructed with actual pigments rather than just colour names.
That’s a pretty good list, thanks! I second the Art Spirit book for it’s inspiration and motivation. Also, I’m definitely biased but any list of drawing and painting technique books could be enhanced by including one or more of Ted S. Jacobs manuscripts imo.
thanks Tom. Henri’s book isn’t really relevant for this list unfortunately. I know it’s popular, but it’s not strictly a drawing and painting instruction book.
Agree on Ted Seth Jacobs though, I should perhaps add his big figure drawing book (the name escapes me for the moment) and “Drawing with an Open Mind”.
Paul…
I did find a list of 5 books on the A&I magazine site : http://www.artistsandillustrators.co.uk/best-art-materials/Watercolour/994/five-best-books-on-watercolour-painting
Not sure what their basis for this was.
How about: The language of Drawing by Sherrie Mc Graw,
Will add it Rachel, thanks.
I would also HIGHLY recommend “Force” Dynamic life drawing for animators by Michael D. Matessi, it has a lovely in depth guide through gesture drawing, I absolutely devoured the book.
Michael Hampton: Figure drawing Design and Invention
wanted to mention that too! great book!
I voted for Loomis’ Figure Drawing for All it’s Worth, but if I had to choose, I’d go with his Creative Illustration.
Also, though I know it takes a lot of bashing, Hogath’s Dynamic Figure Drawing was formative for me. It’s just misunderstood (it’s not an anatomy book).
Thanks Marc. I’d be more inclined to go with Creative Illustration too, will add it to the bubbling under list (due to be added tomorrow). there are some things in Creative Illustration I have issues with – some of what he says about value, and the section on leading the eye through composition – but it’s still a great book.
Loomis’s Successful Drawing is excellent too. I find the perspective guidance in this book to be excellent.
Thanks Adrian. I suppose I should just go ahead and add all the Loomis books 🙂
I’m a little surprised by how many down-votes “Figure Drawing for All it’s Worth” has got. I wonder if people were expecting it to be something other than it is? I thought it was a really useful book when I worked with it, especially the simplified skeleton drawings.
Some books that were very instrumental to my growth that aren’t on your list are: “Drawing the Head and Figure” Jack Hamm, “Mastering Drawing the Human Figure” Jack Faragasso, “Human Anatomy for Artists” Elliot Goldfinger, and “Classic Human Anatomy: The Artist’s Guide to Form, Function, and Movement” Valerie Winslow.
Thanks Jim. I’m beginning to think I may need to make a few lists for different genres now. Perhaps one just for figure drawing would be a good idea!
Hi Paul. I found your list and website through James Gurney’s FB post today. One of my favorite drawing books that I have had for many years is Gerhard Gollwitzer’s “Express Yourself in Drawing” , originally published in 1959. Has anyone else worked with it? Perhaps this is one for your “bubbling under” list. Thanks!
Thanks Margaret. That was really nice of James to share this list. The comments are becoming ore interesting than the list itself – I think I may have to build this out to be a rather larger resource than I’d originally intended. Ah, for a few more hours in the day. I haven’t heard of that book before but will look it up. And welcome to Learning to See 🙂
John H. Vanderpoel’s classic “The Human Figure” is missing.
It shall be added! Thanks Tancredi. I’m seriously considering a top 10 figure drawing book list 🙂
I think all of Loomis’ books should be up there. Also, Bammes’ book on life drawing. Also, I haven’t checked them out yet but Scott Robertson’s books seem like they’re excellent.
“Problem Solving for Oil Painters” by Gregg Kreutz is a really good one.
Thanks Allison, I’ll add it to the list.
Jack Hamm’s books.
“Drawing the Head and Figure”
“How to Draw Animals”
“Drawing Scenery: Landscapes and Seascapes”
and my all time favorite
“Cartooning the Head and Figure” – more styles and tips than any other cartooning book out there!
All the fundamentals are there to build from. I’m always seem to uncover some nugget of wisdom each time I thumb through to them.
Thanks Ken, I’ve never heard of these.
Thought the book from Kevin McPherson would already be in it, …
Fill Your Oil Paintings with Light & Color
http://www.amazon.com/Fill-Your-Paintings-Light-Color/dp/1581800533
Good posting btw. although I have lots of the books mentioned already it still got some nice new ones, … will share this posting on my FB wall for sure!!
Great to see you René, and thanks for adding that one. I was hoping it would turn up. I used his limited plein air palette for a long time a few years ago, but for still life.
Fantastic Realism: Advanced Course in Fantasy Art
Creative Process – Materials – Oil Painting Techniques
by Fabio E. N. Frau
http://www.amazon.com/Fantastic-Realism-Advanced-Materials-Techniques/dp/150781691X
Hi Paul what about
The Urban Sketcher by Marc Taro Holmes
Marc packs a lot of ideas and exercises into his book. It provides an interesting compare and contrast with Sketching from Square One to Trafalgar Square.
Cheers,
Mark
Thanks Mark, haven’t heard of that one – I’ll add it to the list.
Hi Paul, this is a fun article and I have been following you for years, I suppose it’s time to introduct myself and comment! I have 90% of those books on the list! For me it’s a toss up between Bargue and Anthony Ryder for drawing! There just are no better books out there to learn and practice the sight size, comparative, and relational methods of classical realism. The Bargue book I’m sure is used in most ateliers. Classical Drawing Atelier by Juliette Aristides is a close contender but for me was not detailed enough for a beginner. And Loomis and Harold Speed are not without tremendous merit! But having said all this I think it would be fun to vote on the best blogs for learning! Honestly your blog entry on how to set up and do Sight size is best out there and helped me tremendously when I started! In fact I even use it for teaching now when I need to demonstrate that method!
So I guess I have just talked myself into voting for Bargue! Yeah, this should be in categories because for painting I suppose I would choose Virgil Elliott, Traditional Oil Painting which I didn’t see in your list! There is so much information in that book you could spend years on the methods of painting discussed! Hope my comments help others who are beginners and need the information on realistic methods! Thanks Paul for all I have learned from you!
Hi Betsy, thanks for taking the plunge and introducing yourself 🙂 It’s nice to meet you. Thanks also for your kind words about the sight size post. I keep meaning to revisit it and try to make it clearer, but I’m glad to hear you’ve found it useful so far.
I will be making some more lists I think now, broken down into categories. I know artists love to buy books but I hadn’t expected quite such a response. I think it would be very useful if people could find specific lists of the most popular books for what they most wanted to learn. I have some work to do!
HI Paul,
I came across your list via James Gurney’s blog. I teach the advanced drawing course at a high school and I use several books on your list including Keys to Drawing and Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. But the book I use most is Drawing from Observation, A Guide to Perceptual Drawing, by Brian Curtis. The author is the Coordinator of Undergraduate Drawing and Painting Programs at the University of Miami. I find his approach to learning to draw (and to see) to be extremely organic while it also teaches specific skills for breaking down and interpreting visual information. It might be worth adding to your list.
Hi Kathleen, nice to meet you. That book sounds very interesting indeed, I’ll check it out – and add it to the list.
Hi Paul. I am a complete beginner (aged 55!) and so find this list VERY helpful. There is so much choice and when you are learning alone at home its really easy to buy stuff that is not helpful I must have wasted quite a few pounds on rubbish. For a complete drawing novice who was told that she shouldn’t bother with art at school I found the Betty Edwards the most useful. If you ignore the dodgy science and use the workbook it is a fantastic way of starting to understand what an artist means by “see”!! This has taken me a very long time but all of a sudden I think I can start to do it. Your blog is a great help, please don’t give up. Ever!
Love this list, but I am torn because some books are focused on the foundational skills of drawing and some on the basics of painting…to me, two different topics. I love Alla Prima, but I need the drawing skills from Loomis, Dodson, you (of course), Bargue, etc. before Alla Prima can be useful. So often people just want to paint, but they have no idea about how to draw what it is that they want to paint. Just a thought…maybe two lists are necessary (don’t mean to make more work for you…).
Thanks for your insights, hard work, and the good example you set. Can you tell I am a Paul Foxton fan?
That;s a really good point Gina. A lot of people think they can jump straight into painting and get good results without learning drawing first. The line between the two is blurry, but I always remember a quote I heard from a very accomplished painter once (Lisa Green): “Drawing is most of painting.” It puts it very simply, but very clearly.
And by the way you just embarrassed me 🙂
“Your Artist’s Brain” by Carl Purcell should be on this list. It’s a really great book for beginners to understand how to see and draw better. This book helps me a lot. Btw, thank you for this list. 🙂
What I miss in this list is Charles Reid’s ‘Painting what you (want to) see.’ This is a great site. All the best to you.
Hi! I’m really interested in reading this list (I’ve read all of the comments!) but your website doesn’t show the list!
Hm, I’m not sure why that should be, I can see it fine from here. Perhaps try refreshing the page?
Simply Draw by Bob Parsons is the best drawing instruction method I have ever seen.
I’m late to this, but where can I see the list?
Thanks
David
It should just appear David – depending on what browser you’re using, you might need to try another one, sorry. I know it works ok on Chrome
It works now, thanks Paul. Your blog is such a great resource, if it were a book it would be in the list. 🙂
A really good book that I (and my 11 year old son that I homeschool) read to completion was Color & Light by James Gurney. It is packed with examples and definitions of the different types of light, and briefly covers color matching.
It’s impossible to see this list! help! (none of the browsers work)
Sorry – it appears to be broken at the host site, I’m trying to get it fixed