To a lot of people, navigating the art world or understanding art history appears like a puzzle, and attending an art school lecture alone without having access to some of the best books on art cannot be solved. Selecting the best art books that resonate with you is also quite confusing and we’ve taken it upon ourselves to help you make the right decision. Now, the question is, are you a lover of Art? Do you enjoy reading books on Art? Do you want to understand what the art world and art history are all about?
If you answer yes to the above questions, then stick around here. In this post, we’ll share the six best books about Art that will leave you glued from the first to the last page and reveal the deep mysteries behind art.
These books teach Art in a way you’ve never thought of. It explains the Art world beyond the regular fancy paintings by famous Artists and helps you understand the creativity behind it. Come with us as we check out some of the best books about Art that will keep you engaged!
1• “The Ultimate Art Museum By Ferran Gipson
- Hardcover Book
- Gipson, Ferren (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 232 Pages – 09/29/2021 (Publication Date) – Phaidon Press (Publisher)
If you’re a lover of Art and need a book on art that gives readers a complete experience of various artistic works and creativity. The “Ultimate Art Museum” is a book on art that was written by Ferran Gipson. This book showcases a blend of traditional and contemporary elements that pushes the limit of visual creativity. Ferran Gipson’s uncommon approach in this book encourages readers to learn about the connection between art and human existence. Furthermore, It’s an engaging book that discusses the art world and the intriguing interaction for art lovers across various fields.
2• “The Lost Notebook of Édouard Manet: A Novel by Maureen Gibbon
- Audible Audiobook
- Maureen Gibbon (Author) – Graham Halstead (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 11/23/2021 (Publication Date) – Tantor Audio (Publisher)
I recently read this book, “The Lost Notebook of Èdouard Manet,” and I must say it’s not just about drawing; it has so much to do with creativity. All artists are supposed to have a copy of this fantastic work of art in their collections as it helps with inspiration. In this book, the author takes readers on an intriguing journey, exploring what may happen if the Lost Notebook of Manet surfaces.
It’s like walking inside the art world, finding originality and a thirst for knowledge. The story goes deeper into teaching readers art history and to people who are not experts in art. Gibbon’s book is a captivating and delightful read since it blends mystery, art, and a vitality of creativity.
3• “The Story of Art” by E.H. Gombrich
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Gombrich, E.H. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 688 Pages – 04/09/1995 (Publication Date) – Phaidon Press (Publisher)
The Story of Art is a book that presents the history of art in a more simplified manner and approach. It is an excellent read for anyone who wants to learn about art without being intimidated by complicated vocabulary. This book discusses art from ancient times to the present. The author wrote the book in the form of a guide that explains the background stories of well-known artworks and the historical development of different artistic movements, drawings, and paintings.
Reading the book will make art history less difficult to understand by ensuring that different cultures and centuries are covered. In this book, “The Story of Art,” Gombrich breaks the detailed concepts for everyone, from art enthusiasts to beginners, making the art world more accessible.
4• “Art as Experience” by John Dewey
- Audible Audiobook
- John Dewey (Author) – Tim Lundeen (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 03/26/2014 (Publication Date) – University Press Audiobooks (Publisher)
“Art as Experience” is one of the best books on art written by John Dewey. The book looks into the significant influence art has on various individuals’ lives. The author encourages readers to see art as a living experience that enhances our feelings and understanding rather than just an object.
Realistically speaking, Dewey argues that art is a vigorous, interactive activity that encourages people to communicate with their environment. It teaches readers to recognize art as an essential part of human existence by putting together convincing concepts for potential aesthetic experiences.
5• The Art Fair Story: A Rollercoaster Ride by Melanie Gerlis
- Hardcover Book
- Gerlis, Melanie (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 104 Pages – 04/01/2022 (Publication Date) – Lund Humphries (Publisher)
“The Art Fair Story: A Rollercoaster Ride” is a book on art that allows readers to experience the vibrant world of art fairs and gives them a close glimpse into the highs and lows of this fantastic art industry. By deftly blending observations and experiences, Gerlis adds a human element to the complex picture of the art market.
The book also explores the personal stories that influence the art fair experience, from the bustle of the fair floor to the nuances of deal-making. It is a fascinating read for anybody interested in art or the inner workings of the art industry.
6• “The Power of Art” By Simon Schama
- Hardcover Book
- Schama, Simon (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 448 Pages – 11/07/2006 (Publication Date) – Ecco (Publisher)
“The Power of Art ” by Simon Schama used the story of eight well-known painters to demonstrate how their art creations had a significant influence on heritage and the lives of people. Simon Schama explores the various ways in which art has the capacity to influence people and shape the world positively.
Simply put, Schama’s book analyzes the lives of painters such as Caravaggio and Van Gogh, highlighting how their works had a comprehensive impact on both society and people beyond just being painted on a canvas. “The Power of Art” highlights the long-lasting influence of art on our world while bringing art history to life by bringing to light the remarkable stories hidden behind the artworks. This book is highly recommended.
Now, let’s take a close look at some of the questions our audiences find confusing when it comes to Books on Art.
What Are Some Good Art Books?
Aside from the books on Art we reviewed above, there are also many books on Art you can check out below:
- Consider reading The Creative Habit” by Twyla Tharp
- Audible Audiobook
- Twyla Tharp (Author) – Lauren Fortgang (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 03/26/2013 (Publication Date) – Audible Studios (Publisher)
- Check out The Anatomy of Color written by Patrick Baty. This book is mind-blowing!
- Hardcover Book
- Baty, Patrick (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 352 Pages – 07/18/2017 (Publication Date) – Thames & Hudson (Publisher)
- This book, The Elements of Drawing” is such a fantastic book on Art by John Ruskin that will transform your drawing and painting career completely.
- John Ruskin (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 256 Pages – 06/01/1971 (Publication Date) – Dover Publications (Publisher)
- “Art & Fear” by David Bayles and Ted Orland is a highly recommended book for any art student interested in overcoming fear.
- Audible Audiobook
- David Bayles (Author) – Arthur Morey (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 04/23/2012 (Publication Date) – Tantor Audio (Publisher)
What Are Books About Artists Called?
Books about Artists are popularly known as artist biographies or artist monographs. The biographies pay attention to the life and the experiences of the artists and monographs on the other hand, focus on the body of work that offers a simple Breakdown and explanation.
What Are the 7 Elements of Art?
The 7 elements of Art include the following:
- Line
- Shape
- Form
- Color
- Value
- Texture
- Space
What is a Handmade Artist Book?
A handmade artist’s book is a unique and exclusive work of art. Handmade artist books, in contrast to mass-produced books, are carefully handcrafted with an emphasis on both artistic creativity and craft. They are either unique or in limited editions.
Final Thought
The books on art are written to teach and explain in simple terms the various artworks available in today’s art world. We reviewed some books on art above, and they explain what art is all about. It goes beyond just drawing and painting but includes photography, creativity, etc. A good artwork has a close relationship with beauty. The books we explored above can be used in fine art departments of an art school to teach students all they need to know about art. Get any of the books and transform your art career.
