12 best art books

Art books encompass a wide range of publications dedicated to the world of art, covering various aspects of visual arts, photography, and art history. Here's some information about art books:

  1. Art History and Criticism: Art books often delve into the history and criticism of art movements, styles, and individual artists. These books provide valuable insights into the context and significance of different artistic periods and works.

  2. Monographs: Monographs are art books dedicated to a single artist's life and work. They typically feature in-depth examinations of an artist's career, showcasing their most important pieces and providing biographical information.

  3. Exhibition Catalogs: When major art exhibitions are held, catalogs are often published to accompany them. These catalogs contain images of the artworks on display, along with essays and information about the artists and the exhibition itself.

  4. Techniques and Tutorials: Art books also serve as instructional guides, offering step-by-step tutorials on various artistic techniques.These can cover everything from drawing and painting to photography and sculpture.

  5. Coffee Table Books: These visually stunning books are often large and filled with high-quality images of artworks. They are designed to be aesthetically pleasing and are often used as decorative items in homes and offices.

  6. Photography Books: Art books in the realm of photography showcase the work of photographers, their portfolios, and themes they explore. These books may also include discussions on the history and evolution of photography as an art form.

  7. Art Theory and Philosophy: Some art books delve into the theoretical and philosophical aspects of art. They explore topics such as the nature of beauty, the role of art in society, and the meaning of artistic expression.

  8. Art Movements: Books dedicated to specific art movements, like Impressionism, Surrealism, or Abstract Expressionism, provide in-depth examinations of the artists, techniques, and philosophies associated with these movements.

  9. Art Collecting and Investment: For collectors and investors, there are books that focus on the art market, collecting strategies, and the value of art as an asset.

  10. Biographies and Memoirs: These books offer insights into the lives and experiences of artists, art collectors, and art world figures. They provide a behind-the-scenes look at the art world and the individuals who shape it.

  11. Art Theory and Criticism: Some art books are dedicated to theoretical discussions and critical analyses of artworks, exploring concepts like aesthetics, semiotics, and cultural significance.

Art books are valuable resources for artists, art enthusiasts, students, and anyone interested in the world of visual arts. They provide a wealth of knowledge, inspiration, and appreciation for the diverse and dynamic field of art.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best art books on the market
  

The Art of Star Wars: The Mandalorian (Season One)

Abrams

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Van Gogh. The Complete Paintings

Based on 177 reviews Check latest price

Accidentally Wes Anderson

Voracious

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

conda 8.5"x11" Double-Sided Hardbound Sketchbook, Hardcover Sketchbook, Spiral Sketch Pad, Durable Acid Free Drawing Paper, Ideal for Kids & Adults

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price
  • SPIRAL BOUND DRAWING PAD: The spiral provides better access easily flip the pages over to the backs,allow you to open your sketch book flat and sketch without removing pages and it will keep these papers nice and secure at all times.
  • HARDBOUND SKETCH PAD: Double-Sided handmade hardcover and the paper is perfect for all artistic drawings and sketches. It is hard bound textured, black, slick-smooth, and waterproof cover. It definiantly helps protect your artwork. The pages are pretty sturdy and can withstand hard pressure and repeated erases.This would make a great gift ever for all of the artists in your life,one they can treasure forever.
  • HIGH QUALITY PAPER: 80 sheets each pad of 90gsm 60lb fine textured bright paper ; Each Page has a Perforated Edging for Easy Tearing; Acid free, and unblenched paper. Ideal for all dry media including pencil, pen, pastels, charcoal, sketching sticks,gel pen and so on .NOT applicable to markers .
  • PREFECT KEEPSAKE: If you takes the time to fill this book up with nice drawings this will make a really nice keepsake and something you will be able to hold on to for decades.
  • QUALITY ASSURANCE: No risk – unconditional ONE YEAR guarantee – if you are not happy with this product simply return it inside 365 days for a full refund - no questions asked.

User questions & answers

Question: are the pages perforated? the 8.5x11 says it is but the 9x12 doesn't say
Answer: Everything is the same the only different is that the sound is clear and brightness and it have a letter E , some don’t have it in my opinion is perfect and price is good it makes the same sound of $2,500 saxophone 26
Question: Can I use Copic Markers for this sketchbook
Answer: As I read it, it says Company headquartered in Japan Instrument made in China Case made in Indonesia
Question: if I use a micron pen in the sketch book, will it bleed
Answer: With a new mouthpiece and a good reed, it actually sounds very good, and can be used on stage.Out of all the saxes I've purchased, this one equals the sound quality of a Taiwanese sax! (level up from standard Chinese saxes), and can sound better than saxes two or three times it's price.I think it's for intermediates, studio and live; or a nice sax for pro's who need a backup sax, or one that's cheap, or great for looks.Doesn't sound like a $2k sax, but I'd say it does come close to a $800-1200 sax.Reason this is cheap, is because there are no replacement parts, and no one really can fix these in case there are missing pieces.
Question: Are the front and back covers flimsy or sturdy? I’m looking for a sketchbook with a hard back
Answer: Talk to the band director. Usually they can help you find a good sax that you can afford.

Product features

CONDA should always be YOUR FIRST CHOICE !

Established in 1993 the CONDA Group is now the leading art material supply company in China with distributors in more than 100 countries. The CONDA philosophy is simple - we aim to deliver a "one stop" fine art solution to amateur and professional artists worldwide and also service all the requirements of hobbyists and crafters.

Art = Discovering Infinite Connections in Art History from The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Phaidon Press

Based on 80 reviews Check latest price

How to Draw Cool Stuff: A Drawing Guide for Teachers and Students

CreateSpace Classics

Based on 10 reviews Check latest price

Product features

Line Quality

The appearance of a line (thick, thin, light, dark, etc).

Foreshortning

A way of representing an object so that it conveys the illusion of depth.

Shading

Learn several different shading techniques.

Draw Cool Stuff

Build up simple shapes into beautiful works of art with ease.

Suitable for Artists of All Ages

This book contains a series of fun, hands-on exercises that will help you see line, shape, space and other elements in everyday objects and turn them into detailed works of art in just a few simple steps.

The exercises in this book will help train your brain so you can visualize ordinary objects in a different manner, allowing you to see through the eyes of an artist.

The Art Book (Revised and Expanded 2020 Edition)

Based on 39 reviews Check latest price

Art That Changed the World: Transformative Art Movements and the Paintings That Inspired Them

DK

Based on 497 reviews Check latest price

Artists: Their Lives and Works

DK

Based on 647 reviews Check latest price

MoMA Now: Highlights from The Museum of Modern Art, New York

Museum of Modern Art

Based on 59 reviews Check latest price

Bachmore Sketchpad 9X12" Inch (68lb/100g), 100 Sheets of TOP Spiral Bound Sketch Book for Artist Pro & Amateurs | Marker Art, Colored Pencil, Charcoal for Sketching

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

1) Can be used as drawing practice books, keep your drafts if you don’t want to throw away or you can easily remove any piece of paper.

2) Make wonderful using experiences & memories for beginners, students and even professionals. Whether you’re just starting out in art class, drawing doodles at home, or practicing on paper before you move to canvas, our art drawing paper is perfect for every level of artist.

3) They may be nice & considerate gifts for people who love painting.

NOTICE:

If you are unsatisfied with these sketch pads, before you are going to complain to Amazon, do please contact us for refund or replacement. We would be glad to assist you at your convenience.

  • WONDERFUL DESIGN FEATURES - Top spiral make our sketchpad friendly for both left-handed and right-handed, paper inside the sketchbook is very beautiful & smooth while drawing. Pages are easily torn from the notebook with punctures. Perfect use for adults & kids.
  • SUPER PRACTICAL CHARACTERISTICS - These papers are made of acid-free paper with thick, strong, slick-smooth white & durable features. These papers can be used for any dry pens like Oily color pencils, charcoal, sketching stick, and other dry media pencils.
  • HARDBOUND SKETCH PAD: 100% handmade hard covers, especially the hard bottom pad both of the covers defiantly help protect your artwork safely.
  • INCLUDES - 1 pack of sketchbook with size 9’’ x 12’’, 100 inside paper. The weight for each paper is 68lb/100gram, which is much thicker and better than the similar sketchbook offered by other brands such as Canson and Strathmore.
  • MONEY BACK GUARANTEE - If you're ever unsatisfied with this product or any of our other products, please contact us and we'll either send you a replacement or a full refund within one month!

User questions & answers

Question: Is it 9x12 after the perforation or including it
Answer: dear customer,at present, only the 8.5x11 pages are perforted
Question: Does it bleed through to the other page if you use Ink or markers
Answer: They do bleed through a bit so you need something under the paper but it works well.
Question: Is it perforated
Answer: Micron and similar drawing pens won't bleed through most papers even thin papers. I've used microns in my sketchbook 60lb/90gsm and it didn't bleed through. You'll see show through and ghosting, but likely no bleed through.
Question: Can I use oil pastels
Answer: Very sturdy

Open Studio: Do-It-Yourself Art Projects by Contemporary Artists

Phaidon Press

Based on 29 reviews Check latest price

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