6 Best Art Books for Beginners To Improve Fast in 2022

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So you’ve been creating art just fine, but recently you’ve started to notice something – you’re just not improving as fast as you used to. Drawing after drawing, painting after painting you feel like your skill level has stayed firmly the same, and it frustrates you, maybe even to the point where it’s starting to put you off art altogether. 

Don’t worry – you’re not alone. 

And even better, here is the solution – and it’s going to be an exciting ride. 

These books will show you art techniques and ideas you didn’t know existed, will challenge you and show you talents you didn’t even realize you had. 

It’s very easy to get caught up in your own world of art, and think that that’s all there is. 

But these books show you just how much more is out there – and guide you through the process of getting the next level, fast.

You ready? Let’s take a look at the 6 best art books around, magic books that will expand your knowledge and skills and take your art to the next level, and beyond.

6. Constructive Anatomy

Constructive Anatomy by George B. Bridgman | $9.95

With anatomy, understanding the make-up of the body is fundamental.

This little book breaks down the human body into each part and explains each of these forms and how they interact with each other, as well as the nature of their movements. 

Bridgman is the master at demonstrating complex things using simple drawings and explanations. 

Even if you’re not one for reading, with close to 500 illustrations, this book is a reference gold mine for anybody interested in the human form.

The book is around $10 to buy, which is unbelievable considering the amount of knowledge it contains.

It has personally transformed my anatomy drawings from stiff and motionless, to dynamic and believable. 

Just look at that bicep in the picture – that’s how you feel about your art after reading this book!

You can read the start of the book here to see if its for you (just tap on the main photo when you’re on the page).

This book has an average rating of 4.6/5 on Amazon.com.

Read the reviews or get your own here.

5. How To Draw

How To Draw by Scott Robertson | $31.76

If you’re interested in technical drawing and perspective then this book needs to be on your desk.

The book is designed for artists, architects and designers of all levels.

I wouldn’t recommend this for beginners though, as it goes into immense detail and could be overwhelming for somebody new to perspective or technical drawing in general.

But if you want to get into the fine details and become a master of design, this book is more than a step in the right direction, filled with hundreds of pages of carefully constructed drawings, illustrations, and explanations.

The first 20 pages can be seen here (just tap on the main photo when you’re on the page).

This book has an average rating of 4.8/5 stars on Amazon.com.

Read the reviews or get your own here. 

4. Color and Light

Color and Light by James Gurney | $17.51

This isn’t your regular art book. But that’s not a bad thing in this case.

It goes in-depth into how to use color and light effectively in your art.

Gurney is a master in his field – just read the first page and you’ll instantly see his passion and knowledge.

Though this is more of a study book than a practical book, it contains pictures of so many stunning paintings, almost all of which are painted by Gurney himself, so when he talks about a painting, you know he knows what he’s talking about – because he painted them!

This makes it a sincere and thoroughly enjoyable, informative read. 

In short, reading this brings you into the atmospheric, cozy world that James Gurney has created with his paintings, where you are shown in detail the phenomenal techniques and methods you can use to create realistic and convincing art. 

The cover says “A guide for the realist painter”, but I would recommend this to any artist, even graphite/charcoal artists, as lighting alone is one of the fundamentals for realism.

If you’re an artist who has always been overwhelmed by the theory behind color or light, or you simply have an interest in mastering them, this is a perfect buy.

The first 17 pages can be seen here (just tap on the main photo when you’re on the page).

This book has an average rating of 4.8/5 stars on Amazon.com.

Read the reviews or get your own here. 

3. Everyday Watercolor

Everyday Watercolor by Jenna Rainey | $16.36

So you’ve decided to sit down and finally start learning watercolor, only to find that you have no idea where to start.

Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. I’ve been there on many occasions.

It’s so sad to think how many talented artists might have been put off by this, never to pick up their watercolor brushes again.

This is exactly why this book was made.

It’s a book of guided exercises and a 30-day timeline.

Day-by-day you follow along with the book as it walks you through the world of watercolor, starting at the very basic and gradually increasing to the point where you can paint impressive pieces of art. 

The demonstrations and illustrations are refreshingly clear and easy to follow along.

It turns the challenge of starting out at watercolor from intimidating, to an absolute pleasure.

And once the 30 days are over, it will have equipped you with the skills to be able to spread your wings and fly to wherever you decide you want to go with your art. 

The first 30 pages can be seen here (just tap on the main photo when you’re on the page).

This book has a 4.6/5 star rating on Amazon.com.

Read the reviews or get your own here.

2. Perspective Made Easy

Perspective Made Easy by Ernest R. Norling | $8.38

This book is the world’s go-to guide to perspective. Even if you have no interest in it – get this book. 

Why? Because it teaches you things that you would never even think of without knowing the basics of perspective, and the knowledge contained in this short book’s pages will change the way you see art forever, and for the better.

This book is for people who have little to no experience with perspective.

It’s recommended time and time again by master artists all around the world.

The thing about this book is, not only is it extremely useful and informative, with practical exercises and beautifully simple illustrations, but it’s also a fun and exciting experience going through each of its pages.

The end of each chapter has a “Remember” section, containing the most important parts of the chapter, which I love.

There’s also a “Problems” section at the end of each chapter, which gives you multiple exercises to complete to reinforce what you have learned, which I love even more.

At the end of the book, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little sad it was over, but that didn’t stop me from starting right back at the beginning as soon as I turned the last page. 

The entire first chapter can be read here (just tap on the main photo when you’re on the page).

This book has an average rating of 4.6/5 stars on Amazon.com.

Read the reviews or get your own here.

1. Successful Drawing

Successful Drawing by Andrew Loomis | $24.70

This book will change the way you draw. Period.

In the time it takes to get through the book, it will advance your abilities and perception years ahead of where they currently are.

So much so that I can’t understand how I was even able to draw before I read this book.

Andrew Loomis is a master of teaching, deeply respected in the art community for his clean, realistic drawings and his astonishing ability to coherently demonstrate the techniques he uses, in the simplest manner, so that the reader can master all aspects of three-dimensional drawing.

I’ve read many Loomis books, all of which are amazing, but this one is has so much of everything in it. 

“From the fundamentals of proportion, placement, perspective, planes and pattern, through a detailed examination of scale and the effects and capture of light, to the mastery of conception, construction, contour, character and consistency” – This description of the book nails exactly what it’s all about.

If I had to choose one book that taught me the most, or if I could choose only one book to own, I would choose this one without a second thought. 

It touches so many bases, masterfully, and Loomis’s personality shines through in both his illustrations and explanations, making it the most entertaining, informative and helpful art book I have ever had the fortune of reading.

Pages of this book can seen here in the photos.

This book has an average rating of 4.8/5 stars on Amazon.com. 

Read the reviews or get your own here.

Things to remember!

Getting an art book, or multiple art books, challenges your mind, shows you new techniques and styles and makes you a more skilled artist.

Explore, experiment, discover, and most importantly, have fun!